For your family's next fun-filled summer vacation, consider hopping on a plane and jetting off to the beautiful island country of New Zealand! This country is abundant with jaw-dropping natural beauty, incredible outdoor activities, and terrific fine wines. Perfect for adrenaline junkies, foodies and a wide range of travelers in between, you will be sure to find activities for the whole family to enjoy and have the experience of a lifetime. It's easy to find a place alone from the crowds to take in or take on the natural wonders. Down Under Endeavours handcrafts luxury vacations designed around your wants, needs, timeframe and budget. Have a look, see what catches your eye, then chat with the Down Under team to custom create your itinerary. To get a taste of what's possible, check out these seven ways to maximize your family vacation in New Zealand.
1. Go on a movie sights tour.
Feel like a pro as you tour different film locations around New Zealand and get to see where all the action happened. Visit the Wellington film locations used for the Shire, the Gardens of Isengard, the River Anduin, Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith, and where the hobbits raced to the ferry and hid from the Nazgul. Be spellbound at the site of Lothlorien - the majestic Fernside Lodge. In 2000 Fernside's lake was transformed into part of Lothlorien, and then to the Gladden fields. Fernside's white bridge remains as a reminder of the bridge of Lothlorien. Explore Rivendell and the riverside spot where Aragorn was washed ashore. You also visit Miramar, home to the production studios and to many of the stars while they were filming and the famous Weta Cave including the Windows into Workshop exhibition giving a unique behind the scenes look at the inner workings of Weta Studios.
2. Discover New Zealand food and wine.
A small group tour through the vineyards and food-makers of Hawke's Bay takes you to premium sites, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy Kiwi hospitality. You'll visit five to six wineries, including a winemaking tour, two specialty food outlets, a two-course winery lunch, and a take-home goodie bag. Ride the wine tour train through rolling green hills to Martinborough, the smallest destination on your list but not the smallest in reputation. Visit the award-winning Martinborough wine region on this all-inclusive wine tour and treat your taste buds. Visit four boutique vineyards, meet some of the families behind the vineyards and learn how this sleepy, rural town blossomed into an internationally renowned wine region.
3. Experience the Kiwi Discovery Walk.
This is an incredible opportunity to interact with the national symbol of New Zealand, an opportunity that can only be experienced as a guest at Cape Kidnappers. Kiwi expert Dr. John McLennan and his team will lead you on an adventure across the property in search of the New Zealand Brown Kiwi. Using radio tracking and monitoring devices, you will take turns searching for this elusive, flightless creature. Once found, guests will have a chance to get up close and personal with one of New Zealand's most endangered and rare birds. We recommend that guests choose comfortable footwear and bring a camera for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
4. Visit the Skyline Complex.
Here you can ride the Skyline Gondola and experience the best views in the region, spread out in a 220 degree panorama, including Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and across Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy the fun filled gravity ride for all ages and abilities! Onward to Zip Trek Eco Tours for more gravity adventures! Check in at the Zip Trek Guest Services Tree, 100 meters to the left of the Skyline Gondola upper terminal where you will meet your guides and be fitted with a climbing harness and helmet. Two guides will accompany you on your tour, not only to help connect and disconnect launch and landing platforms, but to also provide educational components, giving you unique insight into the surrounding environment on both a local and global scale. Meanwhile, enjoy the adrenaline rush!
5. Go on a Wilderness Safari.
The 'Wilderness Safari' is a diverse adventure exploring the spectacular 'World Heritage' wilderness within Mt. Aspiring National Park. Experience a combination of several activities: exhilarating jet boating, guided ancient forest walk, and backcountry 4WD safari drive. Surrounded by awe-inspiring peaks and mysterious hidden valleys shrouded in native beech forest, your specialist guides will bring to life the variety of landscapes, vegetation and wildlife within this unique preserve. Your guides will also share captivating stories of the original Maori and early pioneers.
6. Go on a Nature Cruise.
On reaching Milford Sound, board a Nature Cruise for a leisurely itinerary that allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. On board, a nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region's history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation. View spectacular waterfalls (especially when it's raining!), rainforest and towering peaks; plus, keep an eye out for fur seals, dolphins and penguins. Fly back over the fjords and land on a patch of snow in the Alps. Celebrate your tour of New Zealand with a glass of champagne and cheese while marveling at the scenery. Perhaps tonight you'd like to enjoy an additional Maori hangi (feast) and cultural performance.
7. Visit a Geothermal Wonderland.
Explore our favorite geothermal hideaway, Orakei Korako, (place of adorning) crossing the lake to a wonderland of silica terraces, bubbling mud pools and an enchanting Aladdin's Cave, Ruatapu (sacred hole in Maori). A hot pool at the bottom of this 120ft deep cave is known as Waiwhakaata, (pool of mirrors). On the road into Taupo we view the turbulent Huka Falls, where the Waikato River thunders through a narrow chasm. From Taupo there are magnificent views across the lake to the three active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu (2,797 metres), the highest mountain in the North Island. Leaving the lake, the road winds over the ranges to the seaside town of Napier. Renowned for its Art Deco architecture, Napier was rebuilt in this style after an earthquake in 1931. These days it's also an acclaimed wine region and your guide will introduce you to the premier vineyards
Down Under Endeavours handcrafts luxury vacations designed around your wants, needs, timeframe and budget. To get a taste of what's possible, take a look at their sample family vacation itineraries. The itinerary they create for your trip of your lifetime will be unique to you and your family. Start planning your trip now no matter how far in advance! Visit www.downunderendeavours.com.
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