8-Day Family Adventure Road Trip in New Zealand

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Emporium

Start the day with a delicious breakfast, featuring organic coffee and fresh pastries.
Located nearby Sky Tower for easy access.
NZD 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Sky Tower

Experience breathtaking views of Auckland from the Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere's tallest building.
Walk 10 minutes from the café.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore New Zealand's cultural history and natural environment, engaging with interactive exhibits.
20-minute drive from Sky Tower.
NZD 25, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Eatham’s

Enjoy a hearty lunch with local fish and chips or gourmet burgers.
Located near the museum.
NZD 80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at Auckland Domain

Have some family fun with a stroll around this beautiful park and its serene gardens.
5-minute drive from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Glasshouse

Dine at a sustainable eatery with a modern kiwi menu focusing on fresh local ingredients.
Short drive back to city center.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Rotorua Adventure

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fat Dog Café

Fuel up with hearty breakfast options and homemade baked goods.
A local favorite just a short walk from the accommodation.
NZD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Te Puia

Witness geothermal wonders and learn about Maori culture, including the famous geysers.
15-minute drive from café.
NZD 80, 2 hours

12:00PM

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore colorful geothermal pools and dramatic landscapes of this stunning park.
30-minute drive from Te Puia.
NZD 60, 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at the Café at Wai-O-Tapu

Grab a quick lunch at the onsite café featuring local produce and dishes.
Within the Wai-O-Tapu complex.
NZD 50, 1 hour

3:30PM

Relax in the Polynesian Spa

Unwind in mineral pools overlooking Lake Rotorua, perfect for the whole family.
35-minute drive from Wai-O-Tapu.
NZD 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant

Enjoy an exceptional dining experience with a panoramic view at this revolving restaurant.
Short drive back to the city center.
NZD 160, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventure in Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at T ynan’s Cafe

Enjoy fresh and healthy breakfast options including smoothies and granola.
Easy stop on the way to Taupo.
NZD 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Huka Falls

Marvel at the incredible power of water crashing down at one of New Zealand's most popular attractions.
15-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Lake Taupo boat tour

Take a scenic boat tour to see Maori rock carvings on the shore of the lake.
5-minute drive to the boat docks.
NZD 120, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Taupo Boat Harbour Cafe

Savor fresh seafood dishes and light snacks while enjoying lake views.
At the boat dock area.
NZD 70, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Craters of the Moon

Explore walking tracks through unique volcanic craters and geothermal activity.
20-minute drive from the café.
NZD 25, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Storehouse

Enjoy a casual family-friendly atmosphere with a great selection of burgers and homemade desserts.
Located near the town center.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Capital City Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sweet Mother’s Kitchen

Indulge in eclectic breakfast options with a vibrant atmosphere.
Located in the trendy Cuba Street district.
NZD 65, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Te Papa Museum

Explore interactive exhibits showcasing New Zealand's history, culture, and natural environment.
Short walk from the café across the street.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Logan Brown

Treat yourself and your family to a fine dining experience focusing on seasonal ingredients.
15-minute walk from the museum.
NZD 150, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Wellington Cable Car and Botanical Gardens

Take the iconic cable car up for stunning views of the city and wander through lush gardens.
5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from lunch.
NZD 10, 2 hours

4:30PM

Wander around Oriental Bay

Relax and enjoy the beach and promenade with family-friendly activities nearby.
15-minute drive from the gardens.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Town Grill

Dine on fresh New Zealand produce and grilled specialties in a casual yet chic setting.
Near Oriental Bay.
NZD 110, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Scenic Nelson

Nelson, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Wooden Spoon

Start your day with delicious homemade food and freshly brewed coffee.
In Nelson city center.
NZD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Abel Tasman National Park

Discover coastal trails and pristine beaches, perfect for family hiking or kayaking.
1-hour drive from Nelson; park entrance is clearly marked.
NZD 15, 4 hours

1:30PM

Pack a Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the beach featuring local cheeses, meats, and fruits.
Pack from the car before heading to the beach.
NZD 40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Continue Exploring Abel Tasman

Hike or kayak more trails and spend time enjoying nature together.
Stay within the park.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Boatshed Cafe

Enjoy fresh fish and chips and other delicious dishes while overlooking the waterfront.
Drive back to Nelson city.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Landing

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to set the mood for a day of glacial adventure.
Located at the village center.
NZD 65, 1 hour

9:30AM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Join a guided glacier hike suitable for families and explore the breathtaking ice formations.
Contact local tour operator from the café.
NZD 170, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Glacier View Cafe

Refuel with delicious options while enjoying views of the glacier.
Return to the village.
NZD 65, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools

Relax and soak in the therapeutic hot pools amidst the rainforest.
Located in the village.
NZD 60, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the The Glasshouse Restaurant

Indulge in exquisite dining options featuring local ingredients from around the region.
Located in Franz Josef village.
NZD 130, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Queenstown Thrills

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Start with a delightful breakfast with a wide selection of pastries and smoothies.
In Queenstown city center.
NZD 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Experience an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride through the stunning Shotover River canyons.
Short drive to the jetboat launch site.
NZD 130, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Savor the world-famous burgers at this iconic Queenstown spot.
Short drive back to the city center.
NZD 75, 1 hour

1:30PM

Gondola Ride to Bob's Peak

Take the gondola for stunning views, and enjoy optional luge rides for some family fun.
Walking distance from lunch.
NZD 60, 3 hours

4:30PM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Relax in the beautiful gardens and let the kids play at the playground.
5-minute walk from the gondola station.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Bizarre

Enjoy a unique dining experience with atmosphere and diverse menu options.
Central location in Queenstown.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Farewell Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Collective

Enjoy a modern menu filled with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Located in the city center.
NZD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through beautiful gardens featuring an array of diverse plant species.
Short walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Canterbury Museum

Discover cultural and natural history exhibits that engage and inform.
5-minute walk from the gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Choose from a variety of food vendors for a casual dining experience.
Short drive to the eatery.
NZD 60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Restart Mall

A unique shopping experience made from shipping containers, reflecting the city's resilience.
15-minute drive from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cassel

Enjoy a farewell dinner featuring locally sourced meats and seasonal vegetables.
Located near Restart Mall.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability