10 Day New Zealand Family Guided Tour

Travelling with children? This is the perfect 10-day tour of New Zealand for families who want to see the highlights of both islands at a pace that’s comfortable even for very little ones. Top experiences on this tour include a Milford Sound cruise, a glacier helicopter flight with a snow landing, the TranzAlpine Train, the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, a Māori cultural experience including a hangi dinner, and a tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

We have children too and know exactly what it’s like travelling with them, from the countless playground visits to the urgent search for a toilet in the middle of nowhere! We’ve taken that expertise and designed this tour with your children in mind.

Here are a few of the ways we’ve tailored this itinerary to suit young families:

• No age restrictions for most activities – except in Rotorua (read the itinerary below for more details), all included activities are suited for children of any age.
• Driving time is minimised – from scenic flights to reach Milford Sound to the TranzAlpine Train that gives your kids the chance to stretch their legs on the journey between Greymouth and Christchurch, we keep car time to a minimum.
• Apartment-style accommodation – everywhere possible, we book apartment-style style accommodation for your family (at no extra cost). This gives you separate sleeping areas, kitchen facilities, and a lounge – perfect for preparing meals for fussy eaters, setting aside a designated nap space, or relaxing between adventures.
• Activities that the whole family will love – both children and parents will find a lot to love in each included experience! Boat rides, scenic airplane and helicopter flights, animal encounters, glowworms, and child-sized homes at the Hobbiton Movie Set are genuine New Zealand highlights that are also sure to be popular with your children.
• Longer stays in each destination – with three multi-night stays (and only three one-night stays) in this itinerary, we’ve ensured you have a chance to properly settle in and explore all the top destinations without worrying about packing up the whole family each morning.

Looking for something else?

• Travelling with teenagers? The 10 Day Iconic New Zealand Guided Tour has more thrills and fewer “kiddie” activities.
• Hoping to minimise travel time? The highlights of the North Island are all located close together, so the 10 Day North Island Family Guided Tour has the least driving time of any 10-day family tour.
• Are you a family of Lord of the Rings fans? We have 10-day North Island and South Island Lord of the Rings tours you may want to consider.

10 Day New Zealand Family Guided Tour Itinerary | Family Tour Packages

Day 1 Queenstown New Zealand

Your intriguing guided holiday begins in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Surrounded by rugged mountains and bordered by the turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a vibrant, buzzing mountain paradise.

Explore Queenstown with your guide.

World-renowned for its adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of adrenaline activities including jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting, skydiving and even indoor thrills – all guaranteed to get your blood pumping!

If you’re looking for a slightly slower pace there’s plenty of recreational activities including boat cruises, scenic flights, hiking and biking trails, the Skyline Gondola, the Kiwi Birdlife Park, or spa and wellness options to help you truly feel worlds away.

Family travel tip: Downtown Queenstown is very compact and fun to explore on foot. You’ll find a playground at the lakefront beside the Queenstown Gardens, plus lots of walking trails along the water.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 2 Milford Sound Scenic Flight & Cruise + Queenstown

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna.

Enjoy panoramic views as you fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound over mountains, glaciers, and the stunning World Heritage landscapes of Mt. Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. Your expert pilot provides fascinating commentary throughout this unforgettable journey.

Descend into Milford Sound with breathtaking aerial views of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and sheer alpine cliffs before landing at the remote airstrip.

Board a modern catamaran for a 1 hr 45 min cruise through the Fiord, discover the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Keep an eye out for fur seals, penguins, and dolphins while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, and water.

After your cruise, rejoin your pilot for a spectacular return flight to Queenstown via a different scenic route – the perfect finale to an incredible day.

Day 3 Best Things To Do In Queenstown, TSS Earnslaw Cruise, Lunch & Farm Tour

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch and a farm tour in a stunning lakeside setting. Your experience starts with a cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once there, you can sit back on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and savour the delicious aromas as our chef has the best of local produce, sizzling away on the grill. After lunch, you can join an entertaining farm demonstration or explore the beautiful lakeside gardens.

