Family-Friendly 12-Day North Island New Zealand Adventure with Young Kids

Day 1: Auckland City Arrival

Auckland, New Zealand on April 25, 2025

9:00am

Auckland Zoo

Visit the Auckland Zoo to see a wide variety of animals, perfect for young kids to enjoy close encounters with wildlife without long walks or difficult terrain.
NZD25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Silo Park Food Trucks

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Silo Park, choosing from multiple food trucks offering family-friendly meals in an outdoor setting with views of the harbor.
NZD50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore the museum’s interactive kid zones and natural history exhibits, providing engaging learning experiences suited to young children.
NZD25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Blue Breeze Inn

Enjoy Polynesian-inspired dishes at The Blue Breeze Inn, offering a vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu options suitable for the whole family.
NZD80, 1h30m
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Day 2: Auckland Parks & Sky Tower

Auckland, New Zealand on April 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bestie Cafe

Start your day with fresh and hearty breakfast options at Bestie Cafe, ideal for a family with young kids.
NZD40, 1h0m

9:30am

Auckland Domain Wintergardens

Visit the Wintergardens in Auckland Domain for a calm stroll among beautiful tropical and temperate plants, perfect for kids to explore without long walks.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Auckland Sky Tower

Take the elevator up the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city; kids will enjoy the interactive displays and the thrill of height without walking.
NZD32, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar

Casual dining with fresh local ingredients, suitable for families with young children and offering kid-friendly options.
NZD60, 1h0m

2:00pm

Mission Bay Playground and Beachside Walk

Enjoy fun time at the playground and take a gentle stroll along the Mission Bay waterfront, a safe and beautiful environment for kids to play.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Gelato Messina

Treat the family to delicious gelato with many flavors, a sweet end to the day for young kids.
NZD30, 0h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Little Jimmy’s Coffee

Enjoy breakfast in Auckland with pastries and coffee before the drive to Rotorua.
NZD35, 0h45m

9:00am

Drive Auckland to Rotorua

Travel approximately 3 hours south-east to Rotorua, with stops as needed for young kids’ comfort.
Fuel costs approx NZD60, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Eat Streat Rotorua

Choose among various family-friendly cafes and restaurants in Rotorua’s popular Eat Streat area.
NZD70, 1h0m

2:00pm

Te Puia Geothermal Reserve

Explore geysers and mud pools with short walking paths suitable for children, plus learn about Maori culture in accessible demonstrations.
NZD55, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Family-friendly dining focusing on fresh local produce with a warm atmosphere.
NZD80, 1h30m
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Day 4: Rotorua Family Fun

Rotorua, New Zealand on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Enjoy fresh bakery items and breakfast classics perfect for young kids.
NZD40, 1h0m

9:30am

Rainbow Springs Nature Park

A wildlife park featuring Kiwi birds, trout fishing displays, and a kid-friendly forest walk with short, easy paths.
NZD40, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at the park cafe

Convenient on-site cafe offering kid-friendly meals and snacks.
NZD50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rotorua Museum (Government Gardens)

Engage with interactive displays and beautiful gardens in an easy-to-navigate setting for families.
NZD20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Capers Kitchen and Bar

Relax with fresh, casual dining options accommodating young children’s tastes.
NZD75, 1h30m
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Day 5: Hobbiton Movie Set Visit

Matamata, New Zealand on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Quick breakfast and prepare for travel to Hobbiton.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set

Drive 1 hour from Rotorua to Matamata Hobbiton for a magical movie set experience suitable for kids with plenty of photo ops.
Fuel approx NZD15, 1h0m

10:00am

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Guided tour showcasing movie set details; kids will love the hobbit holes and the story atmosphere without energetic hiking required.
NZD89, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Green Dragon Inn

Enjoy traditional Hobbit village fare at the Green Dragon Inn, a favourite stop for families.
NZD100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Taupo

Travel about 1 hour to Taupo for the next stage of your trip.
Fuel approx NZD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Check in and Relax at Hotel

Time for rest to recharge after the morning’s activities.
Included in accommodation, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Plateau Restaurant & Bar

Family-friendly menu featuring New Zealand cuisine with options suitable for children.
NZD80, 1h30m
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Day 6: Taupo Exploration

Taupo, New Zealand on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Espresso Cove

Delicious breakfast with kid-friendly options and great coffee for parents.
NZD40, 1h0m

9:30am

Taupo Museum

Interactive exhibits that introduce local history and Maori culture with manageable walking and engaging activities for kids.
NZD5, 1h30m

11:30am

Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk

Easy and short geothermal walk with boardwalks allowing kids to see steam vents and mud pools safely within 45 minutes to an hour.
NZD12, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Brantry

Expertly crafted dishes in relaxed environment, with kid-appropriate meals available.
NZD70, 1h0m

2:30pm

Taupo Playground and Waterfront

Spend afternoon at the large lakeside playground where kids can safely play and parents can enjoy views of Lake Taupo without swimming.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner at Vintique Restaurant

