New Zealand Family Package: Active Adventure
Find fun and adventure in New Zealand! Discover thrills for the whole family, from Hobbiton Movie Set to river rafting to ziplining to kayaking in New Zealand’s famous Milford Sound and much more.
This New Zealand Family Package: Active Adventure was planned for a family from Chicago. It was the kids’ summer break trip, and they wanted to hit the highlights of New Zealand. We sent them all over New Zealand from the top to the bottom to find the best active adventure activities!
They started their New Zealand Family Package: Active Adventure at the Bay of Islands, the original capital and area where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. There they enjoyed the beautiful beaches and took a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock.
Then, they traveled to Auckland, the City of Sails. They enjoyed 2 nights in New Zealand’s largest city and stayed in the quirky M Social Auckland. The next day, they did the Weta Unleashed Workshop and learned all about rugby culture at the All Blacks Experience.
Next, on their New Zealand Family Package: Active Adventure, they drove to Rotorua, the center of the country’s geothermal activity. There, they visited the Hobbiton Movie Set, took a private tour of the Glow Worm Caves, and walked amongst the Redwoods at night. They even took an exhilarating river rafting tour on the Okere River.
From there the family of six flew to the South Island, picked up a rental car and spent one night wandering around Christchurch. And then continued their New Zealand Family Package: Active Adventure to Lake Tekapo for a peak at the dark sky.
They continued their journey to Queenstown. This gorgeous town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu has the feel of a small frontier town, but with plenty of luxury accommodations, incredible restaurants (New Zealand is quite the foodie country!), and adventure activities.
The next day, they took the Skyline Gondola up to the top of Bob’s Peak, where they were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the Remarkables mountain range. Then, they went on a fun zipline tour where they were able to fly through the air on a safe, yet utterly thrilling and gravity-defying ride. They also did a kayaking trip to Milford Sound and did a guided walk on the famous Routebourn Track.
After two weeks packed with adventure, it was time to say goodbye to New Zealand. They enjoyed a private transfer to the airport and caught their flight back to the States, filled with fun stories to share back at home!
Accommodation
- 2 Nights Sanctuary Bay of Islands
- 2 Nights M Social
- 2 Nights Regent of Rotorua
- 1 Night Distinction Christchurch
- 2 Nights Peppers Bluewater Resort
- 3 Nights Teh Rees Hotel
Transportation
- 11 Days Car Rental
Touring
- Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Weta Unleashed
- All Blacks Experience
- Hobbiton Movie Set
- Private Glow Worm Cave Tour
- Private River Rafting Tour
- Redwoods Night Treewalk
- Milford Sound Cruise and Kayak
- Skyline Gondola and Ziplining
- Private Routeburn Track Hike
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive in Auckland and fly off to Kerikeri. After picking up your rental car, you will land at your home for the next 2 nights in the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands in New Zealand is a stunning destination known for its picturesque beaches, vibrant marine life, and over 140 subtropical islands. Steeped in history, this region was one of the first areas in New Zealand settled by Europeans, and it played a significant role in the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, which established the foundation for the country’s modern-day government.
Sanctuary at the Bay of Islands
Day 2
Today your family cruises out through the Bay’s pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula. You will see the historic Cape Brett lighthouse and majestic Motukōkako, the Hole in the Rock, and hope for a lucky drip from above as you pass underneath it. The Bay of Islands is home to a host of marine mammals, wildlife and native birds. Keep an eye out for dolphins throughout your cruise. You will stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you have time to relax, take a walk, have a swim or enjoy a bite to eat and drink from the on-site fully licensed café. Then return back to your lodge for a wonderful home cooked meal with your hosts.
Sanctuary at the Bay of Islands
Day 3
After breakfast, you will bid farewell to your hosts and drive back to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is renowned for its stunning harbors, vibrant cultural scene, and the iconic Sky Tower, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You will stay at M Social with views to the harbour. Enjoy a delicous meal at the one the local restaurants on the viaduct.
