New Zealand is a beautiful country that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for families. From stunning landscapes and adventure sports to cultural attractions and wildlife encounters, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy.
While there are many pre-planned itineraries available, we recommend going for a customized trip. A tailor-made trip allows you to design your own itinerary based on your interests and preferences and can be more flexible and enjoyable for the whole family.
So, without further ado, here is our recommended 10-day itinerary for a family adventure in New Zealand:
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and spend the day exploring the city. Some must-see attractions include the Sky Tower, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and the Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. In the evening, take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants.
Day 2: South of Auckland
Head to the Waitomo Caves, located about 2 hours south of Auckland. The Waitomo Caves are home to the famous Glowworm Grotto, where you can take a boat ride through the underground tunnels and see the glowing worms in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit the Huka Falls, where you can take a short hike to the lookout point for breathtaking views of the waterfall.
Check out: 10 Day Itinerary with Auckland
Day 3: Rotorua
Travel to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Spend the day exploring the geothermal parks and trying out the various activities on offers, such as the Polynesian Spa or the Skyline Gondola. In the evening, attend a Maori cultural performance and feast at a traditional Maori village.
Day 4: Bay of Plenty
Head to the Bay of Plenty and visit the Tauranga Domain, a beautiful park with a wide range of activities such as mini golf, a playground, and a paddling pool. In the afternoon, visit Mount Maunganui beach and take a walk up to the summit of Mount Maunganui for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Day 5: Coromandel Peninsula
Travel to the Coromandel Peninsula, located on the east coast of the North Island. Spend the day exploring the beautiful beaches and forests of the peninsula, and visit the Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand.
Day 6: South Island
Fly to the South Island and spend the day exploring the city of Christchurch. Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, and the Christchurch Art Gallery. In the evening, take a stroll through the trendy Re:START Mall, made out of shipping containers.
Day 7: West Coast
Head to the West Coast and visit the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Take a guided tour of the glacier and explore the surrounding rainforest. In the evening, relax in the hot pools at the Glacier Hot Pools.
Day 8: Queenstown
Drive to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Spend the day trying out the various activities on offer, such as bungee jumping, sky diving, or white water rafting. In the evening, take a ride on the Skyline Gondola for stunning views of the town and surrounding mountains.
Check out this itinerary featuring Queenstown
Day 9: Milford Sound
Visit the beautiful Milford Sound, located in the Fiordland National Park. Take a boat tour of the sound and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. In the evening, relax at your hotel and enjoy a delicious meal.
Day 10: Christchurch
Head back to Christchurch and spend the day exploring the city. Visit the International Antarctic Centre, where you can experience what it’s like to live and work in Antarctica. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the city’s many restaurants.
See this itinerary for Christchurch
That concludes our 10-day itinerary for a family adventure in New Zealand. Some highlights of the itinerary include visiting the Waitomo Caves, exploring the geothermal parks of Rotorua, visiting the Coromandel Peninsula and its beautiful beaches, taking a guided tour of the Franz Josef Glacier, trying out adventure sports in Queenstown, and experiencing life in Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre.
We hope you enjoyed our recommendations and that this itinerary inspires you to plan your own tailor-made trip to New Zealand with your family. If you need more help, you can contact our in-destination experts in New Zealand to help you plan your trip. Happy travels!
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