Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
New Zealand - Auckland - Whitianga - Rotorua - Queenstown
100% customisable for you
Rally the troops because your family adventure to New Zealand kicks off today. As the furthest possible country from England, this flight will probably be the longest the little ones (and you) have ever taken. So, arm yourselves with our Sharky & George fun packs, books from our recommended reading list and music from our curated playlist. What more could you want?
Thanks to the 12-hour time difference, you’ll touch down in Auckland on the third day of your holiday. Upon arrival, you’ll be privately transferred to your home for the next two nights, a hotel in the heart of the city. The whole gang will no doubt be tired, so have some downtime in your room before taking a stroll through Queen Street’s shopping district or Victoria Park Market.
After a much-needed sleep, enjoy a hearty breakfast before exploring Auckland’s attractions. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must-see, with exhibitions on Maori culture and New Zealand’s flora and fauna providing an excellent introduction to the country. This evening, we’ve secured you tickets to the Sky Tower, a 1076ft building that’s the second tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. The 360° views reach out over 50 miles, with the night’s shining city lights sure to leave both parents and children in awe.
If your youngsters are marine animal enthusiasts, we can also arrange for you to take part in an exciting dolphin and whale-watching experience.
This morning, pick up your hire car and begin the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Whitianga, located on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. Check in for a three-night stay at a charming hotel surrounded by a subtropical garden, with the beach just a few minutes away.
When it comes to kayaking, it’s hard to beat the Cathedral Cove Reserve. Known as Te Whanganui-A-Hei in Maori, this slice of paradise is filled with beaches, islets and rocks. Cruise through its wonders in a kayak, stopping to paddle through caves, observe local wildlife and search for the stone arch that gives the reserve its name. Struggling to answer your youngsters’ curious questions? Fear not, as you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who’ll happily spill fun facts.
Neighbouring the Coromandel Nato National Park, Whitianga is a brilliant base for exploring the park's various activities. Today, take your pick from trekking, canyoning and rafting inland or diving, fishing and cruising on the water facing Mercury Bay. You can also explore the forest via Route 309, hike to New Chums Beach, visit the Mercury Bay Museum or dig your own hot pool on Hot Water Beach. In short, Whitianga offers something for everyone.
Buckle up for today’s drive to Rotorua, a journey that will take just under three hours. Whether you choose to skirt the Coromandel Forest Park or take the coastal route, your destination will remain the same – a modern hotel in the heart of Rotorua.
This evening, prepare for an immersive and captivating experience as you enjoy a suspended walk in the Redwood Forest. Suspension bridges and platforms wind through the tops of the 250ft redwoods, with lanterns and colourful spotlights creating a magical atmosphere.
Known for its geothermal activity (and characteristic sulphur smell), Rotorua’s geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Maori for their healing properties for over 800 years. Experience this firsthand with a trip to the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal site. Its astonishing display of colours, craters, bubbling pools and rainbow silica terraces is a true feast for the senses.
Put your family’s bravery to the test with a zip-lining and aerial adventure. Explore the native forest canopy through a knee-wobbling network of walking trails, tree platforms, zip lines and suspension bridges. It’s a fun-fuelled way to immerse yourself in the local environment while raising adrenaline levels, and you’ll certainly deserve a delicious feast afterwards. Just text your local Concierge, and they’ll happily secure you a table at a local restaurant with dishes to please the whole family.
Retrace your steps today by driving back to Auckland before returning your hire car. The journey doesn’t stop there, as you’ll be boarding a two-hour flight to the South Island’s Queenstown. After landing, collect your second hire car and check in to your home for the next three nights, a hotel perched on the shores of a lake. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and soaking in the glorious lakeside scenery.
Situated on Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains, Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand. Year-round activities include skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing, paragliding and bungee jumping, all set in a breathtaking environment. Today, however, you’ll take on the Luge, a 5,200ft downhill track. You’ll ride a gravity-powered cart, so hold on tight and admire Queenstown’s views as you race to the finish line.
Perched 1,800ft above the city, Deer Heights Park offers a scenic drive through animal-filled farmland in the heart of Queenstown. Feed deer, stroll along walkways and picnic at picturesque lookouts as you spend the day in the scenery used for iconic films such as The Lord of the Rings.
Alternatively, spend today horse riding through the untamed beauty of Glenorchy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, follow the Rees River Trail and fall speechless at the stunning mountainous scenery.
Sadly, your time in New Zealand has come to an end. Wave goodbye to Queenstown as you drop off your hire car and catch your flight home. Hopefully, the last two weeks of excitement will see the little ones zonked out as you fly through the night and land in the UK the next day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
