Treat the whole family to an unforgettable holiday of a lifetime and enjoy unparalleled luxury, exceptional service and world-class facilities whilst surrounded by breath-taking scenery. From luxury hotels and lodges with village-style complexes boasting every activity under the sun, you will truly be spoilt for choice. Enjoy the chance to relish quality time together as a family whilst also having the option to indulge in some precious time to yourself.
Private, exclusive tour - 10 nights 5* luxury lodges (Domestic flights, Private chauffeured transfers or private driver-guide)
Day 1: Auckland – Matamata - Rotorua (Private transfers and tour of the Hobbiton Movie set)
Day 2: Rotorua (Private tour of Te Puia art centre and Maori cultural performance, Pohuto Geyser, Eco Zip lining adventure)
Day 3: Rotorua (Day to your own Leisure)
Day 4: Rotorua – Domestic flight to Nelson/SOUTH ISLAND (Private transfer, afternoon to your own leisure)
Day 5: Nelson/Abel Tasman (Full day private charter boat in Abel Tasman, Kayaking, swimming)
Day 6: Nelson/Abel Tasman (Day to your own leisure)
Day 7: Nelson – Domestic flight to Queenstown (Private transfer/ & area tour, Shotover jet boating)
Day 8 Queenstown – Half day trip to Fiordland National Park (Scenic flight/cruise/flight to Milford Sound)
Day 9: Queenstown (Half day family rafting experience)
Day 10: Queenstown (Day to your own leisure)
Day 11: Queenstown departure (Private airport transfer)
Prices: We recommend the following guidelines for customized tour packages, excluding international flights: ◦5* and 5*Plus from NZ$ $750 - $1650+ per person per day. The customized package will include accommodation, airport transfers and other transportation within New Zealand, guided tours or activities, unique experiences, trip planning, and 24X7 support during your trip. Please enquire for a custom quote. The price is customized based on final accommodation choices, travel dates, and other custom preferences.
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Day 1: Auckland – Matamata - Rotorua (Auckland airport concierge, private transfer and guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set) Driving distance 3hrs
You will be met on arrival at Auckland International Airport by your Aroha NZ Tours representative and transferred to Matamata. Here you will experience the real Middle earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill and the Party Tree. Listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. In the afternoon we reach the geothermal capital of Rotorua. It is known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing our fascinating Maori culture. Explore on a short hike one of the geothermal wonderlands that have been shaped and coloured by volcanic and geothermal forces for thousands of years. From crystal-clear streams and magical forests, to epic biking trails and explosive geysers, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind. Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs. After marvelling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa. Accommodation: Rotorua – Peppers Retreat, Regent of Rotorua Hotel (Luxury) or Treetops Lodge, Solitaire Lodge (Superior)
Day 2: Rotorua (Private tour of Te Puia art center and Maori cultural performance, Pohuto Geyser, Eco Zip lining adventure)
Visit Te Puia, the premier Māori cultural centre in New Zealand - a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and spectacular geysers. The Māori tradition lives on at Te Whakarewarewa, our Māori culture, and our National Carving and Weaving Schools of New Zealand. The environment alone is of enormous geological significance, with thermal activity ranging from boiling mud to the world famous 30-metre (100-foot) Pohutu geyser, erupting up to 20 times each day. The Kiwi Conservation Centre is a valuable part of a national Kiwi breeding programme. Here you can see our New Zealand native flightless bird and national icon in a specially lit purpose-built nocturnal house, with expert guides and information at hand. Here you have also the have an opportunity to see Māori cultural performances and learn about our traditions and how it still influences our daily lives. In the afternoon enjoy a canopy zip lining tour: This is the ONLY native forest zip line canopy tour in New Zealand and it is incredible - it’s high, it’s fun, it’s beautiful, it’s peaceful and you’ll remember it for the rest of your life!! And it’s suitable for almost everyone!! Embark on a magical journey through untouched native New Zealand forest from an unexplored perspective. High amongst ancient trees this 3 hour adventure combines fun and excitement with pristine natural beauty. Accommodation: Rotorua – Peppers Retreat, Regent of Rotorua Hotel (Luxury) or Treetops Lodge, Solitaire Lodge (Superior)
Day 3: Rotorua (Day to your own leisure)
