10-Day Family-Friendly Rail Adventure in New Zealand

Day 1: Exploring Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Silo Park

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Silo Park, which offers a variety of local dishes and great coffee.
Walk to Britomart Train Station.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sky Tower

Experience breathtaking views of the Auckland skyline from the Sky Tower's observation deck.
Take a short walk from the park.
NZD30, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Depot Eatery

Enjoy a casual family lunch serving fresh, local seafood and delicious sides.
Walk to Depot Eatery.
NZD80, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Auckland Zoo

Spend an afternoon exploring the expansive Auckland Zoo with various animal exhibits for the whole family.
Catch a bus to Auckland Zoo.
NZD70, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Tom Tom Bar & Eatery

Unwind with flavorful dishes and local wines at this family-friendly restaurant near the waterfront.
Take a bus back to the waterfront.
NZD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Whangarei Wonders

Whangarei, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kaiwaka Cafe

Enjoy delicious breakfast options in a cozy atmosphere before heading out to explore.
Walk to the train station.
NZD50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Whangarei

Catch the train and enjoy scenic views as you travel north to Whangarei.
Train from Auckland to Whangarei.
NZD25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Quay

Savor local cuisine with a view. This waterfront eatery is great for families.
Short walk from the train station.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Whangarei Art Museum

Explore creative arts in this family-friendly museum showcasing local artists.
Walk to the museum.
NZD10, 2 hours

4:00PM

Whangarei Falls

Take a gentle walk to the stunning Whangarei Falls, an easy outing for families.
Short bus ride from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at the Chocolate Brown

Delight the family with dessert options and family-friendly meal choices.
Ride back to the town center.
NZD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Mesmerizing Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fat Dog Cafe

Fuel up with unique breakfast offerings and local favorites in a relaxed vibe.
Catch a bus from Whangarei to Rotorua.
NZD35, 1 hour

9:30AM

Te Puia

Immerse in Māori culture and geothermal wonders with geysers and bubbling mud pools.
Walk to Te Puia.
NZD75, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Village Cafe

Enjoy traditional Māori food served in a scenic thermal setting.
Next to Te Puia.
NZD50, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Rotorua Museum

Check out the fascinating exhibits showcasing Rotorua's vibrant history and culture.
Short bus ride to museum.
NZD30, 2 hours

3:30PM

Agrodome Sheep Show

Experience a one-of-a-kind live sheep show, showcasing the beloved New Zealand sheep.
Grab a bus to Agrodome.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Heritage Farm

Savor a rustic dinner experience with the option to see farm animals up close.
Return to the town center.
NZD85, 2 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Puro Coffee

Kick-start your day with a cup of Wellington's famous barista coffee along with breakfast options.
Catch a bus from Rotorua to Wellington.
NZD45, 3 hours

11:30AM

Wellington Cable Car

Ride the historic cable car for stunning views over Wellington, followed by a visit to the Botanical Gardens.
Short walk from breakfast spot.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sugarloaf

Enjoy a delicious lunch in a modern setting with various child-friendly options.
Walk back down from the gardens.
NZD75, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand's national museum filled with interactive exhibits and cultural significance.
Walk to Te Papa.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Logan Brown

Experience exquisite New Zealand cuisine with something for everyone’s palate in this classy establishment.
Easy walk from Te Papa.
NZD120, 2 hours
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Day 5: Charming Picton

Picton, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Pot

Savor freshly brewed coffee and home-cooked breakfasts overlooking the picturesque harbor.
Board the ferry to Picton from Wellington.
NZD50, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Picton Foreshore

Stroll along the scenic foreshore, perfect for family photos and relaxation.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Mussel Pot

Enjoy deliciously prepared fresh mussels in a cozy, friendly ambiance.
Short walk from foreshore.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Picton Museum

Discover the history and maritime significance of Picton at this charming local museum.
Walk to the museum.
NZD20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Kayaking in Queen Charlotte Sound

