New Zealand is the perfect holiday destination for the entire family. You can enjoy the stunning scenery and participate in a wide range of family fun activities and entertainment together. This is a trip for families with children of a young age and ability. We make sure you will see our highlights and provide you with a unique personal and flexible experience for the whole family.
Private guided tour itinerary - 9 nights
Day 1: Auckland (Airport transfer, Relaxing day, discover the city of sails)
Day 2: Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula (Kauri trees, Waterworks fun park, Mountain railway)
Day 3: Coromandel (Cruise to Cathedral Cove, Hot Water springs)
Day 4: Coromandel - Matamata - Rotorua (Hobbiton, Te Puia art centre and Maori cultural performance, Pohuto Geyser)
Day 5: Rotorua (Rainbow Springs, Skyline gondola and luge)
Day 6: Rotorua – Rangitikei Valley (Farm-stay, farm animals)
Day 7: Rangitikei River Valley (Soft rafting trip through Lord of the Rings scenery)
Day 8: Rangitikei Valley - Taupo (Volcanoes, National Park, jet boat at Huka Falls)
Day 9: Taupo - Waitomo Caves (Glow-worm caves tour)
Day 10: Waitomo – Auckland
Prices: We recommend the following guidelines for customized tour packages, excluding international flights:
4* (3* internationally) to 5*: From around NZ$ $400 - $1150+ 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 (Airport transfer, Relaxing day, discover the city of sails)
You will be met on arrival at Auckland International Airport by your Aroha NZ Tours Representative, and transferred to your accommodation in our luxurious vehicle. Here you can spend the day in the Inner City and near the America’s Cup Village and visit the nearby Viaduct Basin and its many lively bars and restaurants. Walk onto Queen Street and explore the new Britomart, a vibrant shopping, entertainment and business precinct in the heart of down town Auckland. Surrounded by beautiful heritage buildings, it’s a neighbourhood of buzzing restaurants and bars, world-class fashion boutiques and interesting art spaces. Worth a visit is also the new Auckland Art Gallery with a collection numbering 15,000 works. The Gallery's collection includes major holdings of New Zealand historic, modern and contemporary art, and outstanding works by Maori and Pacific Island artists, as well as international painting, sculpture and print collections ranging in date from 1376 to today. Visit the nearby unique harbour, its location makes the Auckland Fish Market an easily accessible and captivating destination for locals and tourists alike. The Fish Market building, hosts a variety of fresh seafood retailers, a boutique food market, restaurants, licensed cafes, an extraordinary wine encounter and the ever popular Auckland Seafood School. At lunchtime the open-air courtyard and cafes bustle with a steady stream of diners. By night it's the aromas of Asia that permeate the air as the standalone Hong Kong style and Korean eateries, come into their own. Or simply take a ferry to Waiheke Island, renowned for its beautiful landscapes, excellent vineyards and fine restaurants. Relax in the inner city. Accommodation: Auckland City
Day 2: Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula (Kauri trees, Waterworks Fun Park, Mountain railway)
Driving distance 4h
Start of private guided tour. After we leave Auckland we drive through the Bay of Plenty region and head to the town ship of Thames, which has a colourful gold mining history. From here you will experience our beautiful forests and coastlines. We take you on an old Maori route that was also used as a bridle path in the 1890's. From the car park the graded track winds through attractive native forest featuring some lovely young kauri (rickers) and juvenile rimu trees. After 20 minutes a side track leads to a platform surrounding one of the largest kauri trees remaining in the Bay of Plenty. After your walk we continue the drive along the coast road and head further north. Here we have some fun at an interactive Theme Park “Waterworks” which is inspired by the ability to create something new out of something old. 70% of the materials used in the construction of the attractions are recycled. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit Driving Creek Railway - a remarkable 1 hour train ride on a world-class narrow gauge mountain railway featuring engineering marvels and passing through kauri forests. Tonight we take you to Cooks Beach which offers a three kilometre, gently curving white sand beach - ideal for swimming, walking and sunbathing. This is a popular holiday destination for locals and a pleasant seaside settlement of holiday homes has established itself here over the years. A short walk out onto the top of Shakespeare Cliff reveals sweeping views across the wide Mercury Bay. South of Shakespeare Cliff are Lonely Bay and Cooks Beach isolated from other beaches by steep cliffs, the beautiful Lonely Bay can only be reached via a short, steep walking track from the Cook Memorial. Accommodation: Cooks Beach
Day 3: Coromandel (Cruise to Cathedral Cove, Hot Water springs)
