Family Fun in New Zealand

New Zealand is the epitome of cool, fun and wild, making it the perfect haven for families to spread their wings and embrace the exhilarating outdoor adventures that ooze from its core. From the cosmopolitan Auckland and turquoise waters in the Bay of Islands in the North, to the volcanic wonderland of Rotorua and buzzing hub of Queenstown in the South Islands, this itinerary makes an epic trip with an abundance of experiences for the whole family to enjoy.

1. Days 1-2: Auckland

   Your adventure begins in Auckland and you’ll be located in the heart of this vibrant city staying at the dazzling Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour. Feeling fresh after your flight, head out and explore the neighboring areas on foot. Stroll down to the harbor and discover the many lively waterside cafés and restaurants that line the parade. Embark on a short ferry ride across the harbor and investigate the relaxed bay side village of Devonport. For views far and wide over the Hauraki Gulf, scramble to the top of the magnificent Sky Tower and be amazed at the 360 panoramas of the many islands that dot the landscape.

   Accommodation: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour (1 night)

2. Days 2-5: Bay of Islands, New Zealand

   The awe-inspiring Bay of Islands located just a short flight from Auckland is your next port of call. Stunning turquoise waters, secluded beaches and an abundance of historic sites, Bay of Islands offers you the chance to learn about the history of the country and sets the scene for the rest of your Kiwi adventure. Staying at the trendy Eagles Nest you’ll have the ultimate private villa experience. With cutting edge design, plenty of space and your own private pool, the villas are perfect for families and provide a high level of luxury that will leave you feeling revived and energised. 
   
   During your stay there will be a plethora of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From sea kayaking, parasailing and sky diving to water skiing, scuba diving and snorkeling, your hearts will be left racing and adrenalin pumping. For a truly unforgettable experience, we will arrange an enthralling afternoon on a luxury private yacht. Charter sailing on ‘Cool Change’, you’ll be whisked to the lesser-known bays and beaches. Keep an eye out for the varied wildlife that live here and swim until all your hearts are content before refuelling the whole gang with a delicious lunch prepared for you on board. 

   Accommodation: Eagles Nest (3 nights)

3. Days 5-6: Auckland

   Head back to Auckland for the night. Take a stroll along the west coast beaches or simply make use of the hotel’s pampering spa facilities and get a good rest before picking up your hire car and continuing your exploration of the North Island.
   

   Accommodation: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour (1 night)

4. Days 6-9: Rotorua

   
   Driving through New Zealand is by far the best way to witness its mind-blowing scenery. Leaving the city life of Auckland behind you, soak up the spellbinding landscapes that surround your family as you drive south, through rolling hills and farmlands of the Waikato region. Arriving in Rotorua, you’ll have the luxury Treetops Lodge Estate as your home for the next three nights. Here, you will disconnect from reality and reconnect with nature as your private lodge sits within 2,500 acres of pure New Zealand forest. The lodges are ideal for families, as there is a real emphasis on privacy and space. Rich in warmth and rustic charm, take refuge in lavish landscapes and creature comforts that beckon you home.
   
   There is no end of things to keep your active teens entertained, with wild food experiences, dense forest trails, fly fishing and horse riding, 4WD safaris, glow-worm caves… the list goes on! A must-do for the whole family whilst at Treetops Lodge is Mountain Biking in Rotorua’s Redwood Forest. With around 140km of continually evolving trails, there is something to satisfy for all levels of rider. Zoom through the exhilarating tracks, weave through lush native ferns and absorb the dense scenery. Recharge the whole family’s batteries with a pit stop and light snack before whizzing off again to gain glimpses of Rotorua’s beautiful lakes, geothermal activity and brooding Mt. Tarawera.

   Accommodation: Treetops Lodge & Estate (3 nights)

5. Days 9-11: Marlborough and Nelson

   Fly to Nelson via Wellington and collect your car hire, before setting off on the next leg of your family adventure. You’ll stay at Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte, an exclusive luxury accommodation neighboring the stunning Abel Tasman National Park. Home to golden beaches and miles of impressive walking trails through the native New Zealand forests, this is the sunniest area of New Zealand and provides endless activities for everyone to enjoy. Burn off that excess energy through Bronte’s meandering gardens, take a splash in the heated swimming pool or play a family game of tennis. We believe that the best way to explore this wonderful expanse is on the water, so grab your kayaks provided by the lodge and plunge into the sea for an enthralling family escapade. Paddle the shoreline, get close to the local cormorants and if you’re lucky, spot dolphins and seals as they gracefully swim by.

   Accommodation: Te Koi the Lodge at Bronte (2 nights)

6. Days 11-13: Kaikoura

   Wilderness, wildlife and wonder await. Drive to the east coast of New Zealand and embrace the charming coastal settlement of Kaikoura. Known as ‘the marine Serengeti’ of New Zealand, Kaikoura is home to a wealth of sea life just waiting for your family to expose. From gigantic sperm whales and entertaining dolphins to playful fur seals and striking orca. Staying at Hapuku Lodge, you’ll have an epic glimpse of the wonderous coastline, as each luxurious lodge sits at the foot of South Island's spectacular Kaikoura Ranges overlooking the rugged Pacific Coast. This is the perfect destination for those with an adventurous streak and we have included a selection of wildlife encounters that you won’t want to miss. 
   
   A Dolphin Encounter off the coast of Kaikoura is top on the list. Lean into limitless and jump into the ocean to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. Or, for those that prefer to stay dry, simply gaze in awe as you watch these mesmerising mammals glide and leap effortlessly alongside your boat. We have also included a whale watching experience which we know the whole family will relish. Set out to sea in search for New Zealand’s magnificent marine giants. Expect to see Sperm Whales, Orca and migrating Humpbacks breaching the surface waters in between hunting squid in the Hikurangi Trench. 
   

   Accommodation: Hapuku Lodge (2 nights)

7. Days 13-17: Queenstown

   Return your hire car in the neighboring city of Christchurch and catch a short flight to your final destination, New Zealand’s energetic capital city. Queenstown is a true paradise for teenage families and home to an abundance of bucket-list experiences. From canyon swimming to bungee jumping, jet boating to river rafting, you’ll have plenty of adrenalin-pumped activities to choose from. You’ll stay at the charming Sofitel Queenstown which is centrally located and just a stone’s throw away from the city lake and central plaza. All rooms and suites here are perfect for families traveling together thanks to the comfortable beds, double spa baths, underfloor heating, surround sound audio visual systems and extraordinary French amenities. 
   
   Round off your New Zealand adventure with a Fly Nature Cruise and Helicopter flight to Milford Sound. You’ll be driven to Queenstown Airport where your chopper awaits. Take to the skies and absorb the sheer magnitude of New Zealand’s jaw-dropping scenery as you float over alpine meadows, glimmering lakes, snow-capped mountains and dense forest valleys. You’ll land at Milford Sound and board a specialist boat that’ll whisk you away to the Tasman Sea. Relax as you cruise past outstanding natural beauty and extensive wildlife with expert commentary from the onboard guide. Marvel at thundering waterfalls, spot penguins diving in and out of the shore and hold onto these precious moments as your family voyage draws to a close.  
   

   Accommodation: Sofitel Queenstown (4 nights)

Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Abel Tasman, Kaikoura, Queenstown