Our Itinerary for New Zealand: 10 Magical Days in the North Island with kids
- Mrs. Nomadic
- Jan 28
- 8 min read
Updated: Feb 1
New Zealand is a paradise filled with stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, making it an ideal escape for adventurers and nature lovers. From the wild waves of Piha Beach to the serene shores of the Coromandel Peninsula, this journey highlights some of the most captivating spots in the country. You’ll also dive into the energy of Auckland, catch some waves in Raglan, and visit the enchanting Hobbiton and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua.
Just a heads up though, this itinerary involves a lot of driving. So if you're looking for a New Zealand itinerary without renting a car, this may not be for you!
Day One
After our long-haul flight and travel logistics, we eased into Auckland with a gentle first day - exploring our neighborhood on foot, stocking up on groceries, and unwinding in our Airbnb's yard with local books and creature comforts.
Day Two
We were all still adjusting to the time change so we decided to take it easy and check out some local parks and playgrounds. We share our favorites here. We hung out at our Airbnb and enjoyed the views. We know the days ahead will involve a lot of driving and activities so we are ok taking it slow and just living in the moment and soaking in the breathtaking views.
Day Three
Piha Beach
Piha Beach was at the top of our Must See list. Just a short drive from Auckland, Piha Beach is a must-see for anyone wanting to take in New Zealand's natural beauty. This stunning black sand beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush rainforest, making it a feast for the eyes.
Piha offers a perfect blend of thrill and relaxation for all visitors. Even under moody skies, Piha Beach cast its spell. The overcast weather kept the crowds away, giving us private views of its dramatic black sands and rolling surf. Hours slipped by effortlessly as we lost ourselves in this wild coastal paradise.
While Lion Rock's summit trail remains closed due to rockfall hazards, Piha's rugged coastline offers plenty of alternative adventures. The surrounding network of trails and rocky shoreline provide endless exploration opportunities - just remember to pack water shoes for scrambling over the volcanic rocks.
On the drive home be sure to stop at nearby Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. This expansive park offers, gorgeous views, wandering trails and even waterfalls.
Day Four
Coromandel Peninsula
Next, we set our sights on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, famous for its golden beaches, rugged hills, and a relaxed atmosphere—ideal for nature enthusiasts.
The winding coastal drive to Driving Creek Railway, 2.5 hours from Auckland, rewards families with an enchanting journey through tunnels and over bridges, set against dramatic mountain and ocean vistas. While the narrow-gauge railway delights children, parents can soak in the spectacular panoramas.
The cross-peninsula drive to the eastern coast proved more time-consuming than anticipated, nearly derailing our plans for a speedboat adventure. A word of wisdom: pad your schedule generously when combining long drives with scheduled activities.
Our high-speed coastal tour delivered pure exhilaration, zipping past Hahei Beach, Hot Water Beach, and through Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. Though premium-priced, the experience proved invaluable, combining our guide's rich cultural insights with the thrill of racing past towering sea formations. Even our youngest adventurers couldn't get enough, urging our captain to push the throttle as we skimmed across the waves.
The Coromandel's charm certainly warrants an overnight stay to fully explore its treasures.
Time your visit to Hot Water Beach with low tide to experience one of New Zealand's most unique attractions - digging your own thermal pool in the sand, where geothermal springs meet the Pacific. Refuel at the charming Hot Waves Cafe to complete your visit.
While the iconic Cathedral Cove track eluded us during its temporary closure, its recent reopening adds yet another compelling reason to return to this captivating corner of New Zealand's coastline.
Day Five
Downtown Auckland
After soaking in nature’s wonders, it’s time to dive into the vibrant culture of Auckland. The city buzzes with life, offering endless attraction.
Sky Tower
Start your day at the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in New Zealand at 328 meters. The observation deck provides sweeping 360° views of the city and the sparkling Waitemata Harbour. For those seeking a thrill, the SkyJump is an adrenaline-pumping experience where you bungee jump off the Sky Tower. This was not on our list but an interesting experience nonetheless.
New Zealand Maritime Museum
Once you’ve absorbed the breathtaking views, head to the New Zealand Maritime Museum. Children under 5 are free. There are several different family-friendly areas that are both interactive and educational. Can't make a visit? Be sure to check out the daily cannon fire that happens at noon Monday-Friday.
Whenever we visit new countries we like to experience places unique to the city and/or country. For instance, there is Sea Life Kelly Tarleton's Aquarium and Auckland Zoo, which frequent top places to visit lists, however, we would rather experience locations unique to that location and save the zoo or aquarium for another time. If animals are more your speed though, be sure to check those out!
Though New Zealand beckoned with countless adventures - from whale watching excursions to exploring the vineyards of Waiheke Island - we had to make thoughtful choices with our limited time. Leaving these experiences unexplored only reinforces that this breathtaking country deserves more than just one visit.
Day Six
Parnell
Our Airbnb was located in the Parnell neighborhood, a lovely neighborhood woven with historic charm and artistic character. It’s the ideal location for a relaxed setting, yet still close to the bustle of Auckland.
We started by exploring the boutique shops and galleries that mark Parnell’s streets. With unique clothing and local crafts, you’re sure to find memorable treasures. Treat yourself to brunch at one of the local cafés, where dishes incorporate fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Next we visited the Parnell Rose Garden, a beautifully curated space filled with over 5,000 rose bushes. The sweet fragrance and vibrant colors provide an amazing backdrop for a photoshoot or picnic.
