From the moment you arrive in New Zealand, every detail of your journey has been thoughtfully arranged to ensure a seamless, comfortable, and enriching experience.

Domestic Flights & Transfers
All scheduled domestic flights within New Zealand are included, allowing you to move effortlessly between regions. Private and premium ground transportation is provided throughout the journey, with airport transfers, scenic drives, and intercity travel handled by your dedicated tour guide and professional drivers.

Accommodation
Enjoy carefully selected 4–5 star accommodation throughout your journey, featuring well-located hotels, resorts, and lodges chosen for comfort, quality, and convenience. Each stay is thoughtfully selected to complement the surrounding landscape and provide a restful retreat after each day of exploration.

Any accommodation featured in this itinerary is indicative only and represents the standard and style of accommodation provided. Your tour guide will discuss and recommend suitable options in each destination, ensuring all stays are tailored to your preferences, comfort, and specific needs prior to confirmation.

Meals & Dining Experiences
Daily breakfasts are included, along with a curated selection of lunches and dinners as outlined in the itinerary. These include special dining experiences such as Māori hangi feasts, scenic winery lunches, onboard cruise meals, and signature dinners at iconic locations. Dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

Guided Experiences & Activities
All major attractions and experiences listed in the itinerary are included, from world-famous highlights to immersive local encounters. This includes guided tours, cruises, cultural performances, nature experiences, and adventure activities, all led by licensed operators and experienced local guides.

Ferries, Cruises & Scenic Journeys
Scenic ferry crossings, lake cruises, fjord cruises, and the renowned TranzAlpine Train journey are included, offering unforgettable perspectives of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes.

Dedicated Local Tour Guide
Travel with the reassurance of a knowledgeable, friendly local tour guide who will accompany you throughout the journey, ensuring smooth coordination, local insight, and personalised care from start to finish.

• Auckland Botanic Gardens experience with complimentary coffee or tea

• Guided Auckland city highlights experience

• Sky Tower experience

• Hot Water Beach geothermal experience (natural hot pool soaking)

• Glass Bottom Boat cruise in Whitianga

• Cathedral Cove coastal experience

• Orua Sea Cave exploration

• Hobbiton Movie Set guided experience

• Drink at the Green Dragon Inn

• Skyline Rotorua gondola experience

• Dinner at Skyline Restaurant

• Agrodome farm experience

• Redwood Forest Treewalk

• Māori cultural performance

• Traditional Māori hangi dinner

• Floatplane flight over Lake Taupō

• Tongariro River white-water rafting experience

• Interislander Ferry crossing

• Marlborough wine tasting experience

• 2-course winery lunch

• Whale-watching scenic flight

• Seal colony coastal walk

• Avon River punting experience

• Port Hills lookout experience

• Mt John Observatory stargazing experience

• Tasman Glacier Lake – Glacier Explorers boat tour

• Helicopter flight with alpine snow landing

• Queenstown Skyline gondola experience

• Dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant

• TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu

• Walter Peak High Country Farm experience

• Gourmet BBQ dining experience

• Farm demonstration

• Milford Sound cruise experience

• Onboard buffet meal during Milford Sound cruise

• Lake Te Anau cruise

• Glowworm Caves guided experience

• Underground glowworm boat ride

• Water taxi to Mou Waho Island

• Guided Mou Waho Island nature walk

• Summit glacial lake viewpoint

• Blue Pools walk

• Lake Matheson reflection walk

• West Coast Treetop Walkway experience

• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & blowholes walk

• TranzAlpine Train journey

• Adventure activities in Queenstown (bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving)

• Guided cycling or e-bike tours

• Spa and wellness experiences

• Scenic lake cruises beyond inclusions

• Optional short guided hikes or nature walks

• Additional scenic flights or private excursions

• Personal shopping time or bespoke experiences arranged on request

• Scenic helicopter flights (including alpine or glacier landings)

• International flights to and from New Zealand

• Visa arrangements and related fees

• Personal expenses (shopping, laundry, minibar, etc.)

• Travel and health insurance

• Meals not specified in the itinerary

• Optional activities or excursions not listed

Welcome to New Zealand. Upon arrival at Auckland International Airport, you’ll be personally greeted by your private tour guide and transferred comfortably to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time and how you’re feeling after your journey, we’ll gently introduce you to New Zealand with a relaxing visit to the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Stroll among beautifully landscaped gardens and native flora while enjoying a complimentary coffee or tea — the perfect, unhurried way to settle in.

