10-Day Family-Friendly North Island New Zealand Road Trip from Sydney with Kids

Day 1: Arrival and Auckland Fun

Auckland, New Zealand on January 12, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at The Pantry

Start your adventure with a healthy and kid-friendly breakfast featuring freshly baked pastries and smoothies at The Pantry.
NZD25, 1h

10:00am

Visit Auckland Zoo

Explore Auckland Zoo’s diverse animal exhibits, perfect for young kids, open from 9am to 5pm daily.
NZD30, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Little & Friday

Enjoy a relaxed and fresh lunch with excellent kid-friendly menu options at Little & Friday café.
NZD20, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Auckland Domain & Wintergardens

Walk through the beautiful Auckland Domain and visit the Wintergardens' tropical displays, a calm and scenic stop suitable for families.
Free, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at The Blue Breeze Inn

Dine on Polynesian-inspired dishes with plenty of family-friendly, non-seafood choices at The Blue Breeze Inn.
NZD40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Hobbiton & Rotorua Discovery

Hobbiton & Rotorua, New Zealand on January 13, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Leisure Lodge Café

Enjoy wholesome pancakes and fresh fruit at Leisure Lodge Café before heading to Hobbiton.
NZD20, 1h

8:30am

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Experience the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set on a guided tour lasting about 2 hours, fun and magical for the whole family.
NZD89, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Shires Rest Café

Enjoy rustic and themed dining with great kid-friendly meal options right on Hobbiton grounds.
NZD25, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Village

Discover geothermal wonders and Māori culture in this living village; tours run 9am-5pm and are educational and fun.
NZD55, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Capers Epicurean

Early family dinner with fresh, wholesome meals and relaxed atmosphere at Capers Epicurean in Rotorua.
NZD40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Taupo Nature & Play

Taupo, New Zealand on January 14, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Vero Espresso Café

Start the day with coffee and light breakfast options perfect for kids at this local café.
NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Huka Falls

Visit the impressive Huka Falls, an easy and accessible walk suitable for children with spectacular waterfall views.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs

Enjoy kid-friendly geothermal pools and slides open from 10am-8pm, great for a splash and relaxation.
NZD20, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Brantry Kitchen + Bar

Family-friendly lunch with a great menu and ample space for young children to feel comfortable.
NZD25, 1h

3:00pm

Family Cycle around Lake Taupo

Rent bikes and enjoy a gentle ride along scenic lakefront paths suitable for kids of various ages.
NZD30, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Plateau Bar and Eatery

Enjoy casual dinner spots boasting lake views with kid-friendly menus and relaxed ambiance.
NZD40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Waitomo Caves & Hamilton

Waitomo & Hamilton, New Zealand on January 15, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at The Milk & Honey Café

Enjoy fresh, wholesome breakfast at this family-friendly spot in Taupo before driving to Waitomo.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Take a magical boat tour through the caves to see thousands of glowworms, fascinating and safe for children. Tours operate from 9am.
NZD55, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Waitomo General Store

Casual and convenient spot with sandwiches and snacks suitable for kids after cave tour.
NZD15, 45m

1:00pm

Drive to Hamilton Gardens

Spend the afternoon exploring the themed Hamilton Gardens, perfect for kids with wide open spaces and beautiful walkways.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Palate Kitchen & Bar Hamilton

Family-friendly dining with contemporary meals and vegetarian options that kids can enjoy.
NZD40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Coromandel Adventures

Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand on January 16, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at the Moon & Tide Café

Enjoy fresh, wholesome breakfast with great options for children near Thames before heading into the Coromandel.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Visit Cathedral Cove

Take the family-friendly walk or boat trip to Cathedral Cove, a stunning coastal spot with sandy beaches and rock formations ideal for kids.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Picnic Lunch at Hahei Beach

Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch on Hahei Beach, offering safe swimming and playground areas for children.
Purchase groceries approx NZD25, 1h30m

