New Zealand North Island Road Trip with Kids

We went to the North Island of New Zealand in April 2017. It was autumn and we were super excited about this. Well, I think I was super duper excited about this the most. My mom and my sister came along too. Which means, there were 7 of us. 4 adults, 2 children and 1 infant.

Yes, I find myself repeating that a lot before and during the trip. This is my first road trip abroad, so I have come to realize that I have to make many bookings and reservations for 4 adults, 2 children and 1 infant. More bookings and reservations compared to a 'non road trip' trip, if you know what I mean.

Serene, isn't it?

At first I was very nervous at the prospect of long drives with kids on tow. I was super concerned about bathroom breaks, bored toddler and cranky baby. Though, turned out, everything was fine. More than anything, New Zealand is perfect for kids. They enjoyed the trip as much as us the grown ups.

Gosh! New Zealand have good coffee, I tell 'ya.

Beautiful looking spot behind the gas station, so we just HAVE to take some pictures, of course.

Anyway... Due to hubby not being able to leave work too long, the trip was only for 10 days including the flight journey and all.

Here is our complete self-drive road trip itinerary.

Day 1: Drive from Johor to Kuala Lumpur. Depart from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland at 11.45pm.

Day 2: Arrived in Auckland. Picked up and accommodation by the Mesra Homestay. Dinner, rest then sleep.

Day 3: Driving around Auckland. MOTAT and Mount Eden.

Day 4: Drive to Hamilton. Then to Rotorua. Visit Mitai Village in the evening.

Day 5: Drive to Tongariro National Park. Check out Ruapehu. Check into a motel in Taupo

Day 6: Drive around Taupo. Visit Huka Falls and Huka Honey. Check into WaiNot Cottage, Waikite Valley.

Day 7: Visit the cows in the morning. Check out the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park.

Day 8: Drive back to Auckland. Swing by the Eden Park Stadium, but we missed the tour. Back to the Mesra Homestay for the night.

Day 9: Bye bye New Zealand.

Day 10: Arrived in KLIA. Drove back from KLIA to Johor. Home sweet home.

It is obvious to us that 10 days were simply not enough to discover New Zealand because this country have so so so much to offer. We went home knowing that we will come back one day. We simply must. God willing.