Family Fun in New Zealand!
Discover the very best of New Zealand on this unforgettable family adventure, from vibrant cities to breathtaking alpine landscapes. Encounter whales and dolphins in Auckland, explore the magical Hobbiton Movie Set, experience Māori culture in Rotorua, and kayak beneath glow worm-lit caves. Journey by ferry and scenic rail through spectacular coastal scenery before spotting giant sperm whales in Kaikōura. Continue to Christchurch, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and Queenstown for glacier adventures, stargazing, jet boating, ziplining, farm experiences, wineries, and relaxing alpine soaks. Combining unforgettable wildlife, incredible scenery, family-friendly adventures, and handpicked accommodation, this journey showcases the very best of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Day 1
Auckland
Private Car/Driver Auckland International Apt to City Hotel - Luxury Mini Coach
Accommodation at Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland, Britomart
Premier Two Bedroom Apartment - Queen / King or Twin for 2 Nights
Centrally located only minutes from Queen’s Wharf Harbour, the Britomart Precinct. The hotel offers 140 stylish and modern studio, one and two bedroom apartments. Contemporary in design, the apartments are appointed with a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable living space and laundry. The serviced apartment-style hotel is in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the waterfront, Queen Street and Wynyard Quarter and is close to the main transport hub. Explore Auckland from your apartment base and enjoy the sights and sounds of the energetic urban area.
Whale & Dolphin Eco-Safari
The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is home to resident populations of whales, dolphins and seabirds and visited by a staggering one third of all marine mammal species found on earth. Board your purpose-built research vessel the ‘Dolphin Explorer’ for an unforgettable 4.5 hour eco-safari on the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf. As New Zealand’s only research-based marine mammal experience, Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safaris work closely with the Department of Conservation and several universities to combine up-close viewing of whales, dolphins and sea birds with important marine-biology research conducted onboard. This provides you with the opportunity to encounter, understand and help protect this incredible marine resource.
Day 2
Afternoon/Evening Canyoning Adventure
Embark on your 5.5 hour tour. Just a 40 minute drive from central Auckland, the Waitakere Ranges Parklands offer a dense subtropical rainforest rimmed by wild black sand surf beaches and topped by dominating Kauri trees. Arrive at Piha Beach where your canyoning adventure will begin. Canyoning involves abseiling, swimming, caves, jumps and walking. After a safety briefing, embark on a 30 minute bush walk to a scenic and interesting canyon where you will begin exploring, the walls are layered in ferns and moss. Almost all obstacles are optional which means you can choose your level of adventure. The canyon stream is a gentle low volume stream that consists of pools of water and is not fast flowing. From the end of the canyon its a 10 minute walk back to the bus where you will change out of the canyoning equipment before taking a short drive down to the beach. Here you will enjoy the warmth of hot sand on your feet, cool refreshments and the pleasant sound of your canyoning companions relaxing after a great day.
Day 3
Morning Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton
This 8 hour tour will enable you to immerse yourself in a rainforest experience like no other! After being collected from your accommodation you will travel to Mossman Gorge to experience a traditional Kuku Yal Embark on a 7.45 hour magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy for a fascinating guided tour. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region and through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response to a movie set in a natural setting. You will see 44 hobbit holes and visitors can now fulfil a long-held dream to go beyond the beautiful exterior doors and see inside a Hobbit’s home on Bagshot Row. Also see the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. On completion of the Hobbiton tour, board the shuttle at Shire’s Rest Café for your journey to Rotorua. anji smoking ceremony; you will be cleansed of bad spirits and have traditional rainforest body paint applied. Explore the Daintree National Park during a 1.5 hour interpretive walk, which will leave you with a deeper understanding of this breath-taking rainforest. After lunch, travel to the Mossman River for a one of a kind River Drift tour; a unique experience that offers a blend of hiking and serene river floating in the lush rainforest of the Mossman River. You will return to Port Douglas, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Rotorua
Accommodation at Millennium Rotorua Hotel
1 Double Superior King Lake Facing for 2 Nights
1 Twin Superior 2 Queen Beds Lake Facing for 2 nights
Centrally located in the city beside mystical Lake Rotorua, this property is one of the most conveniently located and best appointed. You will find 227 elegant, air-conditioned rooms offering you a wide choice of accommodation styles, including the Club floor rooms with complimentary use of the exclusive Club Lounge. Many rooms offer excellent views of Lake Rotorua or the native garden.
