We designed this adventurous New Zealand Multigeneration Vacation for a family. They had ventured to Australia with us 5 years earlier, and now they wanted to discover New Zealand’s beauty and adventure. From quad biking to mountain biking to an incredible canyon swing, this trip is truly the ultimate adventure experience.
They started their New Zealand Multigeneration Vacation in the lovely Bay of Islands at a beach resort in Paihia. While in Paihia, they went dune riding and swam with the wild dolphins in the bay. Back at their resort, they enjoyed some relaxing massages and treatments after each adventure-filled day.
Next, they drove to Rotorua, with its fascinating and varied natural features. They had a fun day of adventure in Rotorua, going mountain biking, rafting down Kaituna Waterfall (the steepest commercially rafted waterfall in the world), and kayaking out to some natural thermal pools. They also had some free time to explore this geothermal wonderland on their own.
Continuing their New Zealand Multigeneration Vacation, they went south to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. From Queenstown, they took a scenic flight over spectacular alpine scenery and lush rainforest to Milford Sound. They took a nature cruise on the sound and returned to Queenstown via fixed-wing plane. The next day, they discovered Queenstown’s off-road terrain on a guided quad bike tour, followed by the adrenaline-pumping Shotover Canyon Swing—a 200-meter drop with 60 meters of freefall!
They finished their New Zealand Multigeneration Vacation in the Scottish heritage town of Dunedin. They enjoyed a wildlife tour and cruise of the Otago Peninsula to see rare penguins, fur seals, and seal lions.
At last, their thrilling adventure came to an end. They drove to the airport and began their journey home, knowing they had taken on the best outdoor adventures New Zealand has to offer.
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Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival in Auckland, pick up your rental car and travel north to the Bay of Islands. Allow some extra time along the way to visit black sand beaches and stop at a waterfall or winery for a quick taste. In Paihia, you will be staying in spacious apartments and suites with gorgeous sea views and access to an excellent restaurant and spa. This evening, enjoy a complimentary 30-minute sauna or steam session in the spa.
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa
Day 2
This morning, head out for an adventurous tour in the Bay of Islands. Venture to the Kauri Gum Diggers ancient buried forest, the Aupouri pine forest with its herds of wild horses, and the famous Ninety Mile Beach. You’ll have a chance to go tobogganing down giant sand dunes, see the point where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean, drive to gorgeous Cape Reinga, and visit the Ancient Kauri Kingdom to discover incredible Maori carvings. These are just a few highlights of your adventure-filled day! You’ll be happy to have a 30-minute massage or relaxing mani-pedi awaiting you back at the resort.
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa
Day 3
This afternoon, enjoy a trip out to sea, where you will get to swim with wild dolphins. In this spectacular marine environment, you’re also likely to find whales, penguins, and many fascinating species of fish and sea birds. This evening, use your NZD$50 meal voucher toward a fabulous dining experience at Provenir Restaurant.
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa
Day 4
Today, drive south to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland and a sacred place for the Maori people. Your drive will take you through rolling green hills reminiscent of The Shire. You may want to stop in Auckland for lunch, or allow some time in Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park for a short hike. Upon arrival in Rotorua, settle into your luxury accommodations for some well-deserved relaxation after your drive.
Pullman Rotorua
Day 5
A great introduction to mountain biking in the Redwoods Forest. We begin our adventure by fitting bikes and helmets to suit, and undergo a short safety and bike instruction briefing. Choose from over 140kms of purpose built tracks tailored to all skill levels for a 3-4 hour ride through forestry back roads, single track and fun jump trails surrounded by beautiful native and pine forests. You’ll find adventure around every corner!
Pullman Rotorua
Day 6
Today is yours to explore Rotorua at your leisure. For even more adventure, you can hike through Waimangu Volcanic Valley or even take a helicopter to White Island to see Rotorua’s fascinating geysers, bubbling mud pools, and colorful sulphur formations. Or, if you want to relax, perhaps soak in the mineral pools of the world-famous Polynesian Spa and discover the resorative powers of Rotorua mud and Manuka honey. This evening, you can opt to enjoy a traditional Maori feast, haka dance, and more.
Pullman Rotorua
Day 7
Start off today with a drive to the airport, where you’ll drop off your rental car and catch your flight to Queenstown on the South Island. Make your way to your luxurious hotel on the shore of Lake Wakatipu and enjoy the view of the Remarkables Mountains. Make the easy walk into town for dinner this evening.
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
Day 8
This morning, your New Zealand family adventure vacation continues! Travel by fixed-wing plane over spectacular alpine scenery, lush rainforest, and finally Milford Sound. Once on the ground at Milford, board a Real Journeys luxury vessel for a nature cruise of Milford Sound. Discover the stunning waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife of this pristine area before returning to Queenstown on another scenic flight.
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
Day 9
Begin your day with a half-day quad bike tour to explore the trails on Queenstown Hill with Nomad Safaris. This tour is perfect for every level of rider. Immerse yourself in some of the most amazing, panoramic views Queenstown has to offer as you ride your way around exclusive off-road terrain! After a morning of quad biking and beautiful views, your adventure continues with the Shotover Canyon Swing. The rush starts at the platform as you leap or launch from the 109-meter-high cliff edge. Gravity accelerates you for 60 meters of free fall into the canyon. You’ll reach speeds of more than 90 mph as the rocks rush towards you before the ropes smoothly swing you past.
Peppers Beacon Queenstown
Day 10
Today, pick up your rental car and drive east to Dunedin. Along the way, you can stop at some of the wineries of Central Otago for delicious pinot noirs. Or, you can allow some extra time to drive along the Catlins scenic coastal route to see native forests, several waterfalls, and perhaps even some sea lions on the beach!
Distinction Dunedin
Day 12
Enjoy a full-day tour of the beautiful Otago Peninsula with Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours. Take a scenic drive to the Royal Albatross Centre and go on a guided tour to see the rare yellow-eyed penguins and blue penguins. Then, get unrivaled viewing of marine life, including fur seals and Hooker’s sea lions, on a 1-hour wildlife cruise, and finally enjoy a leisurely harbor cruise back to the city.
Distinction Dunedin
Day 13
After having breakfast at your hotel, head to the airport to begin your journey home.
