North Island Family Itinerary: 2 Weeks / 14 Days

© Mark Clinton - THL

How to Get Around the North Island in 2 Weeks with Kids

Most families come to the North Island of New Zealand to experience the great Kiwi road trip. With that in mind, renting a car or campervan allows families to have full flexibility and comfort. However, parents who are on a tight budget might want to consider the national bus service.

The best ways to get around, using the itinerary below, are as follows:

Rental Car or Campervan

Enjoy complete freedom to visit all of the stops we recommend in this family one-month itinerary by renting a car or campervan. As this itinerary starts in Auckland and ends in Wellington, we recommend choosing a rental company that has depots in both cities – don’t worry, there are many.

Start your research using The Guide to Renting a Car or The Guide to Renting a Campervan in New Zealand.

National Bus Service

InterCity offers the cheapest way to get between the destinations mentioned in this budget itinerary. However, you are restrained by bus schedules.

Find out more about the passes available in What’s the Difference Between InterCity Bus Passes?

Escorted Bus Tours

Let a professional guide handle the driving and the logistics. Escorted bus tours are a hassle-free way to travel the North Island. However, they follow their own set itineraries rather than the one outlined below.

Check out Cosmos for child-friendly tours of the North Island or head to The Best 10-12-Day Tours of the North Island for more options.

Domestic Flights

The itinerary below begins in Auckland and ends in Wellington. Both cities have international airports and are well-connected with domestic flights. If you’re leaving from Auckland, you will need to consider booking a domestic flight from Wellington to Auckland.

Train

As an alternative to taking a flight from Wellington to Auckland (and with a lower carbon footprint), take a scenic train journey with the Northern Explorer. Find out more on our guide to the Train Network in New Zealand.

Alternatively, use the free online travel agent, First Light Travel, to work out all of the logistics for you – more on them at the bottom of this itinerary.

And if this is your first big road trip as a family, be sure to make it smooth sailing with our 10 Ways to Relax on a Road Trip.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Auckland Central

Travel time: 40 minutes

Welcome to New Zealand! For your first couple of days in the country, we recommend taking it easy in Auckland to get over the jet lag.

Pick up your car rental, if it’s at the airport, or use one of the airport shuttles to get to Auckland Central.

Check-in at your family-friendly accommodation in Auckland and start exploring some quick attractions, like the Sky Tower (more info on Viator and Klook) or the Auckland Museum (on Viator and Klook).

Tomorrow, you have more time to explore the city and the surrounding islands.

Family Accommodation in Auckland

• SkyCity Hotel Auckland
• Nesuto St Martins Apartment Hotel
• ibis Budget Auckland Airport
• Kiwi International Hotel
• Auckland City Hotel

Find out more about each accommodation in our 10 Best Family Accommodations in Auckland.

© ATEED

Day 2 – Explore Auckland

It’s day two of getting the family’s body clocks adjusted to New Zealand’s time zone, as well as a day to explore some of Auckland’s highlights.

We recommend a ferry trip to one of Auckland’s outer islands, whether it’s the volcanic island of Rangitoto or the bird sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi.

Alternatively, take a cruise to see New Zealand’s whales, dolphins and seabirds on the Auckland Dolphin and Whale Safari. Find out more on Viator, Klook and KKday.

However, we’ve listed some other alternatives below if getting on the water isn’t our thing.

Family Activities in Auckland

• Wise up about the world of technology at the kid-friendly MOTAT museum
• Learn about the Kiwi farming lifestyle at Sheepworld in Warkworth
• See the wild and wonderful birds of New Zealand on Tiritiri Matangi
• Watch a Maori cultural performance at the Auckland Museum (on Viator and Klook)
• Take a family road trip to one of Auckland’s regional parks.

Find out more about each experience in our 10 Things to Do in Auckland with Kids.

© Pxhere

Day 3 – Auckland to the Coromandel

Travel time: 2 hrs 20 mins

Leave the city behind and hit the road to discover the “real” New Zealand.

As you head to the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, take a five-minute detour via Miranda to check out the educational Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre.

Stretch your legs in Tairua and give the kids some beach time before making your way over the winding road of Pumpkin Hill to your chosen Coromandel accommodation, whether it’s at Hot Water Beach, Hahei or Whitianga.

