NZ Family Adventure

Day 01 Auckland

Arrive in Auckland and spend the remainder of the day at leisure or exploring the city known as the City of Sails. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.7 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities consistently earns it a place in the top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. A great way to dive into kiwi culture is the 45-minute guided All Blacks Experience. Discover the stories behind some of the world rugby’s most famous players, moments and matches. Be entertained and educated with the story of New Zealand’s deep passion for our national sport and enjoy, topped off with an interactive experience at the end of the tour (2 nights at InterContinental Hotel).

Day 02 Auckland

Experience the best sights of Auckland City with Bush and Beach this morning, including the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland’s North Shore. Stroll on one of our beautiful white sand beaches where there is time for a coffee before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria with its stunning panoramic views of Auckland City and historic Devonport. In the afternoon, venture beyond the city and explore Auckland’s rugged West Coast with its black sand beaches and lush rainforest.

Day 03 Auckland to Rotorua

After collecting your rental car, leave the city behind and journey through the farmlands of the Waikato Region to world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Experience the real Middle-earth™ where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the rolling green hills on your way to the Movie Set. You will be fully guided on a walking tour through the Shire, journey past Bag End, explore the inside of a Hobbit Hole™ on Bagshot Row and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn. Later this afternoon, continue your drive to Rotorua, the centre of an extensive geothermal region. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's fascinating power. The Māori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday destination (2 nights at On the Point Lodge).

Day 04 Rotorua

Rotorua is an adventure playground with a range of activities to be explored. Experience the thrill of flying high above untraversed native forest valleys on a zipline adventure with Rotorua Canopy Tours. Safely secured in harnesses, travel the 1.2 kilometre course through a network of ziplines, tree to tree swing bridges, treetop platforms and walking trails. The highlight for many is stepping out of the canopy from a 500 year old Rimu tree and travelling 220 metres above a long forgotten forested valley to a hidden landing platform on the horizon. Take in the whole picture of ecology from great heights with classic Kiwi guides who help visitors handfeed wild native birds, while sharing knowledge of the bird song, flora and fauna. With a portion of each ticket invested into conservation, everyone is part of the forest restoration story. Enjoy the rest the day at leisure.

Day 05 Rotorua to Hawke's Bay

Today’s drive form Rotorua to Taupō will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. In Taupō, enjoy a thrilling jetboat ride aboard Hukafalls Jet. The half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and natural hot springs. Combine 360 degree spins and passing by nature incredibly close at disorientating speeds, before reaching the awe inspiring majesty of Huka Falls. Continue your scenic drive from Taupō to Napier, the charming Art Deco capital of New Zealand and onto Craggy Range Giant’s Winery and Accommodation (2 nights at Craggy Range).

Day 06 Hawke's Bay

Today, take the opportunity to explore Hawke’s Bay at your leisure. Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region and has over 200 vineyards, close to 80 wineries and 40 cellar doors. A fantastic way to explore the region and visit some of the wineries is by bicycle. Hawke’s Bay offers a network of 200km of easy and mostly flat cycling trails. Don’t miss Craggy Range’s Giants Estate Experience, a premium wine tasting experience including a guided tour of the estate and wine cellar as well as a tasting of some Prestige Collection wines. A little further afield, lies the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. It is situated on private land and can be visited by overland safari tours.

Day 07 Hawke's Bay to Wellington

Today, drive south, climbing out of Hawke's Bay and into the rolling sheep and cattle farmland that characterises much of your journey today. Just south of Eketahuna is Pukaha National Wildlife Centre at Mount Bruce, a worthwhile stop on your journey. The road eventually converges on the rugged Rimutaka Ranges before joining the motorway system into Wellington, New Zealand's Capital - a truly energetic, cosmopolitan city set around the shores of a pretty harbour (2 nights at InterContinental Hotel).

Day 08 Wellington

Wellington, the Capital of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant arts scene, world class café and restaurant culture and active outdoor lifestyle. This creative, cosmopolitan city is surrounded by the rugged beauty of green hills and has an easily walkable downtown area set around an attractive waterfront. Wellington is also home to an entire community of creative Wētā Workshop artisans who’ve brought life to such films as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and many others. Wētā Workshop is your gateway to filmmaking creativity. Join a guided tour and learn about the making of movie effects, from armour to weapons, creatures to costumes, make-up to miniatures, and more.

