Patel and Solanki Families New Zealand Group Trip Review with Thrillophilia
The Patels and the Solankis had travelled together many times within India, but planning an international holiday for eight people always felt overwhelming. Still, the idea of visiting New Zealand kept coming back into their conversations. Both families wanted a destination that offered scenic drives, quiet towns, and engaging activities for both adults and children.
The Patel family included Rohan, his wife Minal, and their teenage daughter Tara. The Solanki family consisted of Karan, his wife Neha, their parents, and their energetic ten year old son, Vihaan. After a few weeks of research, they discovered Thrillophilia’s New Zealand packages. The itineraries were detailed and the team helped them choose a plan that suited their mixed age group. With that final confirmation email, excitement took over. Eight passports, one long journey, and a shared sense of adventure were finally coming together.
Auckland and the First Taste of New Zealand
Auckland greeted them with fresh air and a smooth arrival process. Their hotel was centrally located which made it easy for the group to settle down. That evening, they all took a relaxed stroll around the Waterfront. The children were drawn to the boats while the adults enjoyed the calm vibe of the city. They had dinner at a lively place where Tara and Vihaan tried fish and chips for the first time in their lives.
The next morning, the group visited Sky Tower. From the top, they watched the city stretch out below them. Neha pointed out the harbour to her parents while Rohan clicked photos of the children trying to spot distant buildings. It was a simple start to the trip but it helped everyone ease into the journey.
Rotorua and the Smell of Adventure
Their road trip began on day three. Two rental vehicles were arranged, and Karan and Rohan took turns driving. The open highways felt comfortable and the landscapes around them kept changing. By the time they reached Rotorua, the children had already filled their phones with photos of fields, sheep, and winding roads.
Rotorua’s geothermal attractions made the group feel like they had entered a different world. At the geothermal valley, bubbling mud pools and clouds of steam fascinated everyone. Vihaan kept asking how the earth could boil water on its own. The elders found the hot springs relaxing and Tara clicked photos of every colourful pool at Wai O Tapu.
In the evening, the group enjoyed a cultural performance which became a shared highlight. Watching the haka together was a moment they all enjoyed and tried to imitate later in the hotel lobby.
Fun, Thrills and Gentle Moments
The next day was spent enjoying the Skyline Rotorua gondola and luge rides. This became the liveliest part of the trip so far. Rohan and Tara challenged each other for the fastest ride while Karan helped his father navigate the luge track slowly but steadily. There was laughter at every turn and even the grandparents enjoyed being part of the thrill.
Later, they visited a lakeside café where the children played by the shore while the adults rested. It was a simple afternoon but one that reminded them why group travel always felt special. There was always someone to talk to, someone to share a laugh with, and someone to take photos of the little moments.
Lake Taupo and a Relaxing Day
From Rotorua, they continued toward Lake Taupo. The lake looked enormous and peaceful. The group spread out along the lakeside walkway. Tara sat quietly sketching the view, while Vihaan ran around trying to skip stones across the water. The elders enjoyed watching the strong water flow at Huka Falls and laughed together when the mist blew towards them.
They ended the day with a warm dinner at a family restaurant. The conversation revolved around the road trip, the beauty of the lake, and how smoothly the journey had been going so far.
Queenstown and the Charm of the South Island
The South Island felt completely different. Their flight to Queenstown offered spectacular mountain views that made even the quietest members of the group speak up. The airport itself was surrounded by tall peaks and sparkling waters which immediately impressed everyone.
Queenstown kept them busy in the best way. Their lake cruise on Lake Wakatipu was peaceful, and the grandparents enjoyed the calm pace. The children were excited to watch the birds fly close to the water, and the adults enjoyed the shifting colours of the mountains as the boat moved further from shore.
The next day, they drove to Glenorchy. The route offered incredible scenery at every turn. The group stopped often for photos and short walks. It was on this drive that both families felt the true magic of New Zealand. Mountains, lakes, quiet roads and a sense of space that felt refreshing.
Milford Sound and a Day They Would Never Forget
Milford Sound was the most awaited part of the trip. The drive was long but comfortable and full of beautiful stops. When they boarded the cruise, everyone naturally gravitated toward the front deck. The cliffs rising straight out of the water amazed the group, and the dark blue surface of the sound felt endless.
When the boat moved close to one of the waterfalls, the wind blew spray across the deck. Vihaan squealed in surprise, Tara laughed, and the elders joined in despite trying to protect their jackets. It was a lighthearted moment that made the experience unforgettable.
The cruise continued through scenic corners of the sound and the entire group stayed together on the deck, soaking in the views.
A Calm Farewell in Christchurch
Their final stop was Christchurch. The Botanic Gardens offered a quiet afternoon where everyone could unwind. The grandparents enjoyed the peaceful paths, while the children chased ducks near the pond. The families visited simple cafes and enjoyed relaxed meals together.
On their last night, they sat together in the hotel lounge, talking about the entire trip. There was laughter, a few tired sighs, and a shared appreciation for the journey they had experienced as a group.
A Memorable Group Holiday
The Patels and the Solankis returned home with full hearts and a gallery of memories. The trip had been smooth, well-structured and comfortable for every age group. Their accommodations were cosy, the transfers were organised, and the activities matched the preferences of both families without anyone feeling rushed or left out.
They later shared that the planning support from Thrillophilia made the entire journey feel effortless, something they hadn’t expected while travelling as a large group. Riya Patel mentioned, “Coordinating eight people is usually a challenge, but this was the first trip where everything felt sorted before we even asked.”
Kunal Solanki added, “We just followed the plan given to us, and every day turned out better than we imagined. It was the easiest group holiday we’ve ever taken.”
What could have been a complicated vacation turned into a joyful experience that strengthened bonds and created stories the two families would laugh about for years.
Eight travellers, two families, and one unforgettable New Zealand adventure!
Read More: Thrillophilia New Zealand Reviews