10 Day North Island Family Holiday Package

Plan unforgettable New Zealand family holidays with the 10 Day North Island Family Holiday Package. Including family-style accommodation, child-friendly activities, and a rental car, our New Zealand family holidays are designed for convenience and comfort.

This 10 Day North Island Family Holiday Package travels at a relaxed pace, with many two-night stays and short driving times.

Read on for the full details of this family holiday package.

10 Day North Island Family Holiday Package | New Zealand Family Holidays

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland – the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and is bordered by two stunning harbours. Collect your rental car from the airport, explore the city, then make your way to your accommodation.

This evening, if you would like to dine with a spectacular view, you might like to visit the Sky Tower. You are spoilt for choice with three restaurants and cafés up the Sky Tower, including the Orbit 360-degree dining revolving restaurant; The Sugar Club, which is superbly chic and elegant; or the Sky Café, where you can relax with a coffee, cheese board or ice cream. You will have the opportunity to view the city from 328 metres high above street level and take in the beautiful views, up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Spot the key landmarks, including a number of volcanoes and historical locations within the greater Auckland area.

Stay 2 nights in Auckland City.

Day 2 Auckland

Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and discover the beautiful Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, which is visited by a staggering one third of all the types of marine mammals found on earth. Departing directly from the Viaduct Harbour, you will be welcomed aboard the 20 metre, purpose-built vessel ‘Dolphin Explorer’ for an unforgettable marine mammal eco-safari out on the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf. During your 4.5 hour eco-cruise, you are guaranteed to see whales and dolphins – or you get a free trip! Friendly, knowledgeable guides, commentary on the culture and history of the Hauraki Gulf, and a fully licensed bar with snacks available for purchase.

Day 3 Coromandel Peninsula

Driving time Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula 191 km / 119  miles, 3 hours

Renowned worldwide as a spectacular holiday destination, with warm white-sand beaches, misty rainforests and wilderness aplenty, the Coromandel is the ideal place to relax and unwind. Relax on the coastline, exploring beaches, volcanic reefs and the world-famous Cathedral Cove!

Stay 2 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel.

Day 4 Coromandel Peninsula

Relax in the Coromandel. You may wish to visit Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool, or relax in naturally heated mineral waters at The Lost Spring Geothermal Spa in Whitianga. Surrounded by tropical plants and soothing waterfalls, the thermal waters flow from a spring deep within the earth’s surface.

You may also like to add on a Glass Bottom Boat trip for a unique two-hour eco-adventure to Cathedral Cove and the surrounding marine reserve. Take in the breathtaking scenery of the volcanic coastline as you enter into the spectacular Orua sea cave and learn about the local history and Maori culture.

Day 5 Tauranga

Driving time Coromandel Peninsula to Tauranga 166 km / 103 miles, 3 hours

The Bay of Plenty is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations in New Zealand. Located along the idyllic Pacific Coast Highway, it offers a great mix of activities, beaches and dining experiences. Tauranga is the main centre, whilst the coastal suburb of Mt Maunganui is the region’s seaside resort.

Downtown Tauranga has several historically significant areas to view during a scenic walk around the area. The Strand waterfront area is modern and always buzzing, and is home to a number of cafés, restaurants and pubs.

Stay 1 night in Tauranga.

Day 6 Hobbiton > Rotorua

Driving time Tauranga to Matamata 52 km / 32 miles, 1 hour

Make your way to Matamata to discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. The set has been completely rebuilt and will remain as it was seen in the films. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. You can relax and soak up the atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in The Shires Rest Café.

Driving time Matamata to Rotorua 68 km / 42 miles, 1 hour

Enjoy the scenic journey to Rotorua, distinguished by Maori culture and geothermal activity. This diverse city will put on a display as you encounter geysers, mud pools, steaming craters and 16 beautiful lakes.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Rotorua’s most spectacular location – Skyline Restaurant. Relax as the views from the gondola unfold on your journey to the Skyline complex. The Skyline Restaurant will then serve you a mouthwatering taste of New Zealand, a buffet of legendary proportions. Feast on fresh soups, salads and seafood specialties such as mussels, queen scallops, sushi and sashimi. Enjoy carvery roasts of beef, lamb or pork with specialty sauces to match, with live cooking from your friendly chefs. Finally, round of your evening with a range of sumptuous desserts. Tiered seating guarantees stunning views from every table!

At the top of the gondola you also have the option to add on a thrilling Luge Ride, enjoy nature walks, and visit the Jelly Belly Shop and Volcanic Hills winery and tasting room.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 7 Rotorua

Relax in Rotorua for the day.

In the evening, enjoy a Maori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Maori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Maori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Maori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Maori women welcoming you onto the marae, and a whaikorero (welcome speech). Relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world renowned haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. Learn Maori customs including Maori musical instruments, haka and poi. The dining experience is a culinary opportunity like no other. Following dessert, you will be transported down into the valley to conclude your evening beside the awe-inspiring Pohutu geyser.

Day 8 Taupo

Driving time Rotorua to Taupo 82 km / 51 miles, 1 hour

Enjoy the short drive south to Taupo, rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls, relaxing boat cruises, and bungy jumping. Relax in Taupo for the day. Taupo is a great lake for water-skiing, sailing and kayaking. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip or kayaking excursion. The forests surrounding the lake offer hiking and mountain biking to suit all levels of experience. Just north of Lake Taupo you’ll find New Zealand’s most visited attraction, the magnificent Huka Falls, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second.

Stay 1 night in Taupo.

Day 9 Waitomo Caves > Hamilton

Driving time Taupo to Waitomo Caves 151 km / 94  miles, 2 hours

Venture to the Waitomo Caves, where you will enjoy the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Ruakuri Caves Combo! Deep underground in the heart of the Waikato are a series of unique caves that will take your breath away. At the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, thousands of tiny glowworms cling to the cave ceiling, creating a starry sky within the underground night. Nearby, the Ruakuri Cave is home to an innovative spiral entrance, echoing waterfalls, and limestone that flows into delicate shawl-like formations.

Driving time Waitomo Caves to Hamilton 71 km / 44 miles, 1 hour

After your Waitomo Caves adventure, journey to Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city, situated on the banks of the Waikato River. As Hamilton is located in the hub of the central North Island, visitors have easy access to iconic attractions such as Raglan’s surf coast and Te Aroha Mineral Pools. For fun, visit the chocolate and candy factory, the Hamilton Gardens, or the weekly markets. From cafés, art galleries, and shopping through to an ever-changing calendar of high profile events, Hamilton is a great holiday destination.

Stay 1 night in Hamilton.

Day 10 Auckland

Driving time Hamilton to Auckland 124 km / 77 miles, 2 hours

Drive back to Auckland at your leisure. Relax in Auckland for the afternoon or join the crew and enjoy an America’s Cup Sailing experience, a must-do experience where you get a chance to spend 2 hours out on the harbour on an actual America’s Cup yacht!

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 11 Depart Auckland

Drop your rental car off at Auckland Airport and depart Auckland.

Planning New Zealand Family Holidays

As you begin planning your New Zealand family holidays, we are here to help every step of the way. From designing your itinerary to booking each piece of your holiday, we ensure your experience is stress-free.

Our New Zealand family holidays are fully customisable. In other words, we can change the inclusions, amend the schedule, or upgrade the accommodation to suit your preferences. In addition, car seats and infant cots are available if necessary.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your unforgettable family holiday.