Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll be picked up at Auckland Airport and taken to your hotel. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to wander around the local area and find somewhere for dinner.
Optional Activities
- Explore local Auckland area
- Find dinner at a local restaurant
- Day 2
Auckland to Whitianga
Today you'll cross the Hauraki Plains heading toward the Firth of Thames. The Driving Creek Railway takes you through native forest up to the EyeFull Tower where you get panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From there, continue east across the Coromandel Peninsula and arrive in Whitianga by evening for a relaxed night.
Included Activities
- Driving Creek Railway ride to EyeFull Tower viewpoint
Landmarks Driving Creek Railway EyeFull Tower Firth of Thames 
- Day 3
Whitianga
This is a free day to explore the Coromandel Peninsula at your own pace. Hot Water Beach has warm springs bubbling through the sand, or you can walk along Hahei Beach or Cooks Beach instead. Getting back to Whitianga can be done by short ferry or you can arrange a ride with your driver.
Optional Activities
- Visit Hot Water Beach
- Walk along Hahei Beach
- Visit Cooks Beach
- Ferry ride from Cooks Beach to Whitianga
Landmarks Hot Water Beach Hahei Beach Cooks Beach - Day 4
Whitianga to Rotorua
You'll leave Whitianga and follow the Pacific Coast Highway through Whangamata and Tauranga before heading inland. There's a bushwalk with views over Okere Falls, then you'll continue to Rotorua. Te Puia is included on the itinerary, an active geothermal site where you might see the endangered kiwi bird while learning about indigenous arts and crafts.
Included Activities
- Bushwalk with views over Okere Falls
- Te Puia visit with private local guide
Landmarks Okere Falls Te Puia - Day 5
Rotorua
You have a choice between two included activities. One option is Waimangu Volcanic Valley to see the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption site with bubbling craters, coloured steaming lakes, and a cruise across Lake Rotomahana. The other is the Hobbiton Movie Set exploring the Shire from The Lord of the Rings. By evening, head to Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pa Tu with Maori traditions, songs, and a 4-course fusion feast prepared by Maori chefs.
- Meals
- Dinner (Te Pa Tu experience - 4-course fusion feast designed by Maori chefs at Tamaki Maori Village)
Included Activities
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley (Option 1) or Hobbiton Movie Set (Option 2)
- Lake Rotomahana cruise with silica terraces visit (if Option 1 chosen)
- Te Pa Tu experience at Tamaki Maori Village with 4-course fusion feast
Landmarks Waimangu Volcanic Valley Lake Rotomahana Hobbiton Movie Set Tamaki Maori Village - Day 6
Rotorua to Napier
Head south and stop at Huka Falls, then pass vast Lake Taupo with views of volcanic peaks including Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe (Mordor on clear days). You'll reach Napier, a charming Art Deco seaside town rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake. A local guide leads a walking tour, and you'll have dinner with wine at Mission Estate Winery overlooking the town.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner with glass of wine at Mission Estate Winery)
Included Activities
- Huka Falls visit
- Walking tour of Napier with local guide
- Dinner with glass of wine at Mission Estate Winery
Landmarks Huka Falls Lake Taupo Mount Ruapehu Mount Ngauruhoe Mount Tongariro Mission Estate Winery - Day 7
Napier to Wellington
Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Ride the Wellington Cable Car for city views, then visit the included Te Papa Museum where you'll see New Zealand's history, culture and wildlife. After that, the evening is yours to do what you like.
Included Activities
- Wellington Cable Car ride
- Te Papa Museum visit
Landmarks Wellington Cable Car Te Papa Museum 
- Day 8
Wellington to Nelson
You'll take one of the world's most scenic ferry rides across the Cook Strait to the South Island. Watch for dolphins riding the bow wave during the crossing. Once in Picton, head to Blenheim in Marlborough wine country for included wine tasting at one of the area's top wineries, then continue to the charming town of Nelson.
Included Activities
- Cook Strait ferry crossing
- Wine tasting at Marlborough winery
Landmarks Cook Strait Picton 
- Day 9
Nelson
Spend the day in Abel Tasman National Park with its golden coves and turquoise lagoons. Board a small cruiser at Kaiteriteri for scenic cruising with swimming and exploring stops. After the cruise (through October 2026), you can relax in Kaiteriteri or join a self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach. Return to Nelson in the afternoon or evening.
Included Activities
- Abel Tasman National Park boat cruise from Kaiteriteri
Optional Activities
- Relax in Kaiteriteri (Pre-October 2026)
- 7km self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach (Pre-October 2026)
- 10.5km self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach including South Head lookout and Falls River swing-bridge (Pre-October 2026)
Landmarks Abel Tasman National Park Kaiteriteri Anchorage Beach Split Apple Rock Cleopatra's Pool 
- Day 10
Nelson to Kaikōura or Punakaiki
Pre-October 2026: Travel inland through the Buller River Gorge with single-track bridges and forest scenery. Stop at the quaint village of St Arnaud on Lake Rotoiti's edge before reaching Punakaiki on the coast, known for its impressive Pancake Rocks limestone formations. Post-October 2026: Travel through farmland and vineyards to Kaikoura where mountains meet the sea. Choose between a Whale Watch cruise or Wings Over Whales scenic flight.
Included Activities
- Whale Watch cruise (Post-October 2026 Option 1) OR Wings Over Whales scenic flight (Post-October 2026 Option 2)
Landmarks Buller River Gorge St Arnaud Lake Rotoiti Pancake Rocks Kaikōura - Day 11
Punakaiki to Fox Glacier or Kaikōura to Christchurch
Pre-October 2026: Follow the Great Coast Road through historic Hokitika, stopping at dramatic Hokitika Gorge, then continue through forests, farmland and mountains to Franz Josef and Fox (helicopter ride over Fox Glacier available at local cost). Post-October 2026: Follow the dramatic coastline south with Pacific Ocean views, climb over Hundalee Ranges through North Canterbury to Christchurch. Try traditional punts on the River Avon in Edwardian dress, then ride the heritage tram through the city.
