Active 2-Week Family Golf and Adventure Road Trip in New Zealand - December Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Auckland Orientation

Auckland, New Zealand on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy a family-friendly breakfast with hearty and fresh options open from 7:30 am to 3 pm, perfect for an energetic start.
NZD25, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Auckland Zoo

Explore wildlife with children-friendly walking paths; the zoo is open from 9 am to 5 pm offering an engaging experience for small children.
NZD28, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Orbit 360° Dining, Sky Tower

Enjoy breathtaking city views while dining at the Sky Tower’s revolving restaurant, which offers great kid-friendly meals.
NZD40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Auckland Domain and Auckland War Memorial Museum

Stroll through Auckland Domain park and explore the museum showcasing New Zealand's history; open 10 am to 5 pm.
NZD25, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Devon on the Wharf

Family-friendly waterfront dining with fresh seafood and views of the harbor, open until 9 pm.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Golf and Rotorua Exploration

Rotorua, New Zealand on December 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hello Beasty Café

Start your day with healthy and tasty breakfast options suitable for kids and adults alike.
NZD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Rotorua (approx 3h)

Scenic drive passing through farmland and forests heading south from Auckland to Rotorua.
NZD0, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Capers Epicurean

Enjoy a local favorite spot offering fresh, organic meals in kid-friendly environment.
NZD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rotorua Golf Club

Play a round of golf at one of New Zealand’s oldest and most picturesque courses offering family-friendly facilities.
NZD70, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Eat Streat

Vibrant dining precinct with a variety of casual restaurants that are kid-friendly and open until late evening.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Geothermal Wonders and Lake Taupo

Rotorua to Taupo, New Zealand on December 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Fat Dog Café

A family favorite serving up delicious breakfasts with space for kids to enjoy.
NZD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore vibrant geothermal landscapes with child-friendly walking trails; open 8 am to 6 pm.
NZD33, 2h0m

12:00pm

Drive to Lake Taupo (1h)

Short scenic drive to stunning Lake Taupo.
NZD0, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Brantry

Casual eatery offering fresh local dishes and kids' menu options overlooking the lake.
NZD35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Taupo Golf Club

Enjoy an afternoon golf session on a lovely lakefront course suitable for families, with friendly staff and junior equipment available.
NZD60, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Vine Eatery & Bar

Great dinner spot with wide variety of options and kids' plates open until 9 pm.
NZD45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Napier Art Deco and Family Fun

Napier, New Zealand on December 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lovely Brewery Café

Healthy breakfast in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
NZD25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Napier (2.5h)

Enjoy the scenic route from Taupo through Hawke's Bay plains to Napier.
NZD0, 2h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Mister D Food & Wine

Offers delicious contemporary food with a kids menu and open from 11:30 am.
NZD40, 1h0m

1:00pm

Napier Municipal Golf Course

Play a round at this family-friendly, historic golf course established in 1900 with great views.
NZD50, 3h0m

4:30pm

Explore Napier Waterfront & Marine Parade

Enjoy an easy walk with kids playgrounds and ice cream shops along the waterfront.
NZD0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pacifica Kaimoana

Casual seafood dining right on the waterfront with live music on some nights, great for kids.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 5: Wellington Culture & Golf

Wellington, New Zealand on December 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Fidel’s Café

Iconic, colorful café with excellent breakfast options suitable for families.
NZD25, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Wellington (4.5h)

Take the scenic route south with a ferry from Picton included next day after overnight stay in Wellington.
NZD0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Sweet Mother's Kitchen

Comfort food and laid-back atmosphere with kid-friendly options.
NZD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Te Papa Museum

New Zealand’s national museum is educational and fun for children with interactive exhibits; open 10 am to 6 pm.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Crab Shack

Casual dining with fresh seafood and seaside views, very welcoming to families.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Ferry to South Island & Kaikoura Wildlife

Picton to Kaikoura, New Zealand on December 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Fidel’s Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before early ferry departure.
NZD25, 1h0m