In the afternoon visit Arrowtown with your tour guide. This charming gold rush village sits in a natural paradise. A Queenstown “must-do.” Arrowtown is a lively, quirky, historic village. So many pleasures to choose from – Arrowtown satisfies many sides of your personality. The nature lover, photographer, the museum visitor, the shop browser. The charm of historic Buckingham Street, while savouring a coffee.

Family travel tip: Where the Arrow River flows past Arrowtown’s historic town centre, the river is shallow and rocky – great for kids to play around in!

Day 4 Wanaka + Things To Do In Wanaka

Travel time Queenstown to Wanaka – 1.5 hours

Enjoy the scenic drive over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Option to stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel and the Cardrona Distillery.

Wanaka has a reputation for great food and wine, with a wide variety of lakefront bars and restaurants.

You may want to visit Puzzling World, Wanaka’s illusional attraction; the National Toy and Transport Museum or the Wanaka Lavender Farm located just a few minutes from Wanaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields, farm animals & display gardens.

Stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries and stylish shops, visit ‘That Wanaka Tree’ for the perfect photo, or enjoy one of the many famous walking tracks such as Mt Iron.

Family travel tip: The food truck park in Brownston Street near downtown Wanaka is a fun and low-key place to eat as a family. There are picnic tables, a stream (with ducks that sometimes pay a visit!), and lots of food options so you’re sure to find something for everyone.

Stay 1 night in Wanaka.

Day 5 Franz Josef Glacier Heli Flight & New Zealand Glaciers

Travel time Wanaka to Franz Josef – 4.5 hours 

The Haast Pass Highway is one of the most scenic alpine routes in New Zealand. Explore the pass with your guide, stopping to view cascading waterfalls, broad alpine meadows, craggy snowcapped mountains, and the turquoise depths of the Blue Pools.

Continuing along the West Coast, your guide will take you to Lake Matheson, where you can take a 20 minute walk (one-way) to the jetty, to admire the reflected views of the Southern Alps on the surface of the lake.

In the afternoon, take an unforgettable helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, where you will land in the snow to enjoy incredible views of the majestic Southern Alps.

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Day 6 Hokitika + TranzAlpine New Zealand Train + Christchurch

Travel time Franz Josef to Greymouth – 2.5 hours 

Train travel time Greymouth to Christchurch – 4.5 hours 

Enjoy more West Coast beauty today. You will find an amazing attraction in the West Coast Treetop Walk. The walkway is 450 metres in total and reaches heights of 20 metres giving you fantastic panoramic views. Hokitika is a great location worth exploring, famous for its rugged beach and arts and crafts scene.

Leave the rugged West Coast behind today as you board the TranzAlpine Train for a fantastic journey through Arthurs Pass. Travel past the soaring peaks and braided rivers of the Southern Alps, through the gorges of the Waimakariri River, and past the rolling Canterbury Plains.

Your guide will meet you at the train station and bring you to your accommodation.

Choose from your guide’s range of restaurant recommendations and enjoy a delicious meal in Christchurch.

Stay 2 nights in Christchurch.

Day 7 Christchurch + Tram and Punting on the Avon River

Discover the vibrant and picturesque garden city, renowned for its natural beauty, lively entertainment scene, and strong cultural heritage. With its stunning botanical gardens and tree-lined avenues, Christchurch is both a sophisticated city and beautiful place to relax.

Enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on board the beautifully restored heritage Trams. One of Christchurch’s leading attractions, the Tram is a unique experience combining history and sightseeing. Your friendly and knowledgeable drivers will inform you about the city, its landmarks and local sights, as well as where to find the best coffee. Your day-long ticket allows you to hop on and off the Tram as much as you please!

Relax among the velvet cushions as your punter takes you down the river for 30 minutes on one of two routes – City or Park. Glide along the peaceful Avon River in Christchurch, wrapped in luxury, as a skilled boatperson propels you through a romantic wonderland. In spring and summer the sunbeams sparkle and ducklings dive; the river provides magical photographs.

Family travel tip: Margaret Mahy Family Playground is one of the best playgrounds in New Zealand. From a toddler-suited sand play area to a series of exciting nets and towers and slides that will challenge older kids, it’s well worth a visit.