You have time to check out some Coromandel must-dos tomorrow. For now, kick back at our accommodation.

Family Accommodation in the Coromandel

• Beachfront Resort, Whitianga
• Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, Hot Water Beach
• Hahei Holiday Resort, Hahei
• Tairua Shores Motel, Tairua
• Peninsula Motel, Whitianga

For more information on our top picks, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in the Coromandel.

© Pxhere

Day 4 – Explore the Coromandel

The Coromandel’s coast begs to be explored, whether it’s with one of the free activities like digging your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach or jumping on a cruise to Cathedral Cove.

Cruising to Cathedral Cove via a glass-bottom boat is a pretty cool way to see this must-visit natural attraction. You’ll get the unique experience of seeing the abundance of fish through the glass panels and enjoy the option to snorkel if you and the kids want to get closer to nature. Find out more about Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga on Viator or Klook.

Or, you can just take it easy with a day at the beach, of which you can check out our favourites in the 10 Coromandel Beaches You Can’t Miss.

Family Activities in the Coromandel

• See the underwater world of Cathedral Cove with Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga (more info on Viator or Klook).
• Enjoy a thrill ride with Banana Boat Whitianga
• Do archery tag, kids quad biking and more at Fun Zone Whitianga
• Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach
• Build sandcastles, hire a kayak and more at many of the Coromandel’s beaches.

For more information on each experience, take a look at the 10 Things to Do in the Coromandel with Kids.

© Shaun Jeffers - Tourism New Zealand

Day 5 – The Coromandel to Waitomo

Travel time: 3 hours

Travellers of all ages can’t help but be in awe of Waitomo‘s glowworm caves, which is your final destination today. Set off from the Coromandel in the morning to give you time to do a cave tour once you arrive.

Pick up supplies or grab a bite to eat in towns like Morrinsville and Te Awamutu. You can also stop by the quirky town of Otorohanga, which is the self-proclaimed “Kiwiana Capital of the World”.

In Waitomo, you have a wide array of tours available to experience its famous glowworm caves. Walking cave tours are suitable for all ages, while older kids might like underground tubing. Check out tour options in the 10 Best Waitomo Cave Tours.

Family Activities in Waitomo

• Do a walking tour of Ruakuri Cave
• Or enjoy a gentle boat trip through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Figure out the puzzles of the Troll Cave
• See the filming locations of The Hobbit at Hairy Feet Waitomo
• Meet a kiwi bird and more at the Otorohanga Kiwi House.

For more details on each activity, take a look at the 10 Things to Do in Waitomo with Kids.

Family Accommodation in Waitomo

• Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Woodlyn Park Motel
• Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
• Glow Worm Motel
• The Loft at Te Kumi Tirohanga

For more information on our top picks, take a look at the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Waitomo.

© Hamilton Waikato Tourism

Day 6 – Waitomo to Rotorua

Travel time: 1 hr 55 mins

Start off your morning with any of the activities you might have missed in Waitomo. Then, the road to Rotorua is just under two hours.

If any of your family are Middle-earth enthusiasts, however, you will need to take a mandatory 15-minute detour to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Check out Viator or Klook to book your tickets or head to How to Get the Best Hobbiton Discount for tips on how to get in cheaper.

An alternative place to stretch our legs is just a 5-minute detour to the Putaruru Blue Spring/Te Waihou Walkway. The walkway is stroller-friendly and free to see the brilliant blue waters of the spring flowing down a stream.

If you haven’t worn the kids out once you get to Rotorua, you can always check out the free geothermal Kuirau Park in the city centre.

Check-in at your accommodation from the recommendations listed below.

Family Accommodation in Rotorua

• Holdens Bay Holiday Park
• Rydges Rotorua
• Arista of Rotorua
• Regal Palms Resort
• Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

For more information on our top picks, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Rotorua.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 7 – Explore Rotorua

You have two free days in Rotorua to enjoy it according to your family’s interests.

How about a sheep and farm show at Agrodome? Why not zip through the trees with Rotorua Canopy Tours (more info on Viator, Klook or KKday)?

