NZ North Island Adventure

New Zealand is safe, incredibly beautiful, and packed full of fun—but you know what would make a Kiwi adventure even more exciting for kids? Traveling with other kids!

Join us on an adventure to some of NZ’s most incredible places. We’ll explore glowworm caves, enjoy a traditional Māori feast, bathe in bubbling mud pools, and paddle through bioluminescent waters at night.

This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to experience a different culture and share an unforgettable adventure with new friends.

Make friends. Make memories.
But do it your own way, at your own pace.

  • Our trips offer all the freedom and flexibility of solo travel, without the worry.

    Explore on your own terms, knowing our trip leaders are always nearby to offer support.

  • Kids love traveling together, and parents can relax, knowing they’re happily entertained.

    With new friends to share the fun, every activity becomes an adventure.

  • Connect with other families when you’re ready and recharge whenever it feels right.

    It’s the perfect balance of friendship and personal space for kids and parents.

  • Our trips are designed around flexibility - light on schedules, big on options.

    You choose the activities that suit your family's budget, interests and need for downtime.

Trip details

  • Secure your spot now with a deposit of just $300 per person. The balance is due on 23 November 2024.

    The price is $2330 for adults and $1995 for kids aged 5-17. Kids aged 4 and under are free.

  • The ticket price includes accommodation for six nights, airport transfers, return transport between Auckland and Rotorua, a tour of the glowworm caves at Waitomo and a night kayak tour to see the bioluminescence. It also includes a cultural experience, tour and traditional dinner at the Maori Village in Rotorua,

    You will also get access to a private Facebook group just for people who are going on the trip, so we can all get to know each other a little bit before we go and keep in touch while we are there.

    You’ll travel with a group of families and a co-ordinator, who will make sure everything runs smoothly and all of the kids have lots of opportunities to bond and make friends. The co-ordinator will also let you know what tours and sights are available in each area and will suggest activities for the group to do together.

    Flights are not included, but please contact us if you would like a quote that includes airfares.

  • This trip will run from 23 February - 1 March, 2025.

  • If you have kids in your life and you’re keen to make amazing memories and show them the world - this is for you. Most of the people who join our trips are homeschoolers, but families with school kids are very welcome too.

    Kids have more fun when they travel together and parents get to relax instead of entertaining them.

    Our trips are not the usual group tours. Everything is built around giving kids an opportunity to make friends, have amazing educational experiences and travel at their own pace. You’ll have all the support you need and your kids will have friends to keep them engaged, so you won’t need to worry about entertaining them and can have a more relaxing, less stressful travel experience.

    The day-to-day experience of our trips is also very different. We set up a private group chat to talk about options and get to know each other before we go. It’s also a great place to suggest activities while we’re on the trip and it’s perfect for a quick shout out to the group if you’re heading out dinner and want some company.

  • As with all of our trips, you’re welcome to join in as much or as little as you like. It’s totally up to you. Everything is very flexible. We understand that some people love to be constantly on the go and surrounded by friends, and others need time to themselves and rest days to recharge.

    We just want everyone to have an amazing holiday, feel comfortable and have a memorable experience safe in the knowledge that they’re not alone if they need support.

FAQs

  • Australian citizens need a passport that is valid for at least one month after departure from NZ.

    Australian citizens also need to request an Electronic Travel Authority before leaving Australia. It’s a very simple process that costs NZ$17. It can take up to 72 hours for your approval to come through, so we will remind you to do it the week before we leave. We’re very happy to help if you’re a bit intimidated by it.

  • The weather should be perfect! The average high in February is 24 degrees and the average low is 16 degrees.

    January, February and March are the driest months of the year.

  • One New Zealand dollar is worth 93 Australian cents, so prices are a little bit cheaper in NZ.

    A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $24 and a 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $56.

    A Coke costs $3.60, a bottle of water costs $3.20 and a loaf of bread costs $2.73.

    All of these prices are in Australian dollars.

  • Much like Australia, tipping is neither expected or required.

  • NZ uses the same plugs as Australia, so there is no need for a travel adapter.

  • Contactless payments are very widely accepted in NZ and most places take debit or credit cards.

