Family Epic in Nouvelle-Zélande

You pick up your rental car directly in downtown Auckland before heading towards the Coromandel Peninsula. This natural haven unveils a subtle blend of lush forests, spectacular coastlines and white sand beaches.

A first stop is a must in the village of Thames, then you drive along the coastal road lined with pohutukawa, native trees with magnificent red flowers that bloom at Christmas. You then pass through the charming village of Coromandel, a former stronghold of gold seekers on the west coast.

Your adventure for the day begins with an enchanting journey on a small train through the Kauri forest. For 1 hour 45 minutes, this family-friendly route takes you across ten bridges and three tunnels, while offering spectacular views in the heart of a native forest in full regeneration.

As an option, a pottery class can complement this unique experience.

You continue your journey by crossing the peninsula to reach Whitianga, the main town of Mercury Bay. Its main street runs along the sea and offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for beginning your two-night stay.

Depart from Whitianga towards Waihi, where you can admire the impressive open-pit gold mine from a viewing point.

Then head to Matamata for a magical stop: a visit to the Hobbit village (included). The only preserved film set from Peter Jackson's movies, Hobbiton is a must-visit for all fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Both children and adults will be enchanted by this immersion into Tolkien's universe.

You will then continue towards Rotorua, capital of Maori culture and major center of thermal activity in Nouvelle-Zélande. The city charms with its lake and multiple activities. Discover it on foot, from the waterfront to the elegant Government Gardens, or dive into history by visiting the Ohinemutu Maori village. For a nature break, opt for a rejuvenating walk in the heart of the majestic redwood forest.

Start this colorful day by discovering Orakei Korako, one of the most beautiful geothermal sites in Nouvelle-Zélande. Between boiling springs, mineral terraces and geysers, you take a walk through a spectacular natural setting with amazing hues.

Continue your journey to the Huka Falls, impressive in their power, before arriving at the Lake Taupo, the largest in the country. Its blue waters and grandiose landscapes make it an unmissable stop.

Along the lake, you then reach the Tongariro National Park, the oldest national park in Nouvelle-Zélande and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This emblematic volcanic site offers a wide choice of walks, from accessible strolls to more challenging hikes. The most adventurous can try the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the country. Whatever walk you choose, the raw beauty of these volcanic landscapes will not fail to amaze you.

Before leaving the Tongariro National Park, enjoy one last walk through spectacular volcanic landscapes. You can for example choose the Taranaki Falls hike (2 hours) or the Silica Rapids one (2 hours 30 minutes), both offering exceptional panoramas.

Then, head south. After crossing the desert lands around the volcanoes, the scenery gradually changes: lush landscapes reappear, until the Kapiti Coast, before reaching the southern tip of the North Island.

Your day's stop ends in Wellington, the world's southernmost capital and a true cultural hub of Nouvelle-Zélande. You will spend two nights there to explore its vibrant atmosphere and its many attractions.

In the morning, you board the ferry for a memorable crossing of the Cook Strait. The journey offers splendid views of the Marlborough Sounds, a maze of lush fjords, before docking in the charming small port of Picton.

You then continue your journey along the scenic route that runs alongside the Sounds to Havelock, known as the capital of the green mussel of Nouvelle-Zélande. The route is punctuated by numerous viewpoints and photo stops, perfect for capturing the beauty of the landscapes.

Finally, you cross one of the country's main forest regions before reaching Nelson, a sunny and welcoming destination on the South Island.

From Nelson, set out to discover the Abel Tasman National Park, located just 45 minutes' drive away. A true jewel of the South Island with its 22,500 hectares, it is famous for the Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of the most renowned hiking trails in Nouvelle-Zélande. You will discover golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, rivers bordered by dense vegetation and the opportunity to observe seals. The park can be visited on foot, by kayak or by sailing boat, for an unforgettable experience.

If you choose to stay in Nelson, there is no shortage of activities. Just 15 minutes from the city centre, Cable Bay Adventure Park offers a wide range of outdoor adventures suited to all: the giant Skywire zipline (one of the longest in the world), climbing wall, quad biking, paintball… Something to delight the whole family.

For a more peaceful alternative, head to Rabbit Island, 20 minutes drive away. With its 13 km of wild beach, the island is particularly pleasant to explore by bike and invites you to take a break in nature away from the hustle and bustle.

Today, heading to the West Coast, wild and turbulent. The route first takes you through the Buller Gorges, before a stop at Tauranga Bay, where you can observe a colony of seals in their natural habitat.

Between Westport and Punakaiki, stop at Underworld Adventures for an extraordinary experience. Explore impressive cave formations, admire a sparkling galaxy of glowworms or, for the more daring, try underground rafting, before descending the rapids of the Nile River on a tube.

Your day continues to Punakaiki, famous for its surprising rock formations shaped like stacked pancakes: the Pancake Rocks. An easy 20-minute walk takes you closest to these geological wonders. At high tide, when the ocean rages, water rushes into the cavities and shoots out in impressive spray columns: the famous blowholes. A fascinating natural spectacle that will delight children… and makes an excellent real-world physics lesson!

Head towards Greymouth, the largest city on the West Coast. Take the opportunity to make a detour to Shantytown, a reconstructed gold diggers' village. The whole family will enjoy the pioneering atmosphere in a setting worthy of a western.

Continuing on the road, you travel through Reefton, known for being the first town in the southern hemisphere to be electrified in 1888. Then, crossing the Lewis Pass, you enter the Canterbury province.

Your day's stop ends at Hanmer Springs, a charming village located at 385 meters altitude and renowned for its thermal springs. Its aquatic complex includes 12 pools as well as water slides (included, with options depending on children's ages), perfect for a relaxing family break.

Besides the baths, a vast wooded park allows you to practice hiking or mountain biking (rental available), with a special bonus for children: searching for fairy houses hidden in nature.

To extend the adventures, Hanmer Springs offers even more activities: mini-golf, farm visits, horse riding, jetboat, bungee jumping or quad biking. Something to delight everyone!

You leave the mountainous landscape to discover the Pacific shores. As you travel along the coast, keep your eyes open: sea lions often rest on the rocks to the right, while dolphins can sometimes be spotted offshore.

Your destination is Kaikōura, a small town with unique charm, nestled between sea and mountains. It is world-renowned for its underwater canyon, which attracts sperm whales in particular and a multitude of seabirds. The Kaikoura Peninsula is also a privileged location for observing sea lion colonies.

The name Kaikōura literally means "meal of crayfish" in Māori. Take advantage of your visit to savour freshly caught seafood. Several small caravans set up by the seaside offer grilled crayfish, while children can enjoy a classic and delicious fish & chips.

Your itinerary takes you through the vast plains of Canterbury, dotted with vineyards, then skirts around Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. You then reach the Banks Peninsula, formed by two ancient extinct volcanoes.

Nestled in the heart of a crater, Akaroa captivates with its picturesque harbour and French heritage, inherited from the arrival of settlers in 1840. Its colonial architecture, its small Maori church of Onuku and its museum testify to this rich history. The peninsula also offers numerous easy walks and hikes to enjoy its unique landscapes.

For an unforgettable experience, embark on a cruise in Akaroa Bay – by boat, kayak or even paddleboard – to observe the rare Hector's dolphins, as well as penguins and fur seals.

Children, meanwhile, will be delighted to visit The Giants House, a historic residence surrounded by a garden of whimsical sculptures. Animals, characters and colorful abstract forms create a magical and playful atmosphere.

Late morning, you rejoin the center of Akaroa before heading back on the road to Christchurch, the final stage of your Nouvelle-Zélande journey.

Nicknamed the "Garden City", Christchurch captivates with its numerous green spaces and its modern, pleasant and dynamic city center.

For this final day, several options are available to you:

- Explore the center by tourist tram or in waka, the traditional Maori canoe.

- Let the children have fun at the must-visit Margaret Mahy playground, one of the largest in Nouvelle-Zélande.

- Stroll along Regent Street and enjoy an artisanal ice cream at Rollickin Gelato, reputed to be the best ice cream parlor in the city.

If you have a vehicle, extend your visit with:

- The beach areas of Sumner and New Brighton, perfect for a stroll along the esplanade.

- Lyttelton, a lively and bohemian port, as well as charming nearby bays such as Cass Bay or Corsair Bay.

- The cable car ride (gondola) to enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over Banks Peninsula.

Whatever option you choose, this final day in Nouvelle-Zélande will mark the end of a stay rich in discoveries and emotions.