10-Day Family Friendly Adventure Road Trip in New Zealand

Day 1: Auckland Adventure

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Odettes

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Odettes, known for its locally sourced ingredients and fantastic coffee.
Located in Grey Lynn, a short drive from central Auckland.
NZD45, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Auckland Zoo

Visit Auckland Zoo to see native and exotic animals, perfect for the kids to learn about wildlife conservation.
Head towards Motions Rd, a 10-minute drive from the café.
NZD120, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Glasshouse

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Glasshouse with stunning views over the Auckland Domain gardens.
15-minute commute from the zoo.
NZD80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Sky Tower Visit

Ascend to the Sky Tower, taking in breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Just a 5-minute drive from lunch.
NZD75, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Eatery

Savour modern New Zealand cuisine at Eatery, known for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Located in the central city, a quick 5-minute drive.
NZD120, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at Diane's Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at Diane's, known for its extensive menu and local flavours.
A 3-hour drive from Auckland; the scenic drive includes views of farmland.
NZD60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Village

Experience the Maori culture and geothermal wonders at Whakarewarewa Thermal Village.
Located just minutes away from breakfast.
NZD100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Smoko Cafe

Enjoy a traditional hangi meal while soaking in stunning views of the geothermal area.
Based within the village, a short walk.
NZD70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Redwoods Treewalk

Embark on a thrilling stroll among the towering redwoods on the Treewalk, surrounded by nature.
A 5-minute drive from the cafe.
NZD150, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Wrap up the day at Atticus Finch with a casual yet delicious family dinner.
A short drive back into Rotorua town.
NZD130, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature at Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shack

Savour an excellent breakfast with coffee at The Coffee Shack, perfect for the family.
20-minute drive from Rotorua to Taupo.
NZD40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Huka Falls

Discover the thundering beauty of Huka Falls and its scenic walking paths.
A quick 10-minute drive from breakfast.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Lake Taupo

Enjoy some fun family activities at Lake Taupo, including a relaxing walk along the shoreline.
Head towards the lake, 15 minutes from Huka Falls.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Taupo Marina Cafe

Refuel with lunch at the Taupo Marina Cafe, with beautiful lake views.
Located on the waterfront, a short walk.
NZD90, 1 hour

2:30PM

Craters of the Moon

Walk the unique geothermal landscape at Craters of the Moon, an educational experience for the family.
Just a 10-minute drive from lunch.
NZD60, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at The Brantry

Enjoy a special family dinner at The Brantry, focusing on local ingredients and a welcoming vibe.
Head back towards town, a 10-minute drive.
NZD150, 2 hours
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Day 4: Adventure in Tongariro

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Tongariro National Park Lodge

Fuel up at the lodge with breakfast prepared from local produce.
1-hour drive from Taupo to Tongariro National Park.
NZD70, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hiking Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Embark on the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike, immersing in diverse landscapes and views.
Starting point is a short drive from the lodge.
Free, 6-8 hours

4:30PM

Relax at the lodge

Return to the lodge and unwind after a day of hiking.
Back track from the trail to lodge.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at the lodge

Enjoy dinner at the lodge featuring seasonal ingredients and family-friendly options.
Ready to dine in at the lodge.
NZD130, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at Maranui Cafe

Start your morning with a delicious breakfast at Maranui Cafe, right by the beach.
Drive for 2.5 hours from Tongariro National Park to Wellington.
NZD55, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, where the whole family can learn and engage.
A short drive from the café.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk along the Waterfront

Take a stroll along Wellington’s vibrant waterfront, enjoying art installations and views.
Walkable from Te Papa.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Boatshed

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Boatshed with some seafood delights.
Just across the road from the waterfront.
NZD90, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Zealandia

Discover Zealandia, a groundbreaking conservation project that showcases New Zealand's native wildlife.
A quick drive away from the restaurant.
NZD100, 2-3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Logan Brown

Experience fine dining at Logan Brown, an award-winning restaurant specialising in local produce.
Return to the city, a short drive.
NZD200, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nelson Bound

Nelson, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a simple yet hearty breakfast at your accommodation in Wellington.
Begin your journey towards Nelson, a 2-hour drive including a ferry ride.
NZD50, 1 hour

8:00AM

Ferry to Picton

Take a scenic ferry ride through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton.
This ride lasts about 3 hours.
NZD150 family ticket, 3 hours

