Itinerary
Upon arrival at Auckland International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Known as the āCity of Sails,ā Auckland is New Zealandās largest and most vibrant city surrounded by beautiful harbours and volcanic landscapes. The rest of the day will be free for leisure where you can relax after your journey or explore the nearby waterfront, cafĆ©s, and shopping streets at your own pace.
Overnight stay at Auckland
After breakfast, proceed for an exciting whale watching experience in the Hauraki Gulf. Climb aboard a 65-foot luxury catamaran conveniently docked in the heart of Auckland. Set sail on the "Dolphin Explorer" to take in the sights and sounds of the city from the water. Enjoy a quick tour past impressive landmarks, such as North Head/Devonport and Rangitoto Island. Keep a close look out for Orca and Bottlenose Dolphins that regularly visit the waters close to the city. Then explore the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Get up-close viewings of whales, dolphins, and sea birds. The "Dolphin Explorer" is able to get much closer than whale watching operations in other locations. Learn about the fauna via expert commentary from the ship's skipper. When you travel with us, you aren't only experiencing the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, you are helping to regenerate and protect it for the future generations, with a dollar from every ticket bought goes towards the Hauraki Gulf Guardians fund.
Later, return to the city for a guided city tour covering major landmarks such as the waterfront area, scenic viewpoints, parks, and vibrant neighbourhoods, giving you a great introduction to Auckland. Get a real feel for Auckland on a comprehensive city tour with a great deal of sightseeing fitted into the 4-hour experience. Join an owner-operator for detailed commentary full of insights from a local perspective, delivered with humour. Head down to the Waterfront area. Visit the Viaduct Basin, Wynyard Quarter, and Westhaven Marina, where you can sometimes see bungy jumpers taking the plunge off the Harbour Bridge. Travel over the Harbour Bridge to the Victorian suburb of Northcote Point for a fantastic view back to the city. Here you will find great photo opportunities. Continue on through the very groovy suburb of Ponsonby with its fantastic cafes, fashion boutiques, plus eclectic and unique shops.
Overnight stay at Auckland
Today you will take a ferry to Waiheke Island, famous for its stunning vineyards, olive groves, and coastal scenery. Discover the wines of Waiheke on a scenic tour that visits boutique vineyards. Itās easy to hop on a morning ferry and cross the Hauraki Gulf for the short ride to Waiheke island. a lively scenic commentary with photo stops as you head to local vineyards for tastings. Learn about the island's history and culture . Afterward, choose to have lunch [On Own] at the last winery or at one of the many dining venues in the seaside village of Oneroa.
Overnight stay at Auckland
After breakfast, depart for a full-day excursion to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, the picturesque filming location used in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. After pickup from your central Auckland hotel, travel south over the Bombay Hills for panoramic views of the Waikato Region and the scenic Hauraki Plains.
You will then visit during your tour the Hobbiton Movie Set. you can explore the Movie Set on an official 2.5 hour tour including the fully themed Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row. Be escorted through the 10-acre site and learn fascinating details of how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created. See Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, and The Mill. Savor a complimentary specially-brewed beverage at The Green Dragon Inn. You will additionally visit the mesmerizing Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the oldest attraction in New Zealand with the first guided tour undertaken in 1887. These 2 are the 2 most iconic and famous attractions in New Zealand. On the way, share stories from Hobbiton and interact with your fellow travelers.
Glide silently by boat in the world-famous caves and be amazed by the thousands of magical glowworms.
Overnight stay in Auckland
Today you will travel from Auckland to Rotorua, a region famous for geothermal activity and Maori culture. En route, enjoy scenic countryside views before arriving at Hellās Gate Geothermal Park. Discover Hell's Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa (Tikitere) in Rotorua. one of the most active geothermal sites in New Zealand. Get to know the reserve and see New Zealand's largest active mud volcano. Located an approximately 15-minute drive from central Rotorua, arrive at Hell's Gate to start exploring the site's extensive history. Explore independently with an included map. Hell's Gate boasts New Zealand's largest active mud volcano, the Southern Hemisphere's largest hot waterfalls, and even examples of land coral. See boiling hot pools and erupting waters with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius.
