2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: North to South New Zealand Family Trip

This two-week adventure is perfect for first-time visitors to the country as it takes you and your family on a highlights tour of the North and South Islands. Experience Auckland's city skyline from the Sky Tower, take a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set in Rotorua, ride the cable car in Wellington, then journey to the South Island to enjoy a river safari in Queenstown, the hot springs in Lake Tekapo, and a dolphin tour from Christchurch.

Land in Auckland, and if the kids of energy to burn, hike Mount Eden, take a boat to nearby Waiheke Island, or head to the top of the Sky Tower. Collect your rental car and explore the Coromandel Peninsula before driving to Rotorua. Fans of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogies will enjoy a tour of the movie set in Hobbiton, whereas nature-centered families will marvel at the wonders of Waitomo Caves. Zip line through the treetops of the Rotorua Redwoods, then indulge in a three-course hākari (feast) at Te Pa Tu Māori village. Continue to Tongariro National Park and hike the child-friendly Taranaki Falls Loop. 

Visit Taumarunui to travel along the Forgotten World Railway and stop at Lauren's Lavender Farm for a romp in the fields. Spend two nights in Wellington. Ride the cable car, visit the Space Place at Carter Observatory, and spend a few hours in the Zealandia wildlife eco-sanctuary. Fly to Queenstown, where older children can enjoy thrilling activities such as sky diving and bungee jumping. Take a family jet boat ride in Mount Aspiring National Park, then venture to the Aqua Play Area in Tekapo Springs. Admire the night sky from Mount John Observatory before a memorable dolphin tour in Akaroa. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Nature-Packed New Zealand Family Road Trip: Wellington & the South Island

This nature-centered and kid-friendly road trip focuses on the classic highlights of New Zealand's South Island. Begin with a two-day adventure in the capital of Wellington on the North Island, then spend the next twelve days whale watching in Kaikōura, soaking in the hot pools in Tekapo, and riding the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown.

Begin your adventure in Wellington at the Te Papa Museum, ride the cable car, and let the kids blow off steam in the Botanic Gardens. Take the Interislander ferry to Picton, drive through the wineries in Marlborough and arrive in Kaikōura. With the kids in tow, board a scenic flight to see whales from above or opt for a sightseeing cruise instead. Families with children over the age of eight can also enjoy swimming with dolphins. For an educational trip, visit the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch before continuing the fun at the Children's Bay animal sculpture path. 

Drive to Tekapo and visit the Cheese Factory at Barry's Bay, soak in the thermal hot pools and saunas at Tekapo Springs, and spend the evening spotting the Milky Way on a stargazing expedition. Gather the crew and head to Mount Cook Village and spend Days 8 and 9 in the breathtaking national park. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, take a boat trip around Tasman Glacier, and conclude with a scenic flight over Aoraki National Park. Travel through Twizel on your way to Wanaka and let the kids feed the animals and indulge in delicious ice cream at Wānaka Lavender Farm. Learn more

Itinerary #3: New Zealand Family Explorer from North to South

Perfect for families looking to squeeze every moment out of their trip, this carefully planned two-week itinerary offers the best of both the North and South Islands. It swaps out Tongariro National Park, Wellington, and Lake Tekapo for Taupō, Napier, Mount Cook Village, and Franz Josef / Waiau. Kids and adults alike are sure to enjoy the Waipa Mountain Bike Park and the Mitai Māori Village on the North Island, whereas families seeking a more adventurous itinerary will relish the thrilling activities such as a heli-flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and a ride on the TranzAlpine train in the South.

Head straight on a whale and dolphin-watching safari in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park from Auckland. Drive south to Rotorua, pay a visit to Hobbiton, then spend the evening learning about Māori culture at the Mitai Maori Village. Catering to families passionate about the great outdoors, choose from a relaxed walk along the Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest or venture on an action-packed day in the Waipa Mountain Bike Park. Admire the geothermal wonders at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then travel to Napier for an Art Deco tour or a visit to the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Fly to Christchurch and, depending on the family's interests, run off steam in Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, or the Margaret Mahy Playground. Journey to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and embark on several hiking trails suitable for all abilities. In Queenstown, consider a bungee jump over the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge or soar above the city on the Skyline Gondola. Take a heli-flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, then drive to Greymouth to catch the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch. Voyage through Arthur's Pass National Park and the Canterbury Plains before departing New Zealand. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Nature & Culture Trip in the North Island

This two-week itinerary is dedicated solely to the highlights of the North Island, focusing on the abundant nature and culture that can be seen on a whale watching tour in Auckland, a kayaking excursion in the Coromandel, and at the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonder. The whole family can learn about and soak up the fantastic Māori culture of New Zealand with a Mitai cultural dinner in Rotorua and exciting Māori rock carvings in Taupō.

Explore the Viaduct Harbour, the child-friendly New Zealand Maritime Museum, and the Waitemata Harbour in Auckland. On a wildlife cruise in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, spot whales, dolphins, and seabirds, before making your way into the Waitakere Ranges to spot more dramatic nature spots such as waterfalls, black-sand beaches, and mountain landscapes. Snap some pictures at Cathedral Cove and help the kids dig their own thermal pool at Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel. In Rotorua, see the sulfur pools, rippling mud baths, and erupting geysers at Te Puia Springs, then tour the Redwoods Nightlights.

Kids and adults will love the exciting natural landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, as well as the Craters of the Moon geothermal reserve near Lake Taupō. Train fanatics of any age will enjoy a journey along the Forgotten World Railway, and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate a sunset walk in Tongariro National Park to finish the day. Conclude the trip with a visit to the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary, a tour of the Wētā Workshop to see your favorite characters from "The Lord of the Rings," and a ride on the cable car to Kelburn Lookout in Wellington before leaving New Zealand. Learn more

Itinerary #5: New Zealand Family Nature & Wildlife Tour: Christchurch to Queenstown

Ideal for animal-loving families looking to immerse themselves in the vast and varied landscapes of New Zealand's South Island, this 14-day nature and wildlife tour offers the chance to swim with dolphins and play with penguins in Christchurch, a brilliant stargazing opportunity in Lake Tekapo, and the chance to spot rare and elusive kiwi birds near Queenstown. 

Arrive in Christchurch and enjoy a trifecta of top sights: the gondola, the tram, and punting on the Avon River / Ōtākaro. In the evening, learn about Māori culture at the Ko Tane Living Māori Village. Embark on a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and visit the little penguin colony in Pohatu—sure to delight the whole gang. Then drive through Mackenzie Country toward Lake Tekapo to go stargazing. Kids will enjoy the many farm animals at Braemar Station, and adults can relax in Tekapo Springs. Pass through Ōmarama and the Moeraki Boulders on your way to Dunedin, where kids can stretch their legs at the Botanic Gardens after the long drive.

Board a wildlife cruise around Taiaroa Head and spot royal albatross, fur seals, dolphins, sea lions, and more. Explore the only castle in New Zealand, Larnach Castle, and conclude the day with a visit to Penguin Place to see the rarest penguin in the world. Pile into the car and drive to Te Anau on Day 9 via the Catlins and Invercargill, then take a Milford Sound Cruise to see the mighty Mitre Peak and an abundance of wildlife. Journey to Queenstown, ride the luge and conclude your holiday with a ride on the TSS Earnslaw, stopping at the Walter Peak High Country Farm for dinner. Learn more

More Great 2-Week New Zealand itineraries

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