Auckland Adventure: 10-Day Family Friendly, Nature, and Cultural Immersion Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on October 15, 2024

10:00AM

Check-In at Hotel

Arrive at your family-friendly hotel in the heart of Auckland to settle in after your flight.
Head to your hotel via taxi or shuttle from the airport.
NZD200, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Tom Tom Bar & Eatery

Kick off your trip with a delightful lunch featuring local flavors and stunning views of the harbor.
Walk 10 minutes from your hotel to the restaurant.
NZD100, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Sky Tower Experience

Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower observation deck.
Short walk (5 minutes) to Sky Tower.
NZD30 per adult, NZD15 per child, 2 hours

4:30PM

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Delve into New Zealand's history and culture at this renowned museum emphasizing Maori heritage.
Take a 15-minute bus from Sky Tower.
NZD28 per adult, free for children under 16, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy an American-style diner experience for dinner with great comfort food - perfect for families.
Head back for a 10-minute walk to Federal Delicatessen.
NZD120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Explore Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, New Zealand on October 16, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to Waiheke Island.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Take a scenic ferry ride to Waiheke Island, famous for its beautiful beaches and vineyards.
Walk to the ferry terminal (10 mins), ferry ride takes 40 minutes.
NZD42 round trip for adults, NZD21 for children, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant

Enjoy a guided wine-tasting session at one of Waiheke’s premium vineyards, where kids can enjoy grape juice.
Take a short taxi (15 mins) from the ferry terminal.
NZD30 per adult, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Batch Winery

Savor a relaxed lunch at Batch, with local delicacies and stunning views of the surroundings.
Taxi back (15 mins) to Batch Winery.
NZD100, 2 hours

3:30PM

Beach Time at Oneroa Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beautiful Oneroa Beach, perfect for families with sandy shores.
Walk from Batch Winery (20 mins).
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Ferry back to Auckland

Return to Auckland via ferry and enjoy the views of the skyline.
Walk back to ferry terminal (20 mins).
Included in earlier fare, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Giapo

Indulge in one-of-a-kind gourmet ice cream creations at this unique dessert shop for dinner!
Short walk (10 mins) from ferry terminal.
NZD60, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Travel to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand on October 17, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on your journey to Rotorua.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Rotorua

Set off for Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture, with a scenic drive of approximately 3 hours.
Rental car drive.
Fuel: NZD50, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Eat Street

Explore Eat Street and choose from various food stalls for a vibrant culinary experience.
Park your car and stroll down Eat Street (5 mins)
NZD80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Agrodome Adventure

Participate in an exciting farm tour and sheep shearing show - kids will enjoy the lively atmosphere!
15-minute drive from Eat Street.
NZD30 per adult, NZD15 per child, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Te Puia

Explore geothermal wonders and learn about Maori culture through cultural performances and traditional carvings.
10-minute drive from Agrodome.
NZD30 per adult, NZD15 per child, 2.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Polish Chef

Enjoy delightful European cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients for a perfect family dinner.
30-minute drive from Te Puia.
NZD100, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Wind down at your accommodation in Rotorua for a restful night.
Head back to your hotel (15 mins).
NZD200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Nature & Adventure in Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands, New Zealand on October 18, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Feast on breakfast at your hotel in Rotorua for the day ahead.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Bay of Islands

Take a scenic drive to Bay of Islands, a renowned destination for beach lovers and adventurers, lasting around 3 hours.
Rental car drive.
Fuel: NZD50, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Jolly Farmer

Satisfy your cravings with delicious local dishes and fresh seafood at this charming spot.
Head to The Jolly Farmer restaurant (5 minutes).
NZD90, 1 hour

1:30PM

Boat Tour of the Bay

Set off on an exhilarating boat tour to explore the beautiful islands, including a possibility of dolphin spotting!
Boat tour pickup (10 mins walk).
NZD120 per adult, NZD60 per child, 3 hours

5:00PM

Beach Time at Waitangi Beach

Unwind and relax on the sands of Waitangi Beach after your boat adventure.
Short drive (15 mins) to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Duke of Marlborough

Enjoy waterfront dining featuring a contemporary menu with a focus on local produce.
Drive (20 mins) to the restaurant.
NZD150, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Check-In at Hotel

End the day by checking into your hotel in the Bay of Islands for a comfortable night's sleep.
Drive to your hotel (15 mins).
NZD220, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on October 19, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before heading back to Auckland.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive Back to Auckland

Head back to Auckland, enjoying the stunning New Zealand countryside along the way.
Rental car drive.
Fuel: NZD50, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Auckland Fish Market

Dive into fresh seafood and local fish delicacies at the vibrant fish market.
Drive to fish market (20 mins).
NZD90, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Auckland Zoo

Explore the zoo and meet diverse animals from New Zealand and around the globe, perfect for families.
Drive to the zoo (15 mins).
NZD24 per adult, NZD12 per child, 3 hours

