Australia & New Zealand Holidays is a subsidiary of the Travelcation Group
This 15-day New Zealand itinerary has been specially designed for families wanting a mix of adventure, culture, wildlife, and downtime. Start in Auckland with flexible fun like the Sky Tower or SEA LIFE Aquarium, before heading north to the Bay of Islands for dolphin cruises, historic landmarks, and lazy beach days with a fish-and-chips picnic.
In Rotorua, learn about Māori culture, soak in natural hot springs, and visit iconic attractions like Hobbiton and the Redwoods Treewalk. Continue to Taupō for thrilling jet boat rides and lake cruises, then to Wellington for a fun mix of interactive museums and hilltop views.
Cross to the South Island to go whale watching in Kaikōura, meet wildlife in Christchurch, and fly to Queenstown for gondola rides and lakeside adventures. A Doubtful Sound overnight cruise offers kayaking and nature spotting, followed by a relaxing day in Wanaka and a scenic train ride on the TranzAlpine back to Christchurch.
With exciting activities, downtime at every stop, and family-friendly pacing, this itinerary creates lasting memories across both islands.
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival in Auckland, transfer privately to your hotel. Depending on the time, your family can visit the Sky Tower for incredible views or choose between a visit to Auckland Zoo or SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium. With plenty of kid-friendly dining and harbourside exploring nearby, your holiday begins with excitement and flexibility to suit all ages.
Accommodation: Family room or apartment in Auckland, such as Adina Apartment Hotel or similar
Travel north to the subtropical Bay of Islands. Board a dolphin cruise from Paihia, where your family may spot dolphins or even whales on the journey to the iconic Hole in the Rock. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to discover the birthplace of modern New Zealand, with interactive exhibits perfect for curious young minds. Settle into your beachside accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Accommodation: Bay of Islands family lodge or motel, such as Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similar
Today is all about beach time! Head to Oneroa Beach where the family can relax, swim, or hire kayaks for some gentle fun on the water. Enjoy a classic Kiwi-style fish-and-chips picnic by the shore. Optional: take a short walk or join a local cultural storytelling tour. This free-flowing day offers the perfect mid-trip breather.
Accommodation: Bay of Islands family lodge or motel, such as Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similar
Say goodbye to the coast and travel south to Rotorua, stopping at the Hobbiton Movie Set en route. The whole family will enjoy walking through the magical world of the Shire, with photo ops galore. Continue to Wai-O-Tapu to marvel at colourful thermal pools, geysers, and bubbling mud. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Māori cultural performance and feast at a local hāngī—fun and education rolled into one memorable evening.
Accommodation: Rotorua family-friendly hotel, such as JetPark Rotorua or similar
Begin the day with the Redwoods Treewalk—swaying suspension bridges high above the forest floor. Then visit Agrodome Farm for an entertaining show with sheep shearing, working dogs, and farm animals. In the afternoon, parents may unwind at the Polynesian Spa while the kids enjoy supervised play zones nearby. Rotorua offers something for everyone today.
Accommodation: Rotorua family-friendly hotel, such as JetPark Rotorua or similar
Travel to Taupō today, stopping at Huka Falls, where you’ll see water roar down a narrow gorge. Hold tight for an exhilarating jet boat ride, followed by a relaxed scenic lake cruise with incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Taupō’s natural beauty and action-packed fun make it a family favourite.
Accommodation: Taupō lakeside motel or apartment, such as Lakefront Lodge or similar
Continue south to Wellington, where you’ll enjoy interactive exhibits at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens and take in stunning city views. Finish the day wandering Cuba Street’s vibrant cafés and shops.
Accommodation: Wellington family hotel, such as QT Wellington or similar
Take the ferry across Cook Strait to Picton, then transfer to Kaikōura on the South Island. In the afternoon, board a catamaran for a thrilling whale watching cruise—one of the best places in the world to see giant sperm whales, dolphins, and albatross. Stop at a local seal colony before settling in for the night.
Accommodation: Kaikōura motel or family lodge, such as The White Morph or similar
Drive down the coast to Christchurch and enjoy a day filled with family fun. Visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve to meet native species like kiwi and tuatara, then head to the award-winning Margaret Mahy Playground for climbing, sliding, and splashing. Dinner in the city tonight offers plenty of family-friendly options.
Accommodation: Christchurch family hotel or apartment, such as Rydges Latimer or similar
Take a short flight to Queenstown. On arrival, ride the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak for panoramic views, then let the kids race down the luge tracks—it’s safe, fun, and addictive! Spend the evening by Lake Whakatipu, watching the sunset or enjoying local eats along the waterfront.
Accommodation: Queenstown family-friendly hotel, such as Heritage Queenstown or similar
A full-day tour takes you to the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the scenic drive via Te Anau, with plenty of photo stops and wildlife spotting along the way. Once in Milford Sound, cruise beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls—an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Accommodation: Queenstown family-friendly hotel, such as Heritage Queenstown or similar
Travel to Manapouri to begin your overnight Doubtful Sound cruise. This more remote fiord offers tranquillity and closer wildlife encounters. Spend the afternoon kayaking and exploring quiet coves before settling into your cosy cabin onboard. Dinner and storytelling onboard cap off a truly special day.
Accommodation: Overnight aboard Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Disembark and head to Wanaka, a charming town by the lake. Visit Puzzling World for a quirky, hands-on experience with optical illusions, then walk to That Wanaka Tree and enjoy a lakeside picnic. It’s a slower-paced day filled with laughter and stunning views.
Accommodation: Wanaka motel or holiday park, such as Edgewater Resort or similar
Travel to Greymouth for the TranzAlpine journey—one of the world’s most scenic rail trips. Cross the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch. This evening, enjoy a farewell family dinner, reminiscing over the highlights of your Kiwi adventure.
Accommodation: Christchurch family hotel or apartment, such as Rydges Latimer or similar
After breakfast, a private transfer will take your family to the airport for your flight home. Ask us about extending your stay or planning your next New Zealand holiday!
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.