FAMILY VACATION

New Zealand Family Vacation

  • 13 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Christchurch
  • Trip End: Christchurch
New Zealand Family Adventure 'Kea' Trip

Let us take care of the details, and enjoy a hassle-free New Zealand Family Vacation.

Explore incredible landscapes of the South Island of New Zealand as a family, from Christchurch to Queenstown and back again, on our 13-day New Zealand Family vacation. Along with two incredible guides who take care of every last detail, you'll be amazed by the new challenges and activities your family will accomplish together. From jet-boat rides on the Rakaia Gorge to staying overnight in Mt Aspiring National Park and visiting a high country sheep station near Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, you'll step away from the busy modern world and into the giant playground of mother nature. You won't have to worry about where to stay, what to eat, navigating the mountain roads or deciding what to do each day - we'll take care of it all for you. Enjoy a family vacation, without a worry in the world, on our New Zealand Family Adventure.

Trip Highlights

Franz Josef Glacier

Hiking

Lake Mapourika

Kayaking

Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

Hiking

West Coast trails

Hiking

Visit High Country Sheep Station

Plus...

Queenstown Family Raft Trip

Plus...

Kiwi Viewing

Plus...

Rakaia Gorge Jet Boat

Plus...

Mount Aspiring National Park

Hiking

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

New Zealand Family Vacation ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Christchurch Trip End: Christchurch

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive, wildlife reserve and kiwi viewing

  • Day 2Jet boat Rakaia Gorge, hike Peel Forest and star-gazing

  • Day 3Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

  • Day 4Explore Queenstown

  • Day 5Family rafting near Queenstown, explore Arrowtown

  • Day 6Free day in Queenstown

  • Day 7Hike and overnight in Mt Aspiring National Park

  • Day 8Hike to trailhead, explore Puzzling World

  • Day 9Explore West Coast forests and beaches, discover glowworms

  • Day 10Kayak Lake Mapourika, hike to Franz Josef Glacier

  • Day 11Explore West Coast Treetop Walk, visit Hokitika

  • Day 12Hike Castle Hill Basin

  • Day 13Farm show, depart for home

  • Day 1

    Arrive, wildlife reserve and kiwi viewing

    #76275

    Most people leave the Northern Hemisphere on a Sunday evening, arriving in Auckland early Tuesday morning. You’ll lose a day crossing the dateline – but you get it back on the way home! It’s a short flight from Auckland to Christchurch in the South Island and we’ll meet your family either in central Christchurch or at the airport. We start with a great introduction to the wildlife of a country isolated for over 80 million years! Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is unique in that you can enter a lot of the animal enclosures and even pet some of the more friendly critters! You can see tuatara, the elusive kiwi, wallabies (small kangaroos introduced from Australia), and our cheeky mountain parrot, the kea.
    Accommodation: Methven Lodge, Methven
    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 2

    Jet boat Rakaia Gorge, hike Peel Forest and star-gazing

    #76276

    After a hearty breakfast and relaxed start to the morning, we have an adventure planned that will knock your socks off – a fun jet boat ride through the winding Rakaia Gorge! Jet boats were originally invented by New Zealander Bill Hamilton to navigate our narrow, shallow rivers. You’ll be jetting down rapids, braided river sections and through shallow water just six inches deep in places. This thrilling, yet safe activity is suitable for the whole family. Then we’ll head to Peel Forest for a hike amongst ancient podocarp trees and many varieties of ferns. Many of New Zealand’s athletes, including our famous rugby team, the All Blacks, wear the fern as a national symbol.

    After lunch, we’ll travel inland to Aoraki/Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, and Lake Pukaki – an unreal turquoise-blue-coloured glacial lake. Tonight, the wide open spaces, regular clear evenings and lack of artificial light provide us with the perfect opportunity to gaze at the Southern Hemisphere’s constellations, including the southern cross.
    Accommodation: Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook Village
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 0.6 miles (1 kilometer), 1-2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 98 feet (30 meters) ascent, 98 feet (30 meters) descent

