New Zealand Family Multisport
- 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
An Adventurer's Playground 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.
Days 1-2 Stroll with our Kiwi guide past giant tree ferns and hanging vines to a hidden pool in the Broken Hills wilderness 
Can you believe this forest has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years? 
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 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.
Day 4 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 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 At Huka Falls, witness the Waikato River as it enters a narrow rock channel and emerges in a spectacular display of foam and spray Feeling fearless? Try a bungee jump over the river.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
To celebrate my 50th birthday, I waited for two years to save enough money to take this trip and it was worth it!!! It was an incredible experience for our family. I thank you Backroads! It was the first time in years that my husband engaged in all the activities and actually relaxed. It was a trip of a lifetime and we loved every minute. I must credit all three guides for making our trip so meaningful and special. Everything they did was put forward with passion and love of life. They worked really hard but never showed it. Instead they shared their joy and kind spirit. And their enthusiasm for what they do was contagious. We all enjoyed their energy and good fun. Thanks again for an incredible 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
I had an absolute blast. I thought the variety of activities were great and the leaders were fun and interactive. Bungee jumping was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I would redo the trip in an instant!- Saint Louis, MO
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. (pool, spa, tennis)
Amora Lake Resort
Rotorua (2 nights) A lovely getaway on the shore of Lake Rotoiti. (pool, tennis)
Millennium Hotel
Taupo (2 nights) A haven on Lake Taupo with waterfront guest rooms. (pool, tennis)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
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
- 50 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
- Kayaking 3 hours
- Zorbing (Kids) 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
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Rafting 4 hours
Day 7
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 2.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Bungee Jumping
More Recommended Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the New Zealand tour experts. See our award-winning Asia & the Pacific multisport tours, Asia & the Pacific biking tours and Asia & the Pacific walking and hiking tours.
