• Classic Family
    Adventure

Classic Family Adventure

This Classic Family Adventure has it all!  We’ve jam-packed this itinerary to include a range of our personal favourites that we know your family will love!

From cycling, caving, fun OGO rides, kiwi encounter, Maori culture, horse riding, swimming with dolphins, stargazing, Milford Sound, jet boat trip, farm tour, zip-lining and so much more!!

Highlights: Private Auckland Waterfront Cycle Trip, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Te Puia Maori Hangi & Cultural Show, Rainbow Springs & Kiwi Encounter, Ogo Rides, Redwood Treewalk, Abel Tasman Cruise, West Coast Horse-riding, Tranzalpine Train, Akaroa Swim with Dolphins, Stargazing Tour, Glacier Boat Ride, Milford Sound Heli & Cruise, Jetboat Ride, TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Farm Tour, Skyline Gondola and Luge Rides and Ziptrek Zip Lining.

Day By Day

1

Welcome to Auckland, the City of Sails

Your Classic Family Adventure starts in Auckland, the city of sails.

Transfer to your city hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring Auckland city.

Auckland city centre offers world-class shopping, restaurants, bars and galleries which are encircled by wine regions, stunning beaches, pristine rainforest and the magnificent Hauraki Gulf.

Accommodation:
Citylife Auckland, Two Bedroom Executive Suite with Full Breakfast *

This centrally located hotel offers one, two or three bedroom suites, Superior Rooms, Directors Suites and for those looking to really indulge, a rooftop Penthouse Suite. Each offers the best in regards to comfort, space and facilities, with flat-screen televisions, DVD players and SKY TV.  The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, Zest and with its location on Queen Street, its only a short stroll to the city’s best restaurants, bars and attractions like the Sky Tower, Ferry Terminal and Viaduct Harbour.   

*If you are arriving early from an International Flight, please see our team about pre-registering your room for guaranteed access on your arrival. (at additional cost)

2

Auckland

Today, explore Auckland’s waterfront by bike! This private tour in the historic heart of Auckland, following an easy route along off-road cycle paths to the charming seaside community of Mission Bay. Light refreshments are served on the beach before pedalling back to the city, enjoying sweeping views across the islands of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland city.

GRADE 2 – suited to all ages and abilities. Gentle, flat terrain.

Accommodation:
Citylife Auckland, Two Bedroom Executive Suite with Full Breakfast

3

Auckland to Waitomo, Rotorua

Today’s Drive Time & Distance – Auckland/Waitomo, 2.5 hours, 224km’s (139 miles)
And Waitomo/Rotorua, 2 hours, 139 km’s (86 miles)

Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and enjoy a guided tour of over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery including the impressive Cathedral.  Then, a boat trip will take you through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto where you will glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Grotto, fascinated by these tiny glowworms that light your way.

Continue to Rotorua, a volcanic wonderland and a place that is rich in Maori culture and history.

This evening, enjoy a guided tour through Te Puia and take in the Maori Arts & Crafts gallery, Rotorwhio Marae, Kiwi conservation centre and explore the geothermal valley.   In the evening, experience a Maori ceremony, beautiful songs, the world-renowned haka, the elegant poi dance and an indigenous hangi (earth oven cooked meal).

Accommodation:
Regent of Rotorua, Two Bedroom Executive Suite with Full Breakfast

A gem that stands apart from the crowd as Rotorua’s most stylish hotel, this central city hotel has been designed with the modern traveller in mind. Prepare to be wowed by an eclectic mix of stylish spaces. Refreshingly original, the Regent marks the epitome of chic, luxury accommodation in the city.   Staff are on hand to ensure that whether you are staying for business or pleasure, overnight or longer, your stay will be memorable and enjoyable.   Whether relaxing with a cocktail by our heated pool, soaking in our restorative mineral pool or exercising in the mini gym, the Regent is the perfect spot. 

4

Rotorua

Explore Rotorua today and take in these fun activities:

OGO –  experience rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball has been an iconic adventure experience since Andrew and David Akers developed the first operation in the world in Rotorua back in 1997. Rotorua remains the ONLY location in New Zealand where you can experience this amazingly fun and bizarre activity.

Rainbow Springs Nature Park – Enjoy a guided tour showcasing native wildlife including the New Zealand Kiwi.

The Redwood Treewalk – Experience the Redwood Forest from an elevated bird’s eye perspective and be able to see the 116-year-old redwood giants up close along with viewing the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a spatial perspective.

Accommodation:
Regent of Rotorua, Two Bedroom Executive Suite with Full Breakfast

5

Rotorua to Nelson

Returning your rental vehicle at Rotorua Airport today, you will then connect with your internal flight to Nelson, a vibrant city. (flight not included).    Once in Nelson, collect your South Island rental vehicle and make your way to your accommodation.

The Christ Church Cathedral looks over the city streets of Nelson, where you will find boutique shops, art galleries and alfresco dining. Along Wakefield Quay, Nelson’s picturesque waterfront, you will find several restaurants with views across the harbour to the mountains.

