10 Day North Island Family Guided Tour

Experience the best of New Zealand’s North Island with our guided New Zealand family vacation packages. We offer the best flexible New Zealand escorted tours with no date or itinerary restrictions. Book the best for your family with New Zealand vacation packages inclusive of a private tour guide/chauffeur plus private touring vehicle.

10 Day North Island Family Holiday Guided Tour Itinerary | New Zealand Family Vacation Packages

Day 1 Auckland

You’re guided New Zealand family vacation begins in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. 

Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. World-class shopping and phenomenal dining is never too far from harbours, islands, native bush and black-sand beaches.

Explore Auckland with your guide.

If you would like to get straight into nature; skipper an America’s Cup Yacht or experience Whale Watching. Or visit top attractions like the Sky Tower and Mt Eden’s volcanic crater.

In the evening the fairy lights of Federal Street will lure you into some of the finest restaurants in Auckland.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour + Lake Taupo + Huka Falls

Travel time Auckland to Waitomo Caves – 2.5 hours

World-renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. T​housands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as the expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves’ historical and geological significance.

Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms.

Travel time Waitomo Caves to Taupo – 2 hours 

Enjoy the scenic drive to Taupo, a small town set beside New Zealand’s largest lake. With the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park looming in the distance, and the lake itself formed from an ancient volcanic crater, you will get a close-up look at the immense forces that shaped New Zealand.

Taupo is rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls. Visit this stunning natural attraction with your guide.

Stay 2 nights in Taupo.

 Day 3 Lake Taupo

The lakeside town of Taupo provides a base for visitors who love to fish for trout; guided fly fishing or lake fishing trips are popular.

You can also explore the local geothermal phenomena and visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. See New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal elements, sculpted by thousands of years of geothermal activity.

With the recent completion of the Great Lake Trail, Lake Taupo is a fantastic region for year-round mountain biking. You can add a guided mountain bike trip and take in the beauty of this unqiue landscape.

The Mind Junction Taupo is a great place to take the kids. An all weather activity park with a 2m high Giant Maze, an impressive LEGO display, mini golf and more.

Day 4 Rotorua + Skyline Rotorua Gondola, Luge & Buffet Lunch

Travel time Taupo to Rotorua – 1 hour 

Enjoy the scenic drive to Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland.

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at Rotorua’s most spectacular location – the top of the Skyline Gondola! After lunch enjoy the thrill of the Luge, select from one of the three exciting Luge trails. Take off downhill on your luge through twists and turns to a backdrop of dramatic scenery and through Redwood forests. At the top of the gondola you also have the option to experience Ziplining and the Jelly Belly Shop.

Discuss with your guide what you would like to do for the afternoon. Recommendations include visiting The National Kiwi Hatchery where you can view the famous ‘Kiwi’. Or for a unique New Zealand farm experience visit Agrodome Rotorua.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 5 Rotorua Geothermal Reserve Tour & Spa + Māori Culture Evening Experience & Maori Hāngi Dinner

Stroll through Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve in the morning, where you will have the opportunity to experience the rich Maori culture and soak in a relaxing sulphur spa.

In the evening, experience a unique insight into Māori culture. Be enthralled by Māori cultural performances as you get the opportunity to participlate in the graceful poi dance or ferocious haka. Taste an exquisite Māori feast prepared in the traditional Hangi style. You will be treated to New Zealand mussels, traditional rewana bread and dips, meats, chicken, lamb, vegetables and salads. Try a local drink made from kawakawa extract and manuka honey plus make sure you leave room for dessert.  After dinner you will be invited to board the motorised waka for a journey to Te Puia’s geothermal valley. You’ll disembark right in front of the Pohutu Geyser, illuminated in its full glory beneath a starry sky. Marvel at the sight of this glorious natural wonder, while your tour guide entertains you with traditional Māori mythology and stories.

Day 6 Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Tauranga

Travel time Rotorua to Matamata – 1 hour 

Experience the magic of Middle-earth as you tour the Hobbiton Movie Set, where the charming village from The Lord of the Rings has been brought to life. You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage.

