An Epic Family Adventure in New Zealand
With bubbling mud pools, beautiful islands, wonderful wildlife and adrenaline-pumping activities, New Zealand is the perfect setting for an unforgettable family adventure.
Trip highlights
- Be welcomed into a Maori family home for a sumptuous Kiwi dinner
- Take a tour of the Hobbiton movie set near the rural town of Matamata
- See film props and vehicles at Weta Studios
- Enjoy a private yacht charter around Marlborough Sounds
- Go swimming with the seals in Kaikoura
- Speed across Lake Wakatipu on a jet boat
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
Days 1-4
Around Rotorua
Steaming mud pools, erupting geysers and Maori traditions all make Rotorua and Taupo a special area to visit and one that is distinctively unique to the rest of New Zealand. Explore geothermal parks before heading into nearby native forests for hiking or mountain biking the numerous world-class trails.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
High and fast
Family meal
Unexpected journey
Ziplining adventure
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.
Maori experience and Redwoods Nightlights
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.
Hobbiton tour
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.
Days 4-6
Welcome to Wellington
Nestled on rolling green hills that spill down to a charming harbour, New Zealand’s capital is an epicentre of culture and creativity – renowned for its arts, gastronomy, heritage and bohemian character.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
And Action!
Into the night
Weta Studios tour
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 Zealandia by night
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.
Days 6-8
Sail the Sounds
The Marlborough Sounds is an adventurer’s paradise where you can indulge your passions, challenge your senses, and try new things you’ve always dreamed of doing. Take to the waters by kayak or motoryacht, arrange a fishing charter, or head out in search of dolphins – including the rare Hector’s dolphin – with the chance of swimming with these incredible marine mammals.
Private boat charter around the Marlborough Sounds
Beviamo is a 42-ft luxury yacht and the perfect vessel for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. The boat has a twin helm and two steering wheels, making it ideal for people who want to try their hand at sailing, in the knowledge that support is close at hand. Your skipper has been sailing in the Marlborough Sounds for over 55 years and knows the area like the back of his hand. As you naviagate the tranquil waterways on this half-day excursion, you’ll soon realise there is no better was to discover this beautiful part of New Zealand.
Days 8-10
Quaint Kaikoura
Kaikoura, a quaint village between the snowcapped Kaikoura Range and Pacific Ocean, is a haven for wildlife fanatics and adventure sports enthusiasts alike. For the former, the region has been dubbed the ‘maritime Serengeti’, the sea here one of the best places in New Zealand to go whale and dolphin watching. For the active, there are wonderful hiking and mountain biking trails along the coast, fine surfing, sea kayaking and more.
Make it mine
Whale watching
Seal swim
Whale watching boat trip
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.
Swim with the seals
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.
Days 10-13
Slow down in Queenstown
From the towering alpine ranges that envelop Queenstown, to its laidback lakeside sister Wanaka and the incredible Milford Sound, this is easily one of the most spectacular regions of the country. Seek out one of the endless thrills on offer here from skiing, white water rafting, canyon swinging, jet boating, mountain biking and bungy jumping, or slow down to the cosmopolitan pace of life in Queenstown and cool Wanaka.
Where you could stay
Make it mine
Air and water
Jet boat fun
Funyaks for the fam
Helicopter Experience: Milford Sound with fjord cruise
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.
Kjet jet boat experience
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.
Dart River Funyaks
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.
FANTASTIC!!! We used Jacada for a trip to New Zealand and I cannot say enough amazing things about Ellie and Cathy who helped create the trip of a lifetime. We have travelled around the world, with a driving tour of Switzerland and South Africa Safari as our previous top trips, and this surpassed those. The trip was tailored perfectly to…
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
