12 Day Best of Both Islands for Families Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax—you’re officially on holiday and everything is taken care of! On arrival in Auckland, you’ll be transferred directly to your hotel to freshen up and unwind. Enjoy some free leisure time in the City of Sails, whether you choose to relax or explore at your own pace. Don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Sky Tower, where entry to the viewing platform offers panoramic views over the city, harbors, and surrounding landscapes—a spectacular introduction to your New Zealand adventure.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Driving through the idyllic, peaceful countryside of the Waikato, it’s hard to imagine a hidden labyrinth of glowworm caves lies beneath. On the small-group, personalized Spellbound Tour, you’ll spend 40 minutes exploring these magical formations, with plenty of time to let your eyes adjust to the darkness and fully appreciate thousands of softly glowing worms. Described by Sir David Attenborough as an “astonishing cave” and “one of nature’s most magical illuminations,” this is an easy, unhurried adventure that mesmerizes visitors of all ages and is perfect for experiencing New Zealand’s subterranean wonders.

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

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Departing from Rotorua, travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. Wander through the idyllic village and oversized Hobbit holes, feeling as if you’ve stepped into a magical world of smoking chimneys. In the evening, return to Rotorua for the Te Puia Te Po Māori concert and dinner, experiencing traditional song, dance, and cuisine in a vibrant cultural performance.

Included Meals: Dinner

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

Today you will fly to Christchurch. Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, lies between the Canterbury Plains and the Pacific Ocean. Explore the lively Riverside Market, open seven days a week with boutique retail, eateries, and bars. Or step back in time with a Private Punting Trip down the Avon River—an elegant way to see the “Garden City.” Glide past historic buildings and the Botanic Gardens in a flat-bottomed boat, soaking up the charm. 

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Travel via Arthur’s Pass to Greymouth and board the legendary TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s top six rail journeys. Marvel at deep gorges, the ice-fed Waimakariri River, and the rugged Southern Alps, where every turn reveals breathtaking alpine scenery. The journey showcases some of New Zealand’s most spectacular countryside, from towering peaks to lush valleys. Continue to the West Coast glacial village of Franz Josef, where you can unwind and soak in natural thermal pools after a day of awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable alpine adventure.

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

The expansive shallow waters of Okarito Lagoon form New Zealand’s largest unmodified wetland, surrounded by Kahikatea and Rimu rainforests. This pristine habitat shelters rare and unique birdlife, including the White Heron (Kotuku), Shags, Royal Spoonbills, and the elusive Okarito Kiwi. Kayaking is the perfect way to explore the lagoon and its rainforest river deltas, bringing you close to nature. More than 70 bird species have been recorded here, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the Southern Alps in the distance.

Take your time heading south today, soaking in the spectacular scenery as it shifts from rugged coastal mountain ranges and mirror-like lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge. Stop along the way to admire the dramatic landscapes and snap photos of New Zealand’s natural beauty. You will finally emerge into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown, your destination for tonight. In the afternoon, visit the Kiwi Bird Wildlife Park to see native New Zealand birds up close, including the iconic kiwi, and learn about local conservation efforts.

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

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

This unmissable Queenstown adventure combines the thrill of a wilderness jet boat ride with a leisurely downstream float on easy-to-use Funyaks, complete with a sumptuous lunch. Perfect for families, it’s a full day of breathtaking scenery, adrenaline, and discovery. Follow braided, glacier-fed rivers with 360-degree spins, hear authentic stories of Māori legends and the Greenstone Trail, and explore ancient beech forests—some scenes reminiscent of The Lord of the Rings. From Queenstown to Glenorchy, this tour delivers an unforgettable mix of excitement, culture, and pristine New Zealand wilderness.

A visit to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in Mackenzie Country places you within UNESCO’s Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage region. Dominated by Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724m), Australasia’s highest peak, the park spans the dramatic Southern Alps, with more than 150 summits, vast glaciers, snowfields, and alpine lakes. Your day includes the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, celebrating mountaineering history and the legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary. Enjoy the indoor planetarium show at The Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook, exploring the region’s skies and its place in the universe and heritage landscapes.

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

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Nights

Hike and explore the 'white ice' of New Zealand's longest glacier at Aoraki Mount Cook. Heli-hiking on the Tasman Glacier offers easy access to the realm of the mountaineer.

With your professional glacier guide, you will fly high onto the “white ice” of New Zealand's longest and largest glacier – the mighty Tasman (Huapapa).

Equipped with glacier boots and crampons and spend the next 2 hours in another world in the mountains. On the return flight home, you’ll fly close by the massive 1,000 metre high (3,200 feet) Hochstetter Icefall on the eastern face of Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Included Meals: Breakfast

To make the most of your time in the mountains, why not embark on one of New Zealand's finest short walks before you depart for Christchurch?

The Hooker Valley Track is a stunning 11 km (6.8 miles) trek leading to the terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier. The trail winds through the Hooker Valley in the shadow of Aoraki /Mount Cook, crossing the mighty Hooker River on old-fashioned swing bridges. Reaching the lake, you are rewarded by unsurpassed vistas of Aoraki / Mount Cook's south face and the surrounding glaciers.

This afternoon head via beautiful Lake Tekapo, across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. Return your rental vehicle at Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.