Hahei is an attractive beach fringed with Pohutukawa trees and drifts of pink shells at the northern end. Offshore islands provide something of a breakwater, making this beach ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. The coastline to the north and the offshore islands form the boundaries of a marine reserve, making this a popular destination for diving and kayaking. Reefs, caves, archways and soft sediments provide the ideal habitat for a variety of plants, fish, molluscs and crustaceans. At Cathedral Cove, a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. Explore this volcanic coastline with its many caves, blow-holes and golden beaches from a small vessel. Embark from Whitianga wharf, journey below the towering Shakespeare's cliffs and past the historic Cooks Beach. Visit Cathedral Cove and the islands in the Marine Reserve, then explore the spectacular volcanic coastline with its huge sea caves and blow-holes. Here you have the option to swim with the fish in the Marine Reserve with on board snorkel gear. Not into getting wet? That's fine they also have a built in 32" LCD screen with an underwater camera for you to view from the comfort of the boat. Highly recommended: (Optional) Take a Sea Kayak trip along this stunning coast line to Cathedral Cove or explore the sea caves and sheer volcanic cliffs. Trips cover what we believe to be the most spectacular stretch of coast on the Coromandel Peninsula, if not New Zealand. Kayaking is backpacking on the sea. No rush, no noise, just you and nature at its best. Or. Hot Water Beach: Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth to emerge through the sand at the appropriately named Hot Water Beach. Near the rocks at the southern end of the beach, you can dig your own spa pool in the sand - start digging two hours either side of low tide. It's a strange but very pleasant feeling to be lying in a pool of hot water just metres from the comparatively cold sea. Or. The Lost Spring: A unique thermal hot water and spa experience located on New Zealand’s Pacific Coast. With its sculpted pools, soothing waterfalls, and smoking volcano, the Lost Spring offers more than simply a swim in hot water. Relax in one of several pools flowing with crystal clear water. It's source - a spring 600 meters below the earth’s surface. Accommodation: Cooks Beach
Day 4: Coromandel - Matamata - Rotorua (Hobbiton Film set, Te Puia art center and Maori cultural performance center, Pohuto Geyser)
Driving distance 3.5hrs
We leave the Coromandel and journey to 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. We depart Middle Earth and in the afternoon we reach the geothermal Capital of Rotorua. Rotorua is a place where the turbulent forces that formed New Zealand are most evident. This city, on the volcanic plateau, has one of the world’s most lively fields of geothermal activity and sits squarely on the Pacific Rim of Fire. 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. 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. Accommodation: Rotorua
Day 5: Rotorua (Rainbow Springs, Kiwi sanctuary, Skyline Gondola and Luge)
In the morning visit Rainbow Springs Park. The new Rainbow Springs will bring New Zealand nature stories to life. Not only are you able to see endangered native species like the Kiwi and Tuatara but now with the Big Splash water ride, that story comes to life. Whether you are walking through the many free flight aviaries, feeding the biggest wild trout you will ever see, watching the birds being fed or coming face to face with pre-history in the eyes of a Tuatara – all of the staff at Rainbow Springs are proud of the role they play in conserving many of the precious native species of New Zealand. The Kiwi Encounter offers unique behind-the-scenes tours of a working Kiwi nursery and hatchery. Eggs are brought here from the wild and when they have hatched, and the Kiwis are large enough to protect themselves from predators, they are released back into the wild. Next door take the Gondola, and once you reach the Skyline Rotorua complex, select from one of the three exciting Luge trails. Take off downhill on your Luge cart through twists and turns to a backdrop of dramatic scenery and down through the Redwood forest. Once at the bottom, ride the Luge chairlift back to the top of the track and do it all over again. Invented in NZ, the Luge is a unique wheeled gravity ride on a purpose built track - fun and adventure for the whole family. Highly recommended: (Optional) Canopy zip lining tour: This is the ONLY native forest zipline 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
Day 6: Rotorua – Rangitikei Valley (Farm-stay, Farm animals)
Driving distance 3h
This day of your tour takes you through what is regarded as the Volcanic Loop to view New Zealand's most accessible active volcano, magnificent Mt. Ruapehu. Take a short walk around the pristine native forest of Tongariro National Park and experience the desolate landscape of just some of the legendary middle earth film sites for the movie “Lord of the Rings”. Experience a walk over lava stone fields that lead you almost to the top of the volcano. The magnificent views across the valleys to snow-capped peaks will create the perfect setting for a great photo opportunity. Afterwards we drive deep into farming country to the remote Mokai Valley, where the picturesque Rangitikei River meets the rugged Ruahine Ranges. Not far from your accommodation, we take you to the edges of the crystal clear waters of the Rangitikei River set amongst the beautiful native flora and fauna, which provides a stunning backdrop that, can be variably appreciated. Your accommodation host provides a typical New Zealand farm environment. He will be happy to show you around the farm where you will experience an upfront encounter with the many farm animals on the property. There is plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Your hosts are always looking for help to collect the eggs, feed the chickens, pigs, deer, goats, cow, dogs, rabbits, possums, sheep, llama, alpaca and turtles. Plus any extras especially in spring when they bottle feed the orphan lambs. Accommodation: Rangitikei Valley
