An Epic Family Adventure in New Zealand

Enjoy a guided excursion through the evergreen native forests of the Mamaku Plateau, just minutes from Rotorua. Experience one of the North Island’s last remaining remnants of untouched forest in the most exciting and unique of ways. Take on the sights, smells and sounds of the forest on a tour where you’ll see tree and bird species not seen on any other country on earth.

Begin the evening with an immersive cultural experience with a private dinner of Kiwi cuisine with two course at a Maori family home. Next up is a magical walk on a series of suspension bridges between 22 Californian redwoods, the forest illuminated by huge hanging lanterns designed by famous NZ artist, David Trubridge.

Visit the Hobbiton movie set near the rural town of Matamata, made famous as the original setting of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Gain insight into how these movies were made. You will see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, the iconic double arched bridge and other structures and gardens built for the films.

A must for any film lover, this tour allows you to get up close to the props, weapons, armour and vehicles crafted for The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, District 9, King Kong, The Chronicles of Narnia and more. You’ll also enjoy a three-course meal at CoCo at the Roxy and dine among incredible artworks, movie memorabilia and sculptures.

Explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Experience many of the rare and endangered species and see those which only come out at night. See unique species such as wētā, glow worms, and tuatara. Your group may see some of the 130 little spotted kiwi who call Zealandia home.

Head out into the waters by boat and get close to the world’s largest toothed predator, the giant sperm whale, in their natural environment.

You’ll be provided with warm, buoyant wet suits and snorkeling equipment before taking a short bus and boat trip. One to two experienced guides, equipped with large float boards will then accompany each group in the water. Due to the seals natural curiosity swimmers can reasonably expect to get up close to the creatures.

Explore Milford Sound’s stunning fjord from both the air and the water. Enjoy an exhilarating helicopter flight past spectacular rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, then cruise past sheer cliffs and waterfalls – keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and penguins.

Board your twin-engine jet boat and speed across crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu at breath-taking speed, surrounded by majestic mountains and mesmerising scenery. Zoom under the Kawarau Dam onto the deep green waters of The Kawarau River, complete with lots of 360° spins. You will then arrive at the pier for a complimentary view from Queenstown’s Underwater Observatory.

The exhilaration of a wilderness jet boat ride combines with a leisurely downstream float on easy to use Funyaks (inflatable kayaks). Ideal for the whole family, this trip is a must-do to explore the truly unique Dart River.