Accommodation:
Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Apartments, Two Bedroom Cottage with Full Breakfast

Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Apartments is a handcrafted resort village surrounded by gardens. Featuring 85 rooms, the hotel boasts a charming two storey hotel plus elegant self contained one and two bedroom cottages and one bedroom studio apartments. Offering easy access to countless activities and attractions, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Apartments is just 5 minutes drive from the airport.

6

Abel Tasman National Park Day Trip

Make your way into the National Park today and join your scenic cruise for a special day trip.  Explore along the Abel Tasman National Park’s coastline; past Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri, Marahau, round golden sandy bays, Adele and Fishermans Islands, and on to Tonga Island seal colony.  Lunch is included.

Accommodation:
Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Apartments, Two Bedroom Cottage with Full Breakfast

7

Nelson to Punakaiki

Today’s Drive Time & Distance: 3 hours 40 minutes, 265 km’s (165 miles)

Journey south to Punakaiki, located on the West Coast.    In the afternoon, join your hosts for a short 2.5 hour guided horse treks through the magnificent Punakaiki Valley and finishing on the Punakaiki beach.

A visit to Punakaiki isn’t complete without witnessing the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, take the short walk to view these 30 million year old limestone formations.

Accommodation:
Hydrangea Cottages, Two Bedroom Suite

Offering secluded, spacious and stylish accommodation in Punakaiki within a stone’s throw of one of New Zealand’s most treasured and spectacular tourist attractions – the Pancake Rocks.  Take in the coastal views from the comfort of your cottage, whilst listening to the native birdsong and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of wild hydrangeas, Nikau palms, native bush and huge limestone outcrops. 

8

Punakaiki to Greymouth, Christchurch

Today’s Drive Time & Distance –45 minutes, 45km’s (28 miles)

Continue your journey along the coast to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast.  Returning your rental vehicle, you’ll then  board the Tranzalpine Train, one of the world’s great train journeys.

The train travels coast to coast over the spectacular Southern Alps, over farmland and through forests. It offers the comfort of world class carriages and allows passengers to see the lush beech rainforest, before descending into Arthurs Pass National Park and the majestic Southern Alps. Cross the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River and the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmlands of Christchurch.

Transfer to your city hotel.

Accommodation:
Heritage Hotel, Two Bedroom Suite with Full Breakfast

This iconic hotel recently won the World Luxury Hotel 2016 award in the Historical Hotel category for the Australasia and Oceania region.   A night’s stay in this opulent Italian High Renaissance Palazzo style building and you will understand why. Designed by Joseph Clark Maddison and opened in 1913, the hotel is listed as a category one building on the Historic Places Trust Register, reflecting its status as a building of national significance. Unique to the CBD, the hotel also has an on-site health club, lap pool, jacuzzi and sauna, free for guest use.

9

Akaroa Day Trip

Join your private driver and driver today and travel to Akaroa, a gorgeous French settlement located on the Banks Peninsula. Akaroa still retains its French flair with street names, restaurants and architecture. This quaint village offers a fascinating mix of artists, creative spirits, gardeners, historians and artisan producers.

During your visit, explore Akaroa’s marine environment and swim with the Hector Dolphins, the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin.  Hector’s dolphins are endemic to New Zealand, meaning that you will not find them anywhere else in the world, and Akaroa is the only place you can take a trip out to swim with them. They are also the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin. An encounter with a Hector’s dolphin in the wild is truly a once in a lifetime experience.  Note minimum age for swimming with Dolphins is 8 years old.

Accommodation:
Heritage Hotel, Two Bedroom Suite with Full Breakfast

10

Christchurch to Mount Cook

Today’s Drive Time & Distance: 4 hours, 330km’s (205 miles)

Collecting your rental vehicle this morning, you will travel south through Lake Tekapo and onto Mount Cook.

This evening, enjoy the Big Sky Stargazing Tour.   Mount Cook is far from the city lights and therefore has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand – perfect for viewing the night sky! Begin with an introduction and orientation in the Digital Dome Planetarium before travelling to the outdoor stargazing site, where you will use telescopes, astronomy binoculars to take in the spectacular southern sky.

Accommodation: 
Hermitage Hotel, Premium Quad Room with Full Breakfast

The main Hermitage Hotel is the perfect ‘base camp’ with all rooms having ensuites, tea and coffee making facilities, satellite TV and fridges. All dining experiences offer the freshest and finest in New Zealand produce.

11

Mount Cook to Queenstown

Today’s Drive Time & Distance: 3 hours, 263km’s (163 miles)

This morning experience a Glacier Boat Trip.   This three-hour tour takes you on an up-close encounter with icebergs, on the Tasman glacial terminal lake.   Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and some of the best photographic opportunities as well. Your guide will give you an in-depth interpretation of glaciation, terminal lake formation, plate tectonics and a brief coverage of local and climbing history, flora & fauna leaving you with not just an insight into the Tasman Glacier but to the creation of New Zealand.