M Social
Day 4
Today your family travels to SkyCity for two fun activities, Weta Unleashed, where your family will embark on a thrilling journey through fantastical worlds, experiencing the creative magic behind iconic film and television productions. And the All Blacks Experience, where you can immerse yourselves in the rich history and thrilling legacy of New Zealand’s legendary rugby team through interactive displays and captivating storytelling.
M Social
Day 5
After breakfast, you will travel to Matamata for the Hobbiton Movie Set. Your whole family will step into the enchanting world of Middle-earth, exploring the iconic hobbit holes and lush landscapes made famous by the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. And then travel to Waitomo for a private glow worm cave tour, to witness the enchanting glowworms and stunning limestone formations in an intimate and serene setting. Then end your day in Rotorua at your hotel and the whole family can hop over to Eat Street for dinner.
Regent of Rotorua
Day 6
It is off for another adventure today. The Kaituna River is home to Ōkere Falls, Kaituna Falls, and the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – 7m Tutea Falls. With New Zealand native scenery and Maori History lining the gorge of the beautiful Kaituna River, let Rotorua Rafting show you our backyard. Warm water, outstanding scenery, heart-pumping rapids and world-class guides – white water rafting in New Zealand doesn’t get any better than this. This evening travel to the Redwood forest in Rotorua for an evening treewalk.
Regent of Rotorua
Day 7
Today your family will move to the South Island, after a short flight, you will pick up your rental car and enjoy the day in Christchurch, New Zealand’s Garden City, is known for its beautiful parks, innovative architecture, and vibrant arts scene, all set against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes.
Distinction Christchurch
Day 8
After a leisurely morning, your family will travel to Lake Tekapo in the middle of the South Island. The town is renowned for its breathtaking turquoise waters, stunning mountain scenery, and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers.
Peppers BlueWater Resort Lake Tekapo
Day 9
Today is yours at leisure in the area. You can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, from soaking in the relaxing hot pools at Tekapo Springs to hiking the scenic trails around the lake and exploring the nearby Mount John Observatory. The area is also part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, offering some of the world’s clearest and most spectacular night skies for stargazing.
Peppers BlueWater Resort Lake Tekapo
Day 10
Travel south through the beautiful scenary of the Southern Alps to Queenstown on this day. Enjoy magnificent views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges from your private balcony. Have dinner at Hillary’s Restaurant for fantastic panoramas of Queenstown, or take the family on a skiing adventure at Coronet Peak ski area; it’s only a 20-minute drive away!
The Rees Hotel
Day 11
Today you will visit the visit Milford Sound. Your family can paddle the tranquil waters of Harrison Cove in Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve with an expert to guide you all the way. Reach out and touch the pure water cascading down the towering cliff faces and into the fiord or taste pure glacial water straight from the Harrison River. All kayak trips include a visit to Milford Sound Underwater Observatory. And afterwards enjoy a quick cruise around the sound watching for waterfalls and penguins.
The Rees Hotel
Day 12
Today is a day for family adventure! Just a 5-minute walk from the center of Queenstown, you’ll find the Skyline Complex. Here you can ride the Skyline Gondola and experience the best views in the region. Take in Coronet Peak, the Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu as you glide up to the top of Bob’s Peak. Then, it’s on to a ziplining adventure! Enjoy a rush of adrenaline as you fly down 6 gravity fed ziplines with the help of expert guides. Your guides will also give you unique insight into the surrounding environment on both a local and global scale.
The Rees Hotel
Day 13
This morning, the family adventures continue! You are off to hike the Routeburn Track, which offers adventurers the chance to explore breathtaking alpine scenery, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, all while learning about the area’s rich natural history from knowledgeable guides.
The Rees Hotel
Day 14
After breakfast, your chauffeur will pick you up and take you to Queenstown Airport, where you will begin your journey home.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
Does not include the cost of airfare
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