Itinerary

A 9-day adventure in New Zealand's North Island sounds like a fantastic family getaway! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances fun, relaxation, and exploration. I’ll include some family-friendly activities and accommodation suggestions along the way.

## Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Morning:

• Fly from Melbourne to Auckland. The flight is about 3 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to settle in.

Afternoon:

• Check into a family-friendly hotel like the Novotel Auckland Airport or SkyCity Hotel. Both are centrally located and offer great amenities.
• After settling in, take a stroll around the Viaduct Harbour. Grab a bite at one of the many family-friendly restaurants.

Evening:

• Head to the Sky Tower for stunning views of the city at sunset. The kids will love the glass floor!

## Day 2: Explore Auckland

Morning:

• Visit the Auckland Zoo. It’s a great place for kids to see native and exotic animals.

Afternoon:

• Head to Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium. The underwater tunnel is a hit with families!

Evening:

• Dinner at Wynyard Quarter. There are plenty of casual dining options, and the waterfront views are lovely.

## Day 3: Rotorua Adventure

Morning:

• Drive to Rotorua (about 3 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Afternoon:

• Check into a family-friendly accommodation like Holiday Inn Rotorua or Rydges Rotorua.
• Visit Te Puia to see geysers and learn about Maori culture. The kids will love the bubbling mud pools!

Evening:

• Enjoy a traditional hangi dinner and cultural performance at Tamaki Maori Village. It’s a memorable experience for the whole family!

## Day 4: Rotorua Fun

Morning:

• Spend the morning at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. The kids can see kiwi birds and enjoy the splash pad!

Afternoon:

• Head to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The colorful geothermal features are fascinating, but keep an eye on the little ones!

Evening:

• Relax at your hotel or explore the local eateries for dinner.

## Day 5: Taupo and Tongariro National Park

Morning:

• Drive to Taupo (about 1 hour). Stop at Huka Falls on the way for a quick photo op.

Afternoon:

• Check into a family-friendly hotel like Hilton Lake Taupo.
• Spend the afternoon at Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs. The kids will love the thermal pools!

Evening:

• Dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Enjoy the sunset over Lake Taupo.

## Day 6: Tongariro National Park

Morning:

• Take a day trip to Tongariro National Park. If your family is up for it, consider the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (it’s a full day hike, so make sure the kids are ready for it!). Alternatively, you can do shorter walks like the Tawhai Falls walk.

Afternoon:

• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the park.

Evening:

• Return to Taupo for a relaxing evening. Maybe a movie night in your hotel?

## Day 7: Waitomo Caves and Hamilton

Morning:

• Drive to Waitomo (about 2 hours). Explore the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The boat ride through the glowworm-lit caves is magical!

Afternoon:

• Head to Hamilton (about 1 hour). Check into a family-friendly hotel like Novotel Hamilton Tainui.
• Visit the Hamilton Gardens. The themed gardens are beautiful and great for a family stroll.

Evening:

• Dinner in Hamilton. Try The Sugar Bowl for a casual family meal.

## Day 8: Back to Auckland

Morning:

• Drive back to Auckland (about 1.5 hours).

Afternoon:

• Visit Auckland War Memorial Museum. It’s educational and has great exhibits for kids.

Evening:

• Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Glasshouse or Orbit 360° Dining in the Sky Tower for a unique dining experience.

## Day 9: Departure

Morning:

• Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a visit to Auckland Domain for a leisurely walk.

Afternoon:

• Head to the airport for your flight back to Melbourne.

Accommodation Summary:

• Auckland: Novotel Auckland Airport or SkyCity Hotel
• Rotorua: Holiday Inn Rotorua or Rydges Rotorua
• Taupo: Hilton Lake Taupo
• Hamilton: Novotel Hamilton Tainui

This itinerary offers a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, perfect for a family trip! Enjoy your time in New Zealand, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌏✈️