7-Day Family-Friendly Rail and Bicycling Adventure in Auckland, New Zealand

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

Breakfast at La Fourchette

Start your culinary journey with a delightful breakfast of pastries and omelets at La Fourchette, a local favorite café.
Head to the café located in the heart of the city, approximately a 10-minute walk from the Sky Tower.
NZD 60, 1 hour

10:30AM

Sky Tower Visit

After breakfast, ascend the iconic Sky Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
The Sky Tower is just a 10-minute walk from the café.
NZD 32, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Depot Eatery

Savor fresh seasonal dishes with your family at Depot Eatery, known for its vibrant atmosphere and shareable plates.
A 15-minute walk or 5-minute bike ride from the Sky Tower.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Auckland Domain and Museum

Cycle over to the Auckland Domain, where you can explore the stunning gardens and visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about Maori culture.
A scenic bike ride of about 20 minutes from Depot Eatery.
NZD 28, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Glasshouse

End your day with a family dinner at The Glasshouse, offering a menu filled with local ingredients and exquisite flavors.
A 20-minute ride from Auckland Domain.
NZD 120, 2 hours
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Day 2: Explore Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Island Grocer

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at The Island Grocer, famous for its fresh produce and baked goods.
Take a ferry from Auckland’s downtown ferry terminal to Waiheke Island; ferry ride takes about 40-minutes.
NZD 70, 1 hour

10:00AM

Waiheke Bike Tour

Join a guided bicycle tour to explore the island's beautiful beaches and vineyards, perfect for the family adventure.
Tour is available from several local bike rental shops close to the ferry terminal after disembarking.
NZD 150, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard

Enjoy a leisurely vineyard lunch at Mudbrick, with stunning views of the harbor as your backdrop.
Ride approximately 10 minutes from the bike tour location.
NZD 100, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Palm Beach

After lunch, head over to Palm Beach for some fun in the sun; kids will love playing on the sandy shores.
A 10-minute bike ride from Mudbrick Vineyard.
FREE, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Oneroa Beach

Finish a wonderful day with a picnic dinner on Oneroa Beach, filled with takeout from local shops.
Return your bikes and cycle 10 minutes to Oneroa, where you will find multiple eateries.
NZD 50, 2 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Caffe L'affare

Start the day at Caffe L'affare, enjoying their coffee and a delicious selection of baked goods.
Cycle back to the ferry terminal and take the ferry back to Auckland before walking to the café.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Train to Rotorua

Board the scenic train from Auckland to Rotorua, enjoying beautiful landscapes along the way.
Take a short walk to the Britomart Transport Centre from the café to catch the train.
NZD 90, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Upon arrival, head to Eat Streat, a vibrant area filled with restaurants offering diverse food options.
Easily walk from the train station to Eat Streat in about 10 minutes.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Redwoods Forest

Bike over to the Redwoods Forest for a family-friendly cycling experience on the stunning trails surrounded by towering trees.
A 15-minute bike ride from Eat Streat.
FREE, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Rotorua Night Market

Explore the vibrant Rotorua Night Market with a variety of food vendors, perfect for family dining and local delicacies.
Return bikes to the town center and walk approximately 5 minutes to the market.
NZD 60, 2 hours
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Day 4: Adventure in Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Brantry

Dig into a delicious breakfast at The Brantry, known for its wholesome and locally sourced meals.
A 15-minute walk from the hotel.
NZD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Taupo

Take the train from Rotorua to Taupo, enjoying the picturesque views along Lake Taupo.
A 10-minute walk to the train station.
NZD 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Taupo Marina

Upon arrival, grab a lunch at the Taupo Marina Café with beautiful lake views.
A 5-minute walk from the train station.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Cycle around Lake Taupo

Spend your afternoon cycling around scenic Lake Taupo, discover hidden beaches and stunning vistas.
Bike rentals are available near the café.
NZD 40, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Great Lake Cafe

Enjoy a delightful dinner at The Great Lake Cafe, with a relaxing ambiance and lakefront views.
Cycle back to the marina area to reach the café.
NZD 90, 2 hours
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Day 5: Explore Hamilton

Hamilton, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Huka Falls Resort

Wake up to a delicious breakfast at Huka Falls Resort overlooking natural beauty.
A short cycle from the hotel to arrive at the resort.
NZD 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Hamilton

Take a relaxing train ride from Taupo to Hamilton, with kids enjoying the changing scenery.
Return to the Taupo train station to board your trip.
NZD 60, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Hamilton Gardens

Upon arrival, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy within the stunning surroundings of Hamilton Gardens.
A 10-minute ride to the gardens from the train station.
NZD 50, 2 hours

2:00PM

Explore Hamilton Gardens

Wander through the themed gardens and beautiful landscapes, ensuring a delightful experience for the whole family.
Park your bikes nearby and dive into the gardens.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at The Cook

Wrap up your day with dinner at The Cook, where the family can enjoy hearty meals in a family-friendly setting.
A quick 10-minute ride back to the restaurant.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Adventure to Waitomo

Waitomo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Waitomo Caves Hotel

Start early with breakfast at Waitomo Caves Hotel, where you can enjoy spectacular views and hearty meals.
A scenic train ride will take you to Waitomo; book ahead for transportation.
NZD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Guided Cave Tour

Experience the magical glowworms on a family-friendly guided cave tour in Waitomo.
Tours start near the hotel, just a 10-minute walk.
NZD 100, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Waitomo Homestead

Savor lunch at Waitomo Homestead, featuring local meats and fresh ingredients.
Just a 5-minute walk from the cave tour exit.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hiking and Biking Trails

Explore the amazing natural surroundings on designated hiking and biking trails, suitable for families.
Take local bikes for hire at the Homestead, just a short ride away.
NZD 40, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at the Overlook Café

Enjoy evening meals with a panoramic view of the countryside at the Overlook Café.
Cycle back from the trails to the café in about 15 minutes.
NZD 85, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Café in Waitomo

Before heading back to Auckland, enjoy one last breakfast at a nice café right in Waitomo.
A short stroll from the hotel.
NZD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Auckland

Travel back to Auckland, with beautiful views to enjoy once more.
Walk from the café to the nearby train station.
NZD 90, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at La Cigale French Market

Upon return, enjoy a lovely lunch at La Cigale, where you can sample French-inspired dishes.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the train station.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

New Zealand Maritime Museum

Explore the fascinating New Zealand Maritime Museum for an entertaining and educational afternoon.
A brief 10-minute walk from La Cigale.
NZD 30, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Situ

End your family adventure in Auckland at Situ, known for its warm atmosphere and creative menu.
Walk back to Situ in 15 minutes.
NZD 100, 2 hours
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