• Personal meet & greet at Auckland Airport

• Private transfer with your tour guide

• Auckland Botanic Gardens visit (time & energy permitting)

• Complimentary coffee or tea

Pullman Hotel – Auckland City

Located in the heart of Auckland’s vibrant central business district, the Pullman Hotel Auckland City offers a perfect blend of contemporary comfort and urban sophistication. Just steps from the waterfront, boutique shops, and cultural attractions, this 4+ star hotel provides elegantly appointed rooms with modern amenities, plush bedding, and stunning city or harbour views. Guests can enjoy a heated outdoor pool, fully equipped fitness centre, and a stylish restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine — making it an ideal retreat after a day of exploring New Zealand’s largest city.

Your journey truly begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Surrounded by harbours and volcanic landscapes, Auckland blends vibrant urban life with natural beauty. Today, your guide will introduce you to the city’s highlights, offering insight into its culture, creativity, and history.

From the towering Sky Tower to the bustling energy of Queen Street and the refined collections of the Auckland Art Gallery, you’ll experience Auckland from multiple perspectives. You’ll also have the flexibility to personalise your day with optional cultural experiences, allowing you to connect with what interests you most.

• Guided Auckland city tour

• Sky Tower visit

• Queen Street exploration

• Auckland Art Gallery visit

• All Blacks Experience

• Auckland War Memorial Museum

• Holy Trinity Cathedral

• Seasonal (Nov–Apr): Waiheke Island wine & dine experience

Today, travel into one of New Zealand’s most picturesque regions — the Coromandel Peninsula. Known for its dramatic coastline, golden beaches, and lush rainforest, this area feels refreshingly untouched. The highlight of the day is the famous Hot Water Beach, where natural geothermal springs bubble beneath the sand.

At low tide, you’ll have the unique opportunity to dig your own warm pool and soak while gazing out over the Pacific Ocean. As the day winds down, enjoy the coastal scenery and the soft glow of sunset along the shoreline.

• Scenic drive through the Coromandel Peninsula

• Coastal sightseeing and short nature walks

• Hot Water Beach geothermal experience

• Natural hot pool soaking (tide-dependent)

• Sunset coastal views

Grand Mercure Resort – Coromandel

Nestled along the tranquil shores of Whitianga Harbour, the Grand Mercure Resort offers relaxed sophistication and modern comfort in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal settings. Surrounded by native bush and gentle water views, the resort features well-appointed rooms and suites with contemporary décor, spacious layouts, and thoughtful amenities. Guests can enjoy on-site dining with fresh local flavours, an outdoor pool, spa facilities, and easy access to Whitianga’s beaches, cafés, and scenic walks; making it an ideal base for exploring the Coromandel Peninsula in style and comfort.

This morning, embark on a memorable Glass Bottom Boat cruise from Whitianga, offering a rare perspective of the region’s marine life. Glide past the iconic Cathedral Cove, dramatic volcanic cliffs, and hidden sea caves, including the impressive Orua Sea Cave.

Peer through the glass panels to discover a vibrant underwater world filled with colourful fish, kelp forests, stingrays, and even octopus. Above the surface, keep watch for dolphins, seals, and seabirds. After the cruise, your guide will reveal some of the Coromandel’s lesser-known forest trails and secluded beaches.

• 2-hour Glass Bottom Boat cruise

• Cathedral Cove sightseeing

• Orua Sea Cave exploration

• Marine life viewing (above & below water)

• Forest walks and hidden beaches

Step into a world of fantasy as you visit the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, nestled in the rolling green hills of Waikato. Wander through the charming hobbit holes and hear behind-the-scenes stories from the filming of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Your visit concludes with a drink at the iconic Green Dragon Inn.

Afterward, travel to Rotorua; New Zealand’s geothermal heart. Here, steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and sulphur springs reveal the raw power beneath the earth’s surface. As evening approaches, ascend by gondola to Skyline Rotorua, where sweeping views accompany a memorable dining experience.

• Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour

• Drink at the Green Dragon Inn

• Scenic drive to Rotorua

• Geothermal sightseeing

• Skyline Rotorua gondola ride

• Dinner at Skyline Restaurant

Pullman Rotorua

A contemporary 5-star hotel in central Rotorua, offering stylish rooms, modern amenities, and easy access to geothermal attractions, the lakefront, and cultural experiences, providing a comfortable and refined base during your stay.