Day 09 Wellington to Kaikōura

Today, board your Interislander ferry for the journey across Cook Strait to the South Island. The 92 kilometre voyage takes approximately three hours and is described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. Back on land, depart the picturesque seaside town of Picton and journey through the heart of the wine-growing Marlborough Region, most famous for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Continue your journey south as spectacular coastal scenery unfolds before you. Before long you reach the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikōura, best known for its natural marine wonders (2 nights at Sudima Hotel).

Day 10 Kaikōura

Kaikōura is best explored out on the water. Embark on a whale watch cruise today. 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. Kaikōura often hosts the world's largest dolphin, the Orca, and is home to the world's smallest and rarest, the Hector's. Kaikōura 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.

Day 11 Kaikōura to Christchurch

Today’s drive continues down the coastline before turning inland to the lush farmlands of North Canterbury and across the mighty Waimakariri River as you approach Christchurch. Often referred to as the Garden City, Christchurch features many majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, the most notable of which is expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. The Avon River gently winds its way around these inner city landmarks and out through sprawling suburbs to the Pacific Ocean. Let Āmiki Cultural Tours introduce you to some of the city’s hidden gems on a guided walking and food tour (1 night at The George Hotel).

Day 12 Christchurch to Arthur's Pass

This morning, board the TranzAlpine, which is rated as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys. Disembark at Arthur's Pass, where Wilderness Lodge, your accommodation for the next two days, is located. Discover wild nature in a spectacular mountain setting and experience life on a 2,400 hectare nature reserve and high country merino sheep station. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of beech forest, tussock clearings, moss-lined streams and lakes. One of the highlights of the Lodge is a daily programme of nature discovery activities (2 nights at Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass).

Day 13 Arthur's Pass

Today is a day of leisure for you at Wilderness Lodge. Included in your stay are twice daily activities which offer an introduction to natural history and farming life (activities vary daily). Choose a half or full day tour to suit your interests from climbing high into a glacial basin, hiking through a beech forest to a historic hut or take a special hike to see a waterfall and picnic beside a mountain stream. If you prefer to be on water, a kayaking tour will lead you to landscapes from the Narnia film The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Join a sheep farm tour to learn about sheep farming life from a real farmer guide (these run every second day). This tour will give you the chance to hand feed sheep, see sheep dogs in action and learn about sheep shearing and merino wool.

Day 14: Arthur's Pass to Franz Josef

Reboard the TranzAlpine scenic train and traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Descend through thick stands of native beech forest to your destination, Greymouth. Upon arrival on the West Coast, pick up your rental car and enjoy a dramatically scenic drive to Franz Josef, a town nestled amongst native rainforest between the Tasman coast and Franz Josef Glacier (1 night at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel).

Day 15 Franz Josef to Lake Moeraki

This morning, explore some of Westland’s oldest, untouched rainforest by kayak and on foot. You’ll paddle gently with your guide across the Lake, enjoying views of the mountains before hopping out on the far side for a guided nature walk. On this kayak tour you will learn about the kiwi conservation, spot native birdlife, unique plant-life and experience the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. In the afternoon, continue your drive along the spectacular West Coast to Lake Moeraki (2 nights at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki).

Day 16 Lake Moeraki

Enjoy at day at leisure at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, a paradise for nature lovers and for those wanting a relaxing retreat away from the pressures of the modern world. Choose a half or full day tour to suit your interests from searching for wildlife, exploring untamed rainforest, kayaking on pristine lakes, fishing for trout, crossing a swing-bridge spanning thunderous rapids below or seeing Hector’s Dolphins (the world’s smallest marine dolphin). The Lodge’s signature walk will take you to the dramatic coast where you will walk over volcanic boulders, climb through the rainforest and enjoy tea beside a waterfall. Seals and penguins can be seen from August to early December.

Day 17 Lake Moeraki to Queenstown

Today, travel through the mountains and across the Haast Pass to the Central Otago Region with Queenstown as your destination for the next three days. This year-round alpine resort is nestled in a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising from the lake. The town is compact enough to travel around on foot and features a great range of restaurants, bars and boutique stores (4 nights at Azur Lodge).

Day 18 Milford Sound

Visit spectacular Milford Sound today. As stunning as the destination, the journey on the Milford Road offers an inspiring experience. Journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park by road with many scenic highlights, including glacier-carved valleys, blue lakes and native bush, as you cross the Southern Alps. Once in Milford Sound, enjoy a nature cruise on the fjord and see waterfalls, spot fur seals, penguins and occasionally dolphins complemented by informative commentary from your nature guide. Finish your day to Milford Sound with an unforgettable scenic fixed wing flight back to Queenstown, across the Southern Alps.

Day 19 Queenstown and Surrounds

Today, take the scenic road from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Discover and explore every aspect of this magnificent area with a half-day scenic jet boating experience with Dart River Safaris. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time, you’ll be thrilled by an exciting jet boat journey navigating the ever-changing shallow channels of the Dart River's braided river system. Your jet boat driver will stop along the way to highlight points of interest and discuss the natural and cultural significance of this exceptional area. We’ll also take the chance to tie up the boat and let you walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – an atmosphere you may recognize from The Lord of the Rings films.

Day 20 Queenstown

Today is free to explore Queenstown and its surrounds at your leisure. Known as the adventure capital of the world, thrill-seekers have an abundance of options to choose from, including bungy jumping and jetboating. If you feel more comfortable on the ground, activities are plentiful, too. Cycling tours and mountain biking trails in Queenstown are a great way to explore and discover remote parts of this beautiful region! Or take to one of the many walking and hiking trails along the lakeshore or up the many hills and mountains. Wine devotees should not miss a trip out to nearby Gibbston Valley, home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir, to explore cellar doors and restaurants to find your favourite vintage. This can be done independently by car or bicycle or as part of a guided tour.

Day 21 Queenstown

Depart Queenstown

Arrive in Auckland and spend the remainder of the day at leisure or exploring the city known as the City of Sails. Auckland has spectacular natural features, including 49 dormant volcanoes. This cosmopolitan city has a population of around 1.7 million and the city’s subtropical climate, lush vegetation and easy access to the coast and outdoor activities consistently earns it a place in the top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. A great way to dive into kiwi culture is the 45-minute guided All Blacks Experience. Discover the stories behind some of the world rugby’s most famous players, moments and matches. Be entertained and educated with the story of New Zealand’s deep passion for our national sport and enjoy, topped off with an interactive experience at the end of the tour (2 nights at InterContinental Hotel).

Experience the best sights of Auckland City with Bush and Beach this morning, including the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland’s North Shore. Stroll on one of our beautiful white sand beaches where there is time for a coffee before continuing up to the summit of Mt Victoria with its stunning panoramic views of Auckland City and historic Devonport. In the afternoon, venture beyond the city and explore Auckland’s rugged West Coast with its black sand beaches and lush rainforest.

After collecting your rental car, leave the city behind and journey through the farmlands of the Waikato Region to world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Experience the real Middle-earth™ where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the rolling green hills on your way to the Movie Set. You will be fully guided on a walking tour through the Shire, journey past Bag End, explore the inside of a Hobbit Hole™ on Bagshot Row and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn. Later this afternoon, continue your drive to Rotorua, the centre of an extensive geothermal region. Geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's fascinating power. The Māori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday destination (2 nights at On the Point Lodge).

Rotorua is an adventure playground with a range of activities to be explored. Experience the thrill of flying high above untraversed native forest valleys on a zipline adventure with Rotorua Canopy Tours. Safely secured in harnesses, travel the 1.2 kilometre course through a network of ziplines, tree to tree swing bridges, treetop platforms and walking trails. The highlight for many is stepping out of the canopy from a 500 year old Rimu tree and travelling 220 metres above a long forgotten forested valley to a hidden landing platform on the horizon. Take in the whole picture of ecology from great heights with classic Kiwi guides who help visitors handfeed wild native birds, while sharing knowledge of the bird song, flora and fauna. With a portion of each ticket invested into conservation, everyone is part of the forest restoration story. Enjoy the rest the day at leisure.

