15 day itinerary
New Zealand
Personalized with:I want to travel at a relaxed paceMake it family friendlyInclude parks and green spaces
Itinerary
New Zealand is a stunning destination with breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Here’s a relaxed 15-day itinerary that includes parks, green spaces, and fun for the whole family. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
- Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Settle into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the , a large park with beautiful gardens and the . Kids will love the interactive exhibits!
- Evening: Stroll along the waterfront at and enjoy a family dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Day 2: Explore Auckland
- Morning: Head to to see penguins and sharks.
- Afternoon: Visit the , which is home to over 140 species. The kids will love the interactive exhibits!
- Evening: Relax at the nearby , where you can have a picnic and watch the ducks.
Day 3: Day Trip to
- Morning: Take a ferry to . Enjoy the scenic views!
- Afternoon: Explore the island’s beautiful beaches and parks. is perfect for a family day out. You can also visit a vineyard for lunch (many have kid-friendly options).
- Evening: Return to Auckland and have a quiet evening.
Day 4: Drive to Rotorua
- Morning: Drive to Rotorua (about 3 hours). Stop at the in Matamata on the way for a guided tour.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Rotorua and check into your accommodation. Visit the for a leisurely walk.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maori cultural experience and dinner at .
Day 5: Explore Rotorua
- Morning: Visit to see geysers and mud pools. The kids will love the geothermal wonders!
- Afternoon: Head to the for a picnic and some playground fun.
- Evening: Relax at the , where you can soak in the thermal pools while the kids enjoy the family-friendly areas.
Day 6: Drive to Taupo
- Morning: Drive to Taupo (about 1 hour). Stop at for a quick visit.
- Afternoon: Spend time at . You can rent bikes or take a leisurely walk along the lakefront.
- Evening: Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant and enjoy the sunset.
Day 7: Explore
- Morning: Take a day trip to . Enjoy family-friendly walks like the .
- Afternoon: Have a picnic in the park and enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Evening: Return to Taupo for a relaxing evening.
Day 8: Drive to Wellington
- Morning: Drive to Wellington (about 4.5 hours). Stop at the charming town of Martinborough for lunch.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Wellington and visit the . Take the cable car for stunning views!
- Evening: Explore the waterfront and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.
Day 9: Explore Wellington
- Morning: Visit , the national museum. It’s interactive and great for kids!
- Afternoon: Head to , a wildlife sanctuary where you can see native birds and enjoy walking trails.
- Evening: Relax at your accommodation or explore more of the waterfront.
Day 10: Ferry to the South Island
- Morning: Take the ferry from Wellington to Picton. Enjoy the scenic views of the Marlborough Sounds.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Picton and explore the town. Visit the and enjoy the parks.
- Evening: Have dinner in Picton and relax.
Day 11: Drive to Nelson
- Morning: Drive to Nelson (about 1.5 hours). Stop at the beautiful on the way.
- Afternoon: Spend the day at Abel Tasman, enjoying the beaches and walking trails. You can also take a short kayak tour if the kids are up for it!
- Evening: Return to Nelson for dinner.
Day 12: Explore Nelson
- Morning: Visit the (if it’s a Saturday) for local crafts and food.
- Afternoon: Head to the nearby for some fun in the sun. There’s a great playground for the kids!
- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner in Nelson.
Day 13: Drive to Franz Josef
- Morning: Drive to Franz Josef (about 4.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the West Coast.
- Afternoon: Arrive and check into your accommodation. Visit the .
- Evening: Have a relaxed dinner and enjoy the mountain views.
Day 14: Explore Franz Josef
- Morning: Take a family-friendly guided walk to the glacier viewpoint. It’s a great way to experience the stunning scenery.
- Afternoon: Visit the nearby hot pools for a relaxing soak.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening at your accommodation.
Day 15: Drive to Christchurch
- Morning: Drive to Christchurch (about 5 hours). Stop at Hokitika for a quick visit to the beach and jade shops.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Christchurch and explore the Botanic Gardens. The kids will love the playgrounds!
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner in the city and reflect on your amazing trip!
Tips for Your Trip:
- Car Rental: Consider renting a family-friendly vehicle for flexibility.
- Pacing: Feel free to adjust the itinerary based on your family’s interests and energy levels.
- Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially in the South Island.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in New Zealand! Enjoy your adventure! 🌏✨