Family-Friendly 10-Day New Zealand Road Trip from Sydney with Kids Including Hobbiton

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on January 12, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at The Pantry

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at The Pantry. They offer family-friendly meals including freshly baked pastries and healthy options perfect for kids.
NZD25, 1h

10:00am

Visit Auckland Zoo

Explore the Auckland Zoo which houses native and exotic animals. This interactive experience is perfect for young children and opens daily from 9am to 5pm.
NZD30, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kid-friendly Cafe 'Little & Friday'

Enjoy a casual lunch at Little & Friday, renowned for their fresh, seasonal meals and kid-friendly menu options.
NZD20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Auckland Domain and Wintergardens

Take a relaxing family walk around Auckland Domain park and visit the Wintergardens, featuring beautiful tropical plants, perfect for light outdoor activity with children.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at The Blue Breeze Inn

Dine at The Blue Breeze Inn, offering Polynesian-inspired dishes with plenty of meat, poultry, and vegetarian options, suitable for families avoiding seafood.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Hobbiton and Rotorua

Hobbiton & Rotorua, New Zealand on January 13, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Leisure Lodge Café

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Leisure Lodge Café, with great options for children like pancakes and fresh fruit.
NZD20, 1h

8:30am

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Visit the magical Hobbiton Movie Set with a guided family-friendly tour lasting about 2 hours. Opens from 9am with early pick-up from Rotorua possible.
NZD89, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Shires Rest Café

Enjoy rustic-style lunch on the Hobbiton grounds with several kid-friendly meals available in a themed setting.
NZD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Village

Explore the living Māori village and witness geysers and hot springs. The tours run from 9am to 5pm and are fascinating for the whole family.
NZD55, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Capers Epicurean

Have an early family dinner at Capers Epicurean, known for fresh, wholesome meals and a relaxed atmosphere.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Taupo Lakeside Fun

Taupo, New Zealand on January 14, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Vero Espresso Café

Enjoy a coffee and breakfast pastries tailored for families at Vero Espresso Café before heading out.
NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Huka Falls Visit

Visit the stunning Huka Falls, just a short walk from parking. The easy trails make it accessible for kids, with spectacular views.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs

Relax in family-friendly geothermal pools open daily from 10am to 8pm. Perfect for kids to splash about and unwind.
NZD20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Brantry Kitchen + Bar

Dine at The Brantry, which has spacious seating and a varied menu suitable for young children.
NZD25, 1h

3:00pm

Family Cycle around Lake Taupo

Rent bikes and enjoy an easy family-friendly cycle ride along the beautiful lakefront paths.
NZD30, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Plateau Bar and Eatery

Enjoy casual dining with stunning lake views and a kids' menu at Plateau Bar and Eatery.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Wellington City & Waterfront

Wellington, New Zealand on January 15, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Fidel's Café

Fidel's serves up vibrant breakfasts with friendly service and options to suit children’s tastes.
NZD20, 1h

10:00am

Ride the Wellington Cable Car and Visit Botanic Gardens Playground

Take the cable car for fun views, then visit the Botanic Gardens playground and open spaces, ideal for children to explore and play.
NZD12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Little Penang

Enjoy casual family dining with Asian fusion flavours that appeal to all ages.
NZD25, 1h

3:00pm

Afternoon Stroll along Wellington Waterfront

Leisure walk along the scenic waterfront where kids can enjoy open spaces and street performers.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Olive

For a non-seafood dinner alternative, visit Olive, serving excellent Mediterranean and vegetarian dishes suitable for families.
NZD45, 1h30m
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Day 5: Picton and Ferry Crossing

Picton, New Zealand on January 16, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at The Gunners Daughter Café

Start with a laid-back breakfast at this historic café offering generous portions and children’s favourites.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Explore Picton Foreshore Park

Enjoy a walk and playground time at this scenic waterfront park, ideal for kids to run around and enjoy views of the Marlborough Sounds.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at The Purple Fig

This cosy spot offers fresh, casual meals with options suited to children’s tastes.
NZD25, 1h

1:00pm

Ferry Crossing from Picton to Wellington

Take the Interislander Ferry (approx. 3.5 hours) offering stunning scenic views. Book tickets ahead.
NZD120, 3h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Wellington railway station area

