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9-Day Family Adventure from Hobbiton to Christchurch: Nature, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Viewed by 63 travelers

Day 1: Hobbiton Exploration

Hobbiton, New Zealand

2:30 PM

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Embark on a magical journey through the picturesque Hobbiton Movie Set, exploring the iconic film locations in this enchanting village.
Head to the Hobbiton Visitor Centre where the guided tours begin.
NZD 89, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Green Dragon Inn

Enjoy a delightful dinner at The Green Dragon Inn, sampling traditional ales and Hobbit-themed cuisine.
Located at the end of your Hobbiton tour, just a short walk from the set.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Camper Van Setup

Set up your camper van at the Hobbiton Movie Set campground, surrounded by lush greenery.
Camper van site is within the Hobbiton complex.
NZD 35, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hobbiton

Day 2: Cultural Hotspots

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Pot

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Coffee Pot, enjoying local specialties in a cozy setting.
Drive from Hobbiton to Rotorua, approximately 1 hour.
NZD 40, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Te Puia

Immerse yourself in Maori culture by visiting Te Puia and witnessing the geothermal wonders and traditional performances.
Located just a short drive from the breakfast spot.
NZD 60, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Dine at Stratosfare Restaurant with stunning views of Rotorua while savoring gourmet cuisine.
30-minute drive to the restaurant.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Relax at the Polynesian Spa

Indulge in a relaxing afternoon soaking in the thermal mineral pools at the Polynesian Spa.
A quick drive from Stratosfare Restaurant.
NZD 80, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Camper Van Setup

Set up at the Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park with excellent facilities for families.
Follow the signs to the holiday park.
NZD 50, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 3: Adventure Awaits

Taupo, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Club

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Coffee Club, famous for its extensive menu.
Drive from Rotorua to Taupo, around 1 hour.
NZD 50, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Huka Falls

Marvel at the stunning Huka Falls and take photographs of the dramatic waterfall.
Just a 10-minute drive from Taupo's town center.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Taupo Boat Harbour Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful lunch with views over the lake at Taupo Boat Harbour.
Drive from Huka Falls to the restaurant, approximately 15 minutes.
NZD 75, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lake Taupo Activities

Engage in family-friendly water sports on Lake Taupo – try kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet boating.
Head to the lakefront for various activity providers.
NZD 200, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Camper Van Setup

Settle down at the Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs campervan site for the evening.
Follow local signs to DeBretts.
NZD 50, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Taupo

Day 4: Nature's Majesty

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

7:30 AM

Breakfast at CAMP (central area)

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at CAMP before heading to Tongariro National Park.
Drive from Taupo to Tongariro, around 1 hour.
NZD 45, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Day Trip

Experience the stunning landscapes of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, known for its breathtaking scenery.
Starting point is easily accessible by car from the campground.
NZD 50 (transport additional), 7 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at The Powderkeg Restaurant

Unwind after your hike with a hearty dinner at The Powderkeg Restaurant, enjoying local flavors.
Adjacent to the park, easily reachable.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

7:30 PM

Camper Van Setup

Park your camper van at Whakapapa Holiday Park for a restful night after a day of adventure.
Follow directional signs within the park.
NZD 60, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Tongariro National Park

Day 5: Cultural Capital

Wellington, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Loretta

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at Loretta known for its fresh and local ingredients.
Drive from Tongariro to Wellington, approximately 4 hours.
NZD 50, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum, featuring interactive exhibits and rich cultural history.
Drive to the museum; parking available.
Free entry, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Crab Shack

Savor a fresh seafood lunch at The Crab Shack, set in a relaxed beach atmosphere.
Take a short walk from Te Papa.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Ride the Wellington Cable Car

Enjoy the iconic Wellington Cable Car ride to the Botanical Gardens for stunning city views.
Cable car station is nearby.
NZD 10, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Camper Van Setup

Settle at Wellington Waterfront Holiday Park for the evening by the beach.
Follow the directed access roads.
NZD 70, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 6: Wildlife Wonders

Kaikoura, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Club, filled with local favorites.
Drive from Wellington to Kaikoura, approximately 2.5 hours.
NZD 50, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Whale Watching Tour

Take a thrilling whale watching tour, where you might spot the majestic sperm whales off the coast.
Nearby harbor where whale watching boats depart.
NZD 150, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Craypot

Relax with a fresh crayfish plate at The Craypot, known for its delicious local seafood.
Just a short walk from the harbor.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Visit Point Kean Seal Colony

Take a short drive to Point Kean to visit the seal colony and observe these playful mammals.
Drive from the restaurant, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Camper Van Setup

Set up at the Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Accessible from the main road into Kaikoura.
NZD 60, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Kaikoura

Day 7: Majestic Mountains

Mount Cook, New Zealand

7:30 AM

Breakfast at The Warehouse

Begin your day with breakfast at The Warehouse, known for freshly brewed coffee and tasty breakfasts.
Drive from Kaikoura to Mount Cook, approximately 4 hours.
NZD 40, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Helicopter Tour of Mount Cook

Experience breathtaking views of Mount Cook's glaciers and peaks on an exhilarating helicopter tour.
Helicopter tours depart from Mount Cook Airport.
NZD 500, 1 hour (including briefing)

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Old Mountaineers' Cafe

Savor a leisurely lunch with stunning mountain views at The Old Mountaineers' Cafe.
A short drive from the airport.
NZD 75, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Hooker Valley Track

Take a family-friendly walk along the Hooker Valley Track leading to breathtaking glacier views.
Start at the parking lot near the Mount Cook Village.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Camper Van Setup

Park at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park campervan site, a great base with stunning views.
Follow signs to the park campground.
NZD 60, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Mount Cook

Day 8: Scenic Lake Day

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Astro Café

Have a cozy breakfast at The Astro Café, located at the summit of Mount John with panoramic views.
Drive from Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo, around 1 hour.
NZD 50, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd

Take photos of the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake's edge.
Located a short drive from the café.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lake Tekapo Hot Springs Lunch

Relish a lunch at Lake Tekapo Hot Springs, featuring a menu with healthy options and stunning views.
Easily accessible from the Church.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Relax in the Hot Pools

Unwind in the natural hot pools at Lake Tekapo Hot Springs for the perfect afternoon of relaxation.
Hot Springs are nearby your lunch location.
NZD 65, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Camper Van Setup

Settle in at the Lake Tekapo Motels and Holiday Park, complete with stunning views of the night sky.
Follow the signs from main road.
NZD 60, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 9: Final Destination

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Mackenzies Café

Enjoy your final breakfast at Mackenzies Café, serving up hearty meals with local flavors.
Drive from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch, around 3 hours.
NZD 50, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the picturesque Christchurch Botanic Gardens, enjoying the beautiful flora.
Easily accessible by car and short walk.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Bicycle Thief

Feast on innovative dishes at The Bicycle Thief, a local favorite with a charming atmosphere.
Short drive to the restaurant.
NZD 90, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit Quake City

Learn about Christchurch's resilience and recovery following the earthquakes at Quake City.
Located in the city center.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Camper Van Return

Return your camper van and conclude your scenic adventure with wonderful memories.
Return to the agreed location from where the camper was rented.
Varies, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Christchurch
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