Day One:
Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and settle into the time-zone,
and your luxury accommodation.
Day Two: Auckland
Soak up the sights and sounds of the iconic city of Auckland. For the
best of the views, visit the 328-meter Sky Tower, or otherwise hike up
Mount Eden, a volcanic peak that casts views over the Hauraki Gulf,
Auckland, and the iconic Eden Park – home of the All Blacks. For a
different sense of perspective, families could choose to sail in the
gloriously protected water of the bay on a real America’s Cup Yacht. With
the wind ruffling your hair, and the skyline of Auckland as a backdrop,
this is a fantastic way to introduce yourself with what a holiday in New
Zealand is all about.
Day Three: Auckland
Today
could be spent living as a true New Zealander by journeying to one of the
classic city escapes from Auckland. To the east lie the Hauraki Gulf
Islands, and the largest, Waiheke Island, offers something for everyone.
Children will make the most of the beautiful beaches, whilst adults can
sample some of the excellent wine produced in the local vineyards.
Together, take a stroll on one of island’s trails which take you from cliff
top vistas into the cool and dense envelope of the native forest. To the
west, families will find unique volcanic beaches in Piha and excellent
surfing lessons for all ages.
Day Four: Northland and the Bay
of Islands
Picking up your 4x4 hire car, your first taste
of a New Zealand road trip awaits. Today you drive north through the lush
vegetation, spectacular coastline, orchards of citrus trees and roadside
fruit stalls, bumpy volcanic peaks, and, of course, pastures of sheep.
Arrive in Russell to find a spectacular, panoramic private villa, with ample
room for all the family. Spend the evening spotting dolphins playing in the
ocean below you whilst unwinding in your private heated pool.
Day Five: Bay of Islands
A stay in the Bay of
Islands really is about exploring the idyllic coastline that surrounds you.
Lush fern filled valleys turn to cliffs, bays, inlets and beaches, and into
the crystal-clear waters of the Southern Pacific. Choose from a range of
family friendly activities including sea kayaking, swimming with the
resident dolphins, or sailing. Land lovers may choose to admire the vistas
on horseback, or by hiking. Otherwise, simply get onto the beaches and
soak up the Southern Hemisphere sunshine.
Day Six:
Rotorua
Driving to Kerikeri Airport in the Bay of Islands, you
will drop your hire car and board your flight to Rotorua. This flight will
take you deep into the volcanic heartland of the North Island, where
geothermal wonders, bubbling hot pools, exploding geysers, and lush
rainforest. Pick up your new hire car, and perhaps join an evening Maori
cultural display in a local Maori village. Rotorua is often considered the
heart of Maori culture in New Zealand, so there is no better place to learn
of their historic traditions and watch fascinating song and dance before
settling down to an authentic feast cooked beneath the ground on hot
stones.
Day Seven: Rotorua
Today would be best
spent uncovering the geothermal wonders of the region. To do so, families
should visit Te Puia – a 70-hectare park that contains the world famous
Pohutu geyser, as well as mud pools, hot springs and silica formation.
Indeed, families will also find the Kiwi bird, and national schools of Maori
wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving. The highlight of the
experience is undoubtedly Pohutu geyser, an ancient geothermal feature, and
the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. She erupts twice every
hour and sometimes reaches heights of 30 metres. Next, travel to Whirinaki
forest, where lush rainforest supports a great diversity of wildlife
including many rare birds. A network of trails makes walking and mountain
biking a joy amongst the awe-inspiring trees.
Day Eight:
Rotorua
On your final full day on the North Island, some
families may rightly choose to pay homage to a more modern cultural
phenomenon in New Zealand. Located about an hour’s drive from Rotorua, near
Cambridge, is the magical set of Hobbiton. Set amongst rolling green lush
pastures, this was the iconic filming destination for The Shire in the Lord
of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Loose yourself in the magic of the
set, where the landscape really does feel like something from Middle Earth.
Alternatively, Taupo is also a convenient day trip from Rotorua where
families can sail on the magnificent Lake in search of ancient Maori rock
carvings, or hike on the Tongariro National Park, home to ‘Mount Doom’ from
the Lord of the Rings.
Day Nine: Marlborough
Sounds
Wake early to drop your hire car at Rotorua Airport and
fly south to Wellington. From here, you can either cross the Cook Strait by
scenic ferry, and then board a water taxi to your idyllic accommodation, or
opt to fly by scenic helicopter flight directly to your hotel from
Wellington. Either way, the astonishing views of the Cook Strait and
Marlborough Sounds are a highlight to any holiday in New Zealand. Accessible
only by boat, seaplane or helicopter, the Marlborough Sounds comprise a
tranquil network of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of
the Pacific Ocean. Here, forested hills rise steeply from the sea around an
intricate coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays. Settle into your
accommodation, and spot dolphins jumping in the afternoon sunshine, from the
deck of your private apartment. In the evening, a short walk will take you
into the bush, where the twinkling light of glowworms will provide a magical
compliment to the overhead star displays.
Day Ten: Marlborough
Sounds
A stay in the Marlborough Sounds really is a retreat
into the heart of nature. On land, excellent hiking tracks, bird watching
and island hopping prevail as the go-to activities. However, best of all,
families can get out onto the water through a range of excursions. Here,
you can choose to sail, kayak, cruise, and fish in the calm and tranquil
waters of the Sounds, or even swim with Hectors Dolphins, thought to be one
of the world’s rarest dolphin species! There’s plenty of time to relax
too, and with fantastic beaches, an indulgent spa and swimming pools, it
is the perfect way to round off a day of active exploration.
