Family-Friendly 12-Day North Island New Zealand Adventure in November

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Auckland, New Zealand on November 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Blue Breeze Inn

Enjoy a family-friendly breakfast with a relaxed atmosphere and kid-friendly menu options, opening from 7am.

NZD25, 1h

10:30am

Auckland Zoo

Visit Auckland Zoo to see a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits perfect for young kids; open from 9:30am to 5pm.

NZD30, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at The Food Truck Garage

Casual lunch with diverse food truck options providing quick and tasty meals suitable for children.

NZD20, 1h

3:30pm

Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium

Explore underwater tunnels and observe marine life including penguins and sharks. Suitable for all ages and open until 6pm.

NZD39, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Prego

Enjoy a casual Italian dinner with an excellent children’s menu in a relaxed environment.

NZD50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand on November 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Store Devonport

Start the day with a fresh and healthy breakfast in the charming suburb of Devonport, open from 7am.

NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Rotorua

Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive south to Rotorua, with stops for stretching and refreshments.

NZD0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Atticus Finch

Savor a fresh, family-friendly lunch with diverse menu options in the center of Rotorua.

NZD40, 1h

2:30pm

Rainbow Springs Nature Park

Visit this wildlife park featuring native birds, trout, and a kid-friendly playground; open until 5pm.

NZD40, 2h

5:00pm

Rotorua Government Gardens stroll

Take an easy walk through beautiful gardens near the lake, ideal for a relaxing family stroll.

NZD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Capers Epicurean

Dine at this café offering homestyle meals with kid-friendly choices and early closing times.

NZD45, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Rotorua Geothermal Wonders

Rotorua, New Zealand on November 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Third Place Café

Enjoy local breakfast favorites in this cozy spot with kid-friendly meal choices.

NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Tour colorful geothermal pools and mud pools with boardwalks easy enough for young children to explore; open 8am-5pm.

NZD43, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at the Wai-O-Tapu Cafe

Convenient café offering light meals and refreshments near the park’s exit.

NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Agroventures Adventure Park

Enjoy family-friendly activities like tractor rides, mini-golf, and animal feeding; open until 5pm.

NZD45, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at The Eat Streat

Choose from many family-friendly restaurants along Rotorua’s main dining strip for a relaxed evening meal.

NZD50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Rotorua to Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand on November 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Capers Café

Early breakfast with fresh and wholesome options perfect for families.

NZD25, 1h

9:00am

Drive Rotorua to Taupo

Short and scenic drive of about 1 hour to Taupo with lake views along the way.

NZD0, 1h

10:30am

Taupo Museum and Art Gallery

Visit this engaging museum with exhibits about local history and nature, ideal for kids; open 10am-5pm.

NZD10, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Brantry

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with diverse menu options overlooking the lakefront.

NZD40, 1h

2:00pm

Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs

Relax in kid-friendly thermal pools in a safe environment with shallow water areas; open 10am to 10pm.

NZD30, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Taupo Waterfront

Leisurely stroll around the lakefront park playgrounds and open spaces perfect for young children.

NZD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Vine Eatery & Bar

Family-friendly dining with a relaxed atmosphere and varied menu choices.

NZD50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Hobbiton Movie Set

Matamata, New Zealand on November 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Taupo Bakery

Grab fresh pastries and light breakfast items before an early start.

NZD20, 0.5h

8:30am

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set

Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Matamata to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set.

NZD0, 1.5h

10:15am

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Enjoy a family-friendly guided tour through the iconic film set taking about 2 hours; tours run frequently from 9am to 5pm.

NZD79, 2h

12:45pm

Lunch at The Shire’s Rest Café

Dine casually at the Hobbiton café offering snacks and meals in a unique setting, perfect for kids.

NZD35, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Hamilton

Drive north for about 1 hour to Hamilton.

NZD0, 1h

3:30pm

Hamilton Gardens

Explore the themed gardens and spacious grounds; easy walking suitable for families with kids; open until 6pm.

NZD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Palate Restaurant

Relax with a casual dinner offering a children’s menu and local cuisine.

NZD50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Hamilton to Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on November 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Aesthetic Lounge

Enjoy a lovely breakfast with family-friendly food options in Hamilton.

NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Drive back to Auckland

Drive about 1.5 hours returning to Auckland.

NZD0, 1.5h

11:30am

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Discover fascinating exhibits about New Zealand’s history and culture ideal for all ages; open 10am-5pm.

NZD25, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy a casual lunch with a relaxed vibe and kid-friendly menu.

NZD40, 1h

3:30pm

Mt Eden Summit Drive

Drive and explore Mt Eden for panoramic views without the need for a long hike; perfect for kids.

NZD0, 1h

5:00pm

Relax at your accommodation

Rest and prepare for dinner after a sightseeing day.

NZD0, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Soul Bar & Bistro

Enjoy a pleasant dining experience with family-friendly options and a warm atmosphere.