Today’s drive form Rotorua to Taupō will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. In Taupō, enjoy a thrilling jetboat ride aboard Hukafalls Jet. The half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and natural hot springs. Combine 360 degree spins and passing by nature incredibly close at disorientating speeds, before reaching the awe inspiring majesty of Huka Falls. Continue your scenic drive from Taupō to Napier, the charming Art Deco capital of New Zealand and onto Craggy Range Giant’s Winery and Accommodation (2 nights at Craggy Range).

Today, take the opportunity to explore Hawke’s Bay at your leisure. Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s oldest wine region and has over 200 vineyards, close to 80 wineries and 40 cellar doors. A fantastic way to explore the region and visit some of the wineries is by bicycle. Hawke’s Bay offers a network of 200km of easy and mostly flat cycling trails. Don’t miss Craggy Range’s Giants Estate Experience, a premium wine tasting experience including a guided tour of the estate and wine cellar as well as a tasting of some Prestige Collection wines. A little further afield, lies the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. It is situated on private land and can be visited by overland safari tours.

Today, drive south, climbing out of Hawke's Bay and into the rolling sheep and cattle farmland that characterises much of your journey today. Just south of Eketahuna is Pukaha National Wildlife Centre at Mount Bruce, a worthwhile stop on your journey. The road eventually converges on the rugged Rimutaka Ranges before joining the motorway system into Wellington, New Zealand's Capital - a truly energetic, cosmopolitan city set around the shores of a pretty harbour (2 nights at InterContinental Hotel).

Wellington, the Capital of New Zealand, is known for its vibrant arts scene, world class café and restaurant culture and active outdoor lifestyle. This creative, cosmopolitan city is surrounded by the rugged beauty of green hills and has an easily walkable downtown area set around an attractive waterfront. Wellington is also home to an entire community of creative Wētā Workshop artisans who’ve brought life to such films as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia, Avatar, and many others. Wētā Workshop is your gateway to filmmaking creativity. Join a guided tour and learn about the making of movie effects, from armour to weapons, creatures to costumes, make-up to miniatures, and more.

Today, board your Interislander ferry for the journey across Cook Strait to the South Island. The 92 kilometre voyage takes approximately three hours and is described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. Back on land, depart the picturesque seaside town of Picton and journey through the heart of the wine-growing Marlborough Region, most famous for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Continue your journey south as spectacular coastal scenery unfolds before you. Before long you reach the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikōura, best known for its natural marine wonders (2 nights at Sudima Hotel).

Kaikōura is best explored out on the water. Embark on a whale watch cruise today. 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. Kaikōura often hosts the world's largest dolphin, the Orca, and is home to the world's smallest and rarest, the Hector's. Kaikōura 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.

Today’s drive continues down the coastline before turning inland to the lush farmlands of North Canterbury and across the mighty Waimakariri River as you approach Christchurch. Often referred to as the Garden City, Christchurch features many majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, the most notable of which is expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. The Avon River gently winds its way around these inner city landmarks and out through sprawling suburbs to the Pacific Ocean. Let Āmiki Cultural Tours introduce you to some of the city’s hidden gems on a guided walking and food tour (1 night at The George Hotel).

This morning, board the TranzAlpine, which is rated as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys. Disembark at Arthur's Pass, where Wilderness Lodge, your accommodation for the next two days, is located. Discover wild nature in a spectacular mountain setting and experience life on a 2,400 hectare nature reserve and high country merino sheep station. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of beech forest, tussock clearings, moss-lined streams and lakes. One of the highlights of the Lodge is a daily programme of nature discovery activities (2 nights at Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass).

Today is a day of leisure for you at Wilderness Lodge. Included in your stay are twice daily activities which offer an introduction to natural history and farming life (activities vary daily). Choose a half or full day tour to suit your interests from climbing high into a glacial basin, hiking through a beech forest to a historic hut or take a special hike to see a waterfall and picnic beside a mountain stream. If you prefer to be on water, a kayaking tour will lead you to landscapes from the Narnia film The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Join a sheep farm tour to learn about sheep farming life from a real farmer guide (these run every second day). This tour will give you the chance to hand feed sheep, see sheep dogs in action and learn about sheep shearing and merino wool.