Day 1: Auckland

We’ll pick you up from Auckland Airport on day 1 and take you to our first hotel. It’s right in the centre of the CBD, so there are plenty of options nearby for food and souvenirs.

We don’t have any activities planned for the first day, so you’ll have time to settle in and recover from the flight.

Day 2: Auckland

You’ll have a chance to look around Auckland on day two. There’s lots to do, like a trip to the top of the Sky Tower, a tour in a hand-propelled rail cart, a jet boat ride or a day at Snowplanet.

After dark we’ll head to the beach for some night kayaking. We’ll look for bioluminescent plankton sparkling in the ocean. You can even put your hand in the water and the sparkles will latch on to your hand, or splash to see the bright blue light.

Very few people get to see this natural phenomenon in person - it’s going to be a magical start to a really fun trip and a great bonding experience for the kids.

Day 3: Rotorua

On day three we’ll jump on a private charter bus and head to our next destination: Rotorua.

Along the way we’ll stop at one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions - the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It’s such a magical place - you won’t believe how many glowing lights there are.

We’ll take a boat ride through the glowworm grotto, where thousands of magical glowworms put on a sparkling light display. We’ll learn about the cave’s history and hear stories about its importance to the Maori people.

After the cave tour we’ll grab some lunch and make a quick stop at the Kiwi conservation park, to see some of NZ’s most famous birds.

Day 4: Rotorua

We haven’t booked any group activities for day four, so it’s perfect if your kids need a rest.

There are all kinds of adventures to be had in Rotorua. Things like a tour in a WW2 amphibious vehicle, bungy jumping, white water rafting, ziplining through a prehistoric forest, luge, riding the world’s only pedal-powered monorail or thrill seeking in a jetboat.

If adrenaline isn’t your thing, you can check out the spectacular volcanic valley, learn about the area’s Maori history, go for a ride in a gondola or relax in a therapeutic bubbling mud bath.

Day 5: Rotorua

We have a very special activity planned for the evening of day five - we’ll visit the Mitai Maori Village, where we’ll learn about Maori culture and the history of the area. We’ll enjoy a meal together that’s been cooked in a traditional hangi earth-oven. We’ll take a guided tour of the forest with the area’s traditional owners and learn about their weapons, games and customs.

If you’re looking for something to do during the day, the Hobbiton set from the Lord of The Rings movies is only an hour away and there are multiple tours running throughout the day.

Day 6: Rotorua

Day six is our last day in Rotorua, before we start the journey home. It’s a great change to squeeze in a couple of last-minute activities, like the tree-top walk, or get some rest while the kids hang out with their new friends.

Day 7: Auckland

It’s time to head home on day seven. Our private charter bus will pick us up at the hotel at 10am and drive us back to Auckland. It can either drop you at the airport, or at a hotel if you’re spending an extra night or two in the city.


The journey takes about three hours, so if you’re planning to fly home on day seven we wouldn’t recommend booking a flight that leaves earlier than about 3pm.

Here’s what people are saying

  • We are just rolling back into Adelaide after the most incredible two week trip to Uluru with Bold Gorilla. What an adventure!

    We were travelling just in our swags with temps hitting 0 degrees several nights and whilst we were prepared, Brook and Brenda checked in each day to see if we were warm enough, supplying us with extra blankets for the frostiest of nights.

    We were supplied with devices to help us connect in remote areas if we ran into any trouble and the BG team were always at the back of the convoy, looking out for everyone.

    It was the perfect balance of planned activities versus free time and free play for the kids. Of our own freedom, as well as connection whenever we wanted it.

    All the families on our trip were absolute legends. We met amazing characters in each town, some lovely, some cranky, some hilarious and all making up the colourful chapter that this trip will be in our family's story forevermore.

    Highlights for us were - the cuttlefish, campfires, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Tom's Mine and the great crew.

    We are absolutely buzzing. Huge thanks to the BG team for creating such a wonderful opportunity for us as a family to be together in this way.

    Lissie T

  • My daughters (9 and 7) and I recently returned from the Uluru convoy.

    The trip far exceeded my expectations on every level - the organisers, the people, the itinerary, the planned activities and the pre trip planning.

