New Zealand Family Tour - 20 Day
These are Example Itineraries – there are no prices listed on these tours because just like every lid does not fit every pot, the same goes for the trip that is designed for you. We tailor-make tours to suit your own needs and the below is an example of what someone on a trip from Canada or the USA might experience with the same amount of time to see Australia/New Zealand.
We look forward to designing you an amazing vacation to New Zealand!
Tour Highlights
Day 1 - Departure Day
Depart Canada or the USA to Auckland New Zealand.
Day 2 - Travel Day
Travel Day due to time zones.
Day 3 - Arrive Auckland
After clearing customs and immigration formalities, you will be met by a driver who will be holding a sign with your name at the arrival hall and will transfer you to your accommodation.
Day 4 - Auckland
Meet your driver in the hotel lobby & depart on your Hobbiton Express tour. Today you will travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. You travel through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response with a movie set in a natural setting. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree and visit the Green Dragon Inn. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance.
Day 5 - Auckland to Pauanui
Today, please make your way to the Rental car office and collect your hire car.
Once you have collected your rental car, make your way to Pananui, a journey of approximately two hours (148 kms/92 miles).
Day 6 - Pauanui New Zealand
Day at leisure.
Day 7 - Pauanui New Zealand
Day at leisure.
Day 8 - Pauanui to Rotorua
Today make your way to Rotorua, a journey of approximately two and a half hours.
Day 9 - Rotorua
Your Rotorua Diamond Pass includes entry to five attractions in Rotorua – Te Puia, Skyline Skyrides, Agrodome, Polynesian Spa and choice of entry to Paradise Valley Springs or Rainbow Springs It is easy to visit all attractions in one day, although this can be extended over more than one day, if a more leisurely time is desired.
This evening your tour to Tamaki Maori Village takes you on a cultural journey to the marae (Maori village), the life force of New Zealand’s indigenous people. Imagination takes over as your guide instructs you on the protocol for visiting the marae. A chief is selected, a song is learnt and the eerie cry of the welcome is heard before you enter the world of the proud warriors of the ancient Maori.
Day 10 - Rotorua to Nelson
Today make your way to the Rotorua Airport and return your hire car prior to your flight to the South Island of New Zealand.
Upon arrival in Nelson collect your new hire car and make your way to your accommodation.
Day 11 - Nelson
Free day.
Day 12 - Nelson
This morning you will be collected for your transfer out to the Abel Tasman National Park. There are many touring options from kayaking/boat rides to hiking.
Day 13 - Nelson to Kaikoura.
Today drive the East Coast of New Zealand to Kaikoura.
Day 14 - Nelson to Kaikoura
This morning enjoy a Whale Watching or Dolphin Watching Tour.
Day 15 - Kaikoura to Fairlie
Today make your way to Fairlie, a journey of approximately four and a half hours.
Day 16 - Fairlie to Mount Cook
Today make your way to Mount Cook, a journey of approximately two hours.
Day 17 - Mount Cook to Queenstown
Today make your way to Queenstown, a journey of approximately three hours.
Day 18 - Queenstown
Today you will be collected for your family rafting trip.
Day 19 - Queenstown
Day at leisure.
Day 20 - Depart Queenstown to North America
Today, please make your way to the Queenstown Airport, to drop off your rental car & connect with your onward flight to Auckland and then onwards to Canada or the USA.