Itinerary for 14 day trip to Nouvelle Zelande

New Zealand is a fantastic destination for families, with its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and a plethora of activities that cater to all ages. Here’s a fun and family-friendly 14-day itinerary that will keep everyone entertained and create lasting memories!

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Settle into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Explore the . Grab lunch at one of the many family-friendly cafes.
Evening: Visit the for panoramic views of the city. Kids will love the glass floor!

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

Morning: Drive to Rotorua (about 3 hours). Stop at in Matamata on the way for a magical tour of the movie set.
Afternoon: Arrive in Rotorua. Visit the Te Puia geothermal park to see geysers and mud pools.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maori cultural experience and dinner at a hangi feast.

Day 3: Rotorua Adventures

Morning: Visit the for a gondola ride and luge. The kids will have a blast!
Afternoon: Relax at the , where you can soak in thermal pools while the kids enjoy the family-friendly areas.
Evening: Stroll around the lakefront and enjoy some ice cream.

Day 4: Rotorua to Taupo

Morning: Drive to Taupo (about 1 hour). Stop at for a quick photo op.
Afternoon: Spend the day at Taupo’s lakefront. Rent bikes or go for a walk along the scenic trails.
Evening: Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant and watch the sunset.

Day 5: Taupo to

Morning: Head to (about 1 hour). Check into your accommodation.
Afternoon: Take a family-friendly hike, like the , which is about 6 km round trip.
Evening: Enjoy a cozy family dinner at your lodge.

Day 6:

All Day: Spend the day exploring the park. If the kids are up for it, consider a shorter section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Otherwise, enjoy more easy hikes and the stunning scenery.
Evening: Relax and share stories about your adventures over dinner.

Day 7: Tongariro to Wellington

Morning: Drive to Wellington (about 4.5 hours). Stop for lunch in a charming town along the way.
Afternoon: Visit the , which is very interactive and great for kids.
Evening: Explore the waterfront and have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant.

Day 8: Wellington to (Ferry to South Island)

Morning: Take the ferry from Wellington to (about 3 hours). Enjoy the stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.
Afternoon: Arrive in and explore the town. Consider a short walk or a boat tour.
Evening: Have dinner in and rest up for the next adventure.

Day 9: to Nelson

Morning: Drive to Nelson (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon: Visit the (if it’s a Saturday) or explore the local beaches.
Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at a local eatery.

Day 10:

All Day: Take a day trip to . You can kayak, take a boat tour, or hike part of the coastal track. The beaches are perfect for a picnic!
Evening: Return to Nelson for dinner and relaxation.

Day 11: Nelson to Franz Josef

Morning: Drive to Franz Josef (about 5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the West Coast.
Afternoon: Arrive and check into your accommodation. Explore the small town and visit the for a relaxing soak.
Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12:

All Day: Take a family-friendly guided glacier walk or a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers. The views are breathtaking!
Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner and share your glacier stories.

Day 13: Franz Josef to

Morning: Drive to (about 4 hours). Stop at the stunning along the way.
Afternoon: Arrive in and take a ride on the Skyline Gondola for amazing views.
Evening: Have dinner in the vibrant town center.

Day 14: Adventures

All Day: Choose from a variety of family-friendly activities: go bungee jumping (for the brave!), take a jet boat ride, or visit the .
Evening: Celebrate your last night with a special dinner at a restaurant with a view.

Departure Day

Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a last stroll around or a quick visit to nearby before heading to the airport.

This itinerary balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, ensuring that every family member has a fantastic time. Enjoy your trip to New Zealand! 🌏✈️