8:00am

Ferry from Wellington to Picton

Experience a scenic 3.5-hour ferry ride aboard Interislander ferry across Cook Strait with views of Marlborough Sounds.
NZD65 per adult, NZD32 per child, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch in Picton at The Gunyah Restaurant

Enjoy fresh local seafood and kid-friendly dishes in a cozy setting near the marina.
NZD40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Kaikoura (2h)

Drive along the scenic coastline to Kaikoura, famous for whale watching and marine life.
NZD0, 2h0m

3:30pm

Kaikoura Wildlife Sightseeing

Opt for easy walks or explore beaches with seals and birdlife, suitable for children.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Pier Hotel Restaurant

A family-friendly establishment serving New Zealand seafood specialties until 9 pm.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Christchurch Golf and Exploration

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Experience innovative breakfast options in a trendy, family-friendly spot.
NZD25, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Christchurch (2.5h)

Travel from Kaikoura to Christchurch through picturesque plains and countryside.
NZD0, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Little High Eatery

An indoor food court with a variety of family-friendly cuisine choices and relaxed atmosphere.
NZD35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Golf at Clearwater Golf Course

Enjoy a family-friendly golf experience at one of Christchurch’s top courses, ideal for juniors and beginners.
NZD70, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Leisurely walk in beautiful gardens with playgrounds open until dusk, perfect for children to unwind.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar

Comfortable dining with excellent New Zealand cuisine, open until 9 pm, welcoming children.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 8: Lake Tekapo Scenic Rest

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand on December 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Famous for breakfast blends and a kid-friendly menu.
NZD25, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Lake Tekapo (3h)

Enjoy magnificent scenery en route to the lake famed for its turquoise waters and mountain views.
NZD0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Astro Café

Relax with scenic views of the lake and kid-friendly dining options.
NZD35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Church of the Good Shepherd and Tekapo Springs

Explore the iconic church and enjoy hot pools and water slides suitable for small children; Tekapo Springs open 10 am to 9 pm.
NZD20 for pools, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Reflections Restaurant

A relaxed family-friendly restaurant with great lake views and kid-friendly menu.
NZD45, 1h30m
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Day 9: Queenstown Golf and Adventure

Queenstown, New Zealand on December 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Vudu Café

Popular spot with excellent coffee and breakfast options for all ages.
NZD25, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Queenstown (3h)

Scenic drive to Queenstown, adventure capital of New Zealand.
NZD0, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at The Cow Restaurant

Famous for delicious pizzas and a friendly atmosphere perfect for families.
NZD40, 1h0m

1:00pm

Golf at Queenstown Golf Club

Dramatic views and fun golf suitable for families with children, open daily from 8 am to sunset.
NZD70, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Queenstown Gardens

Scenic gardens with walking paths and playgrounds near the lakefront.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Fergburger

Iconic gourmet burgers with kid-friendly options, open until late.
NZD40, 1h0m
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Day 10: Dunedin Culture and Coast

Dunedin, New Zealand on December 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Good Oil

Healthy, organic family-oriented breakfast spot.
NZD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Dunedin (3.5h)

Scenic coastal and farmland drive to Dunedin.
NZD0, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Vogel St Kitchen

Well-known café with varied and fresh menu plus kids options.
NZD35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour

Explore beaches, see penguins, albatross, and seals on family-friendly guided tours, operates 9 am to 5 pm.
NZD80, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Plato Café & Restaurant

Cozy dining offering seafood and local cuisine with a kids menu, open until 9 pm.
NZD45, 1h30m
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Day 11: Leisure and Departure

Dunedin, New Zealand on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at the hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before a possible last short walk or shopping.
NZD20, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Dunedin Botanic Garden

Leisurely stroll in New Zealand’s first botanic garden suitable for children, open 7 am to 7 pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Good Good

Local modern eatery with fresh options and kid-friendly meals.
NZD35, 1h0m
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