    Brooke the business owner picked the most wonderful itinerary and group activities clearly based on her experience as a parent, her love of travel and adventure and the relationships she has built with business owners over the years.

    My girls loved every minute of the convoy and shined each day as they absorbed the beautiful scenery, chatted and played with their new friends and learnt so so many new things.

    The frequency and type of activities that Brooke arranged for the group were perfect including attending a kangaroo sanctuary and touring a live opal mine.

    All activities were optional and you could dip in and out of the group as you wished but always knew you were in the competent and kind hands of Brooke and James which I found incredibly reassuring as a sole parent travelling with two children.

    As a result of this exceptional experience, and Brooke and her team, my girls and I have found a new love for travel and adventure. Thank you so much Bold Gorilla. We are now planning our next trip with you. It was a life changer for us!

    Nicola C

  • I’ve never seen my son be so social! He took a couple of days to come out of his shell, but after that we couldn’t pry him away from his new friends. He is usually too anxious to talk to anyone or make friends. It was great for his confidence and I can’t wait to take him on another trip.

    Juliet F

  • This is our 2nd time travelling with Bold Gorilla. We recently travelled with Bold Gorilla on the Uluru convoy and had the most amazing time.

    We went from swimming with giant cuttlefish, noodling for opals, to seeing the beauty of Uluru all in one big adventure.

    It was so nice to experience the trip as a group and Brook and Brenda went out of their way to ensure we were looked after. Not only did they pack extra camping chairs and mattresses for us upon hearing that our car was full to the brim, Brook also lent us her hot water bottles and other supplies that we hadn't thought to bring.

    Would definitely recommend travelling with Bold Gorilla and can't wait for our next adventure.

    Laura C

  • The Uluru trip offered by Brook and her team exceeded our expectations. Brook and Brenda looked after the group ensuring our need for information and support were provided with a smile and care.

    The trip was well planned. Safety was provided by the support trucks and all families had a communication device.

    Nothing was too much for the team.

    We all enjoyed the group campfires and the opportunity to connect with other families.

    Really recommend these tours - not too much structure but just right for a relaxing journey through remote parts of SA and NT.

    Jacqui H

  • The trip was amazing and everyone made us all feel welcome and helped me out with both my son and his assistance dog when I was struggling with my knee injury.

    Just be aware with injuries it may be a little difficult to get out of barge and back on at the island as had to climb over side. But everyone was willing to help me and our dog off.

    Bel C

  • Thanks for the memories my family & I take away from our experience on the Uluru convoy which has left us feeling so grateful to Brook, Brenda & the team, who were absolutely amazing, they all went above and beyond to do their absolute best to ensure things went as smoothly as possible for everyone, sometimes in trying circumstances beyond their control in a large group....

    I can't recommend dealing with this company highly enough & will most definitely seek to join them on future adventures & will happily recommend them to others.

    Belinda R

  • My family have enjoyed three trips with Bold Gorilla: two within Australia and one overseas. All three were wonderful experiences.

    Bold Gorilla trips strike a great balance between structure and flexibility. Even though you are travelling with the support and companionship of a group you don't have the pressure and stress that is often a part of group travel.

    Jennifer R

  • Amazing experiences organised, I am blown away with the quality of them.

    Louise C

  • The experience with Bold Gorilla was awesome.

    My son and I travelled to Japan with them, my son made some great friends and we had such a good experience. It was so good to have the experience of the tour organiser to guide us on all things Japanese - how to catch PT, where to eat, activities to do etc.

    Have already booked my next two trips with them.

    Note- while you're with a group, it's still very self-directed and free meaning you can make the trip your own, while being in the safety of the group.

    Shashi H

  • Uluru convoy was brilliant. Brooke & James could not have been more helpful. We felt safe & supported & had an awesome time.

    Tracey M

  • This is our second trip to Private Island with Bold Gorilla and it won't be the last :-) Although the trips are unstructured, pesky logistical details were taken care of before I could even think about them myself. Myself and my son had a ball, felt secure and part of a special group of travelers that just click together. I recommend Bold Gorilla to anyone who will listen. Great memories and great learning opportunities for my homeschooler.

    Ivana O