New Zealand Family Multisport
Family Fun on the North Island
Kiwis know how to have fun. Serious fun. Bigger than life is normal. Climbing inside a huge inflated ball with a splash of water and rolling down a hill. Attaching a long elastic cord to your feet and diving off a bridge. Hiking, biking and boating are supercharged in New Zealand. Giant tree ferns, percolating mud pots, striking gorges, dramatic coastline and hidden swimming holes-normal. Come to this living, breathing, wild landscape and join in the fun.
- 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)
- Kids 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 Stroll with our Kiwi guide past giant tree ferns and hanging vines to a hidden pool in the Broken Hills wilderness 
Pedal to Hahei and hike to Cathedral Cove, a little piece of heaven on earth with a white-sand beach, sculpted sandstone monoliths and gentle crystalline waters.
Day 3 Experience traditional Maori customs and foods at a marae (ceremonial meeting place) Hike the lush Karangahake Gorge, venturing across suspension bridges and investigating an old gold-mining tunnel before cooling off in the Waitawheta River.
Days 4-5 Kids try the exhilarating and uniquely Kiwi sport of Zorbing Kayak on Lake Rotoiti to a small hot spring accessible only by boat Along the way, explore quiet inlets and spot a variety of native birds Ever fed an emu or watched sheepshearers in action? Never say never!
Days 5-7 Tame the Tongariro River on a Class III rafting trip Pedal through rolling pastures of Kiwi farmland and along the white cliffs of the Paeroa Range to Waikite Hot Pools, perfect for a dip Watch your step - geysers, thermal springs, colorful silica terraces and percolating mud pots abound at Wai-o-Tapu Stroll to impressive Huka Falls Feeling fearless? Try a bungee jump over the Waikato River.
Adult Route Rating What's this?
- 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 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. 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
Premiere Inns
Puka Park Resort
Pauanui (2 nights) Settle into your private chalet at this secluded wilderness retreat nestled among 25 acres of New Zealand bush.
Duxton Hotel
Rotorua (2 nights) A lovely getaway on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. (pool, tennis)
Millennium Hotel
Taupo (2 nights) A haven on Lake Taupo with waterfront guest rooms. (pool, spa, tennis)
New Zealand Family Multisport
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Kid-Friendly Routes
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3 miles
- 45 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 12 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 2.2 miles
- 350 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.2, 4.7 miles
- 0 - 900 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 1 Route Option Available
- Kayaking 3 hours
- Kids Zorb Adventure 1 hour
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 21 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3
- Rafting 4 hours
- Walking 2 miles
Day 7
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 2.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Bungee Jumping