Today is a rich blend of nature, heritage, and living culture. Begin at the Agrodome, where New Zealand’s farming traditions come to life through engaging demonstrations and interactive experiences. Later, slow the pace with a tranquil walk among towering redwoods in the Redwood Forest — some over a century old.

In the evening, experience the warmth and depth of Māori culture at Mitai. Enjoy traditional performances, storytelling, and a hangi feast cooked underground, offering an authentic taste of indigenous New Zealand.

• Agrodome farm experience

• Redwood Forest Treewalk

• Māori Cultural Experience

• Traditional Māori hangi dinner

Adventure awaits today in Taupō. Begin with a scenic floatplane flight over Lake Taupō, revealing sweeping views of New Zealand’s largest lake and surrounding volcanic landscapes. Touch down at the southern end of the lake before transitioning into an exhilarating white-water rafting journey along the Tongariro River.

Guided by expert professionals, this two-and-a-half-hour rafting experience takes you through pristine wilderness accessible only by river; an unforgettable blend of adrenaline and natural beauty.

• Scenic floatplane flight over Lake Taupō

• Tongariro River white-water rafting

• Guided rafting through remote landscapes

Hilton Lake Taupō

Perched on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, Hilton Lake Taupō offers a refined blend of lakeside tranquillity and contemporary comfort. Just a short stroll from the town centre, this 4-star+ resort features spacious rooms and suites with modern decor and stunning views over Lake Taupō or the surrounding mountains. Guests can relax in the heated outdoor pool, unwind in the sauna and spa facilities, or enjoy a signature meal at the hotel’s waterfront restaurant, all while being perfectly positioned to explore the region’s geothermal wonders, scenic flights, and adrenaline-fuelled adventures. Elegant, welcoming, and perfectly placed, Hilton Lake Taupō is an ideal base for discovering the best of the Central Plateau.

Fly south to Wellington, a city where creative energy pulses through every street. Explore the seat of New Zealand’s democracy — from the distinctive “Beehive” to Parliament House and its elegant library. This spirited capital blends political significance with thriving café culture, boutique shopping, and harbour views.

• Domestic flight from Taupō to Wellington

• Guided Wellington city orientation

• Visit to Parliament House

• The Beehive (Executive Wing)

• Parliamentary Library & Bowen House

Wave farewell to the North Island as you board the scenic Interislander Ferry, crossing the waters that separate New Zealand’s twin islands. Arriving in Picton, venture into Marlborough — a legendary wine region known for its crisp Sauvignon Blancs. Enjoy tastings and a two-course lunch at acclaimed estates, savouring local flavours amid rolling vineyards.

• Interislander Ferry crossing (Wellington → Picton)

• Scenic travel through the Marlborough Sounds

• Marlborough winery visits & wine tastings

• 2-course winery lunch

French Fields Luxury Accommodation

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Kaikōura’s mountains and coastline, French Fields offers an intimate boutique stay blending rustic charm with refined comfort. This beautifully designed lodge features spacious, thoughtfully curated rooms, tranquil garden surrounds, and warm, personalised hospitality — providing a peaceful retreat after a day of coastal exploration and wildlife encounters.

Today’s journey takes you to Kaikōura, a coastal gem where mountains embrace the sea. Board a scenic flight to witness whales breaching in their ocean playground; a truly magnificent sight. Later, stroll the rugged shoreline to find curious seal colonies basking in the sun. Seafood enthusiasts may wish to indulge in world-famous crayfish.

• Scenic drive Blenheim → Kaikōura

• Whale-watching scenic flight

• Seal colony coastal walk

• Optional New Zealand crayfish tasting

Sudima Kaikōura

A modern, eco-conscious hotel located near Kaikōura’s coastline, Sudima Kaikōura offers contemporary rooms, thoughtful amenities, and a relaxed atmosphere. Ideal for unwinding after wildlife and coastal experiences, it provides a comfortable and well-positioned base with easy access to the town and surrounding natural attractions.

Continue south to Christchurch, a city that blends historic elegance with fresh innovation. Known as the Garden City, Christchurch is framed by rivers, parks, and distant mountains.

Enjoy a tranquil punt along the Avon River, gliding beneath willow trees and stone bridges. Later, take a scenic drive to the Port Hills, where sweeping views stretch across the city, Canterbury Plains, and Southern Alps.