Overnight Stay at Rotorua
After breakfast, visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of New Zealandās most colourful geothermal parks. Discover the extraordinary geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu, one of New Zealandās most iconic attractions. Just outside Rotorua, this natural attraction has been shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity, creating a unique world of geothermal features. Walk at your own pace along well-maintained tracks that lead you past some of the worldās most incredible landscapes. Marvel at the iconic Champagne Pool, a deep hot spring with orange and green edges, and visit the Artistās Palette and Devilās Bath. Each feature is naturally formed and constantly changing due to ongoing geothermal activity, offering a rare chance to witness the power and beauty of the earth in motion. With three walking loops of varying lengths, you can choose how much time to spend exploring this unforgettable thermal landscape. Donāt miss the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser at 10:30am, reaching up to 10ā20 metres into the air. The visitor centre also offers helpful information, a cafĆ©, and facilities to enhance your visit. Wai-O-Tapu is a must-see for everyone visiting Rotorua.
Overnight Stay at Rotorua
Today you will take a domestic flight from Rotorua to Queenstown, New Zealandās adventure capital. After arrival and hotel check-in, spend the day exploring the beautiful lakeside town. Walk along Lake Wakatipu, enjoy the alpine scenery, and explore the lively cafĆ©s, restaurants, and shops in the town centre.
Overnight stay at Queenstown
Experience one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world today. Departing from Queenstown, youāll travel to Milford Sound in a comfortable, modern Mercedes van with panoramic windows for superior viewing, as your driver shares their extensive knowledge of the area along the picturesque Milford Road. Along the drive youāll see local points of beauty such as Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and the famous Eglington Valley. This is followed by your 2-hour cruise of Milford Sound. Sit back and relax as your cruise makes its way out into Milford Sound past the iconic Mitre Peak. Weāll sail the length of the 16km fiord, out past St Annes Point Lighthouse, with informative commentary from our skipper who will highlight points of interest along the way including the mighty Lady Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls. Youāll see towering peaks, sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest. Feel the spray of Fairy Falls and listen to the sound of nature thriving in its habitat. We also take you out into the Tasman Sea so you can enjoy the unique opportunity of approaching the fiord just as the first sealers did way back in the 18th century. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals basking in the sun, pods of dolphins, or rare Fiordland Crested Penguins that can be found seasonally within the region. Keep warm with complimentary tea and coffee in the lounge and take in the scenery through expansive windows. Or venture onto the spacious outdoor viewing decks to breathe in the pristine alpine air. Either way, you will be inspired by the majesty of the region. Complete your journey with an epic birds-eye view of this untouched region as you fly back. Scenic flights from Milford Sound are nothing short of spectacular!
Overnight stay at Queenstown
Today is filled with adventure and spectacular views. Take on four fun ziplines, starting and finishing at the top of the Skyline Gondola. The tour is designed to start low and slow to gradually build your confidence as it gets progressively longer, higher, and faster. The perfect starter to your adventure experience in Queenstown. Journey through native forest on four incredible ziplines with stunning views across Lake Wakatipu to the Remarkable mountain range. Make your way to the Skyline Gondola summit (gondola ticket is your own expense) to meet your experienced guides. Harness up and feel the wind in your face as you glide down the ziplines. The ziplines start low and slow and gradually build your confidence as they get progressively longer, higher and faster. Your experienced guides will launch and receive you at each tree deck, showing you fun tricks you can try. Enjoy their light-hearted, informative stories on local history, myths, legends, and ecological principals at each suspended tree-house.
Overnight stay at Queenstown
Begin the day with an adrenaline-filled jet boat ride through the rivers near Queenstown. Later enjoy a scenic drive to Glenorchy, a beautiful village located at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu. The drive itself is considered one of the most picturesque in New Zealand, offering stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests.
Just 45 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is nestled on the northern shores of Lake Whakatipu and is home to what many say is New Zealand's best scenery and a slice of Middle-earth magic. View stunning scenery and alpine vistas as you are guided in style aboard a premium Mercedes van. Enjoy an overload of sightseeing and views packed into a fun half-day adventure to Glenorchy and beyond. Upon arrival in Glenorchy, you will be awe struck as you gaze at the mountain ranges and native beech forest which set the backdrop for this rustic town. You will have some time to check out the town's local sites and hidden gems, while also learning about Glenorchy and its fascinating MÄori history. After Glenorchy, visit Paradise, Mt Aspiring National Park, view Diamond Lake, and explore the surrounding areas.
Overnight stay at Queenstown
Today travel from Queenstown to Franz Josef along one of the most scenic routes on the South Island. Stop at the charming lakeside town of Wanaka before continuing through the spectacular landscapes of Haast Pass. The journey features dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and lush rainforests before arriving at the glacier region. Travel from Franz Josef along the beautiful West Coast beaches, over the stunning Haast Pass, and through the picturesque landscapes of WÄnaka and HÄwea lakes Pass many glacial rivers as you journey from Franz Josef past Fox Glacier. Continue to every photographer's dream: Lake Matheson. On a calm day, capture Mt Cook reflected elegantly across this picturesque lake. This easy walk will reward you with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.
Overnight stay at Franz
Enjoy an unforgettable helicopter experience over the glacier region, offering breathtaking aerial views of Franz Josef Glacier and the surrounding Southern Alps. Nestled in ancient forest, Lake Matheson features mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mt Tasman. Enjoy a gentle track with bridges and streams, learning from guides. Best seen in early evening. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Lake Matheson with Glacier Valley Eco Tours' Lake Matheson Nature Tour. Nestled in an ancient forest, Lake Matheson is renowned for its stunning mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Experience the magic of Lake Matheson and let its serene beauty captivate you.
Overnight stay at Franz
Today travel towards Christchurch with a stop at the coastal town of Hokitika, known for its greenstone (jade) crafts. Travel from Franz Josef to Christchurch on this one way tour that includes the TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch! Before being dropped off at the train station in Greymouth, you will first visit the charming coastal town of Hokitika, then you'll have the opportunity to take in the views of the Hokitika Gorge, with it's mesmerizing turquoise waters. Once aboard the TranzAlpine, take the opportunity to admire the panoramic landscape of the Majestic Southern Alps up close!
Overnight stay at Christchurch
After breakfast, take a scenic excursion to Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealandās highest peak. Experience dramatic glacier lakes, snow-capped mountains, and beautiful alpine After pick-up from your hotel, journey to Mount Cook National Park, located a 4 hours' drive through spectacular and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the historic town of Geraldine. Then discover the heart of Mackenzie Country, the captivatingly turquoise Lake Tekapo, the iconic Church of Good Shepherd, and the well-recognized statue of Sheepdog. Travel through Lake Pukaki and admire stunning views of Mt. Cook from a distance. Enjoy a short scenic hike in the National Park to view the 23.5kms long Tasman Glacier which is the longest glacier in New Zealand before returning to Christchurch.
Overnight stay at Christchurch
Today visit the charming French-influenced village of Akaroa located on Banks Peninsula.
Christchurch to Akaroa: A Scenic French-Inspired Coastal Getaway, Discover the charm of Akaroa, New Zealandās only French-settled town, on this scenic day trip from Christchurch. Travel across the Canterbury Plains and over the rolling hills of the Banks Peninsula, enjoying breathtaking coastal views along the way. A stop at the famous Hilltop Lookout offers spectacular panoramas of Akaroa Harbour ā a sparkling volcanic bay surrounded by lush green hills. Later return to Christchurch for a city tour covering its gardens, historic buildings, and revitalised city centre.
Overnight stay at Christchurch
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your onward journey, carrying wonderful memories of New Zealandās stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable experiences.
