The Perfect 10-Day New Zealand Itinerary For First Time Families

Some trips leave a mark. Others pull you back to places that already live inside you. For me, New Zealand is both. It was the first international destination I ever visited outside my birthplace. I’ve always held onto those memories, knowing I’d return someday with new eyes and a family of my own.

So when our daughter Ava chose New Zealand for her graduation trip, I knew exactly what kind of experience I wanted for her: a journey through landscapes that feel like storybooks, towns with quiet charm, and moments where nature simply takes your breath away. I also wanted to do it using points and miles, which is the same way we’ve made so many family adventures possible.

In this post, I’m sharing our 10-day New Zealand itinerary, designed for families who want both meaningful memories and smart travel strategy. You’ll get:

• An easy route covering both North and South Islands
• Award travel tips we used to book our flights and hotels
• Family-friendly highlights like Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Christchurch and Auckland
• Personal reflections on what made this trip so special for families

New Zealand Itinerary Overview & Map

New Zealand (Māori: Aotearoa) is made up of two main islands: the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu), plus hundreds of smaller ones scattered like stepping stones across the Pacific Ocean. Each island brings its own kind of magic.

• The North Island invites you into a world of volcanic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and laid-back coastal life. You’ll find bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, serene islands, and vibrant cities like Auckland full of art, history, and family-friendly surprises.
• The South Island feels like a cinematic dream. Towering peaks, glacier-carved valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and wildlife encounters that feel straight out of a nature documentary. You’re never far from an alpine view or a moment that makes you pause and say, “wow.”

Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, film-worthy scenery (hello, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Lord of the Rings, and even Minecraft landscapes), or interactive museums and nature parks for the kids, New Zealand is a perfect place to create a meaningful family trip. This 10-day itinerary will take you through both Islands, and follow the routes below:

Click here for the interactive Google Maps

How We Flew To New Zealand Using Points

Award availability for New Zealand can be tough, especially for a family of four. But with the right points strategy, we made it work. We planned to fly to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city by using Air Canada Aeroplan miles to book Singapore Airlines business class from San Francisco.

However, we ended up flying directly on United Airlines business class. United Airlines also released last-minute award business seats for four, which isn’t common but is possible with the right tools and timing. You can absolutely reverse this itinerary: start in Christchurch and end in Auckland. The flow works either way depending on your dates and mileage redemptions.

Where We Stayed in New Zealand

Because redeeming award stay for hotels is mostly limited to cities, we planned a mix of redemptions and strategic cash bookings. Then we asked ourselves:

• What credits can we use?
• Which points / miles do we want to earn for future trips?
• Where can we stay that’s truly worth it?

Therefor, here’s where we stayed:

• Auckland: Park Hyatt Auckland (used Hyatt points with Suite Upgrade Award and Points & Cash Upgrade)
• Rotorua: Local Motel (prepaid stay)
• Queenstown: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel (booked with Hotels.com via American Airlines (AA) eShopping portal)
• Lake Tekapo: Galaxy Boutique Hotel (booked with Hotels.com via AA eShopping portal)
• Christchurch: Family-run B&B (booked with AA hotels portal)

Using this approach, we earned tens of thousands of AA miles for future trips even when paying cash. It turned each stay into an investment in our next New Zealand vacation.

Our 10-Day New Zealand Itinerary 

• Visit Michael Joseph Savage Memorial

Before we even unpacked, we visited Michael Joseph Savage Memorial at Bastion Point, which is a quiet, open-air park that overlooks Waitematā Harbour. It’s a place full of local history, but also just peaceful. The kids had room to roam while we took in the views and paused to reflect.

• Mission Bay & Tamaki Drive

We spent one slow-paced morning along Tamaki Drive, a scenic stretch from downtown to Mission Bay. With Rangitoto Island in the background, every corner felt like a postcard. We had brunch at Mission Bay Café, let the kids play in the sand, and visited Selwyn Reserve, a grassy park with a playground and often food trucks nearby. If you’re traveling in summer, this golden beach is perfect for a swim or a picnic. We even stayed for sunset and caught the evening fountain light show.

• Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium (Optional)

If you’re traveling with young children, Kelly Tarlton’s is just a short distance along Tamaki Drive. It’s perfect for a rainy day or a half-day visit with penguins, walk-through shark tunnels, and hands-on exhibits.

• Sky Tower + Orbit 360

After returning from Rotorua, we had dinner at Orbit 360, the revolving restaurant inside the Sky Tower. At 328 meters, the views of the harbor and city are unforgettable. For our kids, it was dinner and a show in one, which is a highlight of the whole family trip.

• Bonus: Muriwai Beach

On our last day in Auckland, before flying south, we drove less than an hour to Muriwai Beach. This black-sand beauty showed us a wilder side of New Zealand. With cliffs, waves, and a gannet colony, it was worth every minute. If you have extra time, you can also check out Piha Beach or Karekare, where parts of The Piano were filmed.