Rotorua's beautiful lakes, rivers and forests offer an abundance of outdoor activities for you to enjoy all year round and the multiple running, mountain biking, and water based events ensure these natural gems are maintained to a world-class standard. There is an abundance of family friendly activities available in Rotorua, from soft adventure, to wildlife encounters and cultural experiences, making this city the perfect holiday destination for everyone. You could take the Skyline Gondola, and once you reach the Skyline Rotorua complex, select from one of the three exciting luge trails. Next door to the gondola you could have fun at OGO Rotorua (Zorbing). Visitors are offered multiple OGO ride options. Rotorua offers treks and quad bike rides from 30 minutes to one or two hours. Relax in a mud pool at hells gate. Or fly-fish the local Rotorua streams which produce tremendous numbers of trout. Accommodation: Rotorua – Peppers Retreat, Regent of Rotorua Hotel (Luxury) or Treetops Lodge, Solitaire Lodge (Superior)
Day 4: Lake Taupo – Domestic flight to Nelson/SOUTH ISLAND (Private transfer, afternoon to your own leisure)
Following breakfast you will transfer in a private vehicle in time to catch your flight to Nelson via Wellington. When you arrive at Nelson's small airport, you will be met & transfered in a private vehicle to your deluxe accommodation. Sunny Nelson lives up to its name with the highest amount of sunshine in the country. Nelson is the commercial centre & seaport for a fertile, highly productive & extremely beautiful district noted for fruit, hops & tobacco growing as well as general agricultural & pastoral production. There is a vibrant art community with numerous galleries for art lovers to explore. The remainder of today can be spent relaxing at your luxurious accommodation. In the evening enjoy a sumptuous evening meal with local Marlborough wine.
Accommodation: Nelson – Resurgence Lodge, Stonefly Lodge (Luxury) and Eden House (Superior)
Day 5: Nelson/Abel Tasman (Full day Private charter boat in Abel Tasman, Kayaking, swimming)
The Abel Tasman is our smallest national park yet it consistently ranks as one of the top 5 tourist attractions in New Zealand. Its golden beaches, turquoise waters, native bush and pristine marine reserves make this world-renowned park a “must-do” experience. Join a scenic cruise for the most special day trip, exploring along the Abel Tasman National Park's coastline; past Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri, Marahau, round golden sandy bays, Adele and Fisherman's Islands, and on to Tonga Island seal colony. After boarding your cruise boat at Stephens Bay, you cruise around the headland to Split Apple Rock, taking time to enable you to get the best views and photo's during your scenic cruise. Here you may see several shags drying their wings above the warm rocks after their early morning fishing. Your cruise itinerary is flexible, so if there is something to see on your day trip, like dolphins riding the bow wave or New Zealand fur seals fishing, then we'll go take a look. Similarly if there's a particular bay you want to visit or Abel Tasman National Park feature you want to see, then please do let the skipper know and he'll try to accommodate your wishes. After we've said goodbye to the seals we find a sheltered bay for a light lunch. You can swim, sea kayak, go ashore for a bush walk, or just relax on board while we prepare your lunch. We have plenty of snorkeling equipment if you are keen to work up an appetite, and sea kayaks on board for your enjoyment. After a full day of sightseeing, you can once again retreat to your luxury lodge for dinner. Accommodation: Nelson – Resurgence Lodge, Stonefly Lodge (Luxury) and Eden House, Split Apple Retreat (Superior)
Day 6: Nelson/Abel Tasman (Day to your own leisure)
The Nelson Tasman region is a safe and family-friendly destination. The region is also cycling friendly for mountain-bikers and recreational riders of all ages. Cycle along the Rocks Road and challenge yourself with the new Tasman Cycleways track. There are also great family fun activities and parks and safe swimming areas along the wonderful Tahunanui Beach. Horse trekking: this isn't just horse-riding; the stunning location and scenery make it an exceptional and unforgettable experience. We favour two rides, which can be combined. The Spectacular Old Man Range, with an ever changing vistas and views of all of Farewell Spit, has been classed as the most scenic horse trek in New Zealand. Nelson/Tasman is blessed with creative abundance and is home to over 350 working artists. The diverse art forms range from paintings to ceramics, sculpture, glass, jewellery and wearable art. The region is conducive to creativity for many reasons. Its physical charms include turquoise lagoons and golden sand beaches, sun-kissed produce from groves and bays, and a rich light, courtesy of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand. Accommodation: Nelson – Resurgence Lodge, Stonefly Lodge (Luxury) and Eden House, Split Apple Retreat (Superior)