Continue your drive through to Queenstown, the adventure Capital!

Accommodation:
The Rees Hotel, Two Bedroom Executive Lakeview with Full Breakfast

The Rees Hotel is a sophisticated five-star hotel situated right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown.  The Rees offers a variety of spacious and luxurious accommodation options including 60 Hotel rooms, 90 Apartments and 5 private Three bedroom/Three bathroom Lakeside Residences, all with terraces, showcasing spectacular views across Lake Wakatipu to the alpine panorama of the Remarkable Mountain range.

The many exceptional features at The Rees Hotel include a library of rare books and art, courtesy shuttle to/from Queenstown town centre, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, movies and local telephone calls, a fully-equipped gymnasium, secure undercover parking, electric car-charging station and its own private beach and wharf accessing jet-boat and water taxi services.

12

Milford Day Trip

Meet your pilot and board your helicopter, bound for Milford Sound today.  On the flight into Milford, you will enjoy views of mountains, lakes and fiords of Fiordland National Park. Once in Milford, connect with Mitre Peak Cruises and cruise the length of the fiord taking in the Lady Bowen & Stirling waterfalls. You might even get to see seals, dolphins and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguins. Return to Queenstown by helicopter with an alpine landing for the ultimate experience.

In the afternoon, take a scenic Gondola ride for quick and easy access to Queenstown’s most spectacular views!  The Gondola rises 450 vertical metres above Queenstown on an average incline of 37.1 to the Skyline complex on Bob’s Peak. From the top, enjoy three luge rides.  The Luge is a fun filled gravity ride for all ages and abilities.

Then, finish your day with a fun zipline eco-adventure through the forest canopy high above Queenstown!

Accommodation:
The Rees Hotel, Two Bedroom Executive Lakeview with Full Breakfast

13

Queenstown

Take in a return scenic cruise from Queenstown Bay, across stunning Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm onboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw.  Enjoy a farm demonstration along with a delicious Gourmet BBQ Lunch served at the Colonel’s Homestead.

On your return to Queenstown Wharf, board your jetboat for 60 minutes of unforgettable thrills, spins and exhilaration across three waterways in one of the world’s most stunning locations.

Accommodation:
The Rees Hotel, Two Bedroom Executive Lakeview with Full Breakfast

14

Depart Queenstown

Time for last minute photo’s and shopping before heading to Queenstown Airport.

Connect with your onwards flight (flight not included).

Your 14 Day Classic Family Adventure concludes today.

Blog

Mount Cook

Visit New Zealand's Aoraki Mt Cook, our highest peak. It stands at 3724 metres ... Read more

Contact Details

Phone Us
+64 3 3555 990
+64 21 461 971

Our Physical Address
21 Verona Place, Ohoka
Christchurch 7692
New Zealand

Our Postal Address
PO Box 36437, Merivale
Christchurch 8146
New Zealand

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Tour Inclusions

14 Day Classic Family Adventure

Terms & Conditions

Booking Terms & Conditions:

Currency

All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars and includes 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax).

Pricing

Pricing is subject to availability and confirmation of the stated itinerary at time of booking.  If we are unable to confirm the stated hotels and services, we will endeavour to confirm substitutes at similar rates, however additional costs may apply.

Rental Car Terms & Conditions:

Inclusions: unlimited kilometres, airport/ferry collection fee, full insurance (subject to reduced excess), front windscreen cover, personal accident insurance, guaranteed replacement vehicle in case of accident.

Exclusions: insurance excess reduction of $345.00 including GST (note, standard insurance excess is $3,450.00 including GST), bond, petrol costs, one way fee ($57.50), optional extras, (all additional expenses to be paid direct)

Payment Policy

We do require a non-refundable deposit of NZD$250.00 per person before we go ahead with securing any reservations.

In addition, some of our suppliers may require further deposits to cover their strict cancellation policies, in this case we would advise you at the time of quoting and confirming your itinerary.

The balance of your booking would be required 45 days prior to your travel date.   If you book inside 45 days, full payment would be required at time of booking.

Payment can be made by electronic wire transfer and should include the additional NZD $25.00 bank fee.   We also accept Visa and Mastercard at an additional fee of 3.1%.

Bank Account Details

Bank Name & Address: Westpac Bank, Mid City Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand

Account Name: Inspired New Zealand Travel

BSB Number: 03-0296

Account Number: 0011146-000

Swift/Routing Code: WPACNZ2W 

Amendments

We are happy to amend your itinerary and dates, however please keep in mind that some of the original services may not be available for your new dates, which may incur additional costs for substituted services.   Amendment fees may apply with multiple changes.

Cancellation Fees

Once Confirmed               Non-refundable Deposit of NZD $250.00 per person

Inside 45 – 21 Days          A Cancellation fee of 30% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 20 – 8 days             A Cancellation fee of 50% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 7 Days                      Full Cancellations, 100% charge

We will however do our very best to recover and minimise these cancellation fees but recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to cover yourself.

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