Brief: If you intend to travel to New Zealand with children at least 6 years old and have enough time, then this tour is perfect for you. All the activities included in it are accessible and interesting for children, but adults will not get bored either. So this program can also be used by groups without children. Welcome to a country ideal for travel! And we are here to create a perfect New Zealand tour for you.
Route: Auckland – Bay of Islands – Cape Reinga – Auckland – Waitomo – Hobbiton – Rotorua – Taupo – Whanganui NP – Wellington – Picton – Blenheim – Kaikoura – Christchurch – Mt Cook – Oamaru – Dunedin – Doubtful Sound – Queenstown
Day 1
Place: Auckland
Itinerary: Arrival in Auckland. Individual transfer to the hotel. Rest after a long flight.
Day 2
Place: Auckland
Itinerary:
10:00 – 10:30 Transfer to the marina, check-in for the Waitemata Bay cruise.
10:30 – 12:00 Cruise along Gulf Harbor on a sailing yacht. You'll even have the opportunity to help the crew manage the sails (if desired).
12:00 – 14:00 City tour: Albert Park, Domain, Eden Volcano, Mission Bay.
14:00 – 15:30 Lunch at the De Fontain restaurant, which is famous for mussels and other seafood, as well as beer, including New Zealand one. Meat is also served here. Pay directly.
15:30 – 16:10 Transfer to Mercer Bay Loop Track in West Auckland.
16:10 – 18:00 Walk along the easy track: bush, black sand beach, ocean. The landscape here is very beautiful and varied.
18:00 – 19:00 Transfer to the Sky Tower, ascent to the restaurant.
19:30 – 21:00 Dinner at the revolving restaurant Orbit. This is a 360 degree view restaurant. The ascent to the glass observation deck is included.
Day 3
Place: Auckland – Tutukaka (Poor Knights Islands) – Paihia (Bay of Islands)
Itinerary:
07:00 – 10:00 Transfer to the town of Tutukaka, Poor Knights Dive Centre.
10:00 – 10:30 Registration for snorkeling tour
10:30 – 15:15 Snorkeling tour to the Poor Knights Islands. Thanks to the warm currents, the reserve area is home to many tropical fish that are not found elsewhere in New Zealand. In addition to a mask and fins, you will also have kayaks and SUP boards at your disposal. Lunch is included in the price of the tour, as well as photos that can be downloaded on the next day.
On the way to the islands and back you can meet dolphins.
15:15 – 16:45 Transfer to Paihia. Check in hotel.
Dinner at a restaurant on your choice (Pay directly).
Day 4
Place: Paihia – 90 Mile Beach – Cape Reinga – Paihia
Itinerary:
08:00 – 19:00 Tour to Cape Reinga and the 90-mile beach, where you can ride from the dunes on sand boards (for renting boards you will have to pay on the spot 10-15 NZD per board).
Day 5
Itinerary:
08:00 – 12:00 Dolphin Watching Tour. You will see these friendly mammals in their natural habitat.
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch at one of the local restaurants.
13:00 – 18:00 Return to Auckland. On the way we will stop at the historical town of Kerikeri.
Day 6
Itinerary:
08:00 – 10:40 Transfer from Auckland to Waitomo Caves.
10:40 – 11:00 Refreshment, picking up entry tickets.
11:00 – 12:00 Tour to Waitomo Glowworm Cave.
The name 'Waitomo' comes from the Maori words wai, water and tomo, hole or shaft. So Waitomo is naturally home to many awe-inspiring subterranean sights. Huge underground caverns that you can abseil into, or Ruakuri the only wheelchair-accessible cave in the southern hemisphere, serene boat rides along ancient watercourses and, of course the glow worms. World-renowned, the glow worm caves are a magical experience, with the lights from thousands of exclusively NZ glow worms illuminating the otherwise pitch-black cave system full of ancient stalagmites and stalactites (when the mites go up, the tites come down!).
12:00 – 13:30 Transfer to Hobbiton.
13:30 – 14:45 Lunch at Shire Rest Café (pay directly). Picking up entry tickets.
14:45 – 16:45 Tour to Hobbiton. Open a door to the most famous fiery tail in the world.
If you are a Middle-earth fan of 'the Lord of the Rings' or 'the Hobbit', then you can't miss the opportunity to gain a first-hand insight into filming and the way things looked when shooting was in full swing by visiting nearby Hobbiton. Get up close with over 44 hobbit holes from the film including Bag End, Bilbo & Sam Gamgee's house, dance under the party tree or swig back a beer at the Green Dragon Inn.
