Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland and get transferred to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is open for you to explore however you'd like. Walk along the waterfront, check out the neighborhoods around you, or simply relax and get settled after your travels.
- Start point
- Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (Auckland Intl (AKL), 00:00 - 23:55)
- Accommodation
- (Sudima Auckland City)
Optional Activities
- Explore the waterfront promenade
- Stroll through vibrant neighborhoods
- Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views
Landmarks Sky Tower - Day 2
Auckland
You have the full day to yourself in Auckland. Head to the waterfront if you want, or consider taking a ferry out to Waiheke Island for some wine tasting. If you prefer staying closer, the city has nice parks to relax in, and the Auckland War Memorial Museum covers Maori culture and history really well.
- Accommodation
- (Sudima Auckland City)
Optional Activities
- Stroll along the picturesque waterfront
- Take a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting
- Explore Maori culture at the Auckland War Memorial Museum
- Enjoy scenic views from the Sky Tower
- Walk through the city's lush parks
Landmarks Auckland War Memorial Museum - Day 3
Auckland to Rotorua
You'll leave Auckland early and drive through farmland to reach Waitomo Glow-worm Caves, where you get a guided 45-minute tour and boat ride through the grotto. After that, you're heading to Hobbiton Movie Set for another guided tour before continuing to Rotorua, arriving in the evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Picnic lunch en-route to Hobbiton Movie Set)
- Accommodation
- (Sudima Lake Rotorua )
Included Activities
- Guided 45-minute tour of Waitomo Glow-worm Caves with underground boat cruise through the Glowworm Grotto
- Guided tour of Hobbiton Movie Set including interior Hobbit Hole experience
- Scenic coach travel with driver commentary
- Complimentary Hobbiton ale, cider or ginger beer at the Green Dragon Inn
- Picnic lunch en-route
Optional Activities
- Scenic helicopter flights over Mt Cook area
- Additional food and beverages beyond the included meal
Landmarks Waitomo Glow-worm Caves Hobbiton Movie Set - Day 4
Rotorua
Rotorua shows off geothermal features with bubbling mud pools and steaming geysers throughout the valleys. You can learn about Maori culture through performances and local stories, soak in hot springs if you want to relax, or walk through the Redwood Forest nearby.
- Accommodation
- (Sudima Lake Rotorua )
Optional Activities
- Visit bubbling mud pools
- Witness steaming geysers
- Explore geothermal valleys
- Experience traditional Maori performances and storytelling
- Enjoy a traditional hangi feast
- Relax in therapeutic hot springs
- Explore the Redwood Forest
Landmarks Rotorua Geothermal Valley Redwood Forest - Day 5
Rotorua to Wellington
You'll fly from Rotorua to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. After you're transferred to your hotel in the city center, you'll have the afternoon and evening to explore. Stroll the waterfront, visit Te Papa Museum, or sit in one of the local cafes and watch the city go by.
- Accommodation
- (Naumi Hotel Wellington)
Optional Activities
- Stroll along the scenic waterfront promenade
- Visit the renowned Te Papa Museum
- Explore Wellington's café culture
- Take in panoramic views from Mount Victoria
- Wander through local art galleries
Landmarks Te Papa Museum Mount Victoria - Day 6
Wellington
This day in Wellington you're free to wander. Cuba Street has boutique shops and street art worth checking out, and the waterfront is nice for a long walk. Te Papa Museum goes into the city's history, or if you're up for it, take the cable car to the Botanic Gardens where you'll get views across the city.
- Accommodation
- (Naumi Hotel Wellington)
Optional Activities
- Stroll the scenic waterfront promenade
- Explore vibrant Cuba Street with boutique shops and street art
- Visit the iconic Te Papa Museum
- Take a cable car ride to the Botanic Gardens
- Discover hidden laneways
- Enjoy gourmet cuisine
- Relax by the harbor
Landmarks Te Papa Museum Wellington Botanic Gardens - Day 7
Wellington to Christchurch
You'll fly south to Christchurch and get transferred to your hotel. This city blends English heritage with newer development, and it has tranquil parks and a good food scene. Spend the rest of the day getting a feel for the place at your own pace.
