New Zealand
3. Family-Friendly Exploration - 10 Days
$276/Person
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Dunedin
Ideal for: Families with children, multi-generational groups, first-time visitors
Tour Description
The Family-Friendly Exploration tour offers a perfect blend of education, fun, and natural beauty across New Zealand's North and South Islands. Designed with families in mind, this 10-day journey includes interactive cultural experiences, fascinating wildlife encounters, thermal wonders, and scenic train rides. Visit bustling cities like Auckland and Wellington, discover geothermal marvels in Rotorua, and meet penguins in the charming southern town of Dunedin. It’s a trip that creates unforgettable memories for both kids and adults.
Highlights
- Experience Maori culture and geothermal wonders in Rotorua
- Visit the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves
- Discover the Wellington Cable Car and Te Papa Museum
- Take the scenic Northern Explorer Train
- Spot yellow-eyed penguins and albatrosses in Dunedin
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland - Welcome to New Zealand
Touch down in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Settle into your family-friendly accommodation and explore the Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Domain, or visit Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the Sky Tower’s family viewing deck restaurant, offering panoramic views.
Day 2: Day Trip to Waitomo Caves
Take a full-day tour to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Float through limestone caverns illuminated by thousands of glowworms - an enchanting sight for children and adults alike. Return to Auckland in the evening and enjoy a casual dinner on the waterfront.
Day 3: Transfer to Rotorua - Cultural and Geothermal Wonders
Drive or take a short flight to Rotorua, New Zealand’s cultural heart and geothermal wonderland. Visit Te Puia to see erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, and traditional Maori carving schools. In the evening, enjoy a hangi dinner and cultural performance, introducing your family to indigenous customs and stories.
Day 4: Rotorua Family Fun Day
Start your day at the Agrodome, where kids can bottle-feed lambs and see a sheep-shearing demo. Then, head to Rainbow Springs Nature Park to spot kiwis and ride the Big Splash water ride. Wind down at Polynesian Spa’s Family Pools, where everyone can enjoy a geothermal soak.
Day 5: Rotorua to Wellington via Northern Explorer Train
Take a scenic rail journey aboard the Northern Explorer, New Zealand’s most scenic long-distance train. Travel through rolling hills, farmlands, and the famous Raurimu Spiral. Arrive in Wellington, the nation’s capital, in the evening. Check in to a city-center hotel with family suites.
Day 6: Explore Wellington’s Museums and Funiculars
Ride the Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens, then visit Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. Kids will love the interactive science and Maori culture exhibits. Stroll the Wellington Waterfront, grab some gelato, and enjoy street performances.
Day 7: Fly to Dunedin - Wildlife Capital
Fly south to Dunedin, a quaint heritage city with Scottish roots. Visit the grand Larnach Castle or take a wildlife boat tour to Otago Peninsula, home to royal albatrosses and yellow-eyed penguins. Relax in a cozy lodge or heritage-style hotel.
Day 8: Nature and Animal Encounters
Visit the Otago Museum’s Discovery World and the Butterfly House, followed by a visit to Penguin Place for a guided tour of the endangered yellow-eyed penguins' conservation reserve. End the day at Tunnel Beach, which is perfect for photos and gentle hikes.
Day 9: Dunedin Family Day or Optional Trip to Moeraki Boulders
Enjoy a flexible day - explore the Dunedin Railway Station, take the Taieri Gorge Railway ride, or drive north to see the mysterious Moeraki Boulders. For older children, try a beginner’s surfing lesson at St. Clair Beach.
Day 10: Departure from Dunedin or Return to Auckland
Transfer to Dunedin Airport or return to Auckland for your international departure. Take with you a treasure trove of fun-filled memories from New Zealand’s family-friendly landscapes and cultural gems.
Must-Do Activities
- Visit Te Papa Museum for hands-on learning
- Take the kids to see glowworms in Waitomo
- Relax in family-friendly hot pools in Rotorua
- Ride the Wellington Cable Car and enjoy picnic views
- Meet real kiwis and penguins in Rotorua and Dunedin
Accommodation Options
- Auckland: Nesuto Stadium Hotel (family apartments), Novotel Auckland Central (kid-friendly amenities)
- Rotorua: Holiday Inn Rotorua (great for families), Princes Gate Hotel (historic charm with modern comforts)
- Wellington: QT Wellington (fun artistic vibe), Copthorne Oriental Bay (spacious family rooms)
- Dunedin: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Distinction Dunedin Hotel (family rooms with kitchenettes)
Why Choose This Tour?
The Family-Friendly Exploration is thoughtfully planned to keep children entertained and adults engaged. With a mix of wildlife, culture, nature, and hands-on experiences, this itinerary showcases the best of New Zealand in a relaxed pace that works for families. There’s no better way to introduce your kids to the wonders of Aotearoa than through geysers, glowworms, penguins, and train rides through breathtaking landscapes.