14 day itinerary
New Zealand
Personalized with:Make it family friendly
Itinerary
New Zealand is a fantastic destination for families, with stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and plenty of activities that everyone can enjoy. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 14-day itinerary that will take you through some of the best spots in both the North and South Islands. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
- Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Settle into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the . It’s a great place for kids to see native wildlife and exotic animals.
- Evening: Head to the for dinner with a view. The revolving restaurant is a hit with families!
Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua
- Morning: Drive to Rotorua (about 3 hours). Stop at on the way for a magical tour of the movie set.
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation in Rotorua. Visit the and learn about Maori culture.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance at .
Day 3: Rotorua Adventures
- Morning: Visit to see geysers and mud pools. The kids will love the bubbling mud!
- Afternoon: Head to the for a gondola ride and luge. It’s a thrilling experience for the whole family!
- Evening: Relax at the , where you can soak in the thermal pools.
Day 4: Rotorua to Taupo
- Morning: Drive to Taupo (about 1 hour). Stop at for a quick photo op.
- Afternoon: Enjoy some family-friendly activities like a boat cruise on or visit the .
- Evening: Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 5: Taupo to Wellington
- Morning: Drive to Wellington (about 4.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is interactive and great for kids.
- Evening: Explore the waterfront and grab dinner at one of the family-friendly eateries.
Day 6: Wellington Exploration
- Morning: Take the cable car to the . Kids will love the playground there!
- Afternoon: Visit the to see some unique animals, including the famous Kiwi.
- Evening: Enjoy a family movie night at the , a historic cinema.
Day 7: Wellington to Picton (Ferry to South Island)
- Morning: Take the ferry from Wellington to Picton (about 3 hours). Enjoy the stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.
- Afternoon: Explore Picton. You can take a short walk or visit the .
- Evening: Have dinner in Picton and relax.
Day 8: Picton to Nelson
- Morning: Drive to Nelson (about 1.5 hours). Stop at the beautiful for a family-friendly hike or beach time.
- Afternoon: Explore Nelson’s local markets (if it’s a Saturday) or visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner in Nelson.
Day 9: Nelson to Franz Josef
- Morning: Drive to Franz Josef (about 5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the West Coast.
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and take a short walk to the lookout.
- Evening: Have a cozy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10: Glacier Adventures
- Morning: Take a family-friendly guided glacier walk or a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers.
- Afternoon: Visit the for a relaxing soak.
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner and share stories about your glacier adventures!
Day 11: Franz Josef to Queenstown
- Morning: Drive to Queenstown (about 4.5 hours). Stop at the stunning Lake Wanaka for a picnic.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Queenstown and explore the town. Take a ride on the for breathtaking views.
- Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in Queenstown.
Day 12: Queenstown Adventures
- Morning: Go for a family-friendly adventure like the or a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
- Afternoon: Visit the to see New Zealand’s iconic bird.
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner and maybe catch a movie at the local cinema.
Day 13: Queenstown to
- Morning: Take a day trip to (about 4 hours each way). The drive is stunning, so make sure to stop for photos!
- Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic cruise on . Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals!
- Evening: Return to Queenstown for a late dinner.
Day 14: Departure from Queenstown
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure flight.
Tips for Traveling with Family:
- Always check the weather and pack accordingly.
- Make sure to have snacks and entertainment for the kids during drives.
- Consider booking accommodations with family-friendly amenities.
- Be flexible with your plans; sometimes the best memories come from unexpected adventures!
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in New Zealand with your family! Enjoy your trip! 🌏✈️