16:45 – 17:45 Driving to Rotorua.
17:45 – 18:30 Hotel Check-in.
Day 7
Place: Rotorua
Itinerary:
09:00 – 09:30 Driving to Agrodome. Tour check-in
09:30 – 11:30 The world-famous Farm Show is a must-see for any visitor. Starring a whole cast of talented animals, the 19 breeds of champion sheep headline the show, one of which is sheared live using the world-record setting Bowen technique by a real Kiwi shearer. Not to be outshone, the farm dogs ‘show’ off their remarkable skills herding not only the sheep but the ducks too. To get a complete insight into the world of New Zealand farming, step up to hand feed a baby lamb or hand milk a cow.
On the Eco Farm & Orchard Tour you can explore the farm from the back of an all terrain vehicles, guided by one of our friendly knowledgeable staff. Learn fascinating facts but also stop off to get up close and personal with all kinds of friendly animals: sheep, deer, cattle, pigs, ostrich, llamas & alpaca! You can hand-feed some & pose for selfies with others! You’ll also be guided around the kiwifruit orchard & olive grove, giving you the chance to enjoy fresh kiwifruit juice or wine and sample delicious farm honey.
11:30 – 12:00 Shopping at a local store where multiple merino products are available.
12:00 – 12:15 Driving to Skyline Rotorua.
12:15 – 12:30 Riding the gondola to Skyline Rotorua, high on the side of Mount Ngongotaha gives you stunning panoramic views of Lake Rotorua, the town and the surrounding forest and geothermal areas.
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant is home to some of New Zealand’s best award-winning cuisine. Lunch in the contemporary designer elegance is an experience you’ll want to return to, as whatever you select from the gourmet menu will leave further gastronomic treasures undiscovered. Working in partnership with local farmers and growers who share a commitment to excellence, only the best, freshest ingredients are presented.
14:00 – 15:00 3 Luge rides per person. The Luge is a fun filled gravity ride for all ages and abilities. Three Luge tracks of different fun level are situated at the Skyline complex. All of them are available for children 5 years old and over. Remember: once is never enough!
15:00 – 15:15 Going down by the gondola.
15:15 – 16:00 Driving to Te Puia. Tour check-in
16:00 – 17:30 Guided Tour at Te Puia, an iconic destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in Maori culture and tradition and witness first-hand the power and spectacle of the geothermal forces that New Zealand is built on.
17:30 – 19:00 Dinner in Pataka Kai Restaurant.
19:00 – 19:45 Cultural Performance – traditional Maori songs and dances including the world famous Haka.
19:45 – 20:30 Hot Chocolate and Steamed Pudding at Geyser. See the world-famous Pohutu geyser unleash vapour jets up to 30 meters high.
20:30 Transfer to the hotel.
Day 8
Place: Rotorua
Itinerary:
Morning in leisure.
10:30 – 10:45 Driving to National Kiwi Hatchery.
10:45 – 11:00 Tour check-in.
11:00 – 12:00 Learn all about New Zealand’s national icon at the world’s leading kiwi hatchery and discover how we have successfully hatched over 2100 kiwi chicks. Watch genuine ‘Conservation in Action’ in our purpose-built incubation facility and if you’re lucky see a newly hatched kiwi chick!
After your 45-minute guided experience, take more time to learn in our interactive kiwi burrow – where you can stand in a human sized kiwi burrow or sit in a giant kiwi egg. See adult kiwi roam and forage in our purpose-built Nocturnal house.
12:00 – 13:30 Lunch at a café (Pay directly).
Free time in the geothermal region. You are welcome to visit tranquil Hamurana Springs with amazing blue pools and redwood, relax in Polynesian SPA or Secrete Hot Pools, try Zorbing or Tree Walk adventure.
Day 9
Place: Rotorua – Wai-O-Tapu – Huka Falls - Taupo
Itinerary:
09:00 – 09:30 Transfer to Wai-O-Tapu.
09:30 – 11:00 Walk through the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal park, which is home to amazing natural attractions such as Champagne Lake and the Devil's Bath.
11:00 – 11:40 Transfer from Wai-O-Tapu to Huka Falls Jet base.
11:40 – 12:00 Registration for the tour.
12:00 – 12:30 Jet boat ride near Huka Falls: hold on tight!
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch at the shrimp farm restaurant, where you can taste the freshest king prawns.
14:00 – 15:00 Transfer to Taupo with a stop at the honey center.