4:30PM

Visit Western Springs Park

Adjacent to the zoo, relax and stroll through beautiful park grounds and see the tranquil lake.
Short walk from the zoo.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Glass Door

Enjoy modern New Zealand cuisine in a chic setting with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.
Drive to The Glass Door (10 mins).
NZD130, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening at your Hotel

Relax at your hotel and plan for the adventures ahead.
Return to your hotel (10 mins).
NZD200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Adventure at Waitomo

Waitomo, New Zealand on October 20, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before driving to Waitomo.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Check-Out and Drive to Waitomo

Depart for Waitomo, known for its stunning glowworm caves, approximately a 2.5 hour drive.
Rental car drive.
Fuel: NZD40, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Waitomo Homestead

Experience a warm welcome and delicious home-style meals at this quaint eatery.
Drive to the homestead (5 mins).
NZD70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Embark on an enchanting tour of the glowworm caves, marveling at the natural luminescence and rock formations.
Short drive to the cave entrance (5 mins).
NZD55 per adult, NZD25 per child, 2 hours

3:30PM

Black Water Rafting Adventure

Experience an unforgettable black water rafting adventure through the underground caves - a thrilling experience for the whole family.
Essentially the same location; no driving is required.
NZD135 per adult, NZD95 per child, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Waitomo Caves Hotel

Enjoy a delightful dinner at the hotel featuring scenic views and a warm atmosphere.
Short drive back (5 mins).
NZD100, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Check-In at Hotel

Wrap up your day by settling into the hotel for a relaxing night.
Short walk to your accommodation.
NZD220, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Hobbiton Experience

Matamata, New Zealand on October 21, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast before heading to the famous Hobbiton movie set.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Hobbiton

Drive to Matamata, home to the enchanting Hobbiton movie set, which takes roughly 1.5 hours.
Rental car drive.
Fuel: NZD30, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Explore the iconic movie set and learn about the filming process while capturing picturesque moments.
Less than 5 minutes from parking to the set.
NZD84 per adult, NZD42 per child, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Green Dragon Inn

Dine in the charming setting of The Green Dragon Inn with pint-sized meals and drinks for the kids!
On-site at Hobbiton, no additional navigation.
NZD100, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Local Area

Take the opportunity to explore Matamata and enjoy some shopping in local boutiques.
Drive to Matamata town center (15 mins).
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Drive Back to Auckland

Head back to Auckland in preparation for your final few days of the trip, lasting about 2 hours.
Rental car drive.
Fuel: NZD40, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Conclude your day with a relaxed dining experience featuring the freshest local ingredients.
Drive to Depot (10 mins).
NZD80, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Relax at Hotel

Settle back at your hotel in Auckland for a restful night.
Return to the hotel (10 mins).
NZD200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Adventures in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand on October 22, 2024

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before heading to Tongariro National Park.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Tongariro National Park

Set off for a day in nature with a scenic drive to Tongariro National Park, which takes approximately 4 hours.
Rental car drive.
Fuel: NZD70, 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tongariro Crossing Cafe

Revitalize with a delicious lunch offering various options for all dietary needs.
Drive to the cafe (10 mins).
NZD70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Embark on the famous alpine crossing trek, immersing yourself in stunning volcanic landscapes.
Start from the Tongariro Crossing trailhead.
Free, 5-7 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at the Cafe

After a rewarding day, enjoy dinner back at the cafe to relive the day's adventures.
Backtrack (10 mins).
NZD70, 1.5 hours

10:00PM

Check-In at Hotel

Unwind in your hotel near Tongariro National Park for a good night's rest.
Hotel nearby.
NZD200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on October 23, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before your journey back to Auckland.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Auckland

Leave Tongariro and make your way back to Auckland, with a scenic 4-hour journey ahead.
Rental car drive.
Fuel: NZD70, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Little Bird Unbakery

Enjoy plant-based meals and tempting raw desserts for a healthy lunch experience.
Drive (15 mins) to Little Bird.
NZD70, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Auckland Art Gallery

Explore New Zealand's most comprehensive collection of national and international art.
Short drive to gallery (10 mins).
Free for everyone, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Auckland Domain

Stroll around Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park, and relax among the beautiful gardens.
Walk from the gallery (15 mins).
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ortolana

Dine al fresco at this trendy restaurant known for its fresh produce and inventive menu.
Drive to Ortolana (10 mins).
NZD120, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Relax at Hotel

Retreat to your hotel and enjoy a restful night as your adventures come to a close.
Return to hotel (10 mins).
NZD200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure from Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on October 24, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Auckland before checking out and heading home.
In-house dining.
Included in hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check-Out and Drive to Airport

Check out from your hotel and drive to Auckland Airport for your departure.
Rental car drive takes about 30 minutes.
None, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Return Rental Car

Return your rental car at the airport, ensuring a smooth transition for your flight.
Short walk to the rental car return area.
None, 30 minutes
View Hotel Availability