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Family Time

From NZD $2728 per person

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

On arrival to Auckland Airport collect your Budget rental car and make your way to your accommodation. 

Included within your documents is a $100.00 food voucher for you to purchase supplies for the family at the local supermarket.

Once everyone is settled in at the apartment visit Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World & Antarctic Encounter.

Kelly Tarlton's is a wonderland of snow, ice and amazing underwater sights. Explore the wilds of Antarctica and the natural treasures of the ocean depths in our Underwater World - and beyond.

Accommodation: The Quadrant, Two Bedroom Apartment, 2 Nights

Day 2: Auckland

Known commonly as ‘The City of Sails’, no visit to Auckland is complete without an excursion on the harbour.  Today join Fullers Auckland and visit Rangitoto Island.

You board the ferry from the downtown Auckland ferry terminal and enjoy a 25 minute cruise across the Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto Island.  On arrival your island ranger guide will greet you as you leave the ferry, and direct you to the tour vehicle nearby.  Once on board, you will journey through rugged lava crops and native bush, whilst our guide talks to you about the history and geology of the island.  The tour can only reach the base of the summit where it's a 10-15 minute walk to the summit along a wooden boardwalk with steps to the very top.  After taking in the panoramic views, you rejoin the tour vehicle for the return trip to the wharf, which takes in the western side of the island.

On return to the city the remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the city centre.  Included are tickets to the Sky Tower which at 328 metres high offers a clear view towards the Pacific Ocean as well as of the city of Auckland.

Accommodation: The Quadrant, Two Bedroom Apartment 

Day 3: Auckland / Waitomo / Rotorua – approx 367kms 

Depart Auckland city and begin your journey through the rural townships of the Waikato to Waitomo, where you will join a boat tour through the Glow worm caves.

Stop at the sensational Waitomo Caves, the glow worm adorned environment will provide some very intriguing sightseeing.  Over your 45 minute guided tour, you'll take in the spectacular Glowworm Cave with its majestic and ornate cave decorations, the deep limestone shaft known as the Tomo and the equally magnificent Cathedral. Your tour guide will deliver an informative and entertaining commentary, sharing stories, cultural legends and the natural wonders of this living masterpiece. Your visit concludes with a brief, yet remarkably moving, boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto.

Following your tour continue to the Thermal Wonderland of Rotorua.

Accommodation: Marama Apartments, Canal House 2 Bedroom Apartment, 2 Nights 

Day 4: Rotorua

Today spend time exploring Rotorua with the family.  Admission included today are:

Rotorua Duck Tours: Discover Rotorua on a unique 90 minute sightseeing adventure onboard our WWII amphibious vehicle able to travel on land and water! Tours depart 6 times per day from the Rotorua I-site Fenton St.

Agrodome: You will join their farm show which gives you an entertaining insight to New Zealand’s agriculture.

Skyline Rides: Located at Mt Ngongataha, where you will have a bird's eye view of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. Hang on tight during your exciting luge ride to the bottom of the mountain!

Polynesian Spa: This afternoon you have the perfect opportunity to relax in hot mineral water at the Polynesian Spa, Enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in rock pools, each with different temperatures (36˚C to 42˚C). Here you are surrounded by revitalizing native New Zealand flora, natural rocks, and the energizing sight and sound of two waterfalls and a grotto that reflects the glistening water. Or something more energetic try the family pool -  a large freshwater chlorinated pool (33˚C) and has a small hydro slide for a splashing good time!

Accommodation: Marama Apartments, Canal House 2 Bedroom Apartment, 2 Nights 

Day 5: Rotorua / Tongariro (approx 177kms) 

Today depart Rotorua and travel south to the Tongariro National Park.  On the way enjoy a morning tea stop at the lakeside town of Taupo.  Take some bread along to feed the ducks.

Continue on to Tongariro.  On arrival and once the family has checked in to your accommodation you may wish to take a short walk on one of the tracks within the National Park. 

Accommodation: Bayview Chateau Tongariro, Standard Room  (Tongariro or Ruapehu Wing), 1 Night 

Day 6: Tongariro / Wellington (approx 336kms) 

Today travel South to New Zealand’s Capital City, Wellington.  You may wish to stop at the Gumboot capital of New Zealand, Taihape for a spot of lunch.

Wellington: the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington harbour, its houses clinging precipitously to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind which is channelled through the Cook Strait, and causes the wind to blow most days. A clever blend of buildings, old and new,  beautiful vistas of the city and harbour, and a cosmopolitan mix of culture and arts give Wellington its heart, and vibrant atmosphere.

Accommodation: Museum Hotel, Two Bedroom Suite, 2 Nights

Day 7: Wellington

Today spend the day exploring Wellington city.  A must, and conveniently located across the road from your hotel is Te Papa Museum.  Hours of fun for all the family contained in one building and entry is FREE!

Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience of this country's treasures and stories. Over five floors, you can explore the nation's nature, art, history, and heritage - from the shaping of its land to the spirit of its diverse peoples, from its unique wildlife to its distinctive art and visual culture.

