Family Adventure: 11 Days of Unforgettable New Zealand Group Tour Experiences with Kids

My husband and I spent a long time deliberating on the perfect vacation spot for our family, and we finally settled on New Zealand! It was our first visit to this stunning country, and with concerns about safety, language barriers, and the hassle of planning, we turned to a friend who had previously traveled there for a tour recommendation. Recommendations from friends always add an extra layer of comfort, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice 👍

Itinerary:
D1: ✈ Depart from Shanghai
D2: Arrive in Auckland, check into the hotel, and rest
D3: In the morning, explore the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of the world’s nine wonders, and in the afternoon, head to Rotorua, a city perched on a volcano, to immerse ourselves in Maori culture and geothermal wonders
D4: Visit New Zealand’s largest farm to experience authentic ranch life, then return to Auckland and fly to Christchurch
D5: Discover the historic gold rush town of Greymouth and marvel at the unique Pancake Rocks
D6: Journey to the charming glacier town
D7: Explore the iconic Wanaka Tree, visit the “Fruit Town” of Cromwell, and wander through the picturesque Arrowtown before arriving in Queenstown.

Enjoy a scenic Skyline gondola ride and savor a delicious buffet dinner on the mountain top
D8: A full day of free activities in the adventure capital, Queenstown
D9: From Queenstown, hike in Mount Cook National Park and take a breathtaking glacier boat tour, followed by an unforgettable stargazing experience at Lake Tekapo
D10: Travel from Lake Tekapo back to Christchurch
D11: Fly from Christchurch to Auckland, then back to Shanghai

The tour cost us around 29,000 RMB per person, which included all accommodations, visas, meals, and transportation—no hidden fees, just pure enjoyment (a big thank you to my friend for the reliable recommendation 👍👍). We also indulged in some souvenir shopping, spending about 4,000 RMB.

While the itinerary was occasionally fast-paced, we were given ample time to enjoy the highlights, including a full day of free activities in Queenstown. The accommodations were exceptional, with a minimum of four-star hotels, and a special treat of two consecutive nights in a luxurious five-star hotel in Queenstown, providing a truly comfortable stay.

I highly recommend trying the famous Alpine Salmon; the flavor is simply divine! Savor the fresh salmon while taking in the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains.

New Zealand is undoubtedly a dream destination for many, and it’s a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. The experience is truly awe-inspiring!