My kids are teenagers — enter hormones, attitude and the stark realisation that our time for family holidays is ticking away. This year, I let them plan our entire adventure. Here’s how it played out, writes Rebecca Foreman

Without hesitation, Ollie and Zara chose Aotearoa New Zealand — just a three-hour flight from Sydney, with its outdoorsy appeal and ties to our favourite movie, Hunt for the Wilder people. It ticked all their boxes and flight budget. After proving their planning skills on the Great Ocean Road campervan trip, they eagerly took charge, mapping out our days from Christchurch to Auckland in a shared Google Doc. I simply booked what they filled in.

READ MORE: What’s it like to travel the world with kids?

Day one - Saturday

Having arrived in Christchurch, we picked up our spacious 6-berth Star RV campervan and stocked up — filling every cupboard to fuel Ollie’s 16-year-old bottomless stomach. With Picton as our sunset goal, we hit the road for the five-hour journey north.

The landscape unfolded like the Southern Hemisphere’s Swiss Alps — beehives, wineries, cows, sheep and fallow deer flanked us as we weaved between pine walls and train tracks. At Cheviot, a hawk locked eyes with me in a surreal moment, and as we hit the coast, cliffs, tight tunnels, and kelp-covered volcanic shores gave way to turquoise waters so vivid they kept my eyes glued to the view.

A quick lunch stop at Raramai, Peketa, near a Māori totem and a sunbathing seal, set us back on track. Passing Blenheim, we reached Tasman Holiday Park in Picton, chosen for its ferry terminal proximity. Zara whipped up a TikTok-inspired chicken schnitzel before we turned in early, reeling from the wildlife and breathtaking views encountered on our first day.

A breathtaking scenery and a good trout fishing spot found by the South Island Hurunui River. Photo / Rebecca Foreman 

Day two - Sunday

We packed up the Star RV early and boarded the ferry by 6.45am. Crossing the Cook Strait, serene islands and narrow passages unfolded, the glassy waters reflecting the stunning landscape. On clear days, the jagged Kaikōura Ranges and lush Marlborough Sounds are visible. The Cook Strait is more than a passage — it’s a raw, untamed New Zealand experience.

The Cook Strait Crossing boasts shores lined with steep cliffs and treacherous currents. Photo / Rebecca Foreman 

Determined to cover 370km to Lake Taupō by sunset, we stopped for a hearty pub lunch at Long Beach Tavern in Waikanae. Small towns along the way tempted us with fresh icecream—no wonder Kiwis consume on average up to 22 litres per year.

Approaching the Desert Road, the scenery transformed. Snow-capped Mount Ruapehu loomed in the distance and I couldn’t resist pulling over to capture the RV against the epic backdrop, recalling Hunt for the Wilder people’s famous campervan scene.

Arriving at Lake Taupō Holiday Resort felt like entering a fun park: heated pool, swim-up bar, outdoor cinema, waterpark, jumping pillow, and go-karts. The kids took charge of dinner — Ollie grilled burgers and lamb chops while Zara roasted veges in the RV oven.

Van life on the Desert Road comes with the best landscapes and available pit stops. Photo / Rebecca Foreman 

Day three - Monday

Hello, Lake Taupō, and all its charm. We packed up the campervan and cruised into town, greeted by the buzz of people gearing up for an international triathlon event. After a wholesome lunch at the bustling Replete Café, we tackled the first of Zara’s must-do activities — Huka Falls Jet. A thrilling 30-minute jet boat ride on Waikato River, NZ’s longest, had us skimming past the Aratiatia Dam, Wairakei Power Station, and thunderous Huka Falls. The roar of the twin V8 engines, burnout spins, and sprays of water were enough to satisfy our adrenaline-hungry teen for the day.

With dinner provisions sorted, we checked into our Classic bach in Rainbow Point, which James pre-arranged for van respite, perched serenely on the edge of Lake Taupō. NZ steaks, roasted veges, and a roaring fire were the perfect antidote to the day’s excitement. Surrounded by mature gardens and complete tranquillity, the bach felt like the kind of place I’d like to return to in winter to finish writing my book — serene, peaceful and quietly inspiring.

Perfect destination for a quick respite, Classic Bach offers lovely garden views and excellent accommodation. Photo / Rebecca Foreman 

Day four - Tuesday

Up early and out on to Lake Taupō for Zara’s chosen activity. She initially pitched skydiving, but settled on Lake Taupō Parasailing. The sky was clear as our driver took us 800m up, revealing 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains and the entire lake. Adrenaline rushing, floating in the air, I told Zara, “This is amazing — thank you for choosing this!”

Next stop: Waitomo Caves for Ollie’s 3.5-hour labyrinth tour — his top pick from day one. James bowed out due to his aversion to dark caves, but our guides’ humour and relaxed energy put the rest of us at ease. We descended 80m into intricate caves, tubing through waterfalls, swirling pools, and under stalactites to witness thousands of glow worms—a scene reminiscent of the Milky Way. Wild.