3 Hour Guided Glow Worm Kayak Tour
Embark on your 3 hour tour. Arrive on the shorelines of Lake Okareka as the sun is setting and meet your friendly and expert kayak guides. Following the introductions you will gear-up and prepare for an epic night out with all necessary equipment provided. Your guide will then run through safety and basic kayak instruction before you take the helm on the water. Explore the shoreline and embrace the weather conditions of the evening as you follow your guide around the lake edge as night sets in. Once its dark, discover your adventurous side as your guide leads you inside incredible hidden caves home to galaxies of glow worms. Take ample time to enjoy the magical moments inside the caves before returning along your course in the dark. If it is a clear night the magic continues as the stars come out and the cloudy appearance of the milky-way fills the sky. Upon returning to the base you will feel like you have been in another world for the past few hours and will likely have made some new friends through the wonder of this experience.
Day 4
Morning Eco Thermal Park Tour - Waiotapu & Waimangu
Embark on your 4.5 hour tour. Visit Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks, Wai O Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Your local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moon like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley, learn about the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.
Tu Te Ra - Maori Cultural Dining Experience
This 3.5 hour cultural dining experience is aligned with the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar. Explore concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and of peace. Tū Te Rā is a time of year when our days are longest and the sun expresses its optimal energy – a time for harvesting and celebrating. It is also a time for warfare, for settling old scores and for forging peace. Enjoy drama, performance and divine seasonal kai (food) shared against a backdrop of blazing bonfires, towering Tawa trees, and a natural forest amphitheatre. Designed by award winning Māori chefs, staple favourites like hāngi share the table with fusion dishes. The evening includes activities that are outside in a forest setting for up to an hour and operate rain or shine so please pack/dress accordingly to the weather. Dinner may also be served al fresco on warmer nights and indoors when cooler
Day 5
Private Car/Driver City Lodges to Rotorua Airport
Wellington
Private Car/Driver Domestic Airport to City Hotel
Accommodation at Adina CityLife Wellington
Two Bedroom Apartment for 2 Nights
Modern accommodation in the heart of Wellington’s trendy shopping area of Lambton Quay. Guests can choose between studios with open-plan sleeping and living areas, or larger one and two bedroom apartments with separate living rooms and kitchens. Located one minute’s walk from the Lambton Quay Cable Car terminal, and the Queens Wharf Ferry Terminal and the waterfront are just a five minute walk away.
Zealandia by Night Tour
On this 2.5 hour tour explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctiven sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest at night. Look for a variety of rare and endangered species, including those that only emerge after dark. You may spot unique creatures such as wētā, glow worms, and the ancient tuatara. Your group might also hear or see some of the kiwi pukupuku/little spotted kiwi that call Zealandia home. While kiwi encounters are common (~80%), they are not guaranteed. Along the way, gain fascinating insights into New Zealand’s natural history and the significance of the unique species within Māori culture. The tour will end with a replenishing cup of hot kawakawa tea in the Visitors Centre.
Day 6
Intro to Wellington Bike Tour
Embark on this 2 to 2.5 hour tour. The essential introduction to Wellington! Jump on a bike and our guide will show you around the Wellington Waterfront and introduce you to some fascinating past and present figures who have made Wellington the creative capital it is today. Our tour focuses on the people who have shaped Weillington and you’ll see some key Wellington landmarks including the New Zealand Parliament, Te Papa Museum, Mt Victoria, Oriental Bay, Wellington Railway Station and the lively Wellington Waterfront. This tour is mostly flat and customers can choose electric or regular bikes.