Experience an adventurous kayak tour for the family, witnessing stunning landscapes.
Book in advance with a local provider.
NZD100, 2 to 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Seabreeze Cafe

Wrap up the day with a delightful seaside dinner offering fresh seafood and children's menus.
Back to the town center.
NZD90, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Coastal Kaikoura

Kaikoura, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Picton Bakery

Grab a divine pastry and hot coffee before heading out to Kaikoura.
Take a bus to Kaikoura from Picton.
NZD30, 2 hours

10:30AM

Kaikoura Whale Watching

Join a boat tour for an incredible chance to see whales and marine life up close.
Local tour provider’s office.
NZD120, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Strawberry Tree

Indulge in fresh, local dishes with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
Walk to the restaurant.
NZD75, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Enjoy a scenic walk along the coastline with stunning ocean and mountain views.
Start from the restaurants nearby.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Craypot

Delight in a casual dinner spot featuring fresh crays and seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.
Continue walking from the walkway.
NZD90, 2 hours
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Day 7: Historic Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffeine Laboratory

Stop for delicious breakfast options and quality coffee before heading to Christchurch.
Board the bus to Christchurch.
NZD40, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Botanic Gardens

Wander through beautiful gardens and enjoy the stunning landscapes right in the city center.
Easy walk from the bus station.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Try various local options in this vibrant food hub suitable for families.
Walk to the eatery.
NZD60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Canterbury Museum

Explore cultural and natural history exhibits within this family-friendly venue.
Short walk from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Avon River Punting

Experience a unique punting tour along the picturesque Avon River.
Take a walk to the river nearby.
NZD50, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Fiddlesticks

Enjoy a family-friendly menu in a welcoming setting with a mix of flavors.
Short walk from the river.
NZD110, 2 hours
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Day 8: Scenic Arthur's Pass

Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Old Beacon

Enjoy a traditional breakfast before the scenic train ride to Arthur's Pass.
Catch the train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass.
NZD65, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Arthur's Pass National Park

Embark on short family-friendly hikes to explore some of New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes.
Short walks accessible near the visitor center.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Arthur's Pass Cafe

Recharge with comfort food while enjoying the mountain views.
Walk from the park area.
NZD50, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Visitor Center

Learn about the park's unique flora and fauna and much more.
Walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Scenic Train Journey

Enjoy a breathtaking train journey surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery.
Train ride back to Christchurch.
NZD70, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Pressroom

Wrap up your day with a hearty dinner featuring fresh local ingredients.
Short walk back to the center.
NZD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Adventurous Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Treat yourself to homemade pastries and local breakfast dishes in this popular café.
Catch a bus to Queenstown.
NZD45, 5 hours (Incl. Drive Time)

1:00PM

SkyLine Gondola Experience

Ride the gondola to reach the summit with breathtaking views along with exciting luge rides.
Walk or take a shuttle to the gondola station.
NZD90, 2 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Savor a meal with panoramic views atop the gondola - family-friendly dining.
In the same location.
NZD120, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Queenstown Lakefront

Relax near the lake and enjoy water activities or simply unwind on the beach.
Walk from the gondola.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Rātā

End your day in Queenstown with specialty dishes in a warm, family-friendly environment.
Walk back to the center.
NZD140, 2 hours
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Day 10: Farewell Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Little King Cafe

Enjoy a comforting final breakfast that offers healthy options and tasty coffee.
Catch a flight from Queenstown to Auckland.
NZD100, 3 hours

11:30AM

Explore Auckland Art Gallery

Take in stunning art collections and exhibitions, a perfect activity before heading home.
Short ride or walk to the gallery.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Little Brother

Indulge in modern, fresh dishes packed with flavor in a welcoming cafe.
Walk to the location.
NZD80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Auckland Domain

Stroll through the expansive park perfect for family outings with beautiful gardens.
Short ride to the Domain.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Pocket Bar & Kitchen

Wrap up your exciting journey with a relaxed dinner featuring an array of options.
Ride back to the city center.
NZD90, 1.5 hours
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