10-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip in New Zealand on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the Federal Delicatessen, famous for its delicious bagels and coffee.
Head east from your accommodation.
NZD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore New Zealand's history and culture in this fascinating museum, complete with Maori artefacts.
Take a short drive to the Auckland Domain.
NZD 25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Zeppa

Enjoy a variety of tasty shared plates with family-friendly options at this vibrant eatery.
Walk to La Zeppa from the museum.
NZD 60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Auckland Domain

Take a leisurely walk in this Auckland park, ideal for a relaxing family outing.
Explore the park near the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Go to Sky Tower

Experience breathtaking views of Auckland from the observation deck of the Sky Tower.
Drive to the Sky Tower car park.
NZD 35, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tony's The Original

Feast on some of the best fish and chips in Auckland after your day of exploring.
Short drive back towards the waterfront.
NZD 50, 1 hour
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Day 2: Rotorua Hot Spots

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Fat Dog Café & Bar

Gather your energy with a delightful breakfast known for its huge portions.
Drive approximately 3 hours from Auckland to Rotorua.
NZD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Te Puia

Explore geysers, mud pools, and the culture of the Māori people at this breathtaking site.
Short drive from the café to Te Puia.
NZD 60, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Enjoy family-friendly dining options in this popular gastronomic hub.
Walk to Eat Streat from Te Puia.
NZD 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Kuirau Park

Take a stroll through this geothermal park with free hot springs and picnic areas.
Drive or walk nearby to Kuirau Park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Pig and Whistle

Enjoy some local pub food in this historic venue known for its friendly atmosphere.
Drive to the restaurant from Kuirau Park.
NZD 60, 1 hour
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Day 3: Adventure in Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café 111

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at this local favourite known for its homemade dishes.
Drive approximately 1 hour from Rotorua to Taupo.
NZD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Huka Falls

Marvel at the stunning beauty and power of Huka Falls, an essential spot near Taupo.
Short drive to Huka Falls.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Taupo Lakefront

Enjoy walking along the beautiful shores of Lake Taupo with playgrounds for kids.
Drive back to the lakefront area.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Bistro

Savour fresh, tasty food in a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families.
Short drive or walk from the lakefront.
NZD 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Craters of the Moon

Discover the geothermal landscape with walking trails in this unique natural area.
Drive towards Craters of the Moon.
NZD 8, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at The Steak House Taupo

Wrap up the day with considerable choices of steaks and family-friendly meals.
Head back into Taupo centre.
NZD 70, 1 hour
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Day 4: Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

Start your day at this resort's café with a nutritious breakfast to fuel your adventure.
Driving 45 minutes to the Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort.
NZD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike around Tongariro National Park

Plunge into nature and enjoy a family-friendly hike amid stunning volcanic landscape.
Drive 1 hour to the park entrance.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Prepare your own lunch and enjoy a delightful picnic amidst stunning scenery.
Use a portable picnic setup.
NZD 40, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Emerald Lakes

Explore the magical Emerald Lakes, perfect for photos and soaking in the natural beauty.
Hike a short distance from your picnic spot.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Taupo for the evening

Head back to Taupo after exploring, perfect for winding down.
Drive back approximately 1 hour.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Copthorne

Finish the day with family dining options at this lakeside hotel restaurant.
Walk to the Copthorne from your accommodation.
NZD 60, 1 hour
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Day 5: Wellington Wonders

Wellington, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Midnight Espresso

Savour an affordable breakfast and coffee at this quirky café loved by locals.
Drive approximately 3.5 hours to Wellington.
NZD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand's national museum featuring interactive exhibits for families.
Drive or walk to Te Papa from your breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Boatshed

Enjoy a picturesque lunch by the waterfront featuring local dishes.
Walk to The Boatshed from Te Papa.
NZD 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Take a scenic journey on the iconic cable car for wonderful views of the city.
Nearby Te Papa, catch the cable car.
NZD 9, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Botanic Gardens

Wander through beautiful gardens filled with various native plants and trees.
Walk from the cable car to the gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Louie’s

Finish your day with delicious pizza and Italian dishes at this popular family spot.
Drive to Louie’s from the gardens.
NZD 70, 1 hour
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Day 6: Scenic Nelson

Nelson, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Nice Bakery

Treat yourself to fresh pastries and coffee in the sunny town of Nelson.
Drive approximately 2 hours from Wellington to Nelson.
NZD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Nelson Market