11:00AM

Drive to Nelson

Head on to Nelson, with captivating landscapes on the way.
A 1-hour drive from Picton.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Grape Escape

Reach Nelson and enjoy a delicious lunch at The Grape Escape, known for its local produce.
Located in the centre of Nelson.
NZD80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Nelson Market

Experience the local culture at the vibrant Nelson Market showcasing crafts and artisan foods.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Hopgoods

Indulge in contemporary cuisine at Hopgoods, known for its innovative flavour combinations.
Located in the same region, only a short walk.
NZD150, 2 hours
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Day 7: Adventure in Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to the national park.
Drive to Abel Tasman, about 1 hour away from Nelson.
NZD50, 1 hour

8:00AM

Kayaking in Abel Tasman

Experience kayaking in the golden waters of Abel Tasman, suitable for families.
Arranged through a local kayaking provider near the park entrance.
NZD300 family package, 3 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch on the Beach

Have a delightful picnic lunch on the beach surrounded by stunning scenery.
Pack your lunch or purchase from local shops.
NZD30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore the walking trails

Take the family on a leisurely hike along the beautiful coastal tracks.
Various trails start from the beach where you picnicked.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Boat Tour through the Park

Take a relaxing boat tour to see the stunning coastline and wildlife from the water.
Book through local providers at the entrance of the park.
NZD250 family ticket, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Park Cafe

End the day with a meal at The Park Cafe offering locally sourced dishes.
Back to the entrance of the park, close to the parking.
NZD100, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Glacial Wonders

Franz Josef Glaciers, New Zealand

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Landing

Enjoy breakfast featuring local ingredients before heading out to the glaciers.
A 4-hour scenic drive from Nelson to Franz Josef.
NZD50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Set off on a guided glacier hike exploring the phenomenal landscape.
Book a tour through local guides at Franz Josef.
NZD500 family package, 3-4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Glacier View Cafe

Dine at the Glacier View Cafe while enjoying breathtaking views of the glacier.
Back to the village after the hike.
NZD80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Franz Josef Village

Take some time to wander through the charming village and shop for souvenirs.
Walking distance from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Short Walk to the Glacier

Embark on a short walk to the glacier viewpoint, ideal for family photos.
Local trailhead starting near the village.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at the Monsoon Bar & Restaurant

Gather for dinner at Monsoon, featuring a vibrant atmosphere and hearty meals.
Located in the village, very close.
NZD130, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Queenstown Thrills

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Enjoy a tasty breakfast at Vudu Cafe, known for its fresh baked goods.
Make the 4-hour drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown.
NZD60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Skyline Gondola

Ride the gondola for stunning views and enjoy thrilling luge rides at the top.
Located in central Queenstown, easily accessible.
NZD260 family ticket, 2-3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Dig into the famously huge and delicious burgers at Fergburger.
Walking distance from the gondola.
NZD100, 1 hour

1:30PM

Jet Boat Adventure

Experience the thrill of Jet Boating on the Shotover River, suitable for families.
Board right in Queenstown at local Jet Boating company.
NZD400 family package, 1-2 hours

3:30PM

Leisurely Lakeside Walk

Unwind with a leisurely lakeside walk, soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
Walking path along Lake Wakatipu.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Rata

Conclude your day with fine dining at Rata, a family-friendly restaurant with a local twist.
Easily reachable in central Queenstown.
NZD180, 2 hours
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Day 10: Milford Sound Marvels

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day early with breakfast to prepare for the trip to Milford Sound.
Drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound, which takes about 1.5 hours.
NZD50, 1 hour

8:00AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Embark on a scenic cruise through Milford Sound, witnessing fjords and waterfalls.
Board the cruise right at the Milford Sound terminal.
NZD400 family ticket, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Milford Sound

Spend some time exploring the area, taking in the breathtaking views.
Walking paths are available near the terminal.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Milford Sound Cafe

Enjoy lunch at the cafe while soaking in the stunning scenery.
Just a short walk from the cruise terminal.
NZD80, 1 hour

1:00PM

Return to Queenstown

Drive back to Queenstown, reflecting on your marvellous trip.
1.5-hour drive back.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner at Botswana Butchery, offering a memorable dining experience.
Located in Queenstown, an easy drive.
NZD200, 2 hours
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