Day 1 : Arrival Auckland
Most flights arrive into Auckland International Airport in the morning
hours. A pre-booked family shuttle will transport you to your downtown
accommodation, no need to learn to drive on the other side and juggle a map
after your flight!
Day
2 : Auckland - Waitomo -
Taupo
A Ford Explorer 4WD will be dropped off at your hotel this morning.
It's time to venture out of the city and see what New Zealand is really all
about! The drive south from Auckland to Waitomo is an easy, straight drive.
You travel along the Waikato River, through fertile farmland and through
many small towns. Fun stops along the way include Candy World, a cheese
factory, parks and a bird park with New Zealand native birds. Arrival
Waitomo around noon. We suggest starting off the Waitomo exploration with
the Glow Worm Cave tour. It is a wonderful introduction to caves; there is a
little boat ride at the end to see the glow-worms. This takes around one
hour. A stop at the Angora Bunny Farm is suggested before your final drive
for the day south to Lake Taupo.
Day 3 : Taupo
Taupo offers the family a heap of fun activities. There is an
internationally acclaimed Golf Course, world class trout fishing, thermal
waters fun park with pools, slides and special soaking tubs and of course
Huka Falls. Other attractions in the area include the Prawn Farm, Wairaki
Thermal Power Plant, the Volcano Centre, and the Wood Shop with wood turning
demonstrations. Lunch can be enjoyed at Cherry Island, the only island on
the Waikato River. Here you can dine while watching the bungy jumpers leap
from the 45-metre platform off the cliff's edge just a few yards away. Also
on Cherry Island are tame animals and trout to feed and pet.
Day 4 : Taupo - Rotorua
On the road from Taupo to Rotorua you may choose to visit Deer World where
the children can pet and feed the deer, go on a tour through the farm and
try the giant maze. Next stop along the way is Wai-O-Tapu, one of the best
thermal gardens in New Zealand. It is around a 1 hour walk through this park
with its' geyser that blows at 10:15am, its' many sulphuric vents, bubbling
mud and strangely coloured mosses (additional cost). From Wai-O-Tapu it is
only a 25 minute drive to Rotorua. You have the balance of the day to enjoy
this tourism mecca.
Day 5 : Rotorua
A full day to indulge in the many activities and natural wonders of
Rotorua.
Day
6 : Rotorua - Coromandel
The three to four hour drive north up the Pacific Coast Highway meanders
through many small seaside towns and a fabulous orchard region where you can
stop at the many roadside stands to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and
country made goodies. The drive often takes all day with so much to see and
do along the way. Hopefully you will arrive at your beach accommodation in
time to collect some shells on the beach before nightfall.
Day 7 : Coromandel
Two
full days to relax at the beach, explore the lush rain forests of the region
or soak in a hot pool at Hot Water Beach.
Day 8 : Coromandel
Another whole day to explore the northern beaches, try your hand at
saltwater fishing out on the Mercury Bay, or........ a half day kayak trip
around the coast or experience the bay on sunset, all tours are fully
guided.
Day 9 : Coromandel -
Auckland -
Queenstown
Today is your travel day to the South Island. You journey over the hillside
to the flat fertile farm land around the Firth of Thames. Then it's over the
Bombay Hills to the Auckland Airport where you drop off your car and hop on
your flight south to Queenstown. Upon arrival at Queenstown Airport you pick
up your South Island Ford Explorer and drive to your lakefront
accommodation. There will be time this afternoon to begin enjoying the
adventure playground of Queenstown.
Day
10 : Queenstown
Queenstown, often referred to as the Aspen of the South, is the adventure
capital of the country. Endless opportunities to cruise, soar, golf, jump,
bike, taste, climb and shop abound in this charming lakeside resort town.
Day 11 : Queenstown
- Wanaka - Queenstown
The one hour drive from Queenstown to Wanaka is really beautiful along
river gorges, past old abandoned gold mines and then to the lake itself.
Today you will enjoy a full day of family river rafting, swimming on the
river, gold mining on the river and lunch by the river (key word: river).
The Clutha River is the largest river in New Zealand. By using a 10 man raft
and large paddles, it becomes a safe family experience. Your guide will stop
at the best swimming holes, teach you how to pan for gold and spread out a
'kasual kiwi' lunch by the river. Back at your Queenstown accommodation
around 6:00pm.
Day 12 : Queenstown
- Te Anau
Today you may want to enjoy a bit more of the bustle of Queenstown and head
late to Te Anau or you may choose to journey right away to the quiet nature
of Fiordland. It is an easy two hour drive between Queenstown and Te Anau.
Day 13 : Te Anau -
Milford Sound - Te
Anau
What
better way to end your trip then a trip to Milford Sound. You will enjoy a
private guided tour with one of New Zealand's leading nature guides. The day
begins with the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound. This two hour drive
offers endless opportunities for walks, flora and fauna interpretation and a
bit of history thrown in along the way. There are plenty of view points and
photo stops. Then a two hour cruise on Milford Sound allows you the
opportunity to experience the dramatic vastness of this natural wonder. Lots
of film required for this day! Back at your accommodation around 5:00pm.
Optional flight from Milford Sound back to Te Anau gives you the view from
above and reveals the many glacier lakes perched above the sound feeding the
many waterfalls.
Day 14 : Te Anau -
Queenstown - Auckland
You will need to depart Te Anau by noon in order to connect with your
afternoon flight from Queenstown to Auckland. This allows for the perfect
connection time for the evening International Flight.
Other
New Zealand Tour Packages...
