Relaxed 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
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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
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Day 3: Taupo Nature & Leisure

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

Leisure Time at Lake Taupo Waterfront

Spend a relaxing afternoon at Lake Taupo’s waterfront, with playgrounds and cafés, allowing kids some play and adults to unwind.
Free, 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
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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
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Day 5: Rotorua Leisure Day

Rotorua, New Zealand on January 16, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Atticus Finch

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast with fresh, wholesome options in a family-friendly setting.
NZD22, 1h

10:00am

Kuirau Park Geothermal Reserve

Spend a relaxing morning wandering this free public park with bubbling mud pools and warm foot pools, safe and fun for kids.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café 1909

Enjoy a cosy meal with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of options for children and adults alike.
NZD25, 1h

1:30pm

Rotorua Museum & Government Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Government Gardens and visit the Rotorua Museum area (check if museum exhibitions are open at that time).
NZD15, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Lake Rotorua Reserve Playground

Let the kids unwind in a safe playground setting beside the lake while adults relax nearby.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Lime Restaurant & Bar

Casual and modern dining spot with plenty of kid-friendly menu choices and relaxing ambiance.
NZD40, 1h30m
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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