We spent the afternoon at Parnell baths. This public pool was the perfect outing to cool off after walking around all morning. There are several saltwater pools and even a designated kid's area. The prices were very reasonable and children were free. This was a family favorite activity and a great way to break up all the other long days of driving and exploring.
Day Seven
Relocating to Hamilton for Hobbiton, Raglan and Rotorua
After your Auckland adventures, it’s time to move to Hamilton, your base for exploring Hobbiton, Raglan and the geothermal treasures of Rotorua. This central location is perfect for day trips to these destinations.
En route to our Airbnb in Hamilton, we stopped at Lake Playground to let the kids burn off some energy after the long drive from Auckland. This was a such a great playground as it had so many different areas for the kids to explore. To read more about Lake Playground and others click here.
Day Eight
Raglan
Raglan, a cozy surf town on the west coast, offers a relaxing environment filled with coastal charm. It’s a refreshing change after an urban experience.
You can see our post about our day in Raglan here. Start your day with breakfast at a local café. The laid-back atmosphere perfectly complements delicious meals made with fresh, local ingredients.
Afterward, head to Ngarunui Beach, a hotspot for surfers. Whether you want to take a lesson or simply chill on the sand, it’s an excellent way to appreciate the ocean. Raglan boasts some of the best surf breaks in New Zealand; however, we were there for the views!
When you feel like exploring, the town’s center is filled with local arts and crafts shops. Discovering unique handcrafted items provides a chance to take a piece of Raglan home with you. There is also a playground near the town and kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent for a more adventurous day on the water.
Afterward, don't forget to make your way to nearby Bridal Veil Falls. Click here to read all about Bridal Veil Falls.
Day Nine
Rotorua and Hobbiton
This day is an example of where we tried to do too much in one day. We talk about striking a balance and not over-scheduling activities and this is why. We planned Rotorua and Hobbiton in one day but I would definitely split them up if you can. There is a lot to do in Rotorua and you could spend several days exploring it all.
We first went to Rotorua, this area is known for its geothermal phenomena. Here, you will find bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers that create a surreal landscape.
Te Puia is a must-see, showcasing the spectacular Pohutu Geyser and offering insights into Māori culture. Don’t forget to try a traditional hangi feast, a culinary highlight that features local ingredients and cooking methods.
After Rotorua we headed to Hobbiton. If you get carsick, make sure you take some dramamine because this route is windy and I was carsick from all the hills and turns.
Hobbiton offers a magical experience as you step into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien. The guided tours highlight the charming village complete with hobbit holes, lush gardens, and the Green Dragon Inn, where visitors can enjoy a complimentary beverage. Each day, Hobbiton draws in roughly 3,000 visitors eager to immerse themselves in its allure!
If Hobbiton is on your Bucket list, make sure you book your visit well in advance as the tours book up far in advance.
You can read all about our visit to Hobbiton here. Short version - we lasted about 10 minutes into the tour. It wasn't an ideal situation for our family at the time. We over-scheduled the day, it was hot and the kids were tired.
Our TIP: if visiting in Summer, book an early or late tour and skip mid-day. They do provide umbrellas for shade but the location is in the middle of the country and offers little shade or breeze.
Hobbiton was the first thing we booked after purchasing our flights and to say we were bummed is an understatement; however, when traveling with kids you have to be flexible.
Day Ten
Return to Auckland for Departure
Maximizing every moment until our departure, we explored Auckland's Albert Park and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Auckland Art Gallery is free and not only has local Māori art but international art and even activities for kids, creating final memories before our evening flight. While New Zealand's enchanting landscapes and warm culture made it difficult to say goodbye, we knew this magical first stop was just the beginning of our adventure.
Lessons Learned
Learning from our Mistakes: Tips for Your New Zealand Adventure
Time Management in Coromandel - What we learned:
Underestimating drive times in New Zealand's winding coastal roads nearly cost us our speedboat tour. The scenic route between coasts demands more time than GPS suggests. Pro tip: Add at least 30% buffer time to any estimated drive when you have scheduled activities, especially in coastal and mountainous regions.
Accommodation Strategy - What we missed:
With the peninsula's wealth of attractions - from Hot Water Beach to Cathedral Cove - our day trip barely scratched the surface. Pro tip: Book at least one night in Coromandel to fully experience its treasures without rushing. This also lets you time your Hot Water Beach visit with optimal tide conditions.
Activity Planning - What we couldn't do:
There are simply too many amazing places to see in New Zealand and we unfortunately couldn't see every place on our list. Some of those Waiheke Island, whale watching, and Hobbiton*. Pro tip: Research seasonal activities in advance and prioritize your must-sees.
New Zealand Awaits
New Zealand's stunning landscapes and unique experiences create a journey like no other. This itinerary serves as a snapshot of the hidden gems waiting to be explored. Whether you’re soaking in the sun at Piha Beach, enjoying the artistic vibes of Parnell, or uncovering the magic of Hobbiton, each day promises new adventures to treasure.
The next time you dream of a getaway, let this guide inspire your exploration through New Zealand. Adventure is just around the corner, waiting for you to discover it.
Happy travels!
Awin
Comments