1 Week in New Zealand - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Adventure in New Zealand: Jet Boats, Whale Safaris & Māori Culture

This exciting one-week adventure is perfect for families visiting New Zealand for the first time as it takes you on a tour of the highlights of the North and South Islands. See whales and dolphins on a nature tour in Auckland, enjoy a visit to the Hobbiton movie set, then travel to Queenstown and Wānaka in the South Island for thrilling water sports.

Head straight into the city of Auckland to bungee jump off the Sky Tower. Alternatively, take a more relaxed approach to your first day in New Zealand and board a 40-minute ferry to Waiheke Island to tour its many wineries and beaches. Back in Auckland, depart for a half-day dolphin and whale watching tour from Viaduct Basin on Day 3—fun for the whole family. Spot whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, and sharks frolicking in the water. Later that day, the athletes in the family will enjoy the All Blacks Experience for an afternoon of sports memorabilia and trivia. See the haka in full force and learn about some of the most famous moments in rugby history.

Day 3 takes you to Rotorua, stopping at Hobbiton and the Te Pā Tū Māori village first. Children and adults will marvel at the geothermal wonders at Te Puia Springs, where you can see the Pohutu Geyser erupt 100 feet (30 m) into the sky up to 20 times a day. Spend the afternoon zip lining, riding the Luge or Skyline Gondola, or braving the high-adrenaline swing. Fly to Queenstown on Day 5 to participate in more exciting activities such as bungee jumping, hiking, or mountain biking. Then board a jet boat in Mount Aspiring National Park the next day and zoom through the glacial rivers before enjoying a final gourmet dinner together. Learn more

Itinerary #2: New Zealand Family Road Trip: South Island Mountains & Lakes

This seven-day New Zealand family road trip focuses on the highlights of the South Island, such as Christchurch, Tekapo, and Queenstown. Kids and adults alike will relish in the Tekapo Springs Hot Pools, and the Penguin Place Tour in Dunedin provides an educational and fun experience for the whole family.

Let the kids blow off steam after a long flight with a visit to Hagley Park or the Botanical Gardens in Christchurch, then let their imaginations run wild at the International Antarctic Centre. Bundle the family into your rental car and make your way to Lake Tekapo, arriving at Tekapo Springs Hot Pools to relax and unwind after the long drive. The whole family will marvel at the spectacle that is Mount Cook Village and Aoraki, the tallest mountain peak in New Zealand. Continue toward Dunedin, stopping to frolic on the beach at the Moeraki Boulders.

In Dunedin, head to the Otago Peninsula to see wild penguins, sea lions, and fur seals before exploring Larnach Castle, the only one in New Zealand. Next, visit Penguin Place to learn about the endangered hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin). Drive to Queenstown, breaking up the journey at the Alexandra Museum to discover more about the historic Otago Goldfields gold rush. Ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere, or soar down the hillside on the Skyline Luge before boarding the nostalgic TSS Earnslaw steamship to the Walter Peak High Country Farm for dinner. Learn more

Itinerary #3: New Zealand North Island Family Adventure: Dolphins, Glowworms & Hobbiton

This weeklong family-friendly holiday of the North Island is perfect for kids and adults who enjoy adventure, nature, and wildlife. Spot dolphins and whales in Auckland, visit the magical creatures of Hobbiton and spy mysterious glowworms in Waitomo.

Land in Auckland and head straight to Mount Eden for impressive city views. Combine a sophisticated dining experience with dizzying heights as you enjoy the panoramic vista from the rotating restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower. Watch the kids' faces light up as they spot dolphins, sharks, whales, turtles, fur seals, and birds on a nature tour from Auckland's Viaduct Basin the next day. Then get the ferry to Waiheke Island and take the Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour to see the island's sprawling forests, vineyards, and beaches. Pick up your rental car on Day 3 and travel toward the Waikato region.

Fans of all ages of the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy will love a visit to Hobbiton to explore the real-life Shire. Spend a morning at the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal region and marvel at the otherworldly nature found within the volcanic hot springs and lakes. Ride the Skyline Gondola and Luge in Rotorua and choose an optional visit to the Polynesian Spa if you're able to find a babysitter for the evening. Continue to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves to see the ethereal creatures in their natural habitat, then make your way back to Auckland for a final family dinner cruise before departing New Zealand. Learn more

Itinerary #4: New Zealand South Island Family Trip: Nature, Thrills & Culture

Another family trip dedicated to the South Island delights, this seven-day round-trip from Queenstown takes you on a river safari in Mount Aspiring National Park to the Glowworm Caves in the Waikato region, with stops in Te Anau and Milford Sound along the way.

Begin in the adventure capital of Queenstown. Take to the skies on the Skyline Gondola or jump in the Shotover Jet Boat for a thrilling ride. Hop in a Wilderness Jet Boat for a quick spin on the morning of Day 2, then journey to Mount Aspiring National Park, where adults can appreciate the spectacular scenery and kids can spot famous filming locations from "The Lord of the Rings." Head into the Te Anau glowworm caves and learn about the fascinating history of the 12,000-year-old underground cave network. A Milford Sound cruise will delight kids and parents as you glide across the tranquil water and spot wild dolphins and seals.

Depart Fiordland National Park and make your way toward Wānaka. Stop at the vintage steam train in Kingston and Kawarau Gorge on the way, then head straight to the Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve once you arrive in Wānaka. Pay a visit to the Wānaka Lavender Farm later that day if you have time to sample delicious lavender and honey ice cream or sip on a mug of refreshing herbal tea. The Wānaka National Transport and Toy Museum is an excellent stop for the whole family as it combines history with entertaining toys. Enjoy one last family meal at the Walter Peak High Country Farm on your final full day before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Family Fun on New Zealand's North Island: Wildlife, Culture & Hobbiton

Another seven-day itinerary that concentrates on New Zealand's North Island, this time with a focus on the abundant wildlife and nature at the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. The whole family will also experience the magic of the Hobbiton Movie Set before spending a day in Auckland.

Your first day in Auckland takes you to the Sky Tower, the Domain child-friendly park, and a scenic cruise around the harbor. In Waikato, you have the choice to go on the longest underground walking tour in Ruakuri Cave or opt for a calming boat trip to see the resident glowworms. Nature-centered families will appreciate the activities on Day 3 as you stroll through Rainbow Springs park and visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre to learn about this endangered native species. The Redwoods Nightlights is your activity for the evening, taking you across the 28 suspension bridges through the mighty forest.

Drive one hour to Tauranga on Day 4 and hike to the top of Mount Maunganui for the incredible town and harbor views. Then venture to McLaren Falls and Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park in the afternoon to encounter more bountiful nature and domestic wildlife such as sheep, deer, birds, and pigs. Families who are fans of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy will enjoy a full-day tour at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can explore the real-life filming locations of this fantastical world. On your way back to Auckland, visit the Waihi Gold Experience at the Discovery Centre for a little family fun to learn about the history of gold in the area. Learn more 

More Great 7-Day New Zealand itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Check out these other seven-day New Zealand itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.