Itinerary
- Day 1
Wellington
You'll arrive in Wellington, New Zealand's capital city on the southern tip of the North Island. After checking in for your two-night stay, spend time settling into this creative waterfront destination. The city's known for its vibrant character and artistic energy, so there's plenty to explore once you're settled.
- Day 2
Wellington
Head out to check out Wellington's colorful waterfront and street art scene this morning. You can ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car for great city views from up high. The museums here tell New Zealand's story well, and if you want a deeper dive, Te Papa (the national museum) offers interactive exhibits worth spending several hours exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- In-depth tour of Te Papa (New Zealand's interactive and immersive national museum)
- Wellington Cable Car ride
- Street art exploration
- Museum visits
Landmarks Te Papa Tongarewa (Te Papa Museum) Wellington Cable Car - Day 3
Wellington to Picton to Nelson
Travel across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to reach Picton on the South Island. From there, continue on to Nelson, the South Island's oldest city, where local arts and crafts galleries line the streets. Stop by McCashins Brewery to learn about New Zealand's hop-growing heritage from the 19th century. You'll settle in for two nights in this area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing across Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds
- Visit to McCashins Brewery
Landmarks Marlborough Sounds McCashins Brewery - Day 4
Nelson
Board a cruise from Kaiteriteri Beach heading into Abel Tasman National Park. You'll see Split Apple rock, spot native fur seals in the water, and walk on golden sand beaches. The park's New Zealand's smallest national park but the turquoise waters and pristine coastline make it well worth the time.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise from Kaiteriteri Beach to Abel Tasman National Park
- Viewing of Split Apple rock
- Native fur seal observation
Landmarks Abel Tasman National Park Split Apple Rock Kaiteriteri Beach - Day 5
Nelson to Punakaiki
Drive along the Great Coast Road toward the West Coast, one of the world's top coastal routes. Take a short walk to the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, where water shoots up from rock formations. Stay the night right here so you can see this natural wonder up close.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Travel along the Great Coast Road
- Guided walk to Pancake Rocks and Blowholes of Punakaiki
Landmarks Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Great Coast Road - Day 6
Punakaiki to Franz Josef
Start your day at Weta Workshop's Pounamu Pathway, where storytelling about Maori chiefs of the West Coast brings history to life. Later, head to see Franz Josef Glacier, which sits about five kilometers from town and represents the last ice age. You'll stay overnight in Franz Josef, so you can spend time exploring the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Weta Workshop's Pounamu Pathway experience
- Visit to Franz Josef Glacier
Optional Activities
- Helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier or nearby Fox Glacier (additional expense, book prior to departure)
Landmarks Weta Workshop Franz Josef Glacier Fox Glacier 
- Day 7
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Take a fully enclosed Haast River Safari jet boat ride through the glacial valley in the South Westland World Heritage area. You'll stay warm and dry while seeing mountain views, waterfalls, and native forests from the water. After that, head to Queenstown for a three-night stay in the adventure capital.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Fully enclosed Haast River Safari jet boat experience
Landmarks Haast River Valley 
- Day 8
Queenstown
During your time in Queenstown, pick from several scenic freechoice activities like jet-boating, winery tours, film location visits, gondola rides, or scenic tours. For dinner, you can choose between the TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise, local restaurants, or dining at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Choice of dining experience)
Included Activities
- Choice of one Scenic Freechoice activity: Dart River Safari OR Boutique Winery Tour OR Shotover Jet Adventure OR Safari of the Scenes Tour OR Skyline Gondola OR Skippers Canyon tour
- Choice of Freechoice Dining: TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak Station dinner cruise OR Boardwalk Restaurant dinner OR Peaks Restaurant & Bar dinner OR hotel dinner
Landmarks Lake Wakatipu Dart River Valley Glenorchy Shotover River Skyline Gondola Queenstown Skippers Canyon - Day 9
Queenstown
You have the day to yourself in Queenstown. Wander around at your own pace and check out world-class skiing, scenic walks, boutique wineries, jet boats, kayaking, or simply take in the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu views. There's enough here to keep you busy or relaxed depending on what you prefer.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Scenic walks and hikes
- Skiing
- Boutique winery visits
- Jet boating
- Kayaking
- Day 10
Queenstown to Te Anau
Travel to Te Anau, a lakeside town that serves as your gateway to Fiordland National Park. Head out to experience Milford Sound with its towering cliffs, peaks, and waterfalls. Back in town, settle into your hotel for the night and enjoy sunset drinks with views across the water.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Milford Sound experience
- Sunset drinks at hotel
Landmarks Milford Sound Fiordland National Park Lake Te Anau 
- Day 11
Te Anau to Mount Cook
Drive through Central Otago's mountainous farming land with its rolling sheep pastures. Continue into the alpine landscape of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park where mountains seem to touch the sky. Your hotel offers commanding scenery, so settle in and take time to soak in the views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Landmarks Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Aoraki / Mount Cook 
- Day 12
Mount Cook to Christchurch
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo's shores, built in 1935 as a memorial to regional pioneers. Drive through the patchwork Canterbury Plains with their braided rivers and agricultural land producing most of New Zealand's grains and crops. You'll arrive in Christchurch for a two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Church of the Good Shepherd
Landmarks Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Tekapo Canterbury Plains - Day 13
Christchurch
Explore Christchurch, the South Island's largest city and a great example of resilience with its arts scene, galleries, street art, and cafes. Check out the Riverside Market and the restaurants along Terrace. Pick one scenic freechoice activity to round out your stay, and don't miss the iconic Christchurch Tram ride.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Choice of one Scenic Freechoice activity: Punting on the Avon OR Botanic Gardens Tour OR Christchurch Sightseeing Tour OR Akaroa Day Trip with Nature Cruise OR International Antarctic Centre visit
- Christchurch Tram ride
Landmarks Christchurch Botanic Gardens Avon River Akaroa International Antarctic Centre - Day 14
Departure
Say goodbye to your new friends and New Zealand, heading home with stories and memories from your journey across both islands.
