New Zealand Family Explorer

Arrive into Auckland and transfer to The Sebel Quay West Auckland for 2 nights (two-bedroom apartment). Optional excursions include climbing Auckland Harbour Bridge for views over the city, a visit to the Sea Life Aquarium or sailing an authentic America’s Cup yacht in the harbour. (N)

Collect your car hire and drive north to the subtropical Bay of Islands. Join a cruise through the sheltered waters and islands, looking out for dolphins and other marine life. Stop at ‘the hole in the wall’, a 60-foot opening in a rock formation, and discover the islands by sea kayak. Stay 2 nights at the Edgewater Palms Apartments (two-bedroom apartment). (N)

Return south for an overnight stay at The Sebel Quay West Auckland (two-bedroom apartment). Perhaps visit the sandy beach at Takapuna, with superb views out to the volcanic island of Rangitoto. (N)

Travel south to the Waitomo caves region. Take a boat ride through the caves and see the thousands of glow worms that illuminate the grotto. Continue on past rolling hills and pastureland to Rotorua and stay at the Ramada Resort Rotorua (two-bedroom townhouse) for 3 nights. (N)

Days at leisure. Optional excursions include taking the gondola up Mount Ngongotaha for spectacular views over Rotorua, relaxing in the hot pools of Polynesian Spa, walking on high canopy trails through ancient forests or taking a day trip to the Hobbiton film set where scenes from The Lord of the Rings were filmed. (N)

Return your car hire and fly to Christchurch. Upon arrival, collect your new car hire. Stay overnight at the Heritage Christchurch (two-bedroom suite). (N)

Travel across the Canterbury Plains for a 1-night stay at Mantra Lake Tekapo (two-bedroom apartment). Relax in the hot springs or take a hike or bicycle ride around the glacier-fed waters of Lake Tekapo. (N)

Drive past braided river valleys, native beech forests and lush alpine meadows on your way to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Stay 3 nights at Oaks Shores (two-bedroom Duration apartment), set against the Remarkables mountain range and next to Lake Wakatipu. (N)

Days at leisure. Optional excursions include a 4x4 tour through Skippers Canyon, rafting, kayaking or ziplining. (N)

Drive through the Kawarau gorge and via Cromwell and Lake Dunstan to Wanaka for an overnight stay at the Distinction Wanaka Serviced Apartments (two-bedroom apartment). This town provides access to Mount Aspiring National Park. (N)

Travel to the West Coast, a remote area full of rainforests, snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls. Leisurely walks can be taken to the foot of Fox and Franz Josef glaciers with the chance to soak in the glacier hot pools. Overnight at Punga Grove (twobedroom unit). (N)

Return your car hire in Greymouth before boarding the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch. Traverse the Southern Alps passing stunning mountain scenery. Overnight at Heritage Christchurch (two-bedroom suite). (N)

Transfer to the airport and fly home or continue your holiday. (N)