New Zealand and Cook Islands Family Vacation: Adventure Travel
This family adventure seamlessly blends New Zealand’s thrilling experiences with the Cook Islands’ pristine, sunny beaches. Sail through the Bay of Islands, step into Hobbiton’s movie magic, and encounter rare wildlife from penguins to baby Kiwi birds. Then unwind on Rarotonga’s legendary Muri Beach, where crystal-clear lagoons create the perfect finale to your Pacific journey.
At a Glance
- 3 nights Bay of Islands
- 1 night Auckland
- 3 nights Rotorua
- 3 nights Queenstown
- 2 nights Dunedin
- 4 nights Cook Islands
Trip Highlights
Bucket List, Elevated
After an exhilarating jet boat ride, navigate the braided Dart River in Funyaks (inflatable canoes), drifting through pristine wilderness channels surrounded by towering peaks in this UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Special Access
Enjoy a family sailing adventure in the Bay of Islands aboard a private catamaran built exclusively for these waters. Visit secluded coves and wildlife viewing spots beyond the reach of standard tours, then witness baby Kiwi birds at the National Kiwi Hatchery.
Unique Stays
Retreat to Pacific Resort Rarotonga, an intimate boutique resort positioned directly on world-famous Muri Beach. 5.5 acres of manicured tropical gardens provide exclusive access to the Cook Islands’ most pristine lagoon swimming.
Insider Tip
Corinne, Owner and Founder
On a family holiday? Queenstown has some fantastic dining options that the kids will enjoy. One of my favorites is The Cow, a pizza and spaghetti house. Make sure you check it out!
Suggested Itinerary
The itinerary below is just one example of what we can create. At Down Under Endeavours, we use 25+ years of hands-on expertise to design bespoke adventures inspired by you. Get in touch to make your dream trip a reality!
Bay of Islands + Auckland
Full-Day Sailing & Wildlife Excursion
Pictured: Sailing in the Bay of Islands
Day 1: Bay of Islands Arrival
Welcome to New Zealand! Pick up your rental car in Auckland and journey north to the Bay of Islands, allowing time for stops at black sand beaches or a waterfall along the way. Settle into your spacious apartment with gorgeous sea views and enjoy a complimentary 30-minute sauna session.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (Blue Pacific Apartments)
Day 2: Island Adventures at Your Pace
Paihia serves as your perfect base for Bay of Islands exploration. From the wharf, arrange trips to outer islands, join fishing expeditions, or catch the ferry to historic Russell. Cruise to the famous ‘hole in the rock’ at Cape Brett, try sea kayaking, or visit the historic Treaty House at Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand began as a nation.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (Blue Pacific Apartments)
Day 3: Sailing and Wildlife Encounters
Today, it’s a private adventure just for your family! Board a spacious 50-foot catamaran purpose-built for Bay of Islands sailing. The whole family can help set the sails, relax on deck, and watch for seals, dolphins, penguins, petrels, and other seabirds as you glide through island-studded waters. A BBQ lunch is served aboard while anchored in a secluded bay.
Overnight: Bay of Islands (Blue Pacific Apartments)
Day 4: Auckland’s Urban Energy
Drive to Auckland for an overnight in New Zealand’s vibrant largest city, where harbor views and cosmopolitan energy create the perfect urban interlude.
Overnight: Auckland (Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park)
Rotorua
Hobbiton | Kiwi Hatchery | Evening Treewalk | Mountain Biking Tour
Pictured: Family mountain biking in Wairakei Forest, Taupo
Day 5: Hobbiton and Rotorua Arrival
Journey south through rolling green hills reminiscent of The Shire to visit the famous Hobbit holes at Hobbiton Movie Set. Your guide escorts you through the ten-acre site, sharing fascinating details of how the movie set was created, before offering a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn.
Continue to Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland and sacred Māori heartland, settling into luxury accommodations for well-deserved relaxation.
