New Zealand Adventure Co. has been assisting families with hugely rewarding travel experiences since 2001 and we know what it takes to make memories that you and your kids will cherish forever. Our family trips focus on age-appropriate experiences that are going to be thrilling for the whole family. Our Family Adventure trip is geared towards a family of up to four with kids up to the age of 11 years. Whether you're travelling with infants, school aged kids or your adult children, we have prepared and managed trips for every type of family group and this trip provides a fantastic indication of just what we can do.
ITINERARY
Day One, Arrival in Queenstown, New Zealand: On arrival in this stunning Southern Lakes settlement, you will be met by our NZAC representative and welcomed to New Zealand. Following arrival, you will be privately driven to your well-located, beautiful hotel.
Two Nights at The Rees in a Two Bedroom Apartment
Day Two in Queenstown: Today is a leisurely day following yesterday's international arrival. We've included some of Queenstown's must-see attractions including Skyline Gondola and Luge and the wondeful afternoon sail on the Stemship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High-Country Farm for a farm tour and afternoon tea.
Day Three in Queenstown / Milford Sound (Dinner included today): This morning you are collected for your wonderful trip in to magnificent Milford Sound for your unforgettable family adventure as you cruise the Sound on the overnight trip aboard the well-appointed Milford Mariner.
One Night on the Milford Mariner in Two Ensuited Cabins
Day Four in Milford Sound / Queenstown (Breakfast included today): Today you will take the relaxing and scenic trip back to Queenstown and to your lovely accommodation. Following arrival in Queenstown, your large, late model, automatic vehicle rental will begin (Toyota Aurion or similar).
Three Nights at The Rees in a Two Bedroom Apartment
Day Five in Queenstown (Lunch included today): This morning you will take the easy, tremendously scenic trip up the eastern edge of Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu to the tiny hamlet of Glenorchy. From here you will embark on your exciting full day jetboating and easy backcountry hiking trip. Following your day in Queenstown's high-alpine environment, you willl travel back to town and to your apartment.
Day Six in Queenstown: Today is yours to explore this picturesque and adventure-filled location in the freedom of your rental vehicle.
Day Seven in Queenstown / Akaroa: This morning you will set out for the hugely rewarding drive past Aoraki National Park (the location of Mount Cook) and through stunning MacKenzie Country to the Banks Peninsula. Your trip along this Peninsula is interesting and scenic and concludes with your arrival in the gorgeous little French settled, harbourside village of Akaroa.
Two Nights in Tresori Lodge in a Two Bedroom Unit
Day Eight in Akaroa (Lunch included today): This morning you board your cruising vessel for a fantastic trip around Akaroa Harbour with its plethora of seabird and marinelife (including the very cute little New Zealand native, Hectors Dolphin). Following the cruise, lunch is organized at one of our favourite local eateries and aftern lunch, you will be collected by your guide for the afternoon; the local farmer for a really special experience on he and his wife's beautiful hill-country farm - a real slice of New Zealand.
Day Nine in Akaroa / Christchurch: This afternoon you will take the short drive in to Christchurch and to your overnight accommodation prior to tomorrow's train journey to the West Coast.
One Night at Pepper's Clearwater Resort in a Terrace Apartment
Day Ten in Christchurch / Karamea: This morning you will commence the Tranz Alpine rail journey across the breadth of the South Island between Christchurch and Greymouth. On arrival in Greymouth at lunchtime, you will collect your rental vehicle and drive northward to the end of the Coast Road and to the unique and beautiful area of Karamea; on the very edge of New Zealand newest National Park; Kaharangi.
Two Nights at Karamea River Motel in a Two Bedroom Unit
Day Eleven in Karamea: This morning you will experience a wonderful introduction to New Zealand caving by way of your guided cave tour of the fascinating Oparara Basin. The hiking is easy and the guides provide an engaging interpretive explanation about this totally unique area of the country. Following your cave trip, the afternoon is yours to delight in the wonderful environment that is the north-western South Island.