- Accommodation
- (Sudima Christchurch City)
Optional Activities
- Explore tranquil parks
- Walk along riverside paths
- Admire vibrant street art
- Experience the thriving food scene
- Day 8
Christchurch
Christchurch is yours to explore today. The Botanic Gardens are peaceful to walk through, or you can take a punt down the Avon River if that interests you. The Canterbury Museum is worth a visit, the historic tram is a fun way to get around, or head to Sumner for the beach. The gondola gives you views of the city and the Southern Alps.
- Accommodation
- (Sudima Christchurch City)
Optional Activities
- Explore the picturesque Botanic Gardens
- Take a punt ride down the Avon River
- Delve into local culture at the Canterbury Museum
- Ride the historic tram
- Visit the seaside suburb of Sumner
- Take the scenic gondola ride for panoramic views
Landmarks Christchurch Botanic Gardens Canterbury Museum Avon River - Day 9
Christchurch to Tekapo
You'll drive from Christchurch through the Canterbury countryside and into the Mackenzie district, ending in Tekapo. Stop at Fairlie Bakehouse for lunch along the way, then see Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park come next, where you can either hike the Hooker Valley Track, the Tasman Glacier walk, or just relax at the Information Centre.
- Meals
- Lunch (Pre-ordered lunch from Fairlie Bakehouse)
- Accommodation
- (Galaxy Boutique Hotel )
Included Activities
- Fully guided tour of Canterbury Plains
- Stop at Fairlie Bakehouse with pre-ordered lunch
- Visit Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
- Visit Lake Pukaki
- Access to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
- Bottled water and Kiwi snacks
- Wi-Fi and USB charging on vehicle
Optional Activities
- Hooker Valley Track hiking (2.5-3 hours)
- Tasman Glacier walk
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Visit Mt Cook Information Centre (DOC)
Landmarks Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Tekapo Lake Pukaki Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park 
- Day 10
Tekapo to Queenstown
You're getting a scenic transfer from Lake Tekapo through Mt Cook down to Queenstown. You'll start with Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook National Park, then head across the alpine Lindis Pass. Along the way you'll stop at a High Country Salmon farm and Mrs Jones Fruit Stall, and you'll see the Kawarau Suspension Bridge before arriving in Queenstown.
- Meals
- Lunch (Pre-ordered lunch from Fairlie Bakehouse)
- Accommodation
- (Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central )
Included Activities
- Visit Lake Pukaki
- Access to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
- Stop at High Country Salmon farm to feed and taste fresh New Zealand salmon
- Fully guided tour commentary
- Bottled water and Kiwi snacks
- Wi-Fi and USB charging on vehicle
Optional Activities
- Hooker Valley Track hiking (2-2.5 hours)
- Tasman Glacier walk (2-2.5 hours)
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Visit Mt Cook Information Centre (DOC)
- Visit Mrs Jones Fruit Stall for local fruit and ice cream
Landmarks Lake Pukaki Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Lindis Pass Kawarau Suspension Bridge 
- Day 11
Milford Sound
You'll spend the full day traveling into Milford Sound. A luxury glass-roofed coach with a nature guide takes you along the famous Milford Road, and then you board a spacious vessel for a 2-hour cruise exploring the sound. You'll pass Mitre Peak and keep an eye out for dolphins, penguins, and fur seals.
- Accommodation
- (Ramada by Wyndham Queenstown Central )
Included Activities
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach with extra-large windows and glass roof
- Travel along the famous Milford Road with experienced driver as nature guide
- Photo stops at scenic locations along Milford Road
- 2-hour Milford Sound cruise on spacious RealNZ vessel with outdoor decks and indoor lounges
- English-only live commentary from experienced local nature guide
- Wildlife viewing opportunities for dolphins, seals, and Fiordland crested penguins
Optional Activities
- Purchase snacks and drinks from the licensed bar on-board
- Bring a picnic to enjoy during the cruise
Landmarks Milford Road Piopiotahi Milford Sound Mitre Peak 
- Day 12
Queenstown Departure
On your final morning, take some time to appreciate Queenstown's mountains and lakes before checking out. You'll get transferred to the airport for your flight home or to continue onward with your travels.
- End point
- Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand (Queenstown (ZQN) Airport, 00:00 - 23:55)