  • Day 3

    Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

    #76277

    We have a few hikes to choose from in this spectacular national park and our favorite is the stunning day hike (weather permitting) to the main ridge above Mueller Glacier. It’s a bit of a hike, though it’s a real achievement for the whole family to share and you’ll remember the view from the Sealy Tarns Hike and the surrounding peaks of the Southern Alps forever! Of course, we always have plenty of options, so there are easier hikes available for you too, such as an impressive hike up the Hooker Valley to a glacial lake (complete with icebergs!) at the base of Hooker Glacier.
    Accommodation: Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook Village
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Sealy Tarns Hike: 3.2 miles (5.1 kilometers), 4-5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,132 feet (650 meters) ascent, 2,132 feet (650 meters) descent

    Hooker Valley Hike: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 3-4 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 328 feet (100 meters) ascent, 328 feet (100 meters) descent

  • Day 4

    Explore Queenstown

    #76278

    Today we’ll head through the mountains to Queenstown. We’ll stop along the way for some of the best ice cream in the whole of New Zealand – you’ll soon find out why! We’ll then continue on through fruit orchards and vineyards before arriving in Queenstown. After lunch, we have options including a hike to the historic Sam Summers hut or even a game of frisbee golf in the Queenstown Botanical Gardens.
    Accommodation: Scenic Suites Apartments, Queenstown
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers), 2-3 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,165 feet (355 meters) ascent, 1,165 feet (355 meters) descent

  • Day 5

    Family rafting near Queenstown, explore Arrowtown

    #76279

    Excitement levels will be high this morning, as we head off for a family rafting trip in Skippers Canyon. Set in a deep, beautiful, rose-lined schist gorge, it’s a spectacular float trip – perfect for the whole family. From June to September, rather than rafting which is closed for the winter, we take a lift on the gondola up Bob’s Peak for stunning views over the region and thrilling downhill rides on the luge.

    After lunch, we’ll explore an old Chinese goldmining settlement in the nearby historic village of Arrowtown. Chinese immigrants traveled to New Zealand during the 1800s and like many New Zealand pioneering stories, theirs is one of adversity and adaptation. You can try your hand at gold panning – in 2006 a man found a gold nugget worth $15,000 in this area, so you never know your luck!
    Accommodation: Scenic Suites Apartments, Queenstown
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 0.2 mile (0.4 kilometer), 0.5-1 hour

  • Day 6

    Free day in Queenstown

    #76280

    All the comforts of civilization are packed into this tiny resort town: restaurants galore, sidewalk cafés, stylish lounge bars, day spas, and boutiques. There’s plenty of family entertainment here too: luge rides, a gondola, lakeside playgrounds, mini golf and a cinema. There are also some more adventurous optional activities such as horse trekking, kayaking, fishing, winery tours, hang gliding, mountain biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and skydiving as well as some great hiking opportunities. Or you can just soak up the atmosphere and lounge about reading a book. Your guides will happily share their favorite haunts and point you in the right direction for your free day today.

    A great winter option (June to September) is to spend a couple of days skiing or snowboarding at one of four local ski areas: Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Cardrona or Treble Cone. 
    Accommodation: Scenic Suites Apartments, Queenstown
    Meals: No meals

  • Day 7

    Hike and overnight in Mt Aspiring National Park

    #76281

    After leaving Wanaka, we’ll venture up the Matukituki Valley and hike two to three hours into Mt. Aspiring National Park to reach our home for the evening – a spacious mountain hut nestled in a valley in the middle of nowhere. The track meanders past majestic peaks, fresh mountain streams, and natural beech forest. You’ll be carrying a sleeping bag, a few spare clothes, and some food, so your pack won’t weigh much more than a regular day pack. The scenery is off the charts with Mt. Aspiring rising 9,951 feet (3,033 meters) into the blue sky. It’s amazing how far you’ll feel from civilization after this relatively short walk! Tonight your guide will whip up dinner in the backcountry kitchen while you and the kids relax by the fire. 
    Accommodation: Mt Aspiring Hut, Mt Aspiring National Park
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 3-5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 197 feet (60 meters) ascent 

  • Day 8

    Hike to trailhead, explore Puzzling World

    #76282

    We have a leisurely start today, enjoying breakfast and a cuppa while admiring the view, before hiking back to the trailhead. Along the way, we might encounter the cheeky kea again – this time in its natural habitat – they’re really inquisitive and like to get pretty close at times! 

