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8-Day Family Friendly New Zealand Itinerary

Viewed by 365 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your New Zealand adventure with a delicious breakfast at the Federal Delicatessen, known for its fantastic coffee and bagels.
Located in Central Auckland.
NZD 60, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Auckland Zoo

Spend the morning at Auckland Zoo, home to over 135 species and ideal for families wanting to learn about wildlife conservation.
Drive 10 minutes from the café.
NZD 80, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Glass Goose Bar & Eatery

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with a menu that appeals to both kids and adults in a vibrant setting.
5-minute drive from the zoo.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Sky Tower Visit

Experience breathtaking views of Auckland from the Sky Tower, a must-do for first-time visitors.
15-minute drive from the restaurant.
NZD 120, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Depot

Savor some local Kiwi dishes for dinner at The Depot, known for its relaxed atmosphere and fresh ingredients.
5 minutes from Sky Tower.
NZD 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 2: Explore Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Stratosfare Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast with stunning views over Rotorua at Stratosfare, perfect fuel for the day ahead.
45-minute drive from Auckland.
NZD 75, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Te Puia Geothermal Park

Explore the stunning geothermal wonders of Te Puia, where you can see geysers, mud pools, and learn about Maori culture.
A short drive of 10 minutes from the restaurant.
NZD 95, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Check out the vibrant food area of Eat Streat for various lunch options that cater to all tastes.
5-minute drive from Te Puia.
NZD 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Redwoods Treewalk

Walk among the towering trees on the Redwoods Treewalk, offering a unique perspective above the forest floor - thrilling for kids too!
10-minute drive from Lunch.
NZD 120, 2 hours

5:00PM

Hangi Dinner & Cultural Show

Experience a traditional Maori Hangi dinner at Tamaki Maori Village, with performances showcasing Maori traditions and stories.
20-minute drive from the treewalk.
NZD 300, 2.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 3: Waitomo Caves Adventure

Waitomo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before heading out for today’s adventure.
Located in Rotorua.
NZD 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Waitomo Caves

Drive to Waitomo for about 2 hours, enjoying scenic New Zealand countryside along the way.
Direct drive from Rotorua.
NZD 0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Glowworm Cave Tour

Explore the famous Glowworm Caves, where the glowworms create a magical experience as you drift through with a guided boat ride.
Located in Waitomo.
NZD 140, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Waitomo Homestead

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Waitomo Homestead, serving delicious homemade dishes in a warm setting.
2-minute drive from the caves.
NZD 70, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Waitomo Adventures

Try out blackwater rafting or go on a farm tour to experience the best of Waitomo’s rural charm.
5-minute drive from lunch.
NZD 100, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Black Water Café

Savor comforting meals at The Black Water Café while recounting your thrilling day in Waitomo.
3-minute drive from activities.
NZD 90, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Waitomo

Day 4: Taupo Fun!

Taupo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Waitomo Caves Café

Gear up for the day with a lovely breakfast at the Waitomo Caves Café before departing for Taupo.
On-site café.
NZD 50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Taupo

Make the scenic drive to Taupo, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes with sweeping views of the lake.
Direct drive to Taupo.
NZD 0, 1 hour 45 minutes

11:00AM

Huka Falls Visit

Witness the stunning Huka Falls, a breathtaking sight with a quick walking track for the whole family.
Drive 15 minutes from Taupo town.
NZD 0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at the Huka Falls Bistro

Relax over lunch at the on-site bistro while soaking up views of the falls.
5-minute walk from Huka Falls.
NZD 80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Taupo Lake Activities

Enjoy some family-friendly activities at Lake Taupo, from kayaking to jet boating, ensuring fun for everyone.
Located along the lakefront.
NZD 150, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Lakeland House

Unwind with a family dinner at The Lakeland House, offering a comfy atmosphere and diverse menu choices.
5-minute drive from lake activities.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Taupo

Day 5: Wellington Exploration

Wellington, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dockside Restaurant

Savor an exceptional breakfast with waterfront views at Dockside before venturing to Wellington.
Drive 3 minutes from the hotel; located in Taupo.
NZD 80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Wellington

Set off on your journey to Wellington, which will take about 4.5 hours with stunning scenery along the way.
Direct drive to Wellington.
NZD 0, 4.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Cuba Street

Discover the eclectic atmosphere of Cuba Street with plenty of options for lunch, from burgers to salads.
Located in the city center.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, where interactive exhibits make learning fun for all ages.
5-minute walk from lunch.
NZD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Old Bailey

Gather for dinner at The Old Bailey, known for its comforting meals and welcoming ambiance.
10-minute walk from the museum.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 6: Scenic Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out for Abel Tasman National Park.
Located in Wellington.
NZD 60, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Abel Tasman

Drive to Abel Tasman, which should take about 2.5 hours, providing beautiful coastal views along the way.
Direct drive to Abel Tasman.
NZD 0, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fat Tui

Stop for lunch at The Fat Tui, famous for its gourmet burgers and homemade sauces.
Located near the park entrance.
NZD 70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Abel Tasman National Park

Spend the afternoon hiking or kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park, known for its stunning beaches and wildlife.
Access the park via a short drive from lunch.
NZD 100, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Sandfly Café

Enjoy a casual dinner at The Sandfly Café, where the warm atmosphere and delicious meals round off the day.
Located in Marahau.
NZD 90, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Abel Tasman

Day 7: Christchurch City Vibes

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before heading to Christchurch.
Located in Abel Tasman.
NZD 60, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Christchurch

Drive to Christchurch, which takes around 4 hours with beautiful rural scenery to admire.
Direct drive to Christchurch.
NZD 0, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hillyers of Merivale

Savor lunch at Hillyers, featuring delicious menu options perfect for the whole family.
Located in Merivale.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the enchanting Botanic Gardens, great for kids to explore and run free.
5-minute drive from lunch.
NZD 0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Monday Room

Gather for dinner at The Monday Room, known for its relaxed vibe and sophisticated dishes.
Just 10 minutes from the gardens.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 8: Queenstown Adventures

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off for Queenstown.
Located in Christchurch.
NZD 60, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Queenstown

Drive or fly to Queenstown, which takes about 6 hours by road, so you may opt for a short domestic flight instead.
Direct drive or flight.
NZD 100 (flight), 6 hours or 1 hour (flight)

3:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Indulge in a famous burger from Fergburger, a must-visit eatery in Queenstown.
Located in downtown Queenstown.
NZD 60, 1 hour

4:30PM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Take a leisurely walk in the picturesque Queenstown Gardens where kids can enjoy the playground and you can relax.
10-minute walk from lunch.
NZD 0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Skyline Restaurant

End your adventures at the Skyline Restaurant with stunning views and a buffet dinner that caters to everyone's palate.
15-minute walk from the gardens.
NZD 200, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
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