The legendary Blackwater Rafting Co.'s labyrinth tour of Waitomo Caves. Photo / Rebecca Foreman 

That night, we stayed at the idyllic Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park, complete with a playground, pool, trampoline, and animal farm selling fresh eggs. Relaxing in the onsite spa pool, Zara mused, “People here are so chill — life seems simpler.

“Perhaps we complicate our lives for meaning,” I offered.

“Totally,” she replied.

The Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park features worldclass amenities and a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Photo / Rebecca Foreman 

Day five - Wednesday

The next day, we drove to Cambridge. “These roads remind me of Limoges, France, but hillier,” said James. We couldn’t help but comment daily on the beauty of the landscape — it felt like drifting through a green wonderland. Nature dotted the vistas: mallards and black swans gliding on serene lakes, tui birds calling in harmony, a stoic Māori pouwhenua statue reminding us of the land’s history.

After a quick stroll along the Waikato River, we visited the permanent movie set of Hobbiton. The car park bursting with 2500 daily visitors during peak season. The tour is a must-see for Lord of the Rings fans and while Ollie was fascinated, Zara had no idea where we were or what was happening — but enjoyed it also.

The gardens, upkeep, and intricate details inside the Hobbit homes were impressive, expertly guided by Hayley, who shared countless facts. After a drink at The Green Dragon Inn, we headed to our accommodation at Top 10 Cambridge, where we were lucky to book one of their new two-bedroom fully-equipped cabins, where Zara made a delicious spaghetti bolognese for dinner.

At the famous Hobbiton movie set, renowned by Lord of the Rings fans and nonfans alike.

Day six - Thursday

This was Zara’s day to plan, but she’d arranged absolutely nothing—no activities, no accommodation—fully embracing her “YOLO” (you only live once) philosophy, or “skux life” as Ricky Baker would say. It shook my parental instincts, but I went along with it.

Over breakfast, inspired by the Māori culture surrounding us all week, we decided to explore Whakarewarewa Village in Rotorua. Home to the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, they’ve shared their traditions for more than 200 years. A powerful cultural performance and insightful tour showcased how geothermal wonders are used for cooking, bathing and heating.

Baths powered by geothermal energy at Whakarewarewa Village, a longstanding cultural treasure. Photo / Rebecca Foreman 

With no plans, we chatted with a guide who recommended Papamoa Beach. An hour later, we arrived at Tasman Papamoa Beach Holiday Park, lucking into a powered site backing on to the ocean. I jumped into the sea while James and Ollie returned with fish and chips for dinner. Skux life indeed!

Day seven - Friday

Our last day in the Star RV—after a swim we cleaned it out and enjoyed a serene coffee overlooking Papamoa Beach—the perfect way to start the day. From there, we headed to Mount Maunganui, where a rewarding hike took us to breathtaking views of the beach and nearby islands. A friend from the UK messaged me, “Can you feel the energy of NZ?” Absolutely — standing up there, overlooking the vast, stunning landscape, I felt it in my bones.

For our final night, we checked into The Hotel Britomart, Auckland’s first 5 Green Star hotel — smart, soulful, and sustainably crafted, with 95% of materials being recyclable. Its calm, neutral tones, textural design, and stylish nooks span 11 floors of accommodation. After a luxuriously deep sleep in a super-comfy bed, enhanced by blackout electric curtains, we were recharged and ready for Ollie’s final adventure— eagerly anticipated by us all.

Hotel Britomart is Auckland's first 5 Green Star hotel that offers a sustainable and environment-conscious accommodation in the city. Photo / Rebecca Foreman 

Final day

Our final stop was the 90-minute All Blacks Experience. Sitting in a replica Eden Park locker room, the tour culminated with a face-to-face encounter with digital All Blacks and Black Ferns performing the haka. The multi-sensory experience was electric — I swear the floor vibrated. I was struck by the unity and Māori values that define this nation: connection to land, ancestors and community.

Over breakfast, Ollie and Zara reflected on the journey. Expecting something like Australia, they were thrilled to find New Zealand entirely unique. “We’re coming back,” they declared. At the airport, Zara showed me a TikTok of Queenstown’s giant swing. “Mum, maybe for Dad’s 50th?” I smiled, already plotting, knowing the region’s epic cycling routes.

As the hum of the Star RV faded into memory, I held on to the people we met, breathtaking landscapes, and outdoor adventures led by my own kids. Thank you, New Zealand — so familiar, yet unlike anywhere else — etched itself into our hearts forever.

The beauty of New Zealand's landscapes and culture is amazing but seeing it with my family makes this trip extra memorable. Photo / Rebecca Foreman

Getting to Christchurch from Sydney:

Direct flights are available with airlines such as Qantas, Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia.

Arrival in Christchurch:

After landing at Christchurch Airport, follow signs for immigration, baggage claim, and customs. Once through, head to the shuttle pick-up area for JUCY or Star RV campervan rentals. The shuttle will take you to the depot for check-in, vehicle orientation, and final paperwork before you hit the road.