    Back in Wanaka, we’ll head to Puzzling World to explore over a mile of passageways in one of the world’s largest modern mazes. Kids of all ages really enjoy trying to beat our wily guides through the labyrinth! Tonight we’ll mingle with the ‘coasters’ in the tiny township of Haast, exchanging tales of our adventures at the local restaurant in front of a roaring fire.
    Accommodation: World Heritage Hotel, Haast
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 5.6 miles (9 kilometers), 3-5 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 197 feet (60 meters) descent

  • Day 9

    Explore West Coast forests and beaches, discover glowworms

    #76283

    This morning, we’ll journey up the wild West Coast, stopping on a deserted beach to stretch our legs and keep an eye out for friendly dolphins passing by. A little further north takes us to Lake Matheson for a short walk, where you’ll be rewarded with awesome vistas of the Southern Alps. After settling into our accommodation in Franz Josef, we can head out after dark with flashlights for a short night walk to search for the native glowworm while listening to some of New Zealand’s nocturnal birdlife, such as the morepork owl.
    Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 1.7 miles (2.8 kilometers), 1-2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 33 feet (10 meters) ascent, 33 feet (10 meters) descent

  • Day 10

    Kayak Lake Mapourika, hike to Franz Josef Glacier

    #76284

    It’s an early start this morning for our kayaking trip on Lake Mapourika, a tranquil ancient lake formed during the last ice age. This is an awesome activity, run by specialist kayak outfitters, and it’s equally suitable for beginners and experts alike. With some 140 glaciers making their way down from the Southern Alps, this area is fittingly known as glacier country. Few sights equal the spectacle of two of these giant frozen rivers (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers) imperceptibly grinding their way down through the temperate rainforest to just 820 feet (250 meters) above sea level. Our hike will take us into the Waiho River Valley and offer views of the terminal face of the Franz Josef Glacier. Afterwards we’ll return to Franz Josef for the night.
    Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Kayaking: 2-3 hours

    Hiking: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers), 2-3 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 66 feet (20 meters) ascent, 66 feet (20 meters) descent

  • Day 11

    Explore West Coast Treetop Walk, visit Hokitika

    #76285

    Today we’ll head further up the coast to experience the West Coast Treetop Walk, an adventure among giants. This walk will take you up above the forest floor, allowing you to pass through an ancient canopy of rimu and kamahi trees. We’ll then continue to Hokitika, where you can check out the local art galleries and pounamu carving workshops (pounamu is Maori for jade). The beach here is a great place for playing games or making sculptures out of driftwood. Then we’ll head back through to Arthur’s Pass, the highest pass over the Southern Alps, to settle in for the night.
    Accommodation: Arthur's Pass Motel, Arthur's Pass
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 2-3 hours

  • Day 12

    Hike Castle Hill Basin

    #76286

    Today, after breakfast, we’ll head off to check out the Conservation Centre in Arthur’s Pass and learn about the Kea, the only true alpine parrot in the world! Afterward, we’re off to the ultimate hide-and-seek spot, Castle Hill. It’s a bit of a climb to the top, but it’s worth every step as we arrive at an eerie limestone landscape where much of the movie ‘Narnia – the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ was filmed. During a visit a few years ago, the Dalai Lama called this natural labyrinth ‘the spiritual center of the universe’!
    Accommodation: Darfield Motels
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 2 miles (3 kilometers), 1-2 hours
    Elevation Gain/Loss: 164 feet (50 meters) ascent, 164 feet (50 meters) descent

  • Day 13

    Farm show, depart for home

    #76287

    This is the last day of your trip, and we’ll head to the small farming community of Springfield to check out a working New Zealand highcountry sheep farm. Here we’ll watch highly trained farm dogs rounding up stock and see a sheep shearing demonstration. All the kids (young and old!) will have the chance to join in and give sheep shearing a go. Then it’s on to Christchurch, where we’ll farewell our family and wave you off feeling refreshed, invigorated, and with lasting memories of the adventures, great food, stories, laughs and fun times you’ll have had with us in New Zealand!
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Pick Your Multi-Day Option!

Active Option: Explore Wanaka

The Lake Wanaka option is designed for those that want to have some time out with the family with all the creature comforts of home. You’ll be staying in the charming country town of Wanaka where there are plenty of things to do, from hiring some mountain bikes to taking a thrilling jet boat ride!