Free evening in the city. You can go to the De Bretts SPA water park, jump with bungy, cycle or walk along Taupo lake shore, try parasailing or just chill out with BBQ.
Day 10
Place: Taupo – Pipiriki (Whanganui national Park)
Itinerary:
10:00 – 12:00 Cruise to Maori Rock Carvings. Take in the stunning surrounds of beautiful Lake Taupo, listen to a very informative commentary, and enjoy a free coffee/tea and homemade muffins.
12:00 – 13:30 Lunch at a café (Pay directly).
13:30 – 14:00 Tour check-in.
14:00 – 16:00 Relaxed kayak tour down beautiful Waikato River (you don’t need to paddle at all if you don’t want). You’ll have a chance to soak in natural free hot pools.
16:00 – 18:30 Driving to Pipiriki. In a good weather you’ll see volcanos of Tongariro national Park on the way. Hotel check-in.
Day 11
Place: Pipiriki (Whanganui National Park) - Wellington
Itinerary:
09:15 – 09:30 Driving to a base of jet boat tours.
09:30 – 10:00 Tour check-in.
10:00 – 14:30 Jet boat tour to Bridge to Nowhere
Travel 30km (1 hour) upstream into the middle reaches of the Whanganui River. Pristine native bush cloaks the banks and you will see deep gorges covered with ferns, caves, rapids and other unique and amazing scenery. See the world famous Drop Scene, the Dress Circle and the ancient pegs used by the river boat crew to help them negotiate these waters over 100 years ago. Continuing on deeper into this wilderness area you’ll arrive at the Mangapurua Landing.
Your walk to the Bridge to Nowhere begins here. The easy walk follows an old road and takes approximately 40 minutes. Continue on through the bush until you arrive at the historic “Bridge to Nowhere” – gateway to the “Valley of Abandoned Dreams”. Bring a picnic lunch to have at the Bridge and enjoy tales of the historic Mangapurua Valley and its pioneering people. A return walk to the boat and trip down river to Pipiriki completes this unique experience.
14:30 – 19:30 Driving to Wellington.
19:30 – 21:00 Dinner at one of the local restaurants. Hotel check-in.
Day 12
Place: Wellington – Picton – Blenheim (Marlborough Valley)
Itinerary:
08:45 - 09:30 Transfer to Veta Cave. Registration for the tour.
09:30 – 10:30 Excursion to the Veta Cave film studio, where images were created for the most famous films of our time - “The Lord of the Rings”, “The Hobbit”, “Avatar”, “King Kong” and many, many others.
10:30 – 12:30 City tour: Mount Victoria with a panorama of the city, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, where there are permanent exhibitions dedicated to Maori culture, geothermal activity of the Earth and the nature of New Zealand, as well as an exhibition of wax figures of 2 human height, dedicated to the First World War.
12:30 – 13:00 Transfer to the ferry terminal.
13:00 – 14:45 Registration for the ferry and boarding.
14:45 – 18:00 Transfer by ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island.
18:00 – 18:30 Transfer to the Hans Herzog Estate winery.
18:30 – 20:00 Dinner at a local restaurant, wine tasting (pay directly).
20:00 – 20:30 Transfer to the hotel in Blenheim, check-in.
Day 13
Place: Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch
Itinerary:
10:30 – 12:30 Driving to Kaikōura. You’ll stop near a fur seals colony on the way.
12:30 – 12:45 Whale Watch Kaikoura tour check-in.
12:45 – 16:15 Whale watching from a yacht. You’ll encounter sperm whales and dolphins. There is a chance to see an albatross.
16:15 – 17:30 Lobster lunch at Kaikoura Seafood BBQ Kiosk or Cods & Crayfish (pay directly).
17:30 – 20:30 Transfer to Christchurch. Hotel check-in.
Day 14
Place: Christchurch - Tekapo - Mount Cook
Itinerary:
08:00 – 12:00 Driving to Tekapo lake.
12:00 - 12:30 Photo shooting near The Church of Good Shepherd and The Sheepdog Memorial.
12:30 - 14:00 Lunch at a local café (pay directly).
14:00 - 15:30 Driving to Hooker valley located near the Mount Cook village. On the way you will stop on the shore of magnificent Pukaki lake.
15:30 - 18:30 Hooker valley track. It's easy and picturesque with dramatic views of Mount Cook. It's 10 km return with 3 suspended bridges.
18:30 Hotel check-in. Dinner (pay directly).