Introducing Te Papa Tour
Enjoy an 1 hour overview of Te Papa’s highlights, Maori treasures and New Zealand history. Ideal for visitors with limited time or wanting an introduction for an extended visit.
Day 7
Private Car/Driver City Hotel to Terminal
Ferry Service Wellington to Picton
Check-in at the Interislander ferry terminal and board your vessel for the journey across Cook Strait. Depart Wellington and arrive into Picton harbour. The 92 kilometre voyage takes approximately three hours and is described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.
Coastal Pacific Train - Picton to Kaikoura Rail Service
1.10pm: Check-in at the KiwiRail/The Great Journeys of New Zealand ticket counter located in the Interisland Ferry Terminal with clear signage to the platform once you have checked in. Please have your booking reference ready for check-in.
1.40pm: Coastal Pacific train departs Picton.
The Coastal Pacific train journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand. Today you will travel from Picton to Kaikoura. Pass through Marlborough, a burgeoning grape growing area, before reaching the east coast where the Kaikoura mountain ranges rise on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline stretches out on the other.
4.15pm: Arrive in Kaikoura.
Accommodation at The White Morph
Set on the esplanade in iconic Kaikoura on the waterfront, the property offers a range of accommodation options. Providing quality self-contained accommodation, rooms have either a garden, partial ocean or full ocean view and have a patio or balcony. Free WiFi is also available in all rooms and the lobby.
Day 8
Whalewatch Cruise
Embark on your 3.5 hour Whale Watch experience. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin, the Orca, and is home to the world's smallest and rarest, the Hector's. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater.
Coastal Pacific Train - Kaikoura to Christchurch Rail Service
3.55pm: Check-in at the KiwiRail/The Great Journeys of New Zealand ticket counter. Please have your booking reference ready for check-in.
4.25pm: The Coastal Pacific train departs Kaikoura.
This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand. Travel from the seaside village of Kaikoura to Christchurch where you can often see amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your train carriage. The train then turns inland to travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas in North Canterbury before arriving in Christchurch.
7.20pm: Arrive in Christchurch.
Accommodation at Scenic Hotel Cotswold
The distinctive Tudor-style architecture reflects Christchurch's image as the most English of cities outside England. This classic charm is carried throughout the hotel with understated style. Enjoy the spacious award-winning gardens or take an easy stroll to boutique shopping at Merivale Mall, Christchurch Casino and the beautiful Hagley Park.This property has 77 spacious rooms, including standard rooms and spacious one and two bedroom suites.
Day 9
3 hour Zipline Tour
The Christchurch Adventure Park is nestled amongst a Pine Forest - you’ll find it hard to believe you’re only 20 minutes away from the South Islands largest city centre. The Christchurch Adventure Park zipline is dual lined which means you can race others through the heights and width of the Park. With four stages ranging in length from 400 to 1100 metres this is going to be a way to experience the Port Hills like no other. The tour is approximately two and half hour to three hours in duration and includes sites of geographical and historical significance as well as some heights like you've never seen before.The Zip Tour is all about adventure! This tour does run in cooler conditions, including rain (it's actually even more epic as rain makes the lines run faster!) with that in mind please bring warm clothing! In winter months we suggest you dress as if you were going skiing! Layers and waterproofs if it is looking wet.
City Meander
Your 2 hour walking tour begins with an introduction to the meaning behind the name Ōtautahi (Te Reo Māori for Christchurch). Follow ancestral footsteps while your guide shares many traditional Māori and Settlers stories and ways of life. You will also be introduced to the guiding principle of manaakitanga (care for all things, people and planet) including the whakatauki (proverb) 'kia atawhai ki te iwi’ - care for your people. Learn a traditional māori greeting, walk past traditional mahinga kai (food gathering) and pā (māori village) sites and bring to life the stories of the past and present as how they have been woven into this emerging city. Along the way enjoy personally picked iconic kiwi flavours and tastings created by locals with their own beautiful stories. From stories of historically gathering food on the banks of the river to tasting some of Ōtautahi/Christchurch's finest modern day flavours, this tour is a journey for the senses.