Reboard the TranzAlpine scenic train and traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Descend through thick stands of native beech forest to your destination, Greymouth. Upon arrival on the West Coast, pick up your rental car and enjoy a dramatically scenic drive to Franz Josef, a town nestled amongst native rainforest between the Tasman coast and Franz Josef Glacier (1 night at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel).

This morning, explore some of Westland’s oldest, untouched rainforest by kayak and on foot. You’ll paddle gently with your guide across the Lake, enjoying views of the mountains before hopping out on the far side for a guided nature walk. On this kayak tour you will learn about the kiwi conservation, spot native birdlife, unique plant-life and experience the pristine wilderness of the West Coast. In the afternoon, continue your drive along the spectacular West Coast to Lake Moeraki (2 nights at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki).

Enjoy at day at leisure at Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, a paradise for nature lovers and for those wanting a relaxing retreat away from the pressures of the modern world. Choose a half or full day tour to suit your interests from searching for wildlife, exploring untamed rainforest, kayaking on pristine lakes, fishing for trout, crossing a swing-bridge spanning thunderous rapids below or seeing Hector’s Dolphins (the world’s smallest marine dolphin). The Lodge’s signature walk will take you to the dramatic coast where you will walk over volcanic boulders, climb through the rainforest and enjoy tea beside a waterfall. Seals and penguins can be seen from August to early December.

Today, travel through the mountains and across the Haast Pass to the Central Otago Region with Queenstown as your destination for the next three days. This year-round alpine resort is nestled in a magnificent setting amid steep mountain ranges and pockets of native bush with the jagged peaks of the Remarkables Range rising from the lake. The town is compact enough to travel around on foot and features a great range of restaurants, bars and boutique stores (4 nights at Azur Lodge).

Visit spectacular Milford Sound today. As stunning as the destination, the journey on the Milford Road offers an inspiring experience. Journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park by road with many scenic highlights, including glacier-carved valleys, blue lakes and native bush, as you cross the Southern Alps. Once in Milford Sound, enjoy a nature cruise on the fjord and see waterfalls, spot fur seals, penguins and occasionally dolphins complemented by informative commentary from your nature guide. Finish your day to Milford Sound with an unforgettable scenic fixed wing flight back to Queenstown, across the Southern Alps.

Today, take the scenic road from Queenstown to Glenorchy. Discover and explore every aspect of this magnificent area with a half-day scenic jet boating experience with Dart River Safaris. Surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time, you’ll be thrilled by an exciting jet boat journey navigating the ever-changing shallow channels of the Dart River's braided river system. Your jet boat driver will stop along the way to highlight points of interest and discuss the natural and cultural significance of this exceptional area. We’ll also take the chance to tie up the boat and let you walk amongst the ancient beech tree forests – an atmosphere you may recognize from The Lord of the Rings films.

Today is free to explore Queenstown and its surrounds at your leisure. Known as the adventure capital of the world, thrill-seekers have an abundance of options to choose from, including bungy jumping and jetboating. If you feel more comfortable on the ground, activities are plentiful, too. Cycling tours and mountain biking trails in Queenstown are a great way to explore and discover remote parts of this beautiful region! Or take to one of the many walking and hiking trails along the lakeshore or up the many hills and mountains. Wine devotees should not miss a trip out to nearby Gibbston Valley, home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir, to explore cellar doors and restaurants to find your favourite vintage. This can be done independently by car or bicycle or as part of a guided tour.

Depart Queenstown

Auckland
InterContinental Hotel

Rotorua
On the Point Lodge

Hawke's Bay
Craggy Range

Wellington
InterContinental Hotel

Kaikōura
Sudima Hotel

Christchurch
The George Hotel

Arthur's Pass
Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass

Lake Moeraki
Lake Moeraki Wilderness Lodge

Queenstown
Azur Lodge