For something free to do, go for a short walk in the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest or one of Rotorua’s surrounding lakes like Lake Okareka.

Family Activities in Rotorua

• Experience the famous sheep show and farm tour of Agrodome
• Meet the kiwi birds, giant trout and more at the National Kiwi Hatchery (more info on Viator or Klook)
• See Rotorua’s highlights and lakes on Rotorua Duck Tours (on Viator and Klook)
• Do the family-friendly walks of the Whakawerawera Redwood Forest
• Experience that famous NZ adrenaline at Velocity Valley.

For more information on each experience, check out the 20 Things to Do in Rotorua with Kids.

© OGO Zorb - Tourism New Zealand

Day 8 – Explore More of Rotorua

You have another day to tick the Rotorua must-dos off your family bucket list. Here are some more options to ponder over:

More Family Activities in Rotorua

• See the forest from a new perspective on the Redwoods Treewalk
• Take a day trip to the lakes of Rotorua
• Check out Rotorua’s amazing natural features at one of the geothermal parks
• Zip through the trees with Rotorua Canopy Tours (on Viator, Klook or KKday)
• Experience the Māori culture at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Māori Village) or Mitai Māori Village.

Check out the 10 Things to Do in Rotorua with Kids for more details on each tour.

© Pixabay

Day 9 – Rotorua to Taupō

Travel time: 1 hour

The road to Taupō is full of geothermal wonders. Treat the kids to exploring a geothermal park, such as Wai-O-Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley (on Viator and Klook) and Orakei Korako.

Before reaching Taupō, check out the powerful rapids of Huka Falls or, better yet, take an exciting jet boat ride with Hukafalls Jet to the falls (more info on Viator and KKday).

In town, you have a wealth of cruises to enjoy on the lake to see its famous Māori carvings.

Alternatively, you might want to kayak down the Waikato River to some hot pools with Canoe & Kayak Taupo or Taupo Kayaking Adventures.

Check out more ideas below.

Family Activities in Taupo

• Blast down the Waikato River on a jet boat tour (more info on Viator and KKday)…
• … Or gently float to natural hot springs on a family-friendly kayaking tour
• Let the kids loose on the slides while you relax at Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
• Marvel at the mighty Huka Falls
• Set sail on Lake Taupo with Sail Barbary (more info on Viator or Klook).

For more information on each activity, check out the 10 Things to Do in Taupo with Kids.

Family Accommodation in Taupo

• Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
• Little Haven
• Accent on Taupo Motor Lodge
• eMotel
• Baycrest Thermal Lodge

For more information on our top picks, check out the 15 Best Family Accommodations in Taupo.

© www.lovetaupo.com

Day 10 – Taupo to Ohakune

Travel time: 1 hr 40 mins

If there’s anything you’ve missed in Taupo, now’s your chance before the family hits the road again – this time driving through the Tongariro National Park.

In Tūrangi, experience adventure for the whole family with the excellent kid-friendly white water rafting trip on the Tongariro River. Tours are available with Tongariro River Rafting.

Next, delve into the Tongariro National Park with plenty of free stops along the way. Walk around the dense forest of Lake Rotopounamu on a 2-hour easy walking trail. Then, take a quick detour towards Whakapapa Village to do the short Tawhai Falls walk, the Mounds Walk for excellent volcano views or the 2-hour Taranaki Falls.

As you reach Ohakune, you’ll probably have some very worn-out little ones, so check-in at one of our recommended accommodations.

Family Accommodation in Ohakune

• Rocky Mountain Chalets Ohakune
• Station Lodge
• The Hobbit Motorlodge
• The Powderhorn Chateau
• Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park

For more information on our top recommendations, check out the 10 Best Family Accommodations in Ohakune.

© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 11 – Explore Ohakune

Today can be as adventurous or relaxing as you wish.

Short walks, such as the Mangawhero Forest Walk, and letting the kids loose at the Ohakune Carrot Playground are easy ways to relax.

For something more epic, do a jet boat tour down the Whanganui River to the Bridge to Nowhere or, if it’s winter, head up Mt Ruapehu for some family skiing.

