๐ณ๐ฟ My 3rd NZ Trip Itinerary (Detailed Chatty Version!)
Picking up from last post~ Why start in Wellington? Cheaper car rentals! ๐๐จ ๐ Day 7: Taupo โ Rotorua โ Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park: Missed the geyser (slept in! ๐ ), but staff gave us a free return ticket for the next day. Pro tip: Bring waterโstaff praised us for our giant bottle! ๐ฆ โ Agrodome Farm Tour (Booked 1:30pm): Peak season = book ahead! Saw a group who only got afternoon tickets (tractor ride + feeding sheep/alpacas ๐ฆ). Sadly missed sheep shearing ๐ (sold out!). โ Redwoods Nightlights Treewalk: Magical at night! ๐ + outdoor movies. Next day: Tried the daytime forest walk (Lord of the Rings vibes!). Fast-track ticket (+$5) saves time in peak season! ๐ All Seasons Holiday Park: 10min from town, lakeside views, heated pool (open till 9:30pm!). Bonus: Dinosaurs ๐ฆ + a sailboat enthusiast at sunset! โต ๐ฟ Day 8: Rotorua โ Whakarewarewa Mฤori Cultural Show ($25, 1hr): Haka performance = powerful! Kids loved the Moana connection. Free geothermal area access included. โ Zorb Ball: Kidโs pick! ๐พ (Skipped lugeโdone it twice in South Island.) Mom rode solo (injured dad ๐), but so fun! โ Redwoods Day Walk: Giant ferns = Middle-earth magic! ๐ณโจ โ Kuirau Park: Free hot foot pools + playground. Perfect pit stop! ๐ด Dinner at EL Mexicano Zapata Cantina: Meh Mexicanโฆ but kid approved! ๐ Saved by Korean fried chicken on the way back! ๐ ๐๏ธ Day 9: Rotorua โ Te Puru (Coromandel Peninsula) โ Breakfast at Ciabatta Cafรฉ: Banana coffee = divine! ๐โ + killer donuts. โ Blue Spring (Te Waihou): NZโs bottled water source! ๐ง Finally openโ1hr walk (partially closed but dreamy!). โ Tirau (Tin Town): Whimsical corrugated iron art + must-try gelato! ๐ฆ โ Morrinsville (Cow Town): 30+ colorful cow statues! ๐๐ โ Paeroa (L&P Soda Homeland): Goldmine ruins: Easy route: Park at Karangahake Hall โ walk to tunnel + gorge trail. ๐ Te Puru Holiday Park: Quirky local vibeโprivately owned cabins, fishermen partying + speedboating at dawn! ๐ค ๐๏ธ Day 10: Te Puru โ Hahei (Hot Water Beach) โ Pokeno โ Thames: Coffee + quick explore. โ Cathedral Cove: Pack swimwear/snacks! Shuttle bus ($7 round-trip). โ Hot Water Beach: Dig hot pools at low tide! ๐ฅ Follow the crowd #NZTravel #NorthIslandNZ #FamilyTripNZ #Rotorua #Coromandel #HotWaterBeach #TravelWithKids #NZMustDo