NZD55, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Auckland Family Day

Auckland, New Zealand on November 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bestie Cafe

Start the day with a nourishing family-friendly breakfast spot featuring fresh choices.

NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Butterfly Creek

Interactive family attraction featuring animals, gardens, and a dinosaur kingdom; open from 9am to 5pm.

NZD35, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Nearby Café

Relax with a quick and easy lunch within Butterfly Creek or nearby café facilities.

NZD30, 1h

2:30pm

Auckland Domain Park Playground

Enjoy outdoor playtime in one of Auckland’s largest and most popular playgrounds.

NZD0, 1.5h

4:00pm

Snow Planet Indoor Ski Centre

Try snow play for kids in a warm indoor environment with beginner lessons available; open till 9pm.

NZD40, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mexican Café - Mexico

Unwind with a laid-back Mexican dinner featuring flavorful dishes and kid-friendly meals.

NZD50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Waiheke Island Day Trip

Waiheke Island, New Zealand on November 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Your Auckland Accommodation

Enjoy an early breakfast before the ferry to Waiheke Island.

NZD20, 0.5h

8:30am

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Take a scenic 40-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island; ferries run frequently from 7am onwards.

NZD15 per person, 0.75h

9:30am

Visit Oneroa Village

Explore charming shops and kid-friendly cafés in Oneroa Village with no long walks needed.

NZD0, 1.5h

11:15am

Lunch at The Oyster Inn

Taste fresh seafood and child-friendly options with beautiful views of the bay.

NZD50, 1h

12:30pm

Waiheke Island EcoZip Adventures (Junior Zipline)

Gentle ziplining adventure designed for kids aged 4 and up, safe and supervised; open 10am-4pm.

NZD50, 1h

2:00pm

Easy walk at Mudbrick Vineyard and Gardens

Enjoy beautiful gardens and scenic views; short paths accessible for families and children.

NZD0, 1h

3:30pm

Return ferry to Auckland

Board ferry and relax on the return trip to the city.

NZD15 per person, 0.75h

5:00pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

End the day with a casual dinner at a family-friendly Auckland restaurant serving fresh local produce.

NZD50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Museum and Art Day

Auckland, New Zealand on November 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Amano

Enjoy innovative breakfast dishes with fresh ingredients at this popular local spot.

NZD30, 1h

10:00am

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Explore exhibits featuring New Zealand and international art with kid-friendly activities; open 10am-5pm.

NZD20, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Glass Goose Bar & Eatery

Breed a fine atmosphere with kid-friendly options suitable for all ages.

NZD40, 1h

2:00pm

Auckland Central Library Visit

Discover children’s book corners and storytelling sessions for young kids; library open till 6pm.

NZD0, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at Albert Park

Spend some time in this beautiful park with gardens and child-friendly open areas close to the city center.

NZD0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Coco’s Cantina

Finish the day with delicious Italian cuisine and a relaxed setting suitable for families.

NZD50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 10: West Coast Exploration

West Auckland, New Zealand on November 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Orchard Café

Begin with wholesome breakfast options perfect for families.

NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Arataki Visitor Centre

Family-friendly nature center with interactive exhibits about West Auckland’s native plants and animals; open 9am-5pm.

NZD0, 1.5h

11:30am

Karekare Falls short walk

Take a very short, easy flat walk to the waterfall viewpoint suitable for young kids; no strenuous hiking involved.

NZD0, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Piha Café

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Piha; though swimming is off limits, the area offers beautiful scenic views.

NZD40, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Titirangi Village

Visit galleries, shops, and playgrounds ideal for a gentle afternoon stroll and family time.

NZD0, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Auckland

Drive back to Auckland city.

NZD0, 0.75h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lord of the Fries

Casual, quick dinner with vegetarian-friendly options and kids menu.

NZD40, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Outdoor Fun Day

Auckland, New Zealand on November 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Little Bird Unbakery

Enjoy organic, wholesome breakfast options great for a healthy family start.

NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Motat - Museum of Transport and Technology

Interactive museum focused on technology and transport with plenty of hands-on exhibits for young kids; open 10am-5pm.

NZD25, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Motat café

Casual on-site café ideal for quick meals before more museum exploration.

NZD30, 1h

2:00pm

Western Springs Playground

Large playground adjacent to MOTAT, perfect for children to play and run around outdoors.

NZD0, 1.5h

4:00pm

Return to accommodation for rest

Relax and recharge at your accommodation after an active day.

NZD0, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Rosehip Café

Family-friendly meals featuring fresh ingredients in a peaceful atmosphere.

NZD50, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure Day

Auckland, New Zealand on November 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Accommodation or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading to the airport.

NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Auckland Airport

Allow comfortable time for family check-in and luggage before international departure.

NZD0, 1h

View Hotel Availability