Day 15
Place: Mount Cook - Clay Cliffs - Oamaru - Moeraki boulders - Dunedin
Itinerary:
08:00 – 09:40 Driving to Clay Cliffs
09:40 – 10:30 Walking in Clay Cliffs. The Clay Cliffs are a fragile masterpiece of New Zealand nature. Sharp but crumbling rock peaks were formed because of the glacier's movement several million years ago. They are very picturesque.
10:30 – 13:00 Driving to Oamaru town.
13:00 – 14:00 Steampunk HQ Oamaru Museum: you will acquire unforgettable museum experience!
14:00 – 15:30 Lunch at a local café (pay directly).
15:30 - 16:00 Driving to Moeraki beach.
16:00 – 17:00 Taking cool Insta photos with Moeraki boulders. These enormous round rocks were once bubbles of dirt in a hot mudflow that formed into large balls. Do not miss the opportunity to fit yourself into this unearthly landscape!
17:00 – 18:00 Driving to Dunedin.
Hotel check-in. We advise to have dinner at the restaurant of the Speights brewery, the oldest brewery in the country pay directly).
Day 16
Place: Dunedin
Itinerary:
09:00 – 12:00 Dunedin city tour: Get a sense of the history and stories of the colonial past, the relationships of Tangata Whenua with the Scottish settlers. Explore the Chinese influence on the city since the gold rushes of the 1860s. See the historic buildings, the original hub of the city at the ‘Exchange’ and the first churches. Take in the prominent city street art and get a photo at the most photographed building in the country. Finally, you’ll visit world’s steepest street - Baldwin.
12:00 – 12:45 Driving to Larnach Castle.
12:45 – 14:00 Tour to Larnach castle, the single New Zealand Castle with amazing history.
14:00 – 15:10 Lunch at Ballroom Cafe (pay directly).
15:10 – 15:45 Driving to Penguin Place, tour check-in.
15:45 – 17:15 Dunedin Penguin Tour. This 90-minute tour introduces you to the conservation efforts of Penguin Place, a private conversation reserve dedicated to the survival of the rare Yellow-Eyed Penguin.
Day 17
Place: Dunedin – Manapouri – Doubtful Sound
Itinerary:
08:00 – 12:00 Driving to Manapouri.
12:00 – 12:30 Tour check-in
12:30 – 12:00 next day: Doubtful Sound Overnight cruise.
Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. So, get ready to create some lifelong memories as the we take you on the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience.
Your itinerary starts in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove, you’ll be met by our crew and the majestic Mariner vessel.
Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with a fully licensed bar and an observation lounge.
As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter.
After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat – or to simply relax onboard. For the adventurous (or very brave), there’s even a chance to go swimming. All activities are weather dependent.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef, served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.
Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast and get ready to enjoy the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord. Finally, you’ll return to Deep Cove, the trip back to Manapouri and many, many conversations telling friends just how amazing your trip was.
Day 18
Place: Manapouri - Queenstown
Itinerary:
12:00 – 15:00 Driving to Queenstown
15:00 – 17:30 Free time in Queenstown: hotel check-in, shopping, walking.
17:30 – 18:00 Walter Peak tour check-in.
18:00 – 22:00 For a dining experience like no other, cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the iconic steam ship TSS Earnslaw and discover Queenstown’s incomparable fine dining destination - Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Day 19
Place: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Cromwell – Wanaka - Queenstown
Itinerary:
09:00 – 09:30 Driving to a historic gold mining town Arrowtown.
09:30 – 11:00 Free time in Arrowtown: we recommend you visit local museum, tasting chocolate at local chocolatery, buying jewelry made of local gold and enjoying Arrowtown’s cafes.
11:00 – 14:00 Driving to Wanaka via Cromwell (100 km) with multiple stops. On the way we’ll visit a couple of wineries for wine tasting (pay directly) and buy some fresh fruits in the City of Gardens, Cromwell. We’ll stop and take photos on the 45th Southern Parallel on the shore of Dunstan lake.
14:00 – 15:00 Visiting Wanaka lavender farm (pay directly 15 NZD for entrance).
15:00 – 16:30 Visiting Puzzling World where you will be tricked by The Great Maze, Illusion Rooms, Roman Toilets and Leaning Tower.
16:30 – 18:00 Driving back to Queenstown via dramatic Cardrona path.
Day 20
Place: Queenstown
Itinerary:
Free morning in the Capital of Adventures. Driving to the airport. Fly back home.
END OF THE TOUR
Thank you for spending these unforgettable days in New Zealand!