Overnight: Rotorua (Pullman Rotorua)
Day 6: Kiwi Birds and Illuminated Forest
Discover what baby Kiwi birds look like at the National Kiwi Hatchery, then experience the magical Redwoods Nightlights walk. This unique evening adventure illuminates Rotorua’s majestic Redwood forest under darkness, creating an immersive and captivating environment through bespoke lighting installations.
Overnight: Rotorua (Pullman Rotorua)
Day 7: Forest Cycling Adventure
Explore the beautiful Whakarewarewa, Titokorangi, and Redwoods areas by mountain bike. Starting from Mountain Bike Rotorua, follow the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop, part of the National Cycleway development, for an easy ride through stunning scenery while learning local area stories.
Overnight: Rotorua (Pullman Rotorua)
Queenstown + Surrounds
Milford Sound Flight & Cruise | Funyak Safari
Pictured: Family funyak adventure on Dart River New Zealand
Day 8: South Island Bound
Drop off your rental car and fly to Queenstown on the South Island. Settle into your luxurious hotel on Lake Wakatipu’s shores with views of the dramatic Remarkables Mountains.
Overnight: Queenstown (Peppers Beacon Queenstown)
Day 9: Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Cruise
Travel by fixed-wing aircraft over spectacular alpine scenery and lush rainforest to reach pristine Milford Sound. Board a luxury vessel for a nature cruise discovering stunning waterfalls, ancient rainforests, towering mountains, and diverse wildlife in this untouched wilderness. Return to Queenstown via another breathtaking scenic flight.
Overnight: Queenstown (Peppers Beacon Queenstown)
Day 10: Dart River Funyak Safari
Begin with an exhilarating jet boat ride from Glenorchy up the braided Dart River, complete with famous jet spins, before transferring to your unique Funyak (inflatable canoe). Paddle and drift downstream under expert guidance through pristine river channels surrounded by towering peaks.
Stop in an ancient beech forest for a wilderness buffet lunch, where you can explore hidden side streams, rock pools, and untouched waterways in this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
Overnight: Queenstown (Peppers Beacon Queenstown)
Dunedin + Otago Peninsula
Full-Day Wildlife Tour with Albatross and Penguins
Pictured: Yellow-Eyed Penguins on the Beach in Dunedin
Day 11: Central Otago Wine Country
Pick up your rental car and drive east to Dunedin, with optional stops at Central Otago wineries for world-renowned pinot noir tastings, or take the scenic Catlins coastal route through native forests and waterfalls where sea lions bask on remote beaches.
Overnight: Dunedin (Distinction Dunedin)
Day 12: Otago Peninsula Wildlife Spectacular
Embark on a full-day Otago Peninsula tour with Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre and take guided tours to see rare yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins in their natural habitat.
Experience unrivaled marine life viewing including fur seals and Hooker’s sea lions during a one-hour wildlife cruise, followed by a leisurely harbor cruise back to the city.
Overnight: Dunedin (Distinction Dunedin)
Cook Islands
Luxury Resort on Rarotonga
Pictured: Aerial view of Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Day 13: Cook Islands Paradise Awaits
Fly to the Cook Islands, where 15 islands scattered across 1.2 million square miles of breathtaking Pacific Ocean await. These unspoiled islands lie halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, offering rare beauty, idyllic climate, and a pace of life unsurpassed for peace.
Overnight: Cook Islands (Pacific Resort Rarotonga)
Day 14-16: Pure Island Paradise
Your days unfold at paradise’s pace. Lounge on pristine beaches, enjoy water activities like paddle boarding and snorkeling, indulge in spa treatments surrounded by tranquil water gardens, or simply relax in your luxurious villa. Optional adventures include lagoon tours, quad bike expeditions, cultural hikes, village visits, and unique dining experiences.
Overnight: Cook Islands (Pacific Resort Rarotonga)
Day 17: Farewell to Paradise
Transfer privately to the airport and begin your journey home, carrying memories of New Zealand’s adventures and the Cook Islands’ tranquil beauty.
About this vacation
Cost Per Person
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