FAMILY VACATION

New Zealand Family Vacation

  • 13 Days
  • 14 People Max

    5 - 14 guests

  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      On the Move

      Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.

    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

Queenstown Family rafting trip

Plus ...Plus ...

Kiwi viewing

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Rakaia Gorge Jet boat

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High country sheep station

Plus ...Plus ...

Lake Mapourika

KayakingKayaking

Franz Josef Glacier

HikingHiking

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

HikingHiking

Option: Hike Mt Aspiring National Park

HikingHiking

Option: Explore Wanaka

HikingHiking

West Coast trails

HikingHiking

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 itenary

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 7Start Of Multi-Day Options

  • Day 7 Option AMt Aspiring Hut: Hike and overnight in Mt Aspiring National Park

  • Day 7 Option BLake Wanaka: Explore Wanaka

  • Day 8 Option AMt Aspiring Hut: Hike to trailhead, explore Puzzling World

  • Day 8 Option BLake Wanaka: 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

    #147

    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.

    Methven Lodge, Methven (Lunch, Dinner)

  • Day 2

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

    #149

    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.

    Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook Village (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 30 meters (98 feet)

  • Day 3

    Hike Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

    #151

    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 of the Mueller Glacier 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.

    Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Lodge, Mt Cook Village (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: Mueller Ridge Hike : 7.2 kilometers (4.4 miles), 5-6 hours, elevation +975 meters (3,200 feet)
    Hiking: OR Hooker Valley Hike : 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), 3-4 hours, elevation +/- 100 meters (328 feet)

  • Day 4

    Explore Queenstown

    #153

    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.

    Scenic Suites Apartments, Queenstown (Breakfast, Lunch)

    Hiking: 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 355 meters (1,165 feet)

  • Day 5

    Family rafting near Queenstown, explore Arrowtown

    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. This trip operates year-round, with minor changes during the New Zealand winter. From June to September, rather than rafting, 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!

    Scenic Suites Apartments, Queenstown (Breakfast, Lunch)

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

  • Day 6

    Free day in Queenstown

    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. Transport, lift pass and equipment rental is about US$150 a day for an adult, slightly less for children, which we will happily organise for you.

    Scenic Suites Apartments, Queenstown

  • Day 7

    Start Of Multi-Day Options

    This morning we’ll leave Queenstown and head over the Crown Range to Wanaka – a small alpine village on the shores of Lake Wanaka. After lunch, we head off for our various activities.

  • Day 7 Option A

    Mt Aspiring Hut: Hike and overnight in Mt Aspiring National Park

    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 3033 meters (9951 feet) 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.

    Mt Aspiring Hut, Mt Aspiring National Park (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), 3-5 hours, elevation + 60 meters (197 feet)

  • Day 7 Option B

    Lake Wanaka: Explore Wanaka

    Lake Wanaka is the fourth largest lake in New Zealand and is surrounded by an amphitheater of mountains. There are great walking trails and biking tracks in the area, as well as jet boating and kayaking. It’s well worth a visit to the famed Warbirds and Wheels Museum, which is home to an amazing collection of old fighter planes and classic cars. Whether you’re skipping stones on the lake’s edge or relaxing by the fire at the lodge, Wanaka is a great spot to rediscover simple pleasures.

    Edgewater Resort, Wanaka (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • Day 8 Option A

    Mt Aspiring Hut: Hike to trailhead, explore Puzzling World

    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! After regrouping 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.

    World Heritage Hotel, Haast (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 9 kilometers (5.6 miles), 3-5 hours, elevation - 60 meters (197 feet)

  • Day 8 Option B

    Lake Wanaka: Explore Puzzling World

    After a relaxed breakfast, you’ll have the morning to yourselves before meeting up with the rest of the group. After regrouping 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.

    World Heritage Hotel, Haast (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  • Day 9

    Explore West Coast forests and beaches, discover glowworms

    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.

    Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 10 meters (33 feet)

  • Day 10

    Kayak Lake Mapourika, hike to Franz Josef Glacier

    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 250 meters (820 feet) 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. After we’ve finished our various activities, we’ll return to Franz Josef for the night.

    Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Kayaking: 2-3 hours
    Hiking: 4.8 kilometers (3 miles), 2-3 hours, elevation +/- 20 meters (66 feet)
    Notes: Optional Heli-hike (additional cost applies): An outrageously scenic alternative to this afternoon’s hike is to heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier itself. After being fitted with crampons, ice axes and so on, you’ll board a modern turbine helicopter and fly towards the highest peaks of the Southern Alps, landing on the glacier at 1300 metres (4265 feet) above sea level. Led by specialist glacier guides, you’ll hike through the grand ice formations of the glacier, checking out its crevasses, seracs and tunnels – no previous experience is required! The constant movement of the glacier means every day is different, so your guides will cut steps in the ice and make sure you make the most of the conditions. At the end of your hike on the ice, you’ll take another helicopter ride out of the mountains and back to civilization. The heli-hike is extremely popular and must be reserved at time of booking only. Please note also there is a weight limit of 115kg (250 pounds). Parents, please note there are strict regulations for children. Kids must be at least 10 years of age, weigh at least 35kg (80 pounds), and be at least 137cm (4'5") tall.