Day 2 – 3: Waitomo & Rotorua

Glowworms, Geysers & Golden Memories in the Heart of the North Island

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves

This was a half-day stop en route to Rotorua, and it’s perfect for first-time visitors, especially with younger kids. The glowworms shimmer like stars inside the dark caves. We did the standard tour (not black water rafting), and the quiet boat ride under a glowing ceiling is something I’ll never forget. No photos allowed, but maybe that made it more magical.

• Waitomo Homestead Café

We stopped for lunch here, and wow, the food and the Kiwi Fruits orchard! Giant nachos, classic Kiwi pies, savory scones…It’s also one of the best-labeled menus I’ve seen for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. My uncle swears by butter chicken pie, while my grandma votes minced beef. You decide.

•  Drive To Rotorua (via Tirau)

The drive from Waitomo to Rotorua passes through Tirau, a quirky town with massive corrugated iron sculptures (a dog, a sheep, and a shepherd). Our kids insisted we stop, and honestly, it was a cute photo break.

• Rotorua Region Highlights
  • Kuirau Park: A geothermal park that’s free and full of bubbling mud pools, steam vents, and even a cozy foot bath. The kids loved it, and it was an easy walk from town.
  • Rotorua Government Garden: This Tudor-style building is a Rotorua icon. The museum was closed during our visit, but the gardens were quiet and peaceful.
  • Lake Rotorua Boardwalk at Sunset: A gentle end to a busy day. Fog rising off the lake, golden hour light, and space to breathe.
  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: One of the best places in New Zealand to witness geothermal wonder. We arrived in early morning fog, which made the pools look surreal.

• Family highlights:
  • Champagne Pool: Orange-edged and steaming
  • Devil’s Bath: A neon green pool that looks fake, but is totally real
  • Lady Knox Geyser: Erupts daily at 10:15 AM (our kids were fascinated)
  • Boardwalks: Many are stroller-friendly and scenic enough for a leisurely walk

• More Rotorua Ideas (If You Have Extra Time)
  • Polynesian Spa (with hot springs and family pools)
  • Skyline Gondola & Luge
  • Redwoods Treewalk with suspension bridges and lantern-lit night walks
  • Agrodome (sheep shearing show and farm fun)
  • Rainbow Springs (native wildlife and kiwi birds)

Days 6 – 8: Queenstown

Alpine Views, Adventure Options & Peaceful Moments in the South: After our geothermal adventures in Rotorua, we caught a short flight to Queenstown, and suddenly the Southern Alps rose to meet us. Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown delivered jaw-dropping beauty and family-friendly charm in equal measure.

Where We Stayed: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel

This boutique hotel was the perfect choice. It’s centrally located, beautifully designed, and within a short walk of the Skyline Gondola, lakefront, and restaurants. We skipped the Hilton Queenstown (despite the resort credit from Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Credit Card) because of traffic concerns. We wanted walkability, and this hotel delivered. What’s more was we booked through Hotels.com via the American Airlines AAdvantage shopping portal, and earned a ton of miles while staying somewhere truly cozy and convenient.

• Milford Sound Fly + Cruise Day Trip

This was the “trip within the trip”, a scenic cruise and flight we’ll never forget. Why we chose the Fly + Cruise:

• 12-hour drive round-trip? Not with kids.
• Flying over the Southern Alps was breathtaking.
• We still got the iconic boat ride through the fjord, seeing waterfalls and wildlife up close.

We booked through Viator during a 20x Amex Membership Rewards promo provided by Rakuten shopping portal, so even the tours helped us earn for future trips. This is the kind of Milford Sound experience that felt worth every point and every mile.

• Skyline Queenstown: Gondola, Luge and Stargazing

We LOVED this even though we had some drama. We took the Skyline Gondola up, raced Luge carts down, and even returned after dinner for stargazing. 

• Optional: Hot Pools Retreat & Day Spa

One of our favorite hot pools in New Zealand. Set high above the Shotover River, these private cedar-lined tubs are magical. You can enjoy the spa and retreat as a family. Kids 5+ are allowed in daytime sessions, while the evening sessions only allow 12+ children. There is a shuttle from Queenstown that makes it stress-free. It’s peaceful, scenic, and very much a family memory you’ll keep forever.

• Strolling Downtown Queenstown

From the Remarkables mountains to Lake Wakatipu, every view felt like it was designed for postcards. Downtown Queenstown is compact, easy to explore on foot, and offers great food (and yes, we stopped by the Remarkable Sweet Shop).

Day 9: Lake Tekapo

Lindis Pass, Tiffany Blue Waters & Stargazing Dreams: We rented a car and headed north through Lindis Pass, which is a beautiful stretch of road where the hills roll endlessly and dirt roads appear out of nowhere.

Where we stayed: Galaxy Boutique Hotel (booked with Hotels.com via AA hotel portal). Earned another stash of AA miles on paid stay.

• Quick Stop at Mount Cook (Weather Permitting)

Sadly, we hit rain. But if the weather is better, I strongly recommend you include Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki are stunning detours worth 1–2 nights.