Arrive and enjoy easy dinner options near the station with plenty of family-friendly restaurants open until 9pm.
NZD35, 1h
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Day 6: Kaikoura Wildlife Adventure

Kaikoura, New Zealand on January 17, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at The Little Bistro

Delight in locally sourced breakfast foods that kids find tasty and healthy.
NZD22, 1h

9:00am

Seal Colony Visit

Visit the nearby seal colony, where you can watch playful fur seals in their natural habitat. Free to visit anytime.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Whale Watching Tour

Join a family-friendly whale watching tour (check age restrictions), starting at 11am and lasting about 3 hours, to spot majestic marine life.
NZD140, 3h

3:30pm

Lunch at The Pier Hotel

Enjoy a variety of non-seafood options along with fresh meals at this iconic Kaikoura spot.
NZD30, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Green Dolphin Restaurant

Casual family dining with a varied menu focusing on meat and vegetarian options as well as seafood, so non-seafood options are readily available.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Christchurch Sights

Christchurch, New Zealand on January 18, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Experience fun and quirky breakfast at C1 Espresso, with innovative food and coffee, great for families.
NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Christchurch Tram Ride

Take a heritage tram around the city’s key sights, fun and easy for children. Operates daily 9am to 5pm.
NZD25, 1h

11:00am

Visit Orana Wildlife Park

Experience New Zealand’s only open-range zoo with close encounters with exotic animals. Open from 9am to 5pm.
NZD42, 3h

3:00pm

Relax in Hagley Park and Playground

Visit Hagley Park’s large open spaces and playground area for children to enjoy outdoor activities.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy quality family dining with a varied menu and relaxed setting.
NZD45, 1h30m
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Day 8: Lake Tekapo Relaxation

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand on January 19, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Astro Café

Start with a light breakfast in the iconic Astro Café with beautiful views over the lake.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Explore Lake Tekapo Lakeside Park and Playground

Enjoy the playground and open spaces by the lake with plenty of room for kids to play and picnic.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Tekapo Springs Pools

Enjoy the family-friendly thermal pools and water slides open from 10am to 8pm, great for kids to splash and have fun.
NZD27, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Reflections Café & Restaurant

Dine lakeside offering delicious meals with kid-friendly options and relaxing atmosphere.
NZD30, 1h

3:00pm

Relax in the lakefront park

Let kids enjoy the playground and open park by Lake Tekapo, perfect downtime before dinner.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mackenzies Café Bar & Grill

Casual dining with fresh, local ingredients and a welcoming family atmosphere.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Mount Cook Family Adventure

Mount Cook Village, New Zealand on January 20, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Old Mountaineers' Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast historic to Mount Cook, with options appealing to children’s tastes.
NZD22, 1h

9:00am

Walk Hooker Valley Track

Take an easy and stunning family-friendly walk with spectacular views of snow-capped Mount Cook. The track is well maintained and kid-friendly.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel Café

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with spectacular mountain views and kids options on their menu.
NZD30, 1h

3:00pm

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Explore exhibits about the region’s greatest explorer and mountain history, great for curious kids. Open 9am-5pm.
NZD20, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mueller Hut Café

Casual dinner at the café offering simple, family-friendly meals with great views.
NZD35, 1h30m
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Day 10: Queenstown and Departure

Queenstown, New Zealand on January 21, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Vudu Café & Larder

Kick off your Queenstown day with fresh, delicious, and wholesome breakfast fare that kids love.
NZD22, 1h

9:00am

Queenstown Gardens Walk and Playground

Leisurely stroll through the Gardens and enjoy the well-equipped playground, great for young children.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Skyline Gondola Ride

Take the gondola for breathtaking views and some fun on the luge rides suitable for kids from 3 years up. Opens from 9am to 9pm.
NZD45, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Fergbaker

Enjoy hearty, hand-crafted pies and baked goods with kid-friendly varieties perfect for a quick, tasty lunch.
NZD20, 1h

3:00pm

Relax by Lake Wakatipu

Spend some calm moments at the lakefront before wrapping up your trip, letting kids play or feeding ducks.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at Flame Bar and Grill

Final dinner enjoying family-friendly steakhouse favourites and child menus in a cosy environment.
NZD50, 1h30m
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