Included Activities
- Punting experience on River Avon (Post-October 2026)
- Heritage tram ride through Christchurch (Post-October 2026)
Optional Activities
- Helicopter ride over Fox Glacier (Pre-October 2026) - book and pay locally
Landmarks Great Coast Road Hokitika Hokitika Gorge Franz Josef Glacier Fox Glacier River Avon Hundalee Ranges - Day 12
Fox Glacier to Wanaka or Christchurch to Fox Glacier
Pre-October 2026: Visit Lake Matheson for a peaceful morning stroll with Mount Cook as backdrop. Head over Haast Pass into Mount Aspiring National Park, then reach Wanaka on the shore of Lake Wanaka for a leisurely evening. Post-October 2026: Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass National Park with views of river gorges and snow-dusted peaks. Stop in Hokitika for greenstone carving, then continue south along the coast to Fox Glacier.
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine train journey Christchurch to Arthur's Pass (Post-October 2026)
Landmarks Lake Matheson Mount Cook (Aoraki) Haast Pass Mount Aspiring National Park Lake Wanaka TranzAlpine Train Arthur's Pass National Park 
- Day 13
Wanaka or Fox Glacier
Pre-October 2026: Choose between an eco tour (boat cruise to a predator-free island with a hike to a hidden mountaintop lake and views of Lake Wanaka) or a 4WD farm adventure (explore a working sheep and cattle station). The afternoon is at leisure. Post-October 2026: Visit Lake Matheson for a gentle stroll with mirror views of Mount Cook. Journey over Haast Pass into Mount Aspiring National Park with rivers, waterfalls and alpine scenery, arriving in Wanaka by late afternoon.
Included Activities
- Eco tour OR 4WD high-country farm adventure (Pre-October 2026)
- Lake Matheson stroll (Post-October 2026)
Landmarks Lake Wanaka Buff Weka habitat Arethusa Pool Lake Matheson Haast Pass Mount Aspiring National Park - Day 14
Wanaka to Te Anau
Pre-October 2026: Leave Wanaka and head south, stopping for a photo at the famous Cardrona Pub and visiting the gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Continue through the Remarkable mountains past Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Post-October 2026: Same morning stops, then enjoy the Fiordland Jet experience on the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri. Also visit Woodstone Farm to learn about New Zealand's farming heritage with a woolshed and sheep-shearing demonstration.
Included Activities
- Fiordland Jet experience on Waiau River (Post-October 2026)
- Woodstone Farm visit with sheep-shearing demonstration (Post-October 2026)
Landmarks Cardrona Pub Arrowtown Remarkable Mountains Lake Wakatipu Lake Manapouri Waiau River Woodstone Farm - Day 15
Te Anau to Milford Sound or Wanaka to Te Anau
Pre-October 2026: Journey through Fiordland National Park and reach Milford Sound. Board a comfortable cruiser to explore the waters, watching for seals and dolphins and admiring Mitre Peak. You'll have a picnic lunch onboard, then retrace your route back to Te Anau before heading north to Queenstown. Post-October 2026: Depart Wanaka, stop at historic Cardrona Pub, continue to Arrowtown, follow Lake Wakatipu through the Remarkables to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.
- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch onboard Milford Sound cruise)
Included Activities
- Milford Sound cruise with picnic lunch (Pre-October 2026)
Landmarks Fiordland National Park Milford Sound Mitre Peak 
- Day 16
Queenstown
You have a free day to explore Queenstown and the surrounding area. Options include zip-lining, riding the gondola to Bob's Peak, white water rafting, cruising Lake Wakatipu on the steamship TSS Earnslaw, a 4x4 safari to Skippers Canyon, or visiting a local winery. Your tour leader can suggest how to spend your time.
Optional Activities
- Zip-lining
- Gondola ride to Bob's Peak
- White water rafting
- Lake Wakatipu cruise on steamship TSS Earnslaw
- 4x4 safari to Skippers Canyon
- Local winery visit
Landmarks Bob's Peak Lake Wakatipu Skippers Canyon - Day 17
Queenstown to Twizel
Journey north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past Lake Dunstan into the Mackenzie Basin with views of the Southern Alps. Reach Mount Cook village with outstanding views of New Zealand's tallest peak, Aoraki (Mount Cook). You'll spend the night in the rural town of Twizel.
Landmarks Kawarau Gorge Lake Dunstan Mackenzie Basin Southern Alps Mount Cook (Aoraki) - Day 18
Twizel to Christchurch
Visit a local home on the shore of Lake Tekapo where you'll learn to make a traditional Kiwi pavlova and taste it while overlooking the lake. Check out the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand's most photographed spots. Pass through rural towns of Fairlie, Geraldine and Ashburton before reaching Christchurch, rebuilt as a modern city after earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Morning tea with pavlova at local home on Lake Tekapo shore)
Included Activities
- Pavlova-making experience at local Lake Tekapo home
- Church of the Good Shepherd visit
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Southern Alps 
- Day 19
Christchurch
Explore Christchurch, considered the most English of New Zealand cities. Start with punting along the River Avon with boatmen in straw hats and traditional dress. Walk through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and ride the beautifully restored heritage tram through the city centre. Finish your trip with an included group dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Group dinner at local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Punting on River Avon with traditional boatmen
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens pass-through
- Heritage tram ride through city centre
- Group dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks River Avon Christchurch Botanic Gardens - Day 20
Christchurch to Departure
Your New Zealand adventure comes to an end today. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.
