New Zealand Friendly Adventure

Highlights of New Zealand Friendly Adventure

• Discover dramatic natural scenery of New Zealand – from iconic volcanoes to Redwood forests.
• Enjoy a private VIP tour of the Weta workshops and get up close and personal with the creativity behind your favorite films such as The Hobbit and Avatar to life.
• Experience first hand “The land of the Hobbits”.
• Take an in-depth journey to discover Te Papa’s taonga (Maori cultural treasures).
• Savor the flavor of New Zealand’s wines on a vineyard tour.
• Partake in a scenic sightseeing tour that includes recognizable filming locations and stunning natural scenery for the Lord of the Rings.
• Taste local foods in a country that is rapidly becoming known as a foodie world destination.

Day 1 Auckland

Your New Zealand family friendly adventure begins with an experience of  “the real Middle-earth”. Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. You will be engulfed in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of The Shire and at the home of the Hobbit.

Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing you the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made.

Day 2, 3 Rotorua

Choose any two of these suggested activities.

• A real Middle-earth experience with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. You’ll step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the unequivocal beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing you the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made (half day activity)
• Thrilling White Island and Mount Tarawera Helicopter Safari. Landing on and explore two of New Zealand’s most iconic volcanoes “Mount Tarawera and White Island”. The contrast between the two couldn’t be more amazing, from the sights, sounds and smells of the active crater floor at “White Island” to the heights of Mount Tarawera‘s majestic summit. You will. be able to walk across the island’s wild, lunar landscape with active geothermal steam vents, bubbling mud pools and the sombre remains of an ill-fated sulfur mining factory destroyed by a lahar. (half day activity.).
• Visit the beautiful lake and the region surrounded by stunning natural and unique environments. You might like to explore Whakarewarewa Forest, known to locals as ‘The Redwoods’, a 5600ha playground perfect for horse riders, mountain bikers, walkers and hikers with magnificent stands of towering native and exotic trees. The Redwood Treewalk, Rotorua’s newest eco-tourism attraction, offers breath-taking views and it comes to life with a magical light spectacle (half to full day activity).
• Enjoy a privately guided tour of two of the most popular geothermal parks in the Rotorua area,Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia. You will encounter bubbling mud, pools of boiling water still used for cooking, and stunning geysers. The Pōhutu geyser is the star of the show. At Te Puia you can also see live kiwi close up and learn how we protect these extraordinary endangered birds. As you wander through our lush native bush you can learn how we use native plants for food, medicine, and handcrafts (full day activity).

Day 4, 5 Hawke’s Bay

Enjoy a personalized tour with delicious food, wine, art and culture set in beautiful rural Hawke’s Bay. Start your day taking in the breathtaking panoramic views from Te Mata Peak, looking over the Pacific Ocean, and back over the rolling hills of Central Hawke’s Bay. Wander through the expansive gardens of Birdwoods Gallery & Cafe and admire the art while enjoying Devonshire Tea. Take a private walking tour of Napier City. Since the Art Deco Trust began showing the city’s Art Deco treasures to tourists in 1985, thousands of people each year have experienced Napier’s fascinating heritage and have been captivated by the dramatic story of this city’s rebirth in the vibrant 1930s. Experience the amazing views from Napier Hill, Napier, stop for a photo opportunity of the famous National Tobacco Company Building, the most photographed Art Deco facade in New Zealand, and drive through the picturesque port of Ahuriri l.

Day 6, 7 Wellington

Our suggestions for Wellington include:

• An exclusive and immersive Weta Workshop VIP tour, Get up close and personal with the creativity behind your favorite films. With the undivided attention of your Weta Workshop tour guide, learn first-hand stories of filmmaking on the Miramar Peninsula!
• Private Weta Cave Workshop Tour Take your time exploring the props and models that bring films like The Hobbit and Avatar to life. Explore areas under wraps to the public Step inside Park Road Post Production and the Weta Workshop boardroom.Get up close to the five Oscars® and many other awards won by Richard Taylor and the Weta Workshop crew.
• The Te Papa Museumfilled with Maori cultural treasures. From historic, artistic, and contemporary perspectives, this tour will enrich your understanding of what makes New Zealand’s Maori culture unique.

Day 8, 9 Queenstown

Mid October to Mid March

Queenstown has so much to offer that we could suggest anywhere from 2 to 5 days to really experience it all. For true Lord of the Rings fans, this trip really does take you There and Back again. This scenic sightseeing tour includes recognizable filming locations and stunning natural scenery. The Glenorchy Safari takes you from Queenstown to Glenorchy stopping at breath-taking viewpoints.

Or if you want something more active with breath taking views, hike up beneath the Gondola on the Remarkables Mountain range.  More sedentary, take the Gondola up the mountain, enjoy the views, and return by Gondola.

For an adrenaline rush take the uniquely breathtaking white-water ride on the Shotover River. You’ll skim along the river at high speed, fishtailing into 360-degree spins.

Mid March to Mid October

Our New Zealand family friendly adventure invites skiers of all ages to enjoy the Wanaka mountains.

Day 10, 11 Doubtful Sound and back to Queenstown

Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. So get ready to create some lifelong memories as your cruise takes you through the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience. Begin with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across Wilmot Pass, traveling on a sub-alpine road through dense rain forest. Arriving at Deep Cove you’ll be met by our crew and the majestic Fiordland Navigator. Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with fully licensed bar and an observation lounge.

After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat or to simply relax on board. For the adventurous (or very brave), there’s even a chance to go swimming. All activities are weather dependent. Overnight in the peaceful nature of Doubtful Sound. After a hearty breakfast, return to Queenstown before returning home.

This is a suggested itinerary based on a family friendly adventure. It can be modified to suite your interests, group size and ages of your group members, and length of available travel time.