North Island Family Adventure

Arrive into the vibrant city of Auckland, and collect your rental car, driving at your own pace to your luxurious heritage haven for the evening. Set within a beautiful, historic Auckland building - the iconic Farmers department store building - the Heritage Auckland is a premier choice for style and comfort. In the art deco Hotel Wing, high ceilings and original timber features offer all the charm and character of the original 1920's building complemented by modern furnishings and amenities.

You may choose to explore some of the harbour city’s monuments, from the Harbour Bridge to the Sky Tower and Rangitoto Island, the region's youngest volcano.
Heritage Auckland

Today, you’ll drive from Auckland to Taupo, with a magical stop in Matamata, more commonly known as the home of Hobbiton. Experience the real Middle-Earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, strolling through the Shire with a local guide. Visit the iconic Hobbit houses, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and more, learning how this sprawling sheep farm was transformed into the celebrated movie setting.

Enjoy lunch at the Party Marquee, the sparkling lanterns and rustic charm immersing you in the festive scenes from the movies while savouring delicious local fare, and overlooking the spectacular Shire landscapes. Continue your journey to Taupo and arrive at the indulgent lakeside Hilton Lake Taupo.

Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Taupo, this stunning hotel is perfectly located to take advantage of the spectacular landscape. Floor to ceiling windows in all rooms draw in abundant natural light and frame sweeping views of the Lake Taupo or Tongariro National Park. The beautiful main building was originally built in 1889 and gives the hotel a grand, classic feel.

Enjoy an evening at leisure.
Hilton Lake Taupo | Meals: BL

Today takes an active turn, and you’ll meet your A&K guide for a thrilling half day bike tour along the picturesque Waikato River. Start with witnessing the opening of the flood gates at the Aratiatia dam, enthralled by the rapidly rising waters before cycling along a scenic track, drinking in the riverine panoramas that surround you. End you ride at the majestic Huka Falls standing in awe of this spectacular natural wonder before embarking on your return track, with the remainder of today at your leisure.
Hilton Lake Taupo | Meals: B

With a morning to relax, this afternoon self-drive from Taupo to Turangi, immersing yourself in the remarkable landscapes with a family rafting experience. The whole family can pitch in and paddle, or simply sit back and relax while your guide effortlessly controls your raft, floating along with gentle currents and some thrilling splashy rapids. Keep your eyes peeled for diverse local wildlife like the endangered Whoi, the native blue ducks and huge rainbow and brown trout, easily spotted in the crystal-clear waters.

Afterwards, you’ll return to the Turangi base and self-drive to the Chateau Tongariro Hotel, surrounded by Tongariro National Park’s stunning natural playground bursting with diverse landscapes.
Chateau Tongariro Hotel | Meals: B

Today experience New Zealand’s most unique gondola, Sky Waka, and soar over the ethereal landscapes of UNESCO heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. Enjoy a sky-high lunch at Knolls Ridge Chalet, with New Zealand’s highest restaurant (2,020m above sea level) before the afternoon is yours to explore.

Chateau Tongariro Hotel | Meals: BL

Today you’ll drive from Tongariro to your Wellington accommodation, a half-day journey that sees you travelling through diverse landscapes sure to surprise and delight. On arrival, you can take time to explore the vibrant capital city, discovering it’s Victorian architecture, picturesque coastline and harbour scenes at your own pace.
QT Wellington | Meals: B

Today you’ll take a behind-the-scenes tour of how movie props are made with a visit to the WETA studio workshop. Meet your guide and transfer to Miramar's filmmaking precinct for your shared tour of Wellington's own world of moviemaking, witnessing iconic props and scenes from Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, Gallipoli and more.

Afterwards, the afternoon is your own to enjoy as you like, before an enchanting evening wildlife adventure at Zealandia. On your shared tour, of this world-first urban ecosanctuary, learn how these passionate experts are working to restore Wellington valleys forest and freshwater ecosystems to their pristine nature, before human habitation. Keep your eyes peeled for the kaleidoscope of native wildlife sure to surprise and delight.
QT Wellington | Meals: B

Today, self-drive to Wellington airport and return your rental vehicle in time for your onward flight.
Meals: B