Day 7: Rangitikei River Valley (Soft Rafting trip through Lord of the Rings Scenery)
Day free for guide: Soft Rafting trip through a deep gorge. You depart from Tarata, rafting through gentle rapids, crystal clear waters, vertical gorges and unbelievable scenery of the Rangitikei River. Raft under the bungy bridge and visit a secret waterfall. Stop for a picnic lunch and swim. Float quietly through Middle Earth and see familiar scenes from the movie Lord of the Rings. Or for the thrill seeker; visit the nearby Gravity Canyon and experience the extreme ride on a flying fox, take an 80m plunge with the highest New Zealand bungy jump off a bridge, or try the 50m giant swing. In the evening unwind and relax with a home cooked dinner at this magical place. Just before you settle back in your retreat, take a soak in a hot pool, which overlooks this remote valley. Recommended: (Optional) Take a leap of faith even scarier than your wedding vows at Mokai Gravity Canyon. Home to three world-class activities to get the adrenalin pumping, there are no excuses to not try the mighty 80 metre bungy, feel the thrill of the 50 metre freefall on the bridge swing, or the rush of the 160km per hour flying fox. Or. Grade 5 River Rafting: The Rangitikei is one of the most beautiful rafting rivers in New Zealand and in the upper parts offers one of the best wild water rafting this country has to offer. Accommodation: Rangitikei Valley
Day 8: Rangitikei Valley - Taupo (Volcanoes, National Park, jet boat at Huka Falls)
Driving distance 2.5hrs
Today you head north to visit the township of Lake Taupo which has the largest lake in New Zealand. Lake Taupo is also the world’s largest volcanic crater, created in one giant explosion. The ash cloud floated all over the world - ice samples from as far apart as Antarctica and Alaska have determined the explosion to have occurred in 186AD. The effects of the ash were even recorded in China and Rome. You can gather your own free volcanic souvenir from the shoreline in the form of very light pumice stones (great for cleaning off rough skin) which were spewed out in that eruption. Just about everywhere you look in the Lake Taupo region, you'll see a volcano. The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river moves gracefully north from Lake Taupo between banks 100 metres apart. Just before the Huka Falls it enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The effect is nature's large-scale equivalent of a fire hose feeding into a very fine nozzle. Jet boating is one of the classic kiwi inventions so it really should be on your must-do list when you visit. Huka Falls Jet, just outside of Taupo is the North Island's leading jet boat adventure. A 30 minute trip will take you along a stunning section of the Waikato River, where you will slide past cliffs and trees at an incredible 80km per hour. Brace yourself as your jet boat pilot twirls his finger to signal one of the trademark 360 degree spins – it’s loads of fun and laughs are certainly guaranteed. Recommended: (Optional) For dinner we have organised a boat cruise on Lake Taupo, where you can just relax and reflect on the day’s adventure or catch one of the many rainbow trout for your evening meal. The vessel is 60 foot long and the fish will be caught by down riggers. Accommodation: Lake Taupo
Day 9: Taupo - Waitomo Caves (Glow-worm caves tour)
Driving distance 2hr
Departing from Taupo, your journey takes you north through the lush green rural farm land of the Waikato region. The rich and fertile pastoral land of the Waikato is one of New Zealand’s major dairy producing and horse breeding areas, and host to incalculable stands of exotic timber. One of the major attractions of the Waikato/King Country region is the famous Waitomo Caves (translation: 'where the water disappears into a hole in the ground'). The caves are perhaps one of the finest natural attractions in the country, with their vast unique caverns and eerie stalactite and stalagmite formations. The caves are home to thousands and thousands of glow-worms forming magnificent constellations. Optional - Cave Tubing experience: Drift through the beautiful cave on an inner tyre tube and float under the most amazing displays of glowworms! Jump off a waterfall, ZOOM down a hydro slide and for those of you who are keen to get their 'cave crawl on' - crawl up to a hidden waterfall which for many of our customers is the highlight of their trip. Or Hairy Feet Hobbit Film Location: Visit the stunning farm location at Mangaotaki Rocks Piopio, near Waitomo, where the troll and campfire scenes in "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" were filmed. Towering limestone cliffs, massive rock formations and a primeval forest on the Denize family farm became the location for Staddle Farm and Trollshaws... and the home of "Sting"! Accommodation: Waitomo
Day 10: Waitomo – Auckland
Driving distance 2.5hr
Last day with private guide! Today we make the return journey to Auckland.
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