  • Day 11

    Explore West Coast Treetop Walk, visit Hokitika

    #171

    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.

    Arthur's Pass Motel, Arthur's Pass (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 2-3 hours

  • Day 12

    Hike Castle Hill Basin

    #173

    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’!

    Darfield Motels (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Hiking: 3 kilometers (2 miles), 1-2 hours, elevation +/- 50 meters (164 feet)

  • Day 13

    Farm show, depart for home

    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 high-country 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!

    No Accommodation (Breakfast, Lunch)

Pick Your Multi-Day Option!

Option A: Mt Aspiring Hut

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.

Option B: Lake 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!

 

 

New Zealand Family Vacation Departure Dates

  • Upcoming
  • 3 months
  • 6 months
  • 1 year

Discounted child prices are available for children 12-years-old and under. Click the BOOK button for your preferred departure below to see child prices.

USD $5499/per adult (+tax) 

Tax info:
Our New Zealand trip fares are subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST 15%)

, USD $4999/per child

Child rates apply for children 12 years and under.

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Get in touch with our specialized team to find out more and get personalized advice.

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Included

  • 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 ‘Travel Wallet’, 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'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • All park and other entry fees
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!



What Our Guests Say

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Guaranteed Departures of ALL New Zealand Summer Adventures

Escape the Northern Hemisphere winter for some summer sun in the south.

Until the end of April 2024, ALL summer trips to New Zealand are guaranteed to go ahead!

From the volcanic plateau of central North Island, to alpine lakes and hiking trails in the spectacular Southern Alps, to pristine beaches of golden sands - come and experience the unique wonders of New Zealand.

Our summer trips are filling fast! Book now to secure your spot, and enjoy a fully-guided, small group adventure in New Zealand - the adventurer's dream destination.

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

T&Cs Apply. Read more here.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

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 90 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?

As an Activity Level 1-2 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 Makarora or Mt. Aspiring Hut if you choose that option, 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). 

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. 

If you've chosen the Mt Aspiring option, you'll also require a good quality trekking pack 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 optional activities on this trip?

You have the option to take an exciting scenic helicopter flight to visit the upper reaches of the Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast – an area usually only experienced mountaineers would get to see. No prior experience is required, everything you need is supplied, and as long as you can hike, you can heli-hike!

The three hour package includes a scenic helicopter flight (15 minutes one-way), a two-hour guided walk on and around the glacier and amazing panoramic views of the area. A good level of fitness is required and the following equipment is provided for you: glacier boots, socks, crampons, ice axe and a waterproof raincoat. You’ll need to bring underlayers and this will be depend on the weather, along with sunglasses, sunscreen, some snacks and a small drink bottle.

Note; this is not a fast activity, as walking with a group and continually cutting steps in the ice can be time-consuming. This is however a unique experience. Also If you have (or have had) a heart condition, ACL Knee surgery or you exceed the weight limit of 115 kilograms (250 pounds), you may be refused this activity on arrival.

Minimum age 8+ years.

*This activity MUST be booked at the time of booking.

What is not included?

Flights to and from trip start/end points
15% NZ Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Pre/Post Accommodation
Optional extra activities
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your guides
Rental 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. 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.

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, with an extra two hour detour up the Rob Roy Valley to spectacular views of the glacier, 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.

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.

Tell me about the overnight at Lake 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! You could also visit the Fighter Pilots museum, watch a movie at the unique Cinema Paradiso or explore some of the many shops, cafes and walking tracks. You’ll most likely be staying at the comfortable Lake Wanaka Hotel, which is a short stroll into town and the lakefront.

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Trip Inquiry

New Zealand

New Zealand Family Vacation

USD $5499/per adult
USD $4999/per child
$500 USD deposit per person required to secure your place on the trip

What To Expect

  • Place your booking
  • Receive your confirmation email & details to set up your Travel Wallet
  • Our dedicated team will keep you up to date all the way to the departure date

Dates

2024
2025

June 2024

Tuesday 18 June 2024
To Sunday 30 June 2024
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Tuesday 16 July 2024
To Sunday 28 July 2024
Open

Tuesday 10 December 2024
To Sunday 22 December 2024
Full
Tuesday 17 December 2024
To Sunday 29 December 2024
Full
Tuesday 24 December 2024
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