Travel time Matamata to Tauranga – 1 hour

Continue your day trip to Tauranga surrounded by hectares of orchards and gardens producing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados.

Stay 2 nights in Tauranga.

Day 7 Tauranga + Mount Maunganui

Relax in the Bay of Plenty for the day. Around Tauranga are hectares of orchards and gardens producing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados. Add to this bounty the local wines and the plentiful fresh seafood and you just know that this is a place where you will dine well.

Mount Maunganui, a short distance from Tauranga, has spectacular beaches which are a magnet for surfers all year round and voted New Zealand’s best beach by TripAdvisor. Surfing lessons are available at the ’Mount’ all year round for those looking to give it a try.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Tauranga without taking on the Mount Maunganui walk, it’s the Bay of Plenty’s most iconic landmark with 360 degree panoramic views. The walk takes about 35-40 minutes to reach the summit.

One of the highlights of Tauranga and just 10 minutes from the city is the McLaren Falls Park, 90-hectares of parkland home to one of the best botanical collections of trees in New Zealand. One of the highlights of the park is the waterfall track where you can see glow worms after dusk. Enjoy a short, easy stroll to the picturesque waterfall and spot the glow worms on either side of the track.

Day 8 Coromandel Peninsula + Hot Water Beach

Travel time Tauranga to Coromandel – 2.5 hours

Renowned worldwide as a spectacular holiday destination, with warm white-sand beaches, misty rainforest and wilderness aplenty, the Coromandel is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

Whitianga is the main settlement of Mercury Bay, an attractive township with a deep-water harbour. Whitianga has an excellent selection of restaurants and cafes, and the thriving retail community provides an interesting collection of outlets.

Home to the world renowned Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, Mercury Bay is known for its variety of marine experiences both on and under the water. From kayaking and fishing in and around the Mercury Islands to scenic boat trips in the Te Whanganui-O-Hei Marine Reserve, Whitianga and Mercury Bay have it all. Experience the magic and relax in the unspoiled playground of Mercury Bay – a recreational haven just waiting for you.

Stay 2 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel.

Day 9 Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat Tour + Hahei Beach

Today, join the Glass Bottom Boat for a unique boat cruise. Depart from the Whitianga Wharf to explore the breathtaking volcanic coastline, including famous Cathedral Cove. See the stunning Champagne Bay. Plus a range of blow holes and sea caves, including Orua’s Sea Cave, the second largest sea cave in New Zealand! Choose your own level of fun, either sit back and enjoy the amazing marine life through the glass boat. Or take the plunge and snorkel amongst the fish. All equipment supplied and no experience necessary.

In the afternoon, your guide will show you some of the best hidden secrets of the Coromandel, including secluded golden-sand beaches.

Hahei is located 35 km or 30 minutes drive South East of Whitianga. Hahei is an attractive beach, fringed with pohutukawa trees and drifts of pink shells at the northern end. The offshore islands provide something of a breakwater, making this sheltered beach ideal for swimming, boating and snorkeling. Hahei also offers a number of cafes making it the perfect spot for lunch.

Day 10 Auckland + Things To Do In Auckland

Travel time Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland – 3 hours 

As your tour draws to a close, return to Auckland and spend your final day shopping, touring around with your guide, or celebrating the end of a fantastic tour with a harbour dinner cruise.

Spend some time relaxing at one of the numerous local beaches. Mission Bay and St. Heliers urban beaches offer breathtaking views of Rangitoto Island. Or venture further afield to Piha Beach so you can see a stunning black sand surf beach.

This evening, if you would like to dine with a spectacular view, you might like to visit the Sky Tower. You are spoilt for choice with three restaurants and cafes up the Sky Tower, including the Orbit 360 degree dining revolving restaurant; The Sugar Club, which is superbly chic and elegant; or the Sky Café, where you can relax with a coffee, cheese board or ice cream. The perfect way to celebrate your private small group escorted tours New Zealand.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 11 Depart Auckland

Your guide will deliver you to Auckland Airport for your departing flight.