• The Church of the Good Shepherd & Lake Tekapo:

Arriving at Lake Tekapo before sunset was unforgettable. The water glowed in Tiffany blue, and the tiny church stood peacefully by the shore. We stayed longer than expected, just taking it in.

• Stargazing (Recommended):

Clouds canceled our tour, but Lake Tekapo is in a Dark Sky Reserve, and stargazing here is a perfect trip highlight when skies are clear.

Days 9 – 10: Christchurch

Art, Architecture & A Slow Sendoff to End the Trip: We ended our journey in Christchurch, a city that’s rebuilding with grace, creativity, and resilience. It was the perfect calm landing before flying home.

Where We Stayed: The Grange B&B. This is a family-run place, which is charming and walkable to everything. It wasn’t fancy, but it was perfect for us. I booked via AA hotels portal and paid with Citi AAdvantage Executive credit card, which earns 10x AA miles for me.

• Christchurch Tram City Tour

As a highlight for us on the last day, the Christchurch Tram loops through the central city of Christchurch, and the drivers were fantastic. They were posing for photos, answering questions, and keeping it fun. We rode it for most of the day, hopping on and off as needed. It was the great way to wrap up our family trip.

• More Ideas For Our Final Stops In Christchurch
  • Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
  • Riverside Market (grab a boba or sit at the wine bar)
  • Christchurch Botanic Gardens (peaceful, easy to access, and lovely for photos)
  • Cathedral Square and the Cardboard Cathedral: a creative response to past quakes

How We Used Points & Miles To Make This 10-Day Trip Possible

Behind the peaceful lakes, scenic drives, and cozy boutique hotels was a detailed award travel strategy that made this trip both luxurious and accessible. Here’s how we pulled it off, so you can do the same:

• Flights: Using Miles For Business Class Award Availability

• San Francisco to Auckland (or Sydney) in business class on Singapore Airlines, booked with Air Canada Aeroplan.
• Found 4 award seats thanks to close-in availability on United Airlines.
• Flexibility helped us land premium cabin redemptions during high season.

This wasn’t just about comfort. It was about arriving rested, avoiding jet lag, and kicking off our New Zealand vacation with energy.

•  Hotels: A Smart Mix of Redemptions + Earning

We blended redemptions, credit card perks, and AA mileage earning like this:

• Redeemed with points
  • Park Hyatt Auckland: using World of Hyatt points
• Paid but Strategic
  • Rotorua, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
    → Booked via AA hotels portal or Hotels.com via AAdvantage shopping portal
    → Paid with Citi AAdvantage Executive credit card to earn 10x AA miles
    → Boutique hotels = local charm + mileage earnings

We earned tens of thousands of AAdvantage miles just from these stays, which is enough for a future domestic trip or to top off an international redemption.

• Rental Car: Only When We Needed It

Instead of paying for a full 10-day rental car in New Zealand, we picked it up only when we left Queenstown and drove to Lake Tekapo and Christchurch.

• Used AutoSlash to find the best rate
• Chose Thrifty for value
• Saved money + skipped parking stress in major cities

With most award travel blogs focusing on flight redemptions, rental car strategy often gets missed, but it’s a great way to stretch your budget while gaining flexibility.

• Bonus Earnings

We stacked extra perks wherever possible:

• Booked Viator activities (Milford Sound fly-cruise, Skyline Gondola) during Amex 20x Membership Rewards promo provided by Rakuten shopping portal.
• Used Amex Business Platinum’s 35% rebate to book Emirates first class and business class from Christchurch to Sydney. This is a short flight, but a big memory which made our last day feel like a reward in itself.

Final Thoughts: Is New Zealand Worth Visiting With Kids?

Absolutely yes. It’s the perfect place for a meaningful, manageable, memory-filled family trip. What stood out most for us:

• The Southern Hemisphere beauty: native forests, hot springs, lakes, beaches, and mountains
• The space: uncrowded cities, endless landscapes, and short distance drives between highlights
• The mix: from Sky Tower views to geothermal adventures, from wild beaches to suspension bridges in redwood forests

You’ll meet New Zealanders who are warm, welcoming, and used to helping families feel right at home. Whether you’re traveling with young children or teens, there are amazing things for the whole family to enjoy without the intensity of a packed amusement park trip. And the best part? You can do it with points and miles with strategy and intention. So if New Zealand has been on your family’s dream list, maybe now’s the best time to stop waiting.

Bonus: Hotels Information

Day	Location	Recommendation	What Makes Special	Ways of Booking /  Earning
1 – 3, 4 – 5	Auckland	Park Hyatt Auckland	TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice in Top and Luxury Hotels	HyattPointsPoints + Cash Upgrade
3 – 4	Rotorua	N/A
5 – 8	Queenstown	Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel	TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice in Luxury and Boutique Hotels	Hotels.com through AAdvantage Shopping Portal
8 – 9	Lake Takepo	Galaxy Boutique Hotel Lake Tekapo	#1 in Lake Takepo	Hotels.com through AAdvantage Shopping Portal
9 – 11	Christchurch	The Grange Boutique B&B	#1 in the guesthouse	Through AAdvantage Hotels Portal