Family Fun on New Zealand's North Island: Wildlife, Culture & Hobbiton - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, collect your rental car and spend the rest of the day exploring the city. There are many kid-friendly attractions in New Zealand's largest city, from parks and playgrounds (the large Domain is a good option) to museums (check out the Auckland War Memorial Museum).

There may be time to take a scenic ferry ride on the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. Enjoy views of the Auckland skyline and volcanic islands in the harbor along the way; kids will enjoy keeping their eyes peeled for dolphins. On Waiheke, grown-ups can sample local wine at a winery while the kids play on the grounds.

In the evening, families with older kids will enjoy dining at Orbit 360° Dining, a restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower. It rotates once every hour for panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. The restaurant focuses on local and seasonal produce, with meat and seafood dishes that highlight New Zealand's cuisine in a three-course set menu.

Day 2: Drive to Rotorua, Waitomo Caves Tour

This morning, drive south from Auckland and through the farmland of the Waikato before arriving in the limestone hills of the Waitomo countryside, home to a huge underground network of caves. Choose an activity to suit your family: a gentle boat trip under a canopy of glowworms, the longest underground walking tour in Ruakuri Cave, or thrilling black-water rafting, an underground caving and rafting trip that adventurous kids and adults alike will love.

Continue on a tour of the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave, learning more about Waitomo's history and geology along the way. See glowworms and cave formations up close while appreciating the beauty of Footwhistle Cave (also known to local Māori as Te Anaroa Cave). The solar-powered lights are kept low so you can appreciate the magnificent glowworm displays just inches away. Around a corner lie the bones of one of New Zealand's lost treasures, the ancient moa bird.

Later, drive inland and pass through several small farming towns, such as Otorohanga and Putaruru, before geothermal features signal your arrival in Rotorua. In the evening, if the kids are up for it, attend Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village) for a three-course feast and celebration of dancing, music, and storytelling. It's a great chance to learn more about Māori culture. Dine on a hāngī, a traditional New Zealand Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven called an umu, which is used on special occasions.

Day 3: Rainbow Springs & National Kiwi Hatchery Combo

Today is all about New Zealand's native flora and fauna. Wander the beautiful tree-lined Rainbow Springs park, taking in the flourishing bush, ferns, flowers, and plants. Kids will love coming face-to-face with (and learning more about) New Zealand's precious wildlife. See a spring-fed pool with rainbow, brown, and tiger trout, then visit the on-site aviaries, home to native species such as kea, kaka, tui, kereru, and kiwi. The tuatara lizard, known as New Zealand's living dinosaur, can also be seen here.

 

In the evening, visit Redwoods Nightlights, an ecotourism walk in the middle of Rotorua's redwood forest. Planted in the early 1900s, some of the California redwoods in this area are up to 120 years old. Marvel at the trees' height and the magical glow from 30 lanterns dispersed across 28 suspension bridges hanging up to 65.6 feet (20 m) above the forest floor. Kids can't be carried, so all participants must be able to walk the full 2,296-foot-long (700 m) track unaided. However, several baby and toddler strollers are available to borrow.

In the evening, families with older kids will enjoy a glowworm kayaking adventure. Board your kayak before the sun sets and paddle out to your canyon viewing spot. Then, wait for complete darkness, when thousands of glowworms will come out in full force.

Day 6: Drive to Auckland, Whale & Dolphin Watching

This morning, drive the scenic three-hour route from Tauranga to Auckland. Along the way, consider a stop at the Waiki Gold Discovery Centre for an interactive and intriguing visit through the award-winning Waihi Gold Experience. Visitors of all ages will enjoy this hands-on experience. Learn about the lives of the early miners and their families, and find out what drives the quest for gold and silver, now and in the past.

If you have time after your arrival in Auckland, make the most of your last full day of the trip on a 4.5-hour whale and dolphin-watching safari through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aboard a luxurious catamaran. You'll see landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and volcanic Rangitoto Island while keeping an eye out for orcas, dolphins, whales, sharks, manta rays, turtles, New Zealand fur seals, and up to 26 species of seabirds, including the little blue penguin. Kids will love looking out for animals they might have only seen in picture books!

Day 7: Depart Auckland

Depending on your flight time, you may have some extra time to explore more of Auckland before you leave. Check out the Viaduct and waterfront area: kids will love the playground and the silos you can climb at the Wynyard Quarter, and street performers sometimes hang out around here. Fill hungry tummies at the Commercial Bay food court, which has so much selection that everyone will be satisfied.

If your flight isn't until much later in the day, you might also have time to visit the Maritime Museum. When the time comes, drop your rental car off at the airport depot before catching your flight back home. Safe travels!