Day 8 Auckland + Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Rotorua

In the morning catch a domestic flight from Christchurch to Auckland to start your North Island adventure. (Cost of flight not included in package. Please enquire for indicative pricing.) Arrive at Auckland Airport and get on the road, first stop Hobbiton!

Travel time Auckland to Matamata – 2 hours

Experience the magic of Middle-earth as you tour the Hobbiton Movie Set, where the charming village from The Lord of the Rings has been brought to life. You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn. You will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.

Travel time Matamata to Rotorua – 1 hour 

Enjoy the scenic drive through rolling farmland to Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. Tour the exciting geothermal attractions with your guide, visiting sulphur springs, mud pools, geysers, and sinter terraces.

Family travel tip: The Redwoods Treewalk is a great activity for children! And you can book the day and night combo for a discounted rate. During the day, you really get to experience the forest and the swing bridges, while at night the lanterns are magical. (Just check what time the night visits are scheduled, as they vary depending on sunset times and can be quite late in summer.)

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 9 National Kiwi Hatchery Guided Tour + Rotorua Skyline Gondola & Luge + New Zealand Hāngi & Maori Culture Show

Learn all about New Zealand’s national icon at the world’s leading kiwi hatchery and discover how they have successfully hatched over 2,100 kiwi chicks. Watch genuine ‘Conservation in Action’ in the purpose-built incubation facility and if you’re lucky see a newly hatched kiwi chick! After your 45-minute guided experience, take more time to learn in the interactive kiwi burrow – where you can stand in a human sized kiwi burrow or sit in a giant kiwi egg. See adult kiwi roam and forage in the purpose-built Nocturnal house.

Head up the Skyline Gondola and soak in the spectacular views over Rotorua. Then it’s time for some fun – enjoy three thrilling luge rides, plus the option to try the SkySwing, Zoom Zipline, and finish with a visit to the Jelly Bean Shop.

There is more to see! In the evening experience New Zealand’s cultural side with a evening of Maori Culture and delicacies. See a real life haka and be touched by a traditional Maori welcome. Then feast on the three course meal cooked in the traditional hangi pits. Finish your evening next to a fascinating geyser watching it erupt under the night sky.

Family travel tip: You may need to swap out today’s activities if you are travelling with very young children (ask us for suggestions!). The kiwi hatchery tour has a minimum age of 5. The Skyline luge is only suited for children over 85cm tall and 2 years of age (but all ages can ride the gondola!). The Māori evening experience is suited for all ages but finishes at 8:30 pm, so there is a daytime tour available (without the hangi dinner) if you need an earlier finish.

Day 10 Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour + Auckland

Travel time Rotorua to Waitomo Caves – 2 hours 

World-renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. T​housands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as the expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves’ historical and geological significance.

Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history. Marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto.

Travel time Waitomo Caves to Auckland – 3 hours

Sit back and relax as your guide drives through unique landscapes before entering the bustle of Auckland streets. Home to one third of New Zealand’s population and bordered by two stunning harbours, Auckland is a thriving, diverse city surrounded by natural wonders.

Explore Auckland with your guide this evening. You may want to do a spot of shopping at the Britomart Shopping Precinct, Britomart is a treasure trove for fashion, beauty and specialty boutiques. Its hip bars and eateries are also the perfect place to wind down after you’ve shopped up a storm.

Discover Auckland’s diverse range of cuisine and check out the buzzing nightlife of the central city. Favourite spots include the Viaduct Harbour, the Britomart Precinct and Federal Street.

Head on down to the Viaduct Harbour for variety of atmospheres. You will discover a waterfront vibe with all day bistros and cosy café’s to live music, rooftop cocktail bars and some classic Kiwi and Irish pubs.

Every Auckland foodie puts Federal Street on their go-to spot for great food, great wine and a great atmosphere. Situated beneath the Sky Tower in Auckland, Federal Street comes into its own after dusk, as 20,000 twinkling lights illuminate the street. Federal Street is home to some of the best restaurants in Auckland, including Al Brown’s fast-paced eatery and oyster bar Depot and the chic and elegant Dine by Peter Gordon.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 11 Depart Auckland

Your guide will deliver you to Auckland Airport for your departing flight.

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