• Scenic drive Kaikōura → Christchurch

• Avon River punting experience

• Port Hills scenic lookout

• Optional Christchurch Tram experience

Fable Christchurch

Located in the heart of Christchurch’s city centre, Fable Christchurch is a refined boutique hotel blending classic elegance with modern comfort. Featuring beautifully styled rooms, personalised service, and a prime location near the Avon River, shopping, and cultural attractions, it offers a sophisticated and relaxing stay in the Garden City.

Leave the city behind as you journey into the alpine heart of the South Island. Arrive at Lake Tekapo, famous for its vivid turquoise waters and expansive skies. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy time to wander along the lakeshore.

As darkness falls, experience one of the world’s finest stargazing destinations. At Mt John Observatory, expert guides reveal distant galaxies and constellations, with the Milky Way often glowing brilliantly overhead.

• Scenic drive Christchurch → Lake Tekapo

• Church of the Good Shepherd visit

• Lake Tekapo lakeside walk

• Mt John Observatory stargazing tour

• Optional stargazing & hot pools experience

Peppers Bluewater Resort

Set along the shores of Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort offers contemporary alpine-style accommodation with stunning lake and mountain views. Featuring stylish rooms and villas, this resort provides a peaceful and comfortable retreat, perfectly positioned near the Church of the Good Shepherd and Tekapo’s iconic stargazing experiences.

Today brings you into the shadow of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki / Mount Cook. This dramatic national park is a landscape of glaciers, alpine lakes, and towering mountains.

Cruise across Tasman Glacier Lake on the Glacier Explorers tour, navigating icebergs calved from New Zealand’s largest glacier. Later, enjoy a breathtaking helicopter flight over the Southern Alps, complete with an alpine snow landing.

• Scenic drive Lake Tekapo → Aoraki / Mt Cook

• Glacier Explorers boat tour (Tasman Glacier Lake)

• Helicopter flight with alpine snow landing

• Optional extra night for Hooker Valley guided walk

The Hermitage Hotel

Located within Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel offers an iconic alpine stay with breathtaking views of New Zealand’s highest peaks. Featuring comfortable, well-appointed rooms and on-site dining with panoramic mountain vistas, it provides a memorable and perfectly positioned base for exploring glaciers, alpine walks, and the surrounding Southern Alps.

Depart Mount Cook and travel through stunning alpine scenery toward Queenstown. Along the way, admire the surreal Clay Cliffs and explore Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved gold-mining village rich in history.

Arrive in Queenstown, set beside Lake Wakatipu and framed by dramatic mountains. Ascend by gondola for panoramic views before enjoying a refined dining experience at Stratosfare Restaurant.

• Scenic drive Mt Cook → Queenstown

• Clay Cliffs viewpoint stop

• Arrowtown historic village visit

• Queenstown Skyline Gondola ride

• Dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Located on the peaceful shores of Lake Wakatipu, Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa offers a stylish lakeside retreat with stunning alpine views. Featuring spacious modern rooms, a full-service spa, indoor pool, and on-site dining, the resort provides a comfortable and relaxing base just a short drive from Queenstown’s vibrant centre.

Step aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, a century-old steamship that glides across Lake Wakatipu. Explore the vessel before arriving at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Enjoy a gourmet barbecue at the lakeside Colonel’s Homestead, followed by an entertaining farm demonstration and time to stroll through the peaceful grounds.

• TSS Earnslaw cruise on Lake Wakatipu

• Walter Peak High Country Farm visit

• Gourmet BBQ dining experience

• Farm demonstration & lakeside walk

Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Choose adventure or relaxation — from adrenaline-fuelled activities to serene lakeside strolls or a rejuvenating soak in the famous Onsen Hot Pools overlooking the Shotover River.

• Free time in Queenstown

• Optional adventure activities (bungy, skydiving, canyon swing, paragliding)

• Optional scenic activities (cycling, Botanical Gardens, lakefront walks)

• Optional Onsen Hot Pools experience

Journey into Fiordland National Park, home to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Cruise through Milford Sound beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, surrounded by ancient rainforest and pristine waters.

• Scenic journey through Fiordland National Park

• Milford Sound premium cruise

• Waterfalls, cliffs & wildlife spotting

• Buffet meal onboard (as included)

Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

Set beside the shores of Lake Te Anau, Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas offers a relaxed lakeside stay surrounded by mountain scenery. With comfortable rooms, tranquil garden settings, and easy access to Fiordland National Park, it provides a peaceful and convenient base for exploