New Zealand Family Multisport
Family Fun on the North Island
New Zealand offers a world of fun for adventurous families! Edged with serene bays and beaches tucked safely into the craggy coastline, the North Island is both tranquil and exciting. The landscape features trout-filled streams, fertile farmland covered by sheep, and forests of tree ferns and native bush in addition to gushing geysers, steaming vents, bubbling pools and towering volcanoes. This incredibly diverse island is also home to a vital Maori culture, with an abundance of art and ancient legends. Explore the North Island with Backroads by pedal and paddle, on foot and by raft - an adventure sure to bring out the kid in everyone.
Trip Planning Links
- Bike past Rotorua’s fascinating geothermal elements to hot springs perfect for a soak
- Experience traditional Maori customs and foods at a marae (ceremonial meeting place)
- Try the exhilarating and uniquely Kiwi sport of Zorbing
- Stroll past giant tree ferns and hanging vines to a secret valley
- Kayak on Lake Rotoiti to a small hot spring accessible only by boat
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Pauanui
Meet in Auckland 
Our Kiwi guide Damian Johansen leads us through a jungle of vines and giant tree ferns to a hidden pool Pedal to Hahei and hike to the white rock sculpture of Cathedral Cove, where white-sand beaches await.
Days 3-4 Rotorua
Hike the lush Karangahake Gorge, crossing suspension bridges and walking through an old gold-mining tunnel before enjoying a swim in the Waitewheta River Kayak on tranquil Lake Rotoiti and then take a dip in thermal lakeside hot springs Adults bike along the beautiful (and hilly) north shore of Lake Rotorua Visit the Agrodome for a farm tour that offers the chance to feed sheep and see sheepshearing in action Ever bounced downhill inside a giant plastic ball? Now’s your chance to give the Kiwi-created Zorb a try.
Days 5-7 Taupo
Pedal along rolling pastures of Kiwi farmland to Waikite Hot Pools, perfect for a dip At Wai-o-Tapu, walk past geysers, hot springs, colorful silica terraces and percolating mud pots Tame the Tongariro River on a Class III rafting trip Enjoy a walk to Huka Falls Feeling fearless? Try a bungee jump over the Waikato River.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I purchased this New Zealand trip last Christmas for my family. We have touted this trip for one year as our "family vacation of a lifetime," as my son is 18 and will be leaving for college next year. We couldn't have been more pleased or had a better time. The trip leaders were awesome, and we met some great families and friends. Thanks for making this such a great family vacation!- Draper, UT More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For multisport tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
New Zealand Family Multisport
KIWI-STYLE COMFORTS: Premiere Inns
Puka Park Resort
Pauanui (2 nights) Settle into your private chalet nestled in the rain forest at this secluded wilderness retreat.
Duxton Hotel
Rotorua (2 nights) Lovely accommodations set right on Lake Rotoiti, with spa pools, heated swimming pool, tennis courts, on-site spa treatments and spacious guest rooms.
Millennium Hotel
Taupo (2 nights) Enjoy beautiful views of Lake Taupo from this waterfront hotel, with a pool, two restaurants and spacious luxurious rooms.
New Zealand Family Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 8, 13, 20 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2, 6 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Kayaking 3 hours
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Optional Biking 14, 28 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Farm Tour and Sheep Shearing Demonstration
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 16, 21, 39 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Rafting 4 hours
Day 7
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 2.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Bungy Jumping
On this Family Trip, our routes follow rolling terrain. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities.