21 Day New Zealand Family Guided Tour

Plan luxury family holidays to New Zealand with our privately guided tours. Travel with an experienced, friendly guide who will enhance your experience with commentary, local knowledge, and personal attention.

We offer the best flexible New Zealand escorted tours with no date or itinerary restrictions. We will take care of your family on this privately guided tour of New Zealand inclusive of a private tour guide and chauffeur plus private touring vehicle.

Choose from a range of accommodation options for luxury family holidays to New Zealand, from standard 4-star through to 5-star and luxury lodge.

Read on for more details on our luxury family holidays to New Zealand.

21 Day New Zealand Family Guided Tour Itinerary | Luxury Family Holidays New Zealand

Day 1 Auckland + Auckland Sky Tower Admission

Your family guided holiday begins in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland.

Explore Auckland with your guide.

Auckland Museum offers a great introduction to New Zealand. With internationally significant Māori and Pacific collections to explore, the Auckland Museum is a must-see place to experience our rich culture.

If you would like to get straight into nature; skipper an America’s Cup yacht or experience whale watching.

This afternoon, head up the Sky Tower for panoramic views of Auckland City. Soaring 328 metres above the city, it offers breathtaking 360-degree vistas across the skyline, harbours, and beyond. You are spoilt for choice with a restaurant and a café up the Sky Tower, including the Orbit 360 degree dining revolving restaurant and the Sky Café, where you can relax with a coffee, cheese board or ice cream.

In the evening the fairy lights of Federal Street will lure you into some of the finest restaurants in Auckland or head down to The Viaduct, a food and drinks hub in central Auckland.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Bay of Islands + Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Travel time Auckland to Bay of Islands – 3.5 hours

Discover the stunning northern reaches of New Zealand today with your guide. The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region made up of 144 islands known for its stunning beauty & history.

New Zealand’s newest Marine mammal sanctuary Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) boasts an abundance of marine life, which includes whales, dolphins, penguins, fur seals and a large variety of sea birds. For those that love nature, beaches and water activities, it’s paradise.

The bustling seaside town of Paihia has an extensive choice of activities, accommodation and delicious dining options. Paihia is the perfect base for discovering the coves and beaches of the Bay of Islands.

In the afternoon, discover the heart of Aotearoa at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the birthplace of the nation. Walk through New Zealand’s most important historic site with full access to heritage buildings, museums, and iconic landmarks.

Stand before the world’s largest ceremonial waka, explore the interactive Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi and the moving Te Rau Aroha – Museum of the Price of Citizenship, then deepen your understanding on a 50-minute guided tour. Complete your visit with a powerful Māori cultural performance, bringing tradition, history, and storytelling to life.

A meaningful and unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Stay 2 nights in Paihia, Bay of Islands.

Day 3 Discover the Bay Cruise + Russell

Board your premium cruise ‘Discover the Bay’ and see for yourself the best of what the Bay of Islands has to offer. Journey to the Hole in the Rock and if weather permits, sail through it. See marine wildlife including Dolphins and stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to have a swim, go for a walk, enjoy a BBQ lunch and relax.

In the afternoon, you might like your guide to take you to Russell. Russell is a significant place in New Zealand’s history, being New Zealand’s first European settlement and sea port. Russell is also home to the Duke of Marlborough, New Zealand’s first licensed hotel and pub.

Day 4 Cambridge

Travel time Bay of Islands to Cambridge – 5 hours 

Nestled in the heart of the Waikato region, Cambridge is a charming, historic town known for its picturesque streets lined with heritage buildings, vibrant gardens, and a rich equine culture. Often referred to as the “Town of Trees and Champions,” Cambridge offers a welcoming atmosphere with easy access to outdoor activities, including cycling, walking trails, and nearby lakes. A visit here provides a perfect blend of small-town charm, rich history, and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination in New Zealand.

Stay 1 night in Cambridge.

Day 5 Waitomo Glowworm Caves + Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Rotorua

Travel time Cambridge to Waitomo Caves – 1 hour

Venture off the beaten track as your guide takes you on a scenic drive to the Waitomo Caves. The land is wilder around here, with limestone outcroppings emerging from farmland and densely forested hills rising all around, but the wildest landscape of all lies underground.

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. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you’ll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.​​

Travel time Waitomo to Matamata – 1.5 hours

Experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes™, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where 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.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 6 Skyline Gondola & Luge + National Kiwi Hatchery Guided Tour + Māori Culture Evening Experience & Hāngi Dinner

Enjoy a fun-filled adventure for all ages with the Skyline Gondola and Luge in Rotorua. Glide to the top of Mount Ngongotahā in an eight-seater gondola, taking in panoramic views of Lake Rotorua, the city, and its geothermal landscape. At the summit, jump into a gravity-fuelled Luge cart and race down a choice of scenic, intermediate, or advanced tracks- each offering twists, turns, and breathtaking forest views. Whether you are seeking family fun or a touch of friendly competition, this is a must-do Rotorua experience where one ride is never enough.

Next, 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.

In the evening, experience a unique insight into Māori culture. Be enthralled by Māori cultural performances as you get the opportunity to participate in the graceful poi dance or ferocious haka. Taste an exquisite Māori feast prepared in the traditional Hangi style. You will be treated to New Zealand mussels, traditional rewana bread and dips, meats, chicken, lamb, vegetables and salads. Try a local drink made from kawakawa extract and manuka honey plus make sure you leave room for dessert. After dinner you will be invited to board the motorised waka for a journey to Te Puia’s geothermal valley. You’ll disembark right in front of the Pohutu Geyser, illuminated in its full glory beneath a starry sky. Marvel at the sight of this glorious natural wonder, while your tour guide entertains you with traditional Māori mythology and stories.

Day 7 Taupo + Taupo Attractions

Travel time Rotorua to Taupo – 1 hour 

Taupo is rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls. The Huka Falls is New Zealand’s most visited attraction, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second. Visit this stunning natural attraction with your guide.

The lakeside town of Taupo also provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout; guided fly fishing or lake fishing trips are popular options.

With the recent completion of the Great Lake Trail, Lake Taupo is a fantastic region for year-round mountain biking. You can add a guided mountain bike trip and take in the beauty of this unqiue landscape.

The Mind Junction Taupo is another great place to take the kids. An all weather activity park with a 2m high Giant Maze, an impressive LEGO display, mini golf and more. Confuse yourself in the Discovery Centre or become a pilot in the flight simulator. With coffee for parents needing a break from all of the excitement it is a great place to experience.

Stay 1 night in Taupo.

Day 8 Tongariro National Park + Wellington

Travel time Taupo to Wellington – 5.5 hours 

Enjoy the scenic drive from Taupo to Wellington. Along the way, you will come across Tongariro National Park, which boasts an impressive collection of volcanoes. You can stop in Tongariro National Park for a short hike if you wish. For Lord of the Rings fans your guide can take you to view Gollum’s Pool and show you Mordor!

Continue south to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Your guide will help you become acquainted with this charming city – you could visit the Te Papa Museum, ride the Wellington Cable Car, or take in the views from the top of Mt Victoria.

Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 9 Wellington City + Must-Do Wellington Attractions

Enjoy Wellington City for the day. 

Any visitor to Wellington should have the Museum of New Zealand Te Papā Tongarewa at the top of their to-do list and general entry is free. 

Enjoy a ride on Wellington’s bright red cable car. From the summit you will be able to visit other attractions such as the Botanic Gardens and Fragrifert – a traditional Victorian perfumery.

Add a Wētā Workshop Tour. The Workshop is best known for its Academy Award®-winning work on the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

You may like to discover Zealandia. Hidden in a suburban valley, this eco-sanctuary is home to over 40 rare species of native wildlife including over 150 kiwi roaming free. Explore the outdoors at your own pace or be led by a guide. 

Wellington is known as the craft beer capital of New Zealand. With many breweries spread across central Wellington, finding a vibrant spot to enjoy a beer is easy.

Day 10 Cook Strait Ferry – Wellington to Picton (Private Cabin) + Kaikoura

Sailing time Wellington to Picton – 3.5 hours 

Embark on a scenic cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Unwind in your private cabin and arrive refreshed, ready for the next leg of your journey.

Travel time Picton to Kaikoura – 2.5 hours 

Upon reaching the South Island, your guide will take you on a scenic drive through the Marlborough wine region, with the option to stop at a winery along the way for samples of the award-winning wines.

In the afternoon, add a fantastic scenic whale-watching flight and look out for sperm whales, dolphins, and seals.

Spend the evening in Kaikoura, a stunning coastal town with a backdrop of majestic mountains. Be sure to sample the superb local seafood at dinner! Option to add a Whale Watch Flight or Cruise.

Stay 1 night in Kaikoura.

Day 11 Christchurch

Travel time Kaikoura to Christchurch – 2.5 hours 

You’re fantastic New Zealand guided tour continues to Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.” 

Explore Christchurch with your guide, options include:

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• The International Antarctic Centre
• Venturing to Sumner Beach
• Riverside Market

In the evening option to add dinner aboard the Christchurch Tram. The Tramway Restaurant offers curated seasonal dining co

Stay 2 nights in Christchurch.

Day 12 Tram and Punting on the Avon Combo Christchurch

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.

Day 13 TranzAlpine New Zealand Train + Hokitika

Train Travel time Christchurch to Greymouth – 4.5 hours

Leave the East Coast behind today as you board the TranzAlpine Train for a fantastic journey through Arthurs Pass. Travel past the rolling Canterbury Plains, soaring peaks and braided rivers of the Southern Alps and through the gorges of the Waimakariri River. This is one of the top train journeys in the world.

Travel time Greymouth to Hokitika – 30 minutes

Your guide will meet you at the train station and take you to your next destination Hokitika, which is a short 30 minute drive.

Discover the West Coast’s beauty in Hokitika, famous for its wild beach and arts and crafts scene. Hokitika is known as the ‘Cool Little Town’. There are some lovely old buildings on the town’s historic walk. You’ll also notice galleries specialising in pounamu jewellery and artworks. Watch a masterpiece being crafted from gold, molten glass, paua or bone, or carve your own creation from wood or jade (“pounamu”). Take in Hokitika’s natural beauty, enjoy its expansive beach, or venture down one of the many walking and mountain biking tracks.

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.

Stay 1 night in Hokitika.

Day 14 Franz Josef Glacier + Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Travel time Hokitika to Franz Josef – 2 hours 

Journey through thick rainforest to reach your destination, Franz Josef.

Franz Josef’s cloak of ice once flowed from the mountains right to the sea. Following millennia of gradual retreat, the glacier is now 19 km inland and accessible only by helicopter. A glacier experience is a crowning moment for thousands of annual visitors, but walking trails, hot pools, and adventure sports from quad biking to clay target shooting keep adrenaline pulsing.

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 15 Haast Pass + Blue Pools + Wanaka

Travel time Franz Josef to Wanaka – 4 hours 

The scenery remains just as spectacular as ever while you continue your tour south to Wanaka. 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.

Wanaka has a reputation for great food and wine, with a wide variety of lakefront bars, cafés and restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine.

Explore Wanaka with your guide – 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.

Test out your fishing skills at “Hook”, Wanaka’s very unique interactive Lake to Plate dining experience. Catch a Chinook salmon from the scenic spring-fed fishing lakes and then relax as the team prepares it for you. No experience is necessary and fishing equipment can be hired on the day.

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.

Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.

Day 16 Things to do in Wanaka!

Explore Wanaka at your leisure today. If you enjoy walking, you might like to embark on one of the various lake or riverside tracks, climb Mt Iron, or take the track to Diamond Lake – continuing to Rocky Summit if you’re feeling fit!

The more adventurous might like to check out Wildwire – a Via Ferrata course on a rocky Wanaka hillside, showcasing some of the best waterfall views in Wanaka!

Clip ‘N Climb is also available, Wanaka’s indoor rock climbing wall. As well as Crossfire gaming centre, where you can experience locally-themed mini putt, archery, golf driving range, rifle range and clay bird shooting.

Watersports are a popular choice, with jet ski and kayak hire available; as well as lake cruises – some including walks on local islands, the perfect choice for luxury family holidays New Zealand.

Day 17 Te Anau + Woodstone Farm & Fiordland Jet Combo

Travel time Wanaka to Te Anau – 3.5 hours

Your scenic tour will continue as you enjoy the drive over the Crown Range. Stop at the Cardrona Distillery along the way. Te Anau is the hub of Fiordland National Park and offers visitors a great base for visiting Milford Sound.

Te Anau is known as the walking capital of New Zealand, so the hiking options are endless!

Step into rural Southland for a relaxed, hands-on farm experience. Meet friendly, hand-reared animals, snap photos, and feed them a handful of nuts. Hosted by a local farmer, enjoy an engaging chat about life on the land, New Zealand farming history, modern practices, animal welfare, and sustainability—honest insights with plenty of laughs. Watch skilled sheep shearing and dog muster demonstrations, then explore the scenic grounds, complete with a vineyard, lavender plots, and seasonal flowers.

This afternoon blast down the mighty Waiau River on a thrilling jet boat ride to breathtaking Lake Manapouri, where ancient beech forests meet towering glacial-carved mountains. Discover iconic filming locations from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, explore pristine wilderness in Fiordland National Park, then hold tight for high-speed spins on the ride back.

Stay 2 nights in Te Anau.

Day 18 Milford Sound Boat Cruise

Travel time Te Anau to Milford Sound – 2.5 hours (each way)

Embark on a scenic journey to Milford Sound, known as the “eighth wonder of the world.” As you venture deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park, you will get the chance to stop and view a number of must-see destinations along the way.

Upon reaching Milford Sound you will enjoy a Milford Sound Nature Cruise. Offering a close-up experience of Milford Sound’s rainforest, soaring rock walls, towering snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and wildlife. Words just don’t do it justice, you have to see it for yourself! Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions.

Option to upgrade to a Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, a once in a lifetime experience!

Day 19 Queenstown + Queenstown Activities

Travel time Te Anau to Queenstown – 2.5 hours 

Your adventure continues through the green pastures of Southland. Take in the scenic views as you navigate around Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu.

Let Queenstown awaken your inner-explorer. Whether you’re interested in exploring trails, indulging in food and wine, teeing off stunning fairways or seeking adrenaline thrills – there are adventures to be found here of all tastes and tempos.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 20 Queenstown Must Do TSS Earnslaw Cruise, Lunch & Farm Tour + Arrowtown

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.

Day 21 Queenstown + Shotover Jet – The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride!

Prepare yourself for the ultimate Jet Boating experience with Shotover Jet – the unique, breathtaking white water ride and adrenaline rush you’ll never forget. From the moment the accelerator hits the floor, your adrenaline hits the roof. You’ll speed over 10cm deep water, along the famous Shotover River and deep into the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.

Continue your quest for adventure and choose from any adventure activity on offer in Queenstown. Bungy jumping, skydiving, paragliding, quad biking, zip lining, heli flights, 4WD off-roading, you name it we can book it.

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

Day 22 Depart Queenstown

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

Luxury Family Holidays to New Zealand

We aim to provide the experience of a lifetime with luxury family holidays New Zealand. We tailor activities to match the ages and interests of your children, and suggest options based on your preferences.

Each one of our luxury family holidays to New Zealand is unique, based on your timeframe and requirements. When you send in an enquiry, we reach out to discuss what you imagine for your holiday. After that, we design a bespoke family holiday itinerary to match your interests.

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Contact us now to plan luxury family holidays to New Zealand.