Day Twelve in Karamea / Nelson: This morning you depart Karamea for the drive through the northern-central South Island to the gorgeous Nelson Tasman region and your beautiful accommodation.
Three Nights at Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco in a Two Bedroom Cottage
Day Thirteen in Nelson (Lunch included today): Late this morning, you will be collected from your hotel for your excellent, full day private tour on this stunning region. Your trip includes the a delectable lunch and tour of Mapua, a visit to the idyllic Upper Moutere with its peaceful undulating countryside and various food and wine companies and a magical ocean cruise in Abel Tasman National Park. This a wonderful day for parents and children alike and offers some really lovely insight in to this magnificently scenic region.
Day Fourteen in Nelson: Today is yours to delight in this enjoyable, diverse area at leisure.
Day Fifteen in Nelson / Auckland: This morning you drive to the Nelson Airport where you will drop off your rental vehicle and board your flight to New Zealand's largest metropolis; the exciting city of Auckland. On arrival in Auckland, you will be met and privately transferred to your well-located, superbly appointed apartment.
Three Nights at City Life Auckland in a Two Bedroom Executive Suite
Day Sixteen in Auckland: This morning you will join your local Ngati Whatua guide; for an incredible and totally rewarding tour of Auckland from the perspective of the local Maori people. Your guide will offer you a truly New Zealand and cultural perspective about the locations and history throughout your walk. This is a great introduction to Auckland and a really enjoyable way to connect with New Zealand's indigenous heritage.
Day Seventeen in Auckland (Dinner included today): Accompanied by your expert guide, you will this afternoon, venture 30 kilometres from downtown Auckland to the city’s largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges. Your afternoon includes visits in to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy bush tracks amongst giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and the power of the wild and rugged west coast.
Following return to your accommodation and some time to refresh, you will enjoy your New Zealand Adventure Co. farewell dinner at one of our absolute favourite Auckland restaurants. This is a really special day and a great finish to your New Zealand Adventure Co. Family Adventure.
Day Eighteen: Following a morning at leisure in Auckland, you will be met at your apartment and privately transferred to the Auckland International Airport. From the Airport, you will farewell New Zealand and board your flight home.
Inclusions:
16 Nights Deluxe Accommodation
Meals as indicated throughout itinerary
Private arrival transfer in Queenstown; private arrival and departure tranfers in Auckland
Late model, automatic rental vehicle as outlined in itinerary (Toyota Aurion or similar)
1 night Milford Sound trip including overnight cruise
Small group Dart River and Routeburn Track experience
Small group Akaroa Harbor Wilderness Cruise and Farm Tour
Tranz Apine Rail Journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
Small group Cave Tour near Karamea
Small group Maori guided Auckland tour
Small group Waitakere Ranges trip including some magical short hikes
Celebratory family farewell dinner in Auckland
Exclusive New Zealand Adventure Co. hiking recommendations including track guides and maps
New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Comprehensive New Zealand Adventure Co. travel planning service
24 hour on-call support from our local Auckland office while in New Zealand
Departure Dates 2011 / 2012: Daily, year round
Cost Per Adult: US$6,500.00
Cost Per Child: US$2,200.00
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COST IS PER PERSON BASED ON TWO ADULTS AND TWO CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 11 YEARS TRAVELLING 

TOGETHER.
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PACKAGES ARE LAND ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE AIRFARES. COST PER PERSON VALID UNTIL 31 MARCH, 2012.
- SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE WITH AIRFARES, PLEASE LET US KNOW.
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WE REQUIRE A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF 10% OF TRIP COST TO CONFIRM AND HOLD ARRANGEMENTS.
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LAND ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
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COST PER PERSON AS REFLECTED IN USD IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
UNTIL TIME OF FULL PAYMENT.
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FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED 60 DAYS PRIOR TO UNITED STATES DEPARTURE.
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BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE USING VISA, MASTERCARD OR CASHIERS CHECK AT NO EXTRA CHARGE.