Recommended Experience — Visit the Classic Car Museum, which features not only vintage cars but also toy cars. Enjoy a meal at the museum’s restaurant.
The Hamilton Classic Car Museum isn’t very large, but it has an extensive collection. Entry stops at 2 PM. In addition to old cars, you’ll find car parts, toy vehicles, and historical stories related to automobiles — enough to keep a family entertained for hours. The museum dedicates a sizable area to toy cars and auto parts, which greatly boosts children’s interest. There’s even a car you can climb into for a hands-on experience. In New Zealand, interactive exhibits are never in short supply.
Second Stop: Rotorua — Two Days Here Still Wouldn’t Be Enough for Kids
Agrodome Royal Farm is highly recommended for families with children.
This five-star farm, established in 1971, is primarily a working ranch but also offers great experiences for kids. With a rich variety of animals, children can interact closely with free-range livestock on pristine pastures and enjoy a natural, eco-friendly lifestyle.
The farm’s most distinctive attraction is the Sheep Show, a sheep shearing performance. Through this fun and lighthearted show, you can learn about over ten breeds of sheep from around the world, admire authentic New Zealand-style sheep shearing, watch border collie demonstrations, and enjoy lively audience interaction. The Sheep Show runs at fixed times each day, so it’s best to check online in advance.
My second recommendation is the Redwoods Forest.
Legend has it that over 100 years ago, the British brought redwood seeds to this area. These fast-growing trees with straight trunks were later protected by local government decree. Some of the thickest redwoods require several adults to encircle them. Walking through the forest, you’ll find soft fallen leaves underfoot and lush canopies overhead. The woods feature dedicated walking and biking trails, and locals love coming here to relax and exercise. A round-trip hike takes about an hour, and strolling through the dappled light of the redwoods at dusk is an absolute delight.
The luge is a must-do activity for families.
When in Rotorua, the whole family should try the iconic Sky Line. Ride a gondola up to the mountaintop and then enjoy the luge. It’s a must-do activity for families, chosen by almost everyone. Children actively engage in balancing and speed control, making it a highly meaningful experience. The buffet at the mountaintop restaurant comes strongly recommended — it offers excellent variety and taste, and while dining, you can gaze out the glass windows at the panoramic views of Rotorua.
Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park lets you get up close with various animals.
Known as “New Zealand’s most beautiful zoo,” Paradise Valley Springs opened to the public in 1939 as an animal sanctuary. Here, you can interact with many kinds of animals and watch schools of trout in crystal-clear pools. The breathtaking scenery sometimes makes me feel like I’m on another planet. Nature’s gifts are preserved and sustained here. The spring water is drinkable — lying on the ground and sipping from the spring was one of the most unforgettable experiences for our family. We also used the opportunity to teach our child a lot about water and environmental protection.
Hotel Recommendation — Apex Motel in Rotorua
Our first night in Rotorua was spent at a motel called Apex, which I highly recommend, especially for families with kids. Each room has its own private hot tub, offering a peaceful, undisturbed space for relaxation. You can enjoy real geothermal hot springs any time of day. Most rooms come with small kitchens and utensils, perfect for families who want to buy groceries nearby and cook their own meals. This adds both convenience and fun to the trip.
Third Stop: Taupo — A Tranquil and Beautiful Place Where Every Photo Could Be Your Desktop Wallpaper
Featured Experience — Admire Huka Falls and Lake Taupo
Huka Falls, located just 9 km from Taupo, is one of the top ten waterfalls in the world. “Huka” means “foam” in Māori, describing the powerful rush of water. Though not particularly tall or grand, Huka Falls has an enormous flow rate of 220,000 liters per second, sounding like the mighty roar of a jungle giant. Nature shows no restraint in its passion here. Huka made the list of top ten waterfalls mainly because of its gem-blue color. Despite its fierce currents, it displays the most serene and elegant hue — a photo taken casually looks as crisp as a computer desktop.
Fourth Stop: Whanganui — A Relaxing Town So Peaceful You’re Reluctant to Speak
Recommended Experience — Walk through a 250-meter tunnel and ride a century-old elevator, or take a steamboat cruise along the Whanganui River
Our first stop in Whanganui was the famous Durie Hill Elevator. Walk through a long white tunnel, at the end of which is an over-100-year-old elevator. It leads to a memorial tower and viewing platform offering panoramic views of Whanganui.
On the morning of the second day, we headed to the Whanganui River. After buying tickets at the dock, we embarked on a two-hour cruise. The steamboat is one of the few still-operating heritage steamships in New Zealand. Visitors can visit the cockpit for a tour, participate in cockpit tasks, and receive a certificate.
Fifth Stop: Tauranga — Largest City in the Bay of Plenty, Known for Stunning Coastal Scenery
Recommended Experience — Enjoy the beach and sea, loved by children, while adults can surf or sail
The weather was perfect on our arrival day. Many young people were surfing or sailing on the sea, and we were inspired by their enthusiasm. On the white sandy beach, we got creative with some DIY activities. Both kids and adults were immersed in the fun, laughter, and inspiration, unlocking our creative potential and giving our trip the perfect ending.
Travel Tips:
1. Two highly practical apps are recommended: Booking and TripAdvisor — easily book accommodations and check popular local activities.
2. Traffic Rules: When driving in New Zealand, the most important thing is to follow the rules. New Zealand drives on the left with right-hand drive, the opposite of China. It’s advised to download and study the New Zealand traffic rules online and take practice quizzes before your trip. If you’re unsure, don’t take the risk.
3 It is recommended that you visit a Māori village in Rotorua: Māori culture is one of New Zealand’s important cultures, and children will have a very special experience.