Challenging Option: Mt Aspiring Overnight Hike

The Mt. Aspiring Hut option is designed for those that would like to experience a true wilderness area. If your family likes the idea of staying in a rustic mountain hut this might be the option for you! We’ll be carrying everything we need in with us in large backpacks. While your guides carry the lion’s share of the load, you’ll still need to carry your own gear (sleeping bag, dry clothes and some toiletries) and a portion of the group’s food. Any excess gear is stored securely in our vehicle for you.

 

 

New Zealand Family Vacation Departure Dates

Austin Adventures

This trip is operated by our sister brand Austin Adventures

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Included

12 nights’ accommodation
11 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 9 dinners
Our own highly experienced guides, driver and cook, with you from start to finish
Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
Unlimited snacks to keep you fuelled
Special ‘Wow’ moments you'll never forget
All activities outlined in the itinerary
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!
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Our New Zealand 2024 adventures are filling up, so we are guaranteeing ALL trips to depart. Be in quick and book with confidence to secure your spot, and get set to take off on the adventure of a lifetime.

New Zealand is a nature lover's paradise, with unspoiled scenery everywhere you look. From snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches, deep fjords to ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes to volcanic plateaus, New Zealand really does have it all.

Our expert, local guides will take you hiking, biking, kayaking, and more, so you can experience the stunning backdrop close-up. Combine this with a warm and welcoming people, beautiful Maori culture, and world class wines and cuisine, and you've got an incredible, unique adventure you'll never forget.

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What Our Guests Say

Interactive Trip Map: Click on the map icons to read details for each day

Useful Info

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Merivale Manor at 10:30am or the Christchurch airport (CHC) in front of the Help Desk (near door 7) at 11am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Christchurch, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Christchurch Airport (CHC) in time for flights below or anywhere in Central Christchurch around 3pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Christchurch by 10am. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Christchurch after 4pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a good level of fitness for this trip though you’ll be hiking on gentle to moderate trails and can still enjoy the scenery and other fun activities! Typically, hikes range between two and four hours to complete, more, or less hiking is available too.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for its stunning setting, unique character or adventuresome feel – our trips are not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in New Zealand. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s, lodges and apartments, some of which have private bathrooms and some shared bathrooms. Rooming on this trip is usually on a two people per bedroom basis, with families being put either in two bedroom units or in adjoining hotel rooms. Things are a little more rustic at Mt. Aspiring Hut, and it’s a true kiwi experience!

If you've selected a single supplement for your trip, the Mt Aspiring overnight hike is not included as no single rooms are available in the huts, and the single supplement price takes this into account.

While there are laundry facilities at most locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry a couple of times during your trip. The best time will be during your three night stay in Queenstown (during your free day).

Is tipping expected in New Zealand?

Tipping is neither required nor routinely expected in New Zealand, but it is appropriate for very good service. In New Zealand you don't usually tip in restaurants, or if you take a taxi, or get a haircut. Many of our guests do choose to tip our guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of New Zealand.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

You'll also require a good quality trekking pack for the overnight hike, with well-fitting shoulder and waist straps. Your pack should be 60 litre size (3500 cubic inches), large enough to fit your sleeping bag inside along with all your overnight gear.

Tell me about the overnight hike to Mt Aspiring Hut?

The Mt. Aspiring National Park option is designed for those that would like to experience a true wilderness area. We’ll be carrying everything we need in with us in large backpacks. While your guides carry the lion’s share of the load, you’ll still need to carry your own gear (sleeping bag, dry clothes and some toiletries) and a portion of the group’s food. Any excess gear is stored securely in our vehicle for you.

It’s a two or three hour hike (10 kilometres / 6 miles) along the valley floor with great views of the towering mountains
and glaciers in the background. Our goal is to reach Mt. Aspiring Hut, our humble home for the night. Here you’ll play cards or read books while we whip up dinner - mountain style! The following day we’ll return the way we came, and possibly even encounter our native alpine parrot, the Kea!

The hut we stay in is a Department of Conservation (DOC) owned mountain hut. These unique places are open to the public and are warm, dry and comfortable. They’re located in very remote areas (with amazing scenery) however they don’t have private rooms, electricity, hot water, phones or flushing toilets - though the view from the outhouse is second to none! It’s not possible to book these huts, you’ll meet and share the experience with other adventurers.

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