Family Friendly New Zealand Tour

Itinerary Highlights

Create the perfect family holiday by adding exciting and inspiring experiences from a comprehensive selection
Spend 90-minutes in a wildly imaginative experience at Weta Workshop Unleashed
Embark on a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from Lord of the Rings film trilogy
Add unique experiences such as bungee jumping, jet boating or stargazing
Best time to travel November - April

What's Included

Accommodation Throughout
Car Hire
Domestic Flights
GPS Device
International Flights

13 nights from £4,219 per person

Cheryl

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Australasia holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

This family focused two-week holiday covers New Zealand’s North and South Island. Explore the captivating cities of Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, and Queenstown. We have hand-picked destinations that offer a diverse array of experiences and activities that will suit any family, whether you are seeking an adrenaline filled holiday or a more cultural experience. We have highlighted a selection of activities in each destination which we can incorporate in your New Zealand holiday to create a fun-packed and fulfilling experience for every member of your family.

Prices are per adult. Please call for child prices.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

On your arrival at Auckland, you will be met and transported to your city centre hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city and the waterfront. For the best views of the city and harbour, head to the Sky Tower where you visit the observation deck on the 51st floor.

Staying at

sofitel auckland viaduct harbour auckland

viaduct cafe with french chairs at sofitel auckland viaduct harbour auckland

sabrage champagne bar at sofitel auckland viaduct harbour auckland

Day 2 Auckland

Experience a world where the lines between fantasy and reality are blurred. Step into this 'fantastical' film effects workshop and explore the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy in-the-making on the 90-minute WETA Workshop Unleashed Tour. Many of the city's activities are based around water. We suggest taking an afternoon whale and dolphin safari out on the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. Those families with children aged 10yrs+ may wish to consider an America’s Cup Sailing Experience, sailing on an authentic America’s Cup Yacht.

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Day 3 Waiheke Island

The harbour and Hauraki Gulf is dotted with islands, with Waiheke Island being a favourite with families. Catch a ferry or seaplane to start your island adventure. There are a whole host of different activities and touring options on the island, including private guided e-bike tours, car, and bike rentals, or explore the island using the local bus network. The island is renowned for its vineyards, arts & crafts and of course its beautiful beaches

Staying at

Day 4 Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton

Today you leave Auckland behind and embark on a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Your tour will take you through rich farmland and across undulating green hills. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. You will see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, all part of the largest “green set” in the world. The tour ends with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn before you continue your journey to Rotorua.

Staying at

Day 5 Rotorua

Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal parks, lakes, and volcanic landscapes as well its Maori Culture. Family friendly activities include the Agrodome Leisure Park where you can watch the Sheep Show and visit the Eco Farm. Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery where you can learn more about these endangered creatures and the conservation projects, walk through the nocturnal house or even go behind the scenes. Other activities include walking high in the trees at the Redwood Treewalk, soaking in geothermal pools and watching geysers gush into the air at one of the geothermal parks.

Staying at

Day 6 Rotorua

Rotorua is the perfect destination for adventurous families. Visit Mt Tarawera by 4X4 vehicle or helicopter for an exhilarating tour of volcanic craters, hiking or a remote hot pools experience. Plummet down the craziest 350m H2OGO Zorb track at ZORB Rotorua or white-water raft the Kaituna, Rangitaiki or Wairoa Rivers, graded between 3-5. There are mountain-biking trails galore as well as several Jet Boating locations for those that really want to get the adrenaline running.

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Day 7 Queenstown

Fly from Rotorua to Queenstown. On arrival collect your rental vehicle and make your way to your hotel, located in what has become to be known as the adventure capital of the world. Your rental car gives you the freedom to explore this region of natural beauty at your leisure. Alternatively we can arrange a variety or sightseeing tours and adventures.

Staying at

Lounge at prestige suite in Sofitel Queenstown

Day 8 Queenstown

The adventure capital of the world; Jetboating, white-water rafting, bungy jumping, catapults, zip-lining, heli-skiing, mountain-biking, paragliding, and Heli-hiking, you name it, in Queenstown you can do it. There are adventures for all ages, whether you are travelling with younger children or teenagers++. Join a supported half day cycle ride along the breath-taking Arrow River Trail, step aboard the TSS Earnslaw for Lake Wakatipu cruise and High-Country Farm Tour and BBQ. The adrenaline junkie in the family might want to combine a Bungy, giant canyon swing and catapult all in one and book the AJ Hackett Nevis Thrillogy.

Staying at

Day 9 Queenstown

Queenstown’s setting is mesmerising, set on Lake Wakatipu, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. You can explore the region by on a variety of tours or hire a bike or car and explore at your own pace. Further afield you can take helicopter or scenic flight tours to the dream like Milford Sound or take a tour to Dart River where you can race upriver on an exhilarating jetboat tour and then gently drift back down river in an inflatable canoe.

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Day 10 Aoraki/Mount Cook

Mount Cook

Leave Queenstown this morning and head across country to Aoraki/Mount Cook, at 3,724m it is the highest mountain in New Zealand. Here you are surrounded in outstanding natural beauty, with towering mountain peaks, glaciers, and permanent snowfields. Here we recommend taking one of several helicopter tours, there are simple 20-minute scenic flights, flights that also take in the west coast glaciers, Fox & Franz. Some flights include a glacier landing and others take you on a 3-hour glacier hike. Continue to Lake Tekapo. Staying at: Peppers Bluewater Resort

Day 11 Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo

One of the most photographed scenes in all New Zealand is the tiny Church of Good Shepherd that sits on the edge of Lake Tekapo with Mount Cook in the background, simply breath-taking. Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve. Visit the Mt John Observatory where you can join a night-time guided tour to gaze at the skies at the most southern research observatory in the world. View distant galaxies, planets and star clusters using power telescopes at the observatory. Staying at: Peppers Bluewater Resort

Day 12 Christchurch

Continue your journey to Christchurch, a quaint city on the east coast of the South Island where you can punt on the River Avon, tour the city by tram or visit the International Antarctic Centre, an inter-active exhibit with snow and ice experiences, survive a snowstorm and 4D simulations

Staying at

premium executive room at the george christchurch

Day 13 Whales & Dolphins or Trains

Today could include one of two unique experiences. Board the Alpine express for a full day excursion by train that takes you across the Canterbury plains and up over the Southern Alps, taking you through spectacular mountain passes to the west coast town of Greymouth, before returning to Christchurch via the same route. Alternatively take a tour north to the Pacific Ocean seaside town of Kaikoura. Visit a fur seal colony before heading out on the water to spot dolphins and hopefully Giant Sperm Whales.

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