Also included today is a ride on the Cable car to the summit of Mt Victoria where you can enjoy panoramic views over the city and harbour.

Accommodation: Museum Hotel, Two Bedroom Suite, 1 Nights 

Day 8: Wellington / Queenstown 

Today return your rental car to Wellington airport before checking in for your flight to Queenstown.  (flight not included in quotation).  On arrival to Queenstown collect you new vehicle and make your way to your accommodation.  Dependant on your arrival time you may wish to take short trip to the historical settlement of Arrowtown…even pan for gold in the former richest rivers in the world.

Accommodation: Peppers Beacon, 2 Bedroom Garden Suite, 3 Nights

Day 9: Queenstown

This morning you will be collected from the hotel by Dart River Jetboat Safari for a ‘Funyak experience’.

The Funyak Safari is truly unique - it's the only experience of its type in the Queenstown region and is the most fun way to explore and experience every aspect of this amazing area.  First of all you’ll travel an exciting 1 1⁄4 hours up the Dart River by Jet Boat with all the thrills of braided shallow river Jet Boating and world famous jet spins; then, you’ll disembark to begin your Funyak rafting journey in one of our unique inflatable ‘Funyak’ canoes. After full instructions, you’ll be free to canoe and drift (under the watchful eye of your professional guide) for a spectacular 2 hours downstream, taking in all the awe-inspiring sights found amidst the Dart River’s shimmering channels.  You’ll stop amongst the ancient beech forest to enjoy a wilderness buffet lunch and explore the hidden side streams, rock pools and dramatic chasms such as the beautiful Rockburn, before canoeing downstream to Paradise, where you’ll be taken by 4WD coach to Glenorchy, stopping to view the stunning scenery that has inspired films the world over.

Accommodation: Peppers Beacon, 2 Bedroom Garden Suite

Day 10: Queenstown

Today is at your leisure in Queenstown.  Enjoy time exploring the township, visit the Botanical Gardens or take a stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu.  Included today is an excursion aboard the TSS Earnslaw with Real Journeys.

Accommodation: Peppers Beacon, 2 Bedroom Garden Suite 

Day 11: Queenstown / Mount Cook (approx 331kms) 

This morning enjoy the day travelling from Queenstown to Mount Cook.  Just as you leave Queenstown pass through the small settlement of Cromwell, famous for its delicious fruit.  Stop at one of the many stalls on the side of the road to pick up some treats for the road trip.

While in Mount Cook visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

A tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary, humanitarian, ambassador and one of the world’s greatest explorers, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe.    Designed to educate and entertain, the centre features a spectacular state-of-the-art 3D movie, New Zealand’s first full dome digital Planetarium and Museum which documents the pioneering heart of the region and features the impressive Hillary Gallery.

Accommodation: The Hermitage, Motel Family Unit, 1 Night

Day 12: Mount Cook / Christchurch (approx 331kms) 

Breakfast is included this morning at the Hermitage.

Depart the mountainous region of Mount Cook and travel through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch – New Zealand’s “Garden City”.

Accommodation: Scenic Circle Fino Casementi All-Suite Hotel, Two Bedroom Suite, 1 Night 

Day 13: Depart Christchurch

Today is your final day in New Zealand.  Dependant on your flight time you may wish to explore the city centre including Hagley Park, Cathedral Square of even take a punt along the River Avon.

Conveniently located across the road from the Airport is The Antarctic Attraction.  Before checking in for your flight visit the centre.

Return your rental car to Christchurch Airport for your departure flight (flight not included) 

 

Price per person (includes 12.5% GST)

From NZD $2728 pp + $346 per child

 

Costs include:

  • Accommodation in hotels as specified, share twin subject to availability.
  • Goods & Services Tax 12.5%
  • Budget rental car throughout (2/3 pax CDAR, 4 pax FDAR) – please refer to our on line tariff for terms and conditions of rental
  • Admissions where stated
  • Basic insurance (subject to insurance excess)

Costs exclude:

  • Airfares National or International
  • Airport Tax (Christchurch NZ$25.00pp, Auckland NZ$25.00pp or  Rotorua NZ$5.00pp) subject to increase
  • Personal expenses & tips
  • Drinks during meals (except water/tea/coffee)
  • Any items of personal nature
  • Fuel for car
  • Additional rental car charges
  • Optional activities
  • Insurance excess NZD 2812.50 including GST
  • Excess can be reduced by purchase of the following package:
  • Budget Protection Plan (BPP) - An additional payment of NZD 28.12 per day (inclusive of GST) reduces insurance excess of NZD 2812.50 to NZD 253.12 incl gst. For main car groups.
  • Personal accident insurance is also included in this package. This is to be paid DIRECT to Budget Rental A Car at the commencement of hire.

Subject to:

  • Subject to surcharges beyond our control
  • Minimum of 2 passengers travelling
  • Accommodation subject to availability
  • Supplier surcharges as per our tariff