Day Eleven: Kaikoura
Taking a water taxi back to
Picton, pick up a new 4x4 hire car and set out South East en route to
Kaikoura. Spot striking beaches, and the friendly faces of sunbathing seals
before arriving at your luxury family treehouse accommodation in
mid-morning. This afternoon, families can choose to join a whale watching
expedition in the rich, biodiverse waters just off the coast. Made famous
by David Attenborough amongst many other naturalists, Kaikoura is home to
an astonishing wealth of cetacean life, including sperm whales, orcas and
dolphins, as well as variety of other species including seals and
albatross. Whale watching boats really do offer a great perspective of this
‘maritime Serengeti’, however snorkelling and scenic flights are also
available upon request.
Day Twelve: Arthur’s Pass
Today an easy drive will take you from the Canterbury Plains outside of
Christchurch into the start of the Southern Alps. The scenery from the road
is some of the best in New Zealand, and postcard images of the South Island
will pass by in their dozens, from pastures of grazing sheep to craggy
cliffs and distant snow-clad mountain peaks. The vistas reach their
crescendo as you approach Arthur’s Pass. Here, settle into your friendly
and cosy luxury hotel, and perhaps join one of the walking tours of this
alpine environment before tucking into a well-earnt hearty meal.
Day Thirteen: Arthur’s Pass
Families can choose to
take part in a truly authentic Kiwi experience today by a tour of a real
working sheep farm. With 3000 sheep and 120 Angus cattle, experienced guides
will show you this typically New Zealand way of life, including traditional
blade-shearing demonstrations, and handfeeding of tame shape. Alternatively,
guests could hike or join an ecological guided tour of the area. The focus
really is on wholesome education suitable for all the family, and the alpine
scenery provides a magnificent backdrop. In the evening, observe the stars
of the southern sky in this second-to-none setting where clean air and zero
light pollution reveal the entirety of the milky way.
Day
Fourteen: Franz Josef Glacier
Continuing west across the
Pass, today’s drive will eventually take you down to the coast. Here
families will find a marvel of the latitude, with the pristine glaciers of
Franz Josef and Fox advancing close to the sea. Settle into your luxury
lodge, and take a trip into town to find a charming town alive with Kea –
a cheeky and comical West Coast Parrot. For pure relaxation, why not
indulge in the glacier hot pools that weave their way through the
rainforest.
Day Fifteen: Franz Josef Glacier
Today can be adventurous in the most Kiwi of ways. One of the delights of
the Franz Josef Glacier is the opportunity to take a thrilling helicopter
ride onto the pale blue pristine ice formations, and hike along with the
help of a qualified guide. This adventure is deceptively safe, and your
well-trained guides will walk with you every step of the way. The views are
exceptional, and the experience is unlike anything you will have tried
before. It really is one of the highlights of a trip to New Zealand.
Day Sixteen: Queenstown
A scenic drive will take
you along the west coast of New Zealand, past a number of achingly pretty
stops. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Mount Cook National Park, Haast,
Mount Aspiring National Park and Wanaka, before touching the wineries of
Otago and passing into the famously adventurous Queenstown. Set on the
shores of Lake Wakatipu, and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, New Zealand
has saved the best for last for families. Settle into your private lake-side
apartment and revel in the alpine surrounds.
Day Seventeen:
Queenstown
The choice of activities on offer in Queenstown is
truly staggering. In the winter, head to the aptly-named Remarkables to find
some of the best skiing in the Southern Hemisphere. In the summer, choose
from mountain biking, white-water rafting or horse-riding amongst other
activities. Many of these opportunities operate year-round, allowing
families to acquaint themselves with Fiordland in an adventurous way.
Queenstown itself is a beautiful and exciting home from home amidst all the
adrenaline. There is a youthful energy available, as well as a palpable air
of sophistication for those seeking outstanding hospitality, food and
wine.
Day Eighteen: Queenstown
On your last full
day in New Zealand, make the most of the adventurous capabilities of
Queenstown in a way that suits you. Another option, is to join a day cruise
of either Milford or Doubtful Sound to the South West of the city. These
incredible fiords are home to an extraordinary mix of wildlife, from orcas to
penguins, and feature some of the best scenery in New Zealand. In the
evening, return to Queenstown and raise a glass to this incredible
country.
Day Nineteen: Return Home
With memories
to last a lifetime, drop your hire car at Queenstown Airport and catch your
flight home.
Optional extensions to your Australian Family
Adventure Touring Holiday
Everything we do at Expressions
Holidays is bespoke, and we are dedicated to personalising the itineraries of
every single client. Choose from the following range of tour extensions, or
get in touch today to suggest something completely different.
Optional Abel Tasman National Park extension (2-nights)
Following your two-night stay in the Marlborough Sounds, venture
West into the true wilderness of the Abel Tasman National Park. Arriving by
foot, water taxi, or by air, families will find themselves plunged into the
heart of nature, with a suite of activities on offer such as hiking,
kayaking, or simply relaxing. In the evening, relax in the company of the
stunning star displays and relish some proper family time away from the
distractions of phone signal and WIFI. Re-join your tour by driving to
Kaikoura.
Optional Best of North Island (3-nights)
Following your two-night stay in the Bay of Islands, fly further south to
Taupo to enjoy one night in the majestic presence of the Lake. Here,
families could embark on a serene day-sail out to hidden Maori carvings, or
otherwise hike out on the iconic Tongariro Crossing. This is the filming
location for Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings, as well as being known
for its spectacular volcanic scenery. Next, drive East into the welcoming
arms of Hawkes Bay for two-nights where excellent food and wine meet
fantastic scenery and wildlife. Cycle, surf, hike, eat and drink through
the typically Kiwi landscape of rolling green hills, lush forests, and
mountainous ranges. There is something for everyone in Hawke’s Bay. Re-join
your tour by driving to Rotorua.