Day 10
Half Day Mount Cook Tour
This small group 6 hour tour combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. Departing Christchurch your journey takes you through the farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Geraldine, where there is time for morning tea (at own cost). Continue to the shores of the stunning, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the spectacular Southern Alps. Continue through the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin to arrive at Mount Cook Village, where you can gaze up at the 3,724m/12,218ft high mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook, an important landmark in Maori mythology, the mountain can be viewed without any acclimatisation whatsoever from the village which is just 750m/2460ft above sea level.
Accommodation at Mount Cook Lodge & Motels
Motel Family Unit for 1 Night
Located in the spectacular Aoraki Mount Cook National Park offering a range of accommodation including motel rooms and lodge rooms. All private rooms feature an ensuite bathroom, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The motel rooms also have self-catering kitchen facilities and the property has onsite parking and the onsite restaurant providing pub style meals. Guests enjoy a free shuttle service to the Hermitage Hotel which is located just 800 metres away.
Evening Big Sky Stargazing
Take a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos as you explore the wonders of the night sky, home to planets, stars and a whole other world we only dream about. Resident astronomy guides will take you on a 1 hour tour of the night sky through high powered telescopes. They share their knowledge about the night sky in an informative and approachable way, answering any questions you may have as they go. Available on a clear night, the tour takes place close to the Hermitage hotel. Guests will be shuttled to the base and are treated to home made hot chocolate and sweet treats, before stepping outside to witness the darkness as it comes alive with the stars.
Day 11
3 Hour Glacier Boat Trip
An amazing encounter with New Zealand's largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. On this 3 hour tour explore and learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the terminal lake in our custom-built MAC Boats with your experienced guides. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake. Lateral moraines rear up almost 200m to remind us of the scale and greatness that the glacier has reached in previous times. With the effects of global warming and other climatic processes taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, their retreat is imminent. Now approximately 27km long and 600m deep, the Tasman Glacier is melting and calving at an exponentially increasing rate. In recent years the Tasman Glacier has changed from a 'melting' to a 'calving and melting' terminus, resulting in a terminal lake that is rapidly increasing in size.
Afternoon Tour Mount Cook - Queenstown
Mt Cook to Queenstown 4 hour Small Group Tour, this fully guided one way transfer allowing you to travel in style while learning about all the highlights along the way. Travelling along one of the most beautiful roads in the world Lake Pukaki begins to emerge in front of us. Lake Pukaki is one of the bluest lakes you will ever see and is stunningly framed by the backdrop of Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Farewelling Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and making our way back to Queenstown we stop in at High Country Salmon, a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and taste some of the freshest salmon in New Zealand. Climbing in altitude, Lindis Pass has amazing views down through the valleys. Being one of only three alpine roads through the otherwise impassable Southern Alps. During summer months when the sun is still up as we get close to Queenstown, we often stop at Mrs Jones Suncrest Orchard to try or buy her delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream. Nearing Queenstown we then make our way through the stunning Kawarau Gorge passing stunning views, the Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the famous Roaring Meg Lookout before arriving at our destination, Queenstown.
Accommodation at Scenic Suites Queenstown
Two Bedroom/Two Bathroom Suite for 4 Nights
This hotel provides one of the most sought after locations for Queenstown hotels. The hotel’s elevated position gives fantastic views of the Southern Alps and over Lake Wakatipu. It’s hard to go past this property with its convenience and quality apartment style accommodation. Featuring 84 superior rooms and one-bedroom suites, many of which have lake and mountain views.
