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Family itinerary · by Michael Nees

10-day New Zealand family holiday itinerary

This 10 days New Zealand family vacation package guarantees children and parents a great time in NZ's outdoors with adventures and nature activities.

Highlights

  • Experience an authentic taste of rural life on a New Zealand farm.
  • Explore the underworld of limestone and glowworm caves at Waitomo.
  • Take an exhilarating zip line over a canopy of native rainforest.
  • Be entertained by a Maori cultural concert in Rotorua with Hangi dinner included.
  • Go on a child-friendly guided kayaking in the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Fly over the Southern Alps glaciers and land on the snow field below Mt. Cook.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Auckland

    Your transfer driver will meet your family at the arrival gate at Auckland Airport. After transfer and check-in to your hotel, go and explore the America's Cup village. Climb the Sky Tower for great views of the Auckland City. Take a boat trip to beautiful Waiheke Island or head across to Devonport. Visit the shops and cafes of Parnell Village.

    Stay: The Sebel Quay West Auckland (opens in a new tab)

    • Optional extraSky Tower
    • Optional extraKelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium
  2. Day 2

    Rotorua

    Travel through the Waikato region to the famous Waitomo caves (3 hours). See the stunning architectural forms of the stalactites. Your family will join a guided tour into the Ruakuri Cave. However if you prefer the more adventurous 'Black Water Rafting' or abseiling (4 or 7 hours), let us know to include it in your itinerary. In the afternoon arrive in Rotorua (2 hours).

    Stay: Regent of Rotorua (opens in a new tab)

  3. Day 3

    Rotorua

    Rotorua is a region of bubbling mud pools and natural hot springs. Some of your family may enjoy being pampered in a luxurious spa. Rotorua offers a spiritual journey into Maori culture with village and performance experiences. Go on a fun and educational experience with Canopy Tours - soar by zip-line over the native forest. Also included is a brief overview of the exciting conservation being undertaken in this area.

    Stay: Regent of Rotorua (opens in a new tab)

  4. Day 4

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Drop-off your rental car at the airport and take a domestic flight to Nelson. In this short time span, you'll cover a lot of ground and save yourself lots of driving. Collect another rental car at Nelson airport and continue into the Abel Tasman National Park. This beautiful area has many empty beaches, fine wines and great food. Your family will love it!

  5. Day 5

    Abel Tasman National Park

    The beautiful Abel Tasman Coastal walk passes through golden beaches and coastal forests. Take a personalized day trip with an Eco boat tour to explore the local wildlife and beach. Another popular option is join a guided, family-friendly sea kayaking tour for a half or full day.

    Stay: Ruby Bay Vineyard Lodge & Cottage (opens in a new tab)

  6. Day 6

    Punakaiki

    Scenic drive from the Nelson-Tasman region via the Buller Gorge to the gorgeous West Coast of the South Island. Today you'll be in the Punakaiki region. The Great Coast Road is one of the Top 10 Coastal Drives in the world. Stop at Charleston for some underground rafting. See the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Visit the seal colony at Cape Foulwind - a big highlight for children.

    Stay: Hydrangea Cottages (opens in a new tab)

    • HighlightPaparoa National Park
  7. Day 7

    Fox Glacier

    Travel from Punakaiki to Fox. Along the way, you'll go pass beautiful native forests, beaches and lagoons. Explore the goldfield walkway at Ross and stop by the shores of Lake Ianthe. Visit the White Heron colony near Whataroa. Buy some New Zealand Pounamu (Jade) at Hokitika. Younger children will enjoy a visit to Shantytown to relive the gold rush era.

    Stay: Sunset Motels Fox Glacier (opens in a new tab)

  8. Day 8

    Queenstown

    As part of your family package, take a helicopter flight up the Fox Glacier and land on the ice.. Thereafter travel south over Haast Pass and Wanaka into the Otago region. Queenstown is New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital and has breath-taking scenery plus adrenaline-rush activities. This is such great place for family fun and adventure.

    Stay: Garden Court Suites (opens in a new tab)

  9. Day 9

    Queenstown

    Explore the Queenstown region or take a scenic flight between Queenstown and Milford Sound - this has to be the ultimate way to absorb the drama and vastness of New Zealand's alpine scenery. We recommend that you join the Dart River Safari based at Glenorchy village - one of the most scenic spots in the world!

    Stay: Garden Court Suites (opens in a new tab)

  10. Day 10

    Punakaiki

    Depending on your overall travel arrangements you might still have time to explore Queenstown before taking a domestic flight to Auckland or an international flight to Australia.

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