12 Days • 11 Nights
New Zealand Family Adventure
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll glide through the magical Waitomo glowworm caves, watch geysers erupt and learn Maori legends in Rotorua, ride the TranzAlpine train, walk near a glacier, cruise Milford Sound, and enjoy the lakeside fun of Queenstown, from the gondola and luge to a steamship on the lake. Sheep farms, jet boats and jaw-dropping scenery keep everyone delighted.
With family-friendly hotels, scenic touring and the key experiences arranged, it is New Zealand made easy and thrilling for the whole family.
Trip Highlights
- The magical Waitomo glowworm caves
- Rotorua's geysers, mud pools and Maori culture
- The TranzAlpine scenic train
- A glacier and the Southern Alps
- A cruise on the majestic Milford Sound
- The Queenstown gondola and luge
- A TSS Earnslaw steamship and a sheep farm
- Both islands, packed with family fun
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Arrive in the 'City of Sails' and settle in, with a family welcome dinner.
A harbour cruise, the Sky Tower and the Kelly Tarlton's aquarium or the zoo.
Glide through the magical Waitomo glowworm caves, then on to geothermal Rotorua.
The geysers and mud pools of Te Puia, a luge or zorb ball, and a Maori village with a hangi feast and concert.
Fly to the South Island's Christchurch, with the botanic gardens and a punt on the Avon or the Antarctic Centre.
Ride the TranzAlpine across the Alps, then travel to the Franz Josef glacier.
A glacier valley walk or scenic flight, then the spectacular Haast Pass drive to Queenstown.
The Skyline Gondola and luge rides with the family, and a TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise to a working sheep farm at Walter Peak.
A full-day journey to the majestic Milford Sound, cruising beneath its cliffs and waterfalls, overnighting in Te Anau.
The Te Anau glowworm caves, then back to Queenstown for more lakeside fun.
A free day for a gentle jet boat, a bike ride, or simply the lake and the playgrounds.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Queenstown airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and scenic touring throughout
- 11 nights in family-friendly hotels across both islands
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Maori hangi feast
- An Auckland harbour cruise and the Waitomo glowworm caves
- Rotorua geothermal and Maori experiences and the TranzAlpine train
- A Franz Josef glacier experience and a Milford Sound cruise
- The Queenstown gondola and luge and a TSS Earnslaw sheep-farm cruise
- Inter-island flight and all listed activities
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from New Zealand
- NZeTA and International Visitor levy fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional domestic flights beyond those stated
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and adventure experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before travelling, which includes the International Visitor levy. Others need a visitor visa; we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. New Zealand is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
- Driving: New Zealanders drive on the left. Roads are scenic but often winding, and distances take longer than they look, so we build in realistic drive times (or you can self-drive)
- Seasons reversed: New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so summer is December to February and winter (with skiing in the south) is June to August. Spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful
- Four seasons in a day: The weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, along with strong sun protection for the intense UV
- Biosecurity: New Zealand has strict biosecurity, so declare all food, plant and animal items on arrival and clean any hiking boots or camping gear to protect the country's unique nature
- Sandflies: The West Coast and Fiordland (including Milford Sound) have persistent sandflies, so bring insect repellent for those areas
- Best time: New Zealand is a year-round destination; summer is best for hiking and the outdoors, winter for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden landscapes and wine country
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand, which keeps things simple
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM or eSIM gives good coverage in towns and along main routes. Power is 230V with the Australian-style type I plug, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Maori hangi feast or a wine-country lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy New Zealand's superb food and wine.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, scenic touring and activities are arranged for you, with the option of private guides, coach touring or a self-drive itinerary to suit your style.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, applied for online before travel. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (December-February) is ideal for hiking and the outdoors, winter (June-August) for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden colours and wine. New Zealand is beautiful year-round.
Should we do a self-drive or guided tour?
Both work wonderfully — self-drive gives freedom and flexibility on New Zealand's scenic roads, while a guided or private tour takes care of everything. We can tailor either to you.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, activities and hotels can all be tailored, and we can add Milford Sound, a glacier, wine country, adventure sports or luxury lodges. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By a short scenic flight or the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait between the North and South Islands — both included and arranged as your route requires.
Is New Zealand easy to travel with children?
Very — it is safe, clean, friendly and full of outdoor fun, from glowworm caves to gondolas and gentle jet boats. Distances are manageable with a flight between the islands, and there is something for every age.
Are the adventure activities suitable for kids?
Yes — we choose family-friendly versions such as the gondola and luge, a scenic gentle jet boat, the glowworm caves and the sheep-farm cruise. More daring activities can be added for older children and teens.
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