Family Activities in Ohakune

• Take a jet boat tour to the Bridge to Nowhere
• Hire bikes and ride the Jubilee Walkway, Mangawhero River Trail and more
• Let the kids loose at the Ohakune Carrot Playground
• Tackle the indoor climbing walls at the Vertigo Adventure Centre
• Check out Dinosaur House in Raetihi
• Treat the kids to a world-famous chocolate eclair at Johnny Nation’s Chocolate Eclair Shop.

For more information on each activity and its location, check out the 10 Things to Do in Ohakune with Kids.

© Jeff McEwan - WellingtonNZ

Day 12 – Ohakune to Wellington

Travel time: 3 hrs 45 mins

Once everyone is up and ready to go, it’s time to hit the road to the capital city, Wellington. But it’s not without seeing some quirky towns and attractions along the way.

The first town you’ll encounter on this journey is Waiouru, home to the National Army Museum. With all the tanks displayed outside, just try to pass without the kids begging to stop! Next, you’ll pass through Taihape with its giant gumboot sculpture. What’s not to love?

Before you reach Hunterville, we recommend taking the alternative route to Wellington, stopping by Manawatu Gorge. This will add just 15 minutes to your drive time, but it’s well worth it to walk the family-friendly trails, such as the Tawa Loop Walk.

Finally, it’s a couple of more hours to Wellington, where you can put your feet up at one of the recommended accommodations.

Family Accommodation in Wellington

• Rydges Wellington
• Adina CityLife Wellington
• Copthorne Hotel
• Quest on Johnston
• Apollo Lodge Motel 

Find out more about each accommodation in the 15 Best Family Accommodations in Wellington.

© WellingtonNZ

Day 13 – Explore Wellington

If you haven’t visited the Te Papa Museum already, you have another chance today, as well as exploring the Wellington Botanic Garden or Zealandia Ecosanctuary. The latter is an affordable attraction that gives you access to a predator-free reserve where New Zealand’s weird and wonderful birds can thrive. This fun educational sanctuary is ideal for all ages.

But if these activities aren’t your cup of tea, we have some other recommendations:

Family Activities in Wellington

• Get active on the high-wire course at Adrenalin Forest
• Spend the day at Wellington’s beaches
• Learn about the night sky at Space Place
• Meet the animals and birds at Staglands Wildlife Reserve
• See how the movies are made at the Wētā Workshop.

Find out more about each activity for families in 10 Things to Do in Wellington with Kids.

© Miles Holden & Tourism New Zealand - WellingtonNZ

Day 14 – Wellington to Wellington Airport

Travel time: 10 minutes

Finally, after two weeks on the North Island, it’s time to wrap this adventure up and head to Wellington Airport.

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to return your rental vehicle. There are connecting flights between Wellington and Auckland if you are flying out of Auckland.

Alternatively, take a train journey to Auckland with the Northern Explorer, which offers a more scenic route and a lower carbon footprint.

Goodbye from New Zealand! Next time, why not try the South Island Family Itinerary: 2 Weeks?

© First Light Travel

Plan This Family Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this 14-day North Island family itinerary but don’t like the hassle of planning everything yourself, then there’s a way to lighten the load. First Light Travel is an online travel agent specialising in self-drive family itineraries in New Zealand at no extra cost to you. Plus, using their service is super simple:

• First, send First Light Travel an enquiry by completing their online form
• Then, you’ll receive your customised family itinerary
• Review your itinerary and work with your First Light Travel agent on perfecting it
• Finally, First Light Travel will organise the rest, including the bookings.

Plan Your Family Trip With First Light Travel

First Light Travel has access to more than 20,000 travel products, including almost all the tours and accommodations featured on this list (and more). With that and their local expertise here in New Zealand, they will create a well-catered itinerary to meet your needs while also suggesting some dream travel experiences that you may have never heard of.

They only work with companies where their past clients have had positive experiences, so you know you’re in good hands.

What’s more, all of the bookings are arranged by First Light Travel, so instead of having to contact each individual accommodation and operator should your travel plans change, any amendments can be done through your FLT agent – easy! Did we mention the service is at no extra cost to you?!

For more information on planning your own New Zealand itinerary, see How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary. Or better yet, jump on firstlighttravel.com and start making your own itinerary there.