The Remarkables Mountains frame the South Island and reflect in the pristine waters of glacial lakes. Turquoise waves lap at gold sand beaches. Forests decorate the hills and valleys. You can hear the cultural songs of the Maori echoing from a long tradition. Your amazing family friendly tour of New Zealand through Queenstown, Rotorua, Pauanui, Tairua and more is tailored to provide family adventure and cultural discoveries. View the smoldering crater lake of a volcanic island and watch penguins...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Garden Arrival
Christchurch is a city of rich cultural gardens that touch on the English heritage of New Zealand’s colonial past. The Avon River winds gently through the city, from Hagley Park to the cobble-paved streets of the city center. Botanic Gardens offer colorful blossoming flowers to antique stone buildings and art projects that have sprouted since the aftermath of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Local are friendly and greet every new face with a wide smile. They embrace the innovation of the refurbished city and the excited visitors that come from around the world. The family arrives and your private transfer meets you at the airport. The city maintains a small town charm that makes you feel as though you have stepped into an English village instead of one of the largest cities in New Zealand. Magnificent snowcapped mountains dwarf the skyline and encompass the cityscape. The family marvels at the quaint character of the city and the stunning landscape that surrounds it.
What's Included:
Day 2
Pristine Panoramas
Day 3
Whitewashed Landscape
Day 4
Endless Sounds
Day 5
Speeding Up River
Day 6
Legends of the People
Day 7
Visions of the Simmering Land
Day 8
Twin Harbors
Day 9
A Cove and Cathedral
Day 10
Wonders of the Water
Day 11
Returning from the Waterfront
Trip Highlights
- Swim with dolphins and watch for whales in off the coast of Akaroa
- Fly to a volcanic island and touch down near the simmering crater
- Cruise along a glacial lake and touch an ancient glacier
- Tour the Dart River on a jet boat excursion
- Kayak the pristine waters around Cathedral Cove Marine Park
- Journey around the celebrated waters and landscape of Milford Sound
- Experience traditional Maori cuisine and dancing
Detailed Description
New Zealand is filled with majesty. From exhilarating activities to unparalleled landscapes, this 11-day journey will sweep the entire family away to the exceptional countryside and charming cities of both the North and South Island. Experience the spine-tingling haka performed by Maori warriors. Travel up the Dart River on a jetboat excursion. Witness the natural landscape featured in the imaginary world of Lord of the Rings. Whales swim offshore and glaciers tower over the hillsides. New Zealand will enchant you and provide endless adventure for the entire family.
Arrive in the Garden City of Christchurch at the start of your New Zealand vacation and settle into the friendly environment and refurbished cityscape. Alpine peaks line the horizon and punters journey down the meandering river in the city center. Explore the nearby seaside town of Akaroa. The fishing village character blends with its French heritage to create a unique and delicate atmosphere. Cruise through the harbor and swim with the local playful Hector’s Dolphins. Mount Cook Village is an alpine area bordered by glacier lakes and panoramic views. Journey across tranquil waters on a guided boat excursion to view the glacial walls up close.
Venture south of Queenstown to Fiordland National Park and step aboard a boat for a full day exploration of Milford Sound. See the towering mountains and vibrant wildlife. Step aboard a jetboat and speed upriver for a magnificent view of snowcapped mountaintops and ancient beech forest. The location was also used as a setting in the Lord of the Rings movies. A quick flight, arranged by one of Zicasso's New Zealand tour operators will take you to Rotorua, the cultural capital of the country, located on the North Island. The family will get acquainted with the local customs of the Maori tribes, dining on a traditional meal and participating in the cultural songs, including the famed war dance.
Tour over the volcanic landscape around the city and White Island located off the Pacific coast. Relax in the seaside twin cities of Pauanui and Tairua. Visit the beaches and kayak in the Cathedral Cove Marine Park to visit the hard to reach corners of the precious landscape. Venture to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium provides a view into the arctic and subaquatic world. The family will explore the far reaches of the country discover the exceptional and ineffable splendor of natural beauty and human-made charm.
Starting Price
$4,500 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.85 stars based on 1708 reviews.
We absolutely loved so much of our trip! My kids’ (ages 11 and eight) favorite activities were luging in Rotorua, NZ, and the sunset camel ride in Uluru, AU, while my husband and I were enchanted by Hobbiton and enjoyed exploring a glowworm cave with the owner's father! We all loved Tasmania.
There were a few hiccups. However, we were very happy with all the support the Zicasso travel company's team provided in real time to help us get back on track.
The overall trip was fantastic. My husband and I appreciated having the team support our adventures, both the highs and the lows. The team members were detailed-oriented. This trip exceeded our expectations and we’re incredibly grateful for their expertise in curating such memorable experiences.
Reviewed By Sivly R.
The trip was awesome; the trip of a lifetime! We saw/experienced everything we could imagine. The trip reflected all of our wish-list items. Zicasso's travel specialist was very accommodating to our ideas and was very detail-oriented. We didn't have to worry about a thing on this vacation.
Reviewed By Sharon B.
We had a fabulous time celebrating my 75th birthday in New Zealand and Bora Bora. Zicasso's travel specialist was fantastic to work with. She was very responsive to all of our questions and concerns and even checked in with us numerous times while we were on the trip. I'd highly recommend her and the travel company when traveling to New Zealand or French Polynesia.
Reviewed By Paul S.
Zicasso's travel specialist worked with us every step of the way to create an amazing itinerary filled with adventure in New Zealand and luxurious relaxation in Fiji. She helped us adjust the itinerary until it was just right. Unfortunately, there were a couple of excursions that were impacted by the weather and other logistics, which impacted our experience, but it was not her fault and she was willing to try to find other options.
Reviewed By Stephanie G.
Great trip! Zicasso's travel planner was responsive to our needs and put together an enjoyable trip. It was organized, with all documents in order and no surprises!
Reviewed By Lisa D.
The process was straightforward and Zicasso's trip planner was very easy to work with. She came up with an itinerary that we were able to tweak and work with to fit our timeline and expectations.
Reviewed By Jodi R.