Day 7: Nelson – Domestic flight to Queenstown (Private transfer/ & area tour Shotover jet boating)
Following breakfast you will take a private transfer to Nelson airport where you will join a scheduled flight to Queenstown via Christchurch. Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s top visitor destinations and if you come to the region you’ll understand why. Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it’s rumoured that gold prospectors - captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers - gave this now cosmopolitan town its name. Queenstown is rated internationally as one of the world’s top holiday destinations and in 2014 was named New Zealand’s number one destination in the Travellers’ Choice Destinations by TripAdvisor as well as the second best destination in the South Pacific. Central Otago is New Zealand’s fastest growing wine region and also it’s most scenic. Take the time to explore these incredible vineyards set in small micro climates in a landscape dominated by high snow-capped mountains, and tussock clad slopes. At some stage of the wine tour we suggest a stop for relaxing lunch at one of the wineries. Drive through the famous Kawarau valley and gorge. Stop at, what is widely regarded as a safe spectator attraction the famous Kawarau Gorge Bungy Jumping exhibition (this is free for spectators, however, if you desire to make a jump the charge is additional to your tour package). Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River canyons. It's a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'big red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360 degree spins.
Accommodation: Queenstown – Queenstown Park Hotel, or The Dairy Hotel (Luxury) or Eichardt’s Hotel, Matakauri Lodge or Blanket Bay Lodge (Superior)
Day 8: Queenstown – Half day trip to Fiordland National Park (4h Scenic flight/cruiseto Milford Sound)
Today you are taking a flight/cruise excursion into Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world” which was carved out during successive ice ages and, at its deepest point off Mitre Peak, plunges to a depth of 265 meters. The awesome splendour of this region is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world, a daring claim in a country which offers extraordinary beauty around every corner. You depart from Queenstown airport and enjoy spectacular views as you fly over the Fiordland National Park. You land at Milford Sound where you board your launch cruise which travels the full length of Milford Sound. Your return flight to Queenstown takes you via the famous Sutherland Falls and glaciers of the Fiordland National Park. Late afternoon settle into your small boutique stay and enjoy the spectacular views of the area.
Accommodation: Queenstown – Queenstown Park Hotel, or The Dairy Hotel (Luxury) or Eichardt’s Hotel, Matakauri Lodge or Blanket Bay Lodge (Superior)
Day 9: Queenstown (Half day family rafting experience)
Today take a rafting experience and raft the upper reaches of the famous Shotover River. Take a unique sightseeing trip by bus into the famous Skippers Canyon - quite possibly the most spectacular drive in New Zealand! The views are astounding and the area is jam-packed with history. Get even further into the back-country as you float by raft on the Upper Shotover River. You may recognize some of the scenery like "The Ford of Bruinen" from the Lord of The Rings movie! Drive through the famous Kawarau Valley and Gorge. Accommodation: Queenstown – Queenstown Park Hotel, or The Dairy Hotel (Luxury) or Eichardt’s Hotel, Matakauri Lodge or Blanket Bay Lodge (Superior)
Day 10: (Day to your own leisure, chose from a variety of adventure)
Queenstown, is an exciting, fun-filled family holiday destination. The four season resort town offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages, from cinemas, playgrounds and swimming pools to soft adventures and family skiing. Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, beneath majestic mountains. There’s a permanent buzz in downtown where you’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping. Or, if you want something a little more relaxed, you can choose from numerous family activities, nature experiences, tours and beauty spas. Accommodation: Queenstown – Queenstown Park Hotel, or The Dairy Hotel (Luxury) or Eichardt’s Hotel, Matakauri Lodge or Blanket Bay Lodge (Superior)
Day 11: Queenstown departure (Private airport transfer)
From Queenstown you can get flights to Australia or connect easily back to Christchurch or Auckland, to connect to other international flights. |