Visit the local market brimming with crafts, food, and unique items every Saturday.
Walking distance from the bakery.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Refuge Café

Enjoy fresh, local meals with plenty of options for kids and families.
Walk to Refuge Café from the market.
NZD 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the World of Wearable Arts & Classic Cars Museum

Marvel at an eclectic mix of creativity and automobile history in this fascinating museum.
Drive to the museum from the café.
NZD 20, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Tahunanui Beach

Unwind at one of Nelson's best beaches, perfect for families with safe swimming areas.
Drive to the beach.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Prince Albert

Indulge in classic Kiwi cuisine at this welcoming pub with a family-friendly vibe.
Drive back into Nelson centre.
NZD 60, 1 hour
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Day 7: Adventure in Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Start with a filling breakfast at your lodging before heading to the park.
Drive to Abel Tasman, approximately 1 hour.
NZD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Kayaking in Abel Tasman

Experience the stunning turquoise waters and beautiful coastline by renting kayaks for a family adventure.
Renting at the park entrance.
NZD 100, 3 hours

1:00PM

Pack Lunch by the Beach

Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it amid the stunning scenery of the park.
Find a scenic spot on the beach.
NZD 40, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Park’s Walking Tracks

Wander some of the beautiful walking tracks through lush bush and along the coast.
Begin your hike as you enjoy nature.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive back to Nelson

End your Abel Tasman adventure and head back to your accommodation in Nelson.
Drive back to Nelson.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hanging Tree

Finish off the day with creative dishes in a charming setting perfect for families.
Short drive or walk from your accommodation.
NZD 70, 1 hour
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Day 8: Journey to Greymouth

Greymouth, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Enjoy breakfast before hitting the road towards Greymouth.
Drive approximately 3 hours from Nelson to Greymouth.
NZD 30, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki

Marvel at the natural rock formations shaped like stacked pancakes before heading to Greymouth.
Drive 40 minutes to Punakaiki.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Punakaiki Tavern

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with views of the ocean right from the tavern.
Just a quick drive from Pancake Rocks.
NZD 60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive to Greymouth

Complete your journey to Greymouth to settle in for the rest of the afternoon.
Continue driving about 40 minutes to Greymouth.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Monteith's Brewery

Enjoy a family tour of this famous brewery, exploring the history of brewing in New Zealand.
Drive to the brewery in Greymouth.
NZD 20, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Wharf

Indulge in a casual dinner at this restaurant offering seafood and local fare.
Drive to The Wharf from the brewery.
NZD 70, 1 hour
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Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier Excursion

Franz Josef, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Start your day with breakfast before making your way to Franz Josef.
Drive approximately 1.5 hours from Greymouth to Franz Josef.
NZD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Franz Josef Glacier

Spend the morning exploring stunning views of the glacier and nearby hiking trails.
Drive to the glacier base.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Landing

Relish a delicious lunch at a beautiful setting amid the mountains.
Drive to The Landing from the glacier.
NZD 50, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax at Glacier Hot Pools

Unwind and rejuvenate in the natural hot pools after your active day.
Short drive to Glacier Hot Pools.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Drive back to Franz Josef Town

Explore the charming village with cute shops and cafés.
Short drive back to town.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The White Pub

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at this family-friendly pub with local flavours.
Walk or drive to The White Pub.
NZD 60, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Final Day in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Accommodation

Enjoy your last breakfast in New Zealand before heading to Queenstown.
Drive approximately 4 hours to Queenstown.
NZD 30, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Wander through the beautiful gardens and lakeside walkways, an ideal place for a family picnics.
Drive to the gardens in Queenstown.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Indulge in world-famous burgers at this local favourite spot, perfect for family lunches.
Drive to Fergburger from the gardens.
NZD 60, 1 hour

3:30PM

Take the Skyline Gondola

Experience breathtaking views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu from the gondola.
Short drive or walk to the gondola station.
NZD 45, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park

Complete your trip with a visit to the Kiwi Birdlife Park, witnessing these iconic birds up close.
Drive to the park from the gondola.
NZD 29, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Cow

Conclude your amazing New Zealand adventure with a family-friendly meal at this rustic restaurant famous for pizza.
Drive or walk from the park.
NZD 80, 1 hour
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