๐ In this guide
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DecemberโMarch (summer). Shoulder seasons are quieter and cheaper.
New Zealand dollar (NZD) ยท Convert
English and Mฤori
Type I, 230V
111
New Zealand: A-
Scored across 7 things that matter when you travel with babies and young kids. How we grade
Last reviewed November 2026
New Zealand with kids at a glance
Playgrounds with views, gentle walks, beaches, glow-worm caves and farm stays. New Zealand is made for road trips with kids, with short drives between highlights.
New Zealand with kids: an 8-day family route
Auckland (3 nights) โ Rotorua (4 nights). Few hotel changes, short travel days and plenty of downtime.
- Days 1โ3
Auckland ยท 3 nights
- Kelly Tarltonโs aquarium
- Devonport ferry and volcano
- Mission Bay beach
๐ก Parent hint: Pick up a hire car or campervan with child seats as you leave Auckland.
Full Auckland guide with 3-day plan & restaurant map โ - Days 4โ7
Rotorua ยท 4 nights
- Geysers and bubbling mud pools
- Rainbow Springs kiwi park
- Day trips to Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
๐ก Parent hint: Rotorua is central to Hobbiton and Waitomo, so you avoid long day trips from Auckland.
Getting between stops
| From โ to | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland โ Rotorua | Hire car, via Hobbiton if you like | โ3 hrs |
Tours worth booking on this route
Hobbiton Movie Set
Charming for film fans; book ahead.
See tour optionsWaitomo Glowworm Caves
A gentle boat ride under thousands of glow-worms.
See tour optionsRotorua geothermal park
Geysers, mud pools and kiwi birds.
See tour optionsBest cities in New Zealand for families
Our full New Zealand family guide is on the way โ๏ธ
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