Casual dining ideal for families offering comforting meals and a welcoming environment.
NZD75, 1h30m
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Day 7: Hamilton Gardens Visit

Hamilton, New Zealand on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Riverview Cafe

Enjoy breakfast facing scenic river views with simple and tasty food options for all ages.
NZD40, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Hamilton

Travel from Taupo to Hamilton, about 1.5 hours drive with breaks if needed for kids.
Fuel approx NZD25, 1h30m

11:00am

Hamilton Gardens

Explore the themed gardens with easy walkways perfect for little legs, no strenuous effort required, and plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the scenery.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The River Kitchen

Casual eatery close to the gardens offering a relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly menu items.
NZD65, 1h0m

2:30pm

Waikato Museum

Interactive children’s exhibits and art displays suited for a young family to engage with culture without overwhelming walking.
NZD10, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Palate Restaurant

Enjoy a family-friendly fine dining experience with dishes that appeal to both adults and kids.
NZD90, 1h30m
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Day 8: Waitomo Caves Tour

Waitomo, New Zealand on May 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to begin day’s adventure in Waitomo.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

8:30am

Drive to Waitomo

Short trip from Hamilton to Waitomo with stops as needed, around 1 hour drive.
Fuel approx NZD20, 1h0m

10:00am

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Take an easy guided boat tour through the glowworm caves, enchanting for kids and requires minimal walking.
NZD55, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Huhu Cafe

Relax with fresh, wholesome meals and kid-friendly choices right at the Waitomo village.
NZD60, 1h0m

1:30pm

Ruakuri Cave Walk

An accessible cave walk that is stroller friendly, offering spectacular cave formations without strenuous effort, suitable for the whole family.
NZD35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Drive back to Hamilton

Return trip to Hamilton to stay overnight after a fun cave exploration day.
Fuel approx NZD20, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Mavis's Kitchen

A cozy restaurant perfect for families, with comforting food for all taste buds.
NZD80, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return to Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed hotel breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Drive Waitomo to Auckland

Approximate 2.5 hour drive back to Auckland, with stops to accommodate the kids’ needs.
Fuel approx NZD50, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Federal Delicatessen Auckland Central

Enjoy vibrant sandwiches and family friendly meals near Auckland city center.
NZD60, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium

Explore New Zealand’s marine life with indoor exhibits perfect for young children, no swimming required.
NZD39, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Auckland Domain Park

Large green space near the city with playgrounds and picnic areas, perfect for kids to unwind.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Sugar Club Sky Tower

Experience dining atop the city with a family-appropriate menu and views to cap the day.
NZD120, 1h30m
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Day 10: Day Trip to Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island, New Zealand on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before ferry to Waiheke.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Ferry to Waiheke Island

30-40 minute ferry ride offering scenic views, fun for kids to watch the water and boats.
NZD32 return per adult, kids discounted, 0h40m

10:00am

Visit Waiheke EcoWorld Zoo Sanctuary

A small sanctuary with interactive animal encounters perfect for children and easy to navigate.
NZD25, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Oyster Inn

Harbor-side dining with a menu that caters to families and a relaxed vibe.
NZD70, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Oneroa Village

Wander through the charming village with boutique shops and cafes, taking it slow to accommodate kids.
Free, 1h30m

3:30pm

Ferry back to Auckland

Return ferry with stunning views, rest and relax onboard.
Included in earlier fare, 0h40m

5:00pm

Dinner at Prego

A family-friendly Italian restaurant in Auckland with a lively atmosphere and dishes that kids enjoy.
NZD75, 1h30m
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Day 11: Auckland Interactive Museums

Auckland, New Zealand on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Little & Friday

Cozy cafe offering fresh breakfast plates with options for children.
NZD40, 1h0m

9:30am

New Zealand Maritime Museum

Interactive exhibits about New Zealand’s maritime history with kid-friendly displays and hands-on experiences.
NZD15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Auckland Fish Market

Casual dining spot offering a variety of fresh seafood and kid-friendly dishes.
NZD60, 1h0m

1:30pm

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Visit the family zone and kid-friendly art activities with shorter walks and interactive exhibits.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Victoria Park

Green space with playground and open fields for kids to run and play freely.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Best Ugly Bagels

Fun spot for casual dinner with bagel sandwiches, snacks, and kid favorites.
NZD40, 1h0m
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Day 12: Departure Day

Auckland, New Zealand on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Auckland with easy options for children.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Auckland Botanic Gardens

Short visit to spacious gardens with sensory and thematic areas ideal for kids without tiring walks.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Return to hotel and prepare for airport

Head back to hotel, gather belongings and check out for airport transfer.
Included in transfer, 1h0m

12:30pm

Travel to Auckland Airport

Transfer to Auckland Airport for family departure, ensuring enough time for check-in and kid-friendly facilities.
Taxi approx NZD50, 0h45m
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