New Zealand North Island Family Multi-Adventure Tour
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
New Zealand North Island Family Multi-Adventure Tour
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 1-3
Premiere Hotels
2024: Dec2025: Dec
Rain Forest, Beaches & Vineyards from Auckland to Hawke's Bay
Every moment indoors is a missed opportunity. You're in New Zealand, after all. Isn't there a waterfall to swim under? Or a coastal scene to admire? This is why kayaks were invented. And basking in the South Pacific. What about bungee jumping? OK, maybe not. But you could. Follow it all up with a festive family dinner—and maybe a glass of local wine. Done and done. Enjoy New Zealand.
Highlights
- Raft exhilarating white-water rapids on the famed Tongariro River and hike to thunderous Huka Falls
- Bike through beautiful Hawke's Bay, where some of New Zealand's best and most famous wines are produced
- Discover the splendor of Cathedral Cove's sculpted sandstone forms and gorgeous beaches by kayak
- Witness steaming lakes and slide into a calming hot pool for a naturally geothermic form of relaxation
StartAuckland
EndNapier
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Start your family trip with a scenic cruise from Auckland to Waiheke Island • Walk through a kaleidoscope of island scenery, including lush forest, hillside vineyards and quiet bays • Quintessential New Zealand wine is yours for the tasting at an award-winning Waiheke winery • Kick back in style in Auckland's swanky Britomart district.
Night 1
This exquisite ultra-eco hotel offers unmatched luxury and serenity in the city's chic Britomart district.
Days 2-3
Embark on a breathtaking bike ride on the historic Hauraki Rail Trail and through the famous Karangahake Gorge • Spin into the quaint gold rush town of Waihi • Enjoy a spectacular vista across the native bush and out to the Pacific as you walk at Shakespeare Cliffs • Kayak in Cathedral Cove, where sandstone formations, beaches and bright-blue waters await • Put your feet up at a laid-back chalet tucked into the thick forest canopy.
Nights 2-3
Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness hideaway nestled among 25 acres of New Zealand bush. (pool, spa)
Days 4-5
Families bike past undulating pastures and through a colorful patchwork of farmland • Take in views of Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia • If you’re feeling fearless, now’s your chance to bungee jump over the azure Waikato River • Stroll along a pathway leading to an overlook of thunderous Huka Falls • Shoot the rapids on an exciting white-water rafting adventure down the Tongariro River • Be welcomed into a Maori family-run marae (meeting house) for a traditional performance and meal.
Nights 4-5
Perched on a serene hillside estate, this elegant sanctuary offers captivating views of Lake Taupo. (spa)
Days 6-8
Cruise on two wheels alongside rolling fertile pastureland • Pedal through Hawke’s Bay, a wine region known for its Syrah, and stop for tastings under the shade of pines and oaks • Discover the art deco town of Napier along the Pacific Ocean • Settle into cozy Mangapapa Hotel, a country mansion you won’t want to leave • The 360-degree views of ocean and countryside from Te Mata Peak make our last walk extra thrilling.
Nights 6-7
Built over a century ago, a beautifully renovated country hotel with a wraparound veranda and lush gardens. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
While our hotels are some of the finest in New Zealand, the relaxed Kiwi approach to service is reflected in the hotels on this trip—they are down-to-earth, without a lot of bells and whistles, and may not offer the level of customer service that you might be used to.
While Backroads strives to include routes that are quiet and off the beaten track, New Zealand's North Island has a limited road system. This means that some of our routes may see fast and heavy traffic, especially around the holidays when locals are taking their summer break. Our shuttle is always available to help you bypass more heavily trafficked sections.
In order to access the most scenic routes and significant points of interest on this trip, strategic shuttles are incorporated into several days of our itinerary. Most will be limited to an hour or so at a time, but on some days you can expect to spend a bit more time in the shuttle—though always to reach a worthwhile destination!
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
Premiere Hotel
This exquisite ultra-eco hotel offers unmatched luxury and serenity in the city's chic Britomart district.
Nights 2-3
*Deluxe Hotel
Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness hideaway nestled among 25 acres of New Zealand bush. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
Perched on a serene hillside estate, this elegant sanctuary offers captivating views of Lake Taupo. (spa)
Nights 6-7
Premiere Hotel
Built over a century ago, a beautifully renovated country hotel with a wraparound veranda and lush gardens. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.