10-Day North Island Family Adventure

Duration
10 Days

Transport
Campervan or Car

Start and Finish
Auckland

This family-friendly itinerary offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and attractions suited for school-aged children. Starting and ending in Hamilton, it showcases some of the North Island’s most exciting destinations—Waikato, Rotorua, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Taupō, and Ruapehu—while keeping travel times manageable and activities fun for the whole family.

Day 1: Arrival in Hamilton

Arrive at Hamilton Airport, pick up your vehicle.
Explore Hamilton Gardens: More than just a park, Hamilton Gardens is a world of garden design and storytelling. Enjoy lunch at the café and take a guided tour to learn about some of the most popular gardens, uncovering hidden stories, secret symbols, and the cultural inspiration behind each design. Highlights include the Italian Renaissance Garden, the Indian Char Bagh Garden, and the surreal Fantasy Garden.
Visit Hamilton Zoo at Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct, home to over 450 exotic and native animals and the largest zoo in the North Island. There are a number of up-close animal encounters on offer such as Lemur, White Rhino and Tuatara experiences.
Dinner at MADE Hamilton – a vibrant modern food hall offering family-friendly menus and plenty of variety to satisfy all tastes.

Day 2: Hamilton — Rotorua

Drive to Matamata (45 mins) and enjoy a magical guided tour at the Hobbiton Movie Set (approx. 2.5 hours).
Continue to Rotorua (1 hour).
Visit the Agrodome for a classic Kiwi experience—watch a live farm show and join a fun-filled farm tour.
Dinner in Rotorua followed by a relaxing soak at Polynesian Spa’s family pools.

Day 3: Rotorua Family Fun

Ride the gondola, at Skyline Rotorua, to the top of Mt Ngongotahā for panoramic views over Rotorua, then enjoy the luge—a family favourite. Opt for the three-ride pass to maximise the five tracks on offer. Great fun for all ages!
Grab lunch at the Skyline cafe.
Afternoon Adventure Options:
- Climb aboard a bright yellow amphibious vehicle for a Rotorua Duck Tour, which cruises both on land and across Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) and Lake Okareka. This guided tour is packed with laughs, Māori legends, and interesting local history, all while splashing into the water straight from the road!
- If you’re up for more adventure, try ZORB Rotorua (giant inflatable ball rolling) or;
- Explore the quirky and interactive Rotorua 3D Trick Art Gallery
- Or enjoy a peaceful walk through the towering trees at the Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights (daytime version). Allow 45 minutes.
Dinner on Eat Streat: Choose from family-friendly restaurants

Day 4: Rotorua — Taupō

Drive to Taupō (approx. 1 hour): A short, scenic journey through the Central Plateau.
Stop at Huka Falls: Witness the roaring power of the Waikato River as it rushes through the narrow gorge—a must-see photo spot.
Afternoon at Taupō DeBretts Hot Springs: Kids will love the hydroslides and water playground, while adults can soak in mineral hot pools.
Finish the day with dinner at one of Taupō’s many local family-friendly eateries. Note, Taupō McDonalds is worth a visit: This has the honor of being home to the only McDonald's location that includes a decommissioned DC3 plane as part of the dining experience!

Day 5: Taupō Adventure Day

Jet Boating with Huka Falls Jet: An exhilarating family-friendly ride with 360-degree spins and a unique view of Huka Falls from below.
Visit the Lava Glass Studio and Sculpture Garden: A vibrant and visually engaging spot where kids can wander among colourful glass sculptures and watch glass-blowing in action.
Optional Stop: Visit Spa Thermal Park to soak your feet in a natural warm stream or play at the riverside playground.

Day 6: More Taupō Fun

Sail to Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings with Sail Barbary or Chris Jolly Outdoors. Enjoy a scenic and relaxing sailing trip across Lake Taupō to see the impressive cliff-side carvings.
Afternoon at the Tongariro National Trout Centre (Turangi): Learn about freshwater ecosystems and native fish, or try spotting rainbow trout through the glass-sided stream.
Evening: Return to Taupō for dinner and sunset views over the lake.

Day 7: Taupō — Ruapehu (via Waiouru)

Drive to Ruapehu (approx. 2 hours): Travel through the heart of the Central Plateau.
Stop at Waiouru National Army Museum: A must-visit for families—engaging exhibitions, military vehicles, and stories that bring New Zealand’s history to life.
Continue to Whakapapa Village: Visit the Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre to learn about volcanoes, geology, and local legends.

Day 8: Snow Fun at Whakapapa

Family Day on the Slopes: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or tobogganing Whakapapa Skifield, suitable for beginners and children.
Ride the Sky Waka Gondola: Ascend Mt Ruapehu in comfort for alpine views, snow play, and incredible scenery—even if you’re not skiing.
Lunch at Knoll Ridge Café: New Zealand’s highest eatery—warm up with hot chocolate and a family-friendly meal.
After freshening up from your day, drive 45 minutes to Ohakune and enjoy one of the local eateries.

Day 9: Taupō — Raglan (via Hamilton)

Drive to Raglan (approx. 3.5 hours): Head north through Hamilton and detour to the laid-back coastal town of Raglan, known for its artsy vibe, black sand beaches, and scenic harbour.
Suggestion detour: On the way from Rotorua to Raglan, a stop at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari – take your time and enjoy a short stroll through native bush at New Zealand’s largest fenced eco-sanctuary along the way.
Explore Raglan: Take a family-friendly walk to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls (20-minute return walk to the lookout); Explore the Raglan Wharf for boutique shopping, art galleries, and fish and chips on the jetty.
If the weather allows, try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm harbour or surf lessons on a left-hand surf break (great options for kids!)
Dinner in Raglan: Relax at one of Raglan’s casual restaurants or pizzerias offering great food and a warm local welcome or take in the Raglan Harbour onboard the Waihinemoe Sunset Cruise complete with classic kiwi fish and chip dinner.

Day 10: Return to Hamilton

Return to Hamilton
Visit Hamilton Gardens—a world-renowned attraction where each garden tells a story. Meander through peaceful themed spaces like the Italian Renaissance Garden, the Indian Char Bagh, and the serene Japanese Garden of Contemplation.
Explore Hamilton on foot with a guided street art tour before enjoying a riverside dinner along the Waikato River, with restaurants offering views and modern New Zealand cuisine.