2:00pm

Hot Water Beach Experience

Visit Hot Water Beach where kids can dig their own hot pools in the sand during low tide. Check times for low tide (mid afternoon).
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at The Peppertree Restaurant, Whitianga

Casual dining serving family-friendly meals with varied options including vegetarian and meat dishes.
NZD40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Return to Auckland and Leisure

Auckland, New Zealand on January 17, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Honolulu Café

Enjoy a tropical-inspired breakfast tasty for kids, with fresh fruit and pancakes.
NZD22, 1h

10:00am

Journey back to Auckland

Scenic drive back to Auckland, resting and enjoying the views along the way.
Fuel Cost approx NZD50, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Federal Delicatessen

American-style deli with family-friendly casual meals and kid favourites.
NZD25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Auckland Museum

Interactive exhibits showcasing New Zealand’s history and natural wonders; great for kids. Open 10am-5pm.
NZD25, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Soul Bar & Bistro

Relaxed dining with tasty non-seafood options and a welcoming atmosphere for families.
NZD45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Bay of Islands Drive

Bay of Islands, New Zealand on January 18, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Rosie's Café & Larder, Paihia

Enjoy freshly baked goods and kid-friendly hot breakfasts to start the day before exploring.
NZD22, 1h

9:00am

Paihia Waterfront & Kids Playground

Explore the waterfront with its spacious playground, perfect for young children and family relaxation.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Discover New Zealand’s historic birthplace through kid-friendly interactive displays and walks, open 9am-5pm.
NZD30, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Charlotte’s Kitchen

Coastal dining offering fresh, locally made meals with plenty of kid-pleasing options.
NZD30, 1h

3:00pm

Boat Cruise around Bay of Islands

Enjoy a short family-friendly boat trip spotting wildlife with comfortable seating and life jackets for kids. Cruises typically last 1.5 hours.
NZD60, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Duke of Marlborough

Historic venue offering varied menu with good non-seafood options and outdoor seating for kids.
NZD40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Bay of Islands Exploration

Bay of Islands, New Zealand on January 19, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Raglan House Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with freshly made goods and kid-friendly meals.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Haruru Falls

Short walk to beautiful Haruru Falls, an easy, safe stroll for young kids with picnic areas nearby.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Kawakawa’s Hundertwasser Toilets & Art

See the colourful and quirky art installations, a fun and unique stop beloved by children and adults alike.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Coghill Café

Enjoy a casual lunch with fresh ingredients and kid-friendly options in Kawakawa.
NZD25, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Paihia Beach and Playground

Return to Paihia for beach time and playground fun before dinner.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Beach House

Enjoy laid-back dining with a variety of options including plenty of non-seafood dishes for kids.
NZD42, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Auckland Leisure Day

Auckland, New Zealand on January 20, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Amano

Sweet and savoury breakfast options in a stylish setting perfect for families with young children.
NZD25, 1h

10:00am

Visit Butterfly Creek

Interactive wildlife park featuring butterflies, farm animals, and dinosaurs, perfectly suited for children. Open 9am-5pm.
NZD25, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Grounds

Casual family-friendly café offering fresh and tasty meals with plenty of options for kids.
NZD25, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Mission Bay Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the sandy beach with playgrounds and cafes available nearby for families.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cibo

Enjoy an inviting dinner featuring local cuisine with friendly staff and kid-suitable options.
NZD45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure Day

Auckland, New Zealand on January 21, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Best Ugly Bagels

Grab delicious bagels in a variety of flavours as a quick and tasty breakfast before your flight.
NZD15, 45m

9:00am

Leisure Time or Packing

Spend the morning packing or enjoying some last-minute sightseeing or shopping in central Auckland.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Transfer to Auckland Airport

Head to the airport allowing plenty of time for check-in and family-friendly airport facilities.
Transport cost approx NZD50, 1h
View Hotel Availability