Day 12
Full Day Funyak Safari Trip with Jetboat & Lunch
Embark on this 8.5 hour tour. A truly unique adventure and a fun way to intimately experience this amazing area. Start with an exciting jet boat trip up the Dart River with all the thrills of classic braided shallow river jet boating, complete with exhilarating jet spins. Stop along the way to discover why this area is so rare and special with its ancient 80 million year old ecology. You’ll then disembark and continue your journey in an inflatable canoe. Paddle and drift on a spectacular downstream journey, with your guide providing insight to the awe-inspiring sights and stories found amidst the Dart River’s sparkling channels. Stop amongst the ancient beech forest and enjoy a buffet style lunch and take the opportunity to explore the hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms such as the beautiful Rockburn. Afterwards continue downstream to ‘Paradise’, from where you’ll return to Glenorchy by coach via a back-country route, through stunning scenery and locations that have inspired movies the world over.
Day 13
Earnslaw Walter Peak Farm & Gourmet Barbecue Lunch
Embark on this 3.5 hour tour. Step aboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a 40 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Onboard, the Captain provides an interesting commentary as you take in the spectacular views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the western shores of Lake Wakatipu. The original steam engines can be seen in operation from the open viewing area and you are welcome to visit the Fo’c’cle Gallery to view the historic displays. On arrival at Walter Peak enjoy a unique dining experience where the menu showcases food and wine from the wider Central Otago region. Chefs prepare a tasty selection of meats on the grill, while fresh, seasonal salads and vegetables are available from the dining area of the Colonel’s Homestead. Top off lunch with a selection of delicious sweet treats and local cheeses. Before or after lunch, the rural demonstrator will give guests an insight into life in the New Zealand high country by providing an entertaining farm show including working sheep dogs and sheep shearing (seasonal - sheep not sheared June to September, during this period, a sheep will be brought on stage to talk to the aspects of shearing, and belly shearing will continue as appropriate with weather). After the farmyard tour there is still time do a little shopping or wander through the beautiful lakeside gardens before reboarding the TSS Earnslaw and returning to Queenstown.
Original Onsen Indoor Soak (9am-4.30pm) 1 Hour
Located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon with breathtaking views of alpine scenery, it's the perfect vantage point from which to watch the Shotover jet boats on the river below. Enjoy exclusive access to a cedar hot tub with a retractable roof for a one hour rejuvenating soak. A large airy reception and waiting area provides a comfortable environment for relaxing and chatting with friends. The outdoor sundeck has one of the most impressive views in Queenstown so spend a little time before or after your soak taking it all in! Bathers may shower and change in their pool room or in the beautifully appointed changing rooms. Each pool can comfortably accommodate up to four people.
Day 14
Half Day Best of Queenstown
This relaxed 4-hour guided sightseeing experience showcases the very best of the Whakatipu Basin, taking you beyond the Queenstown town centre to discover the region's stunning scenery, rich history, vibrant local culture, and renowned wine. Highlights include breathtaking panoramic viewpoints high above Queenstown, followed by a visit to Queenstown's newest destination, Ayrburn, where you will enjoy free time to explore the grounds and a complimentary barista-made coffee or hot beverage. The journey continues to historic Arrowtown, where guests can step back in time and learn about the region's gold mining heritage, with the opportunity to try their hand at gold panning. No introduction to Queenstown would be complete without experiencing the region's world-famous wines. The tour concludes with a relaxed wine tasting and cheese platter at a local vineyard, providing the perfect taste of Central Otago.
Gondola & Luge Ride
The Skyline Gondola will whisk you smoothly up 450 metres to Bob’s Peak, as Queenstown drops away below you. From the top enjoy breathtaking views, which extend almost 360 degrees from Coronet Peak around to the Remarkables and on to Cecil and Walter Peaks on the other side of Lake Wakatipu.
Day 15
Private Car/Driver City Hotel to International Airport