Best of Both Islands for Families Itinerary

On arrival in Auckland, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel before spending the rest of the day at leisure in the City of Sails. Take in spectacular panoramic views from the iconic Sky Tower, offering sweeping vistas across the city, harbours and surrounding landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Sky Tower viewing platform entry
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Auckland

Make it yours
Wander the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and take a scenic ferry cruise for a different perspective of the city.

Suggested Accommodation: 

Drive through the peaceful Waikato countryside to discover hidden glowworm caves, praised by Sir David Attenborough as “one of nature’s most magical illuminations.” This unforgettable underground adventure is perfect for visitors of all ages.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Rental vehicle collection
• Guided Glowworm Cave tour
• Skyline Gondola & 3 luge rides
• 2 nights in Rotorua

Make it yours
Upgrade your Skyline experience with a premium dining experience overlooking panoramic views of Rotorua as you dine.
 

Approximate Distance: 372 km | 232 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours
 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Make a daytrip through lush farmland to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where the rolling green hills of The Shire bring Middle Earth to life. Return to Rotorua in the evening and immerse yourself in Māori culture with a traditional performance and hāngi.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Traditional hāngi dinner
• Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
• Māori cultural experience

Approximate Distance: 140 km | 87 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours (return trip)

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Today, return your rental vehicle and fly south to Christchurch, the gateway to New Zealand’s South Island. Spend the afternoon exploring the revitalised city and discover why Christchurch is affectionately known as the Garden City.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Domestic flight to Christchurch
• Explore Christchurch at your leisure
• 1 night in Christchurch

Suggested Accommodation: 

Board the legendary TranzAlpine train and marvel at dramatic mountain scenery, deep river gorges and spectacular alpine landscapes before continuing to the West Coast glacier region. Arrive in Franz Josef Glacier Village, nestled within a stunning rainforest setting.

Inclusions at a glance:

• TranzAlpine rail journey
• Arthur’s Pass National Park scenery
• Rental vehicle collection
• 2 nights in Franz Josef

Suggested Accommodation:

Explore the pristine wilderness of Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland. Paddle through tranquil waterways by kayak, surrounded by ancient rainforest and abundant birdlife.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Guided kayaking experience
• Wetland and rainforest scenery
• Birdwatching opportunities

Make it yours
If sitting back and relaxing is more your style, swap your activity for a scenic helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, soaring over dramatic ice formations, rugged alpine peaks, and lush rainforest.

Travel the spectacular West Coast route through rainforest, mountain ranges, lakes and river gorges before arriving in Queenstown, where you will visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park and learn about conservation efforts while observing New Zealand’s iconic kiwi and other native wildlife.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic Crown Range drive
• Kiwi Birdlife Park admission
• 2 nights in Queenstown

Approximate Distance: 350 km | 218 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Suggested Accommodation:

Take a day trip to Glenorchy and enjoy an exhilarating jet boat ride through glacier-fed rivers in the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Explore breathtaking landscapes, ancient beech forests, and learn about the rich Māori history and legends that shape the region.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Jet boat experience
• Guided funyak experience
• Mount Aspiring National Park

Travel to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak and discover a landscape of towering mountains, glaciers and alpine lakes. Today you will visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and enjoy a fascinating planetarium experience at The Hermitage.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Church of the Good Shepherd & Lake Tekapo
• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre admission
• 2 nights in Aoraki / Mount Cook

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Take to the skies for an unforgettable alpine adventure and witness New Zealand’s longest glacier and remarkable ice formations with an experienced guide. 

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Tasman Glacier helicopter flight
• Guided ice trekking experience

Enjoy one final morning in the mountains before departing for Christchurch. Consider walking the renowned Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand’s finest short hikes, offering stunning views of Aoraki / Mount Cook and surrounding glaciers.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Hooker Valley Track
• Lake Tekapo stopover
• 1 night in Christchurch

Approximate Distance: 335 km | 208 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Today your New Zealand adventure comes to an end. Return your rental vehicle at Christchurch Airport and begin your onward journey home, taking with you magical memories of breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife encounters, unforgettable family adventures and the lasting memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Rental vehicle return

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.