The trip was amazing – we all had a truly memorable time. (…) Thanks so much (Dianne) for all your help in making this dream come true for us!
Family Rafting Trip, Whale Watching & More!
Visit 8 Different Towns & Cities
Tailored To Your Needs
Excitement for the Whole Family on this Awesome New Zealand Tour
We designed this 20-day New Zealand Tour for a family from Coeur dÁlene – there are no prices listed on this tour because just like every lid does not fit every pot, the same goes for the trip that is designed for you. We tailor-make tours to suit your own needs and the below is an example of what a family on a trip from Canada or the USA might experience with the same amount of time to see New Zealand. This layout is not just for families; it can be for anyone who loves a bit of adventure!
We look forward to designing an amazing vacation to New Zealand for you!
Why take this tour?
Visit the Hobbiton Shire, where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies were filmed. This is the largest “green set” in the world!
Take a unique cultural journey and learn all about the indigenous people of New Zealand on a tour of the Tamaki Maori Village
Customize it! Although this tour package was created for families, the itinerary can be tweaked and tailor-made for anyone!
What To Expect
This example self-drive tour is full of family-friendly activities. Some of the many highlights may include a tour of the Hobbiton Shire, a kayaking trip in the Abel Tasman National Park, and a Rotorua Diamond Pass which includes entry into five different attractions: Te Puia, Skyline Skyrides, Agrodome, Polynesian Spa and Paradise Valley or Rainbow Springs.
Our clientele is located all across The USA and Canada!
Prices are not listed on this itinerary as our New Zealand Travel Agents customize for each client’s wants and needs.
Contact your New Zealand Travel Agents for more information.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure Day
Depart Canada or the USA to Auckland, New Zealand.
Day 2 - Travel Day
Travel day due to time zones.
Day 3 - Arrive Auckland, New Zealand
After clearing customs and immigration formalities, you will be met by a driver who will be holding a sign with your name at the arrivals hall and will transfer you to your accommodation.
Day 4 - Auckland
Meet your driver in the hotel lobby & depart on your Hobbiton Express tour. Today you will travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. You travel through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire.
On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response with a movie set in a natural setting. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, the party tree and visit the Green Dragon Inn. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance.
Day 5 - Auckland To Pauanui, New Zealand
Today, please make your way to the Rental car office and collect your hire car.
Once you have collected your rental car, make your way to Pananui, a journey of approximately two hours (148 kms/92 miles).
Day 6 - Pauanui,New Zealand
Day at leisure.
Day 7 - Pauanui, New Zealand
Day at leisure.
Day 8 - Pauanui To Rotorua
Today make your way to Rotorua, a journey of approximately two and a half hours.
Day 9 - Rotorua
Your Rotorua Diamond Pass includes entry to five attractions in Rotorua – Te Puia, Skyline Skyrides, Agrodome, Polynesian Spa and choice of entry to Paradise Valley Springs or Rainbow Springs. It is easy to visit all attractions in one day, although this can be extended over more than one day, if a more leisurely time is desired.
This evening your tour to Tamaki Maori Village takes you on a cultural journey to the marae (Maori village), the life force of New Zealand’s indigenous people. Imagination takes over as your guide instructs you on the protocol for visiting the marae. A chief is selected, a song is learnt and the eerie cry of the welcome is heard before you enter the world of the proud warriors of the ancient Maori.
Day 10 - Rotorua To Nelson
Today make your way to the Rotorua Airport and return your hire car prior to your flight to the South Island of New Zealand.
Upon arrival in Nelson collect your new hire car and make your way to your accommodation.
Day 11 - Nelson
Free day.
Day 12 - Nelson
This morning you will be collected for your transfer out to the Abel Tasman National Park. There are many touring options from kayaking/boat rides to hiking.
Day 13 - Nelson To Kaikoura
Today you will drive along the East Coast of New Zealand to Kaikoura.
Day 14 - Nelson To Kaikoura
This morning enjoy a Whale Watching or Dolphin Watching Tour.
Day 15 - Kaikoura To Fairlie
Today make your way to Mount Cook, a journey of approximately two hours.
Day 16 - Fairlie To Mount Cook
Today make your way to Mount Cook, a journey of approximately two hours.
Day 17 - Mount Cook to Queenstown
Today make your way to Queenstown, a journey of approximately three hours.
Day 18 - Queenstown
Today you will be collected for your family rafting trip.
Day 19 - Queenstown
Today you will be collected for your day tour to cruise Milford Sound.
Day 20 - Depart Queenstown To North America
Today, please make your way to the Queenstown Airport, to drop off your rental car & connect with your onward flight to Auckland and then onwards to Canada or the USA.
What Our Past Travelers Have to Say
(…) Dianne put together an incredible New Zealand trip for us – we travelled from one tip to the other, East and West included. I would have thought Dianne knew me from childhood as every spot we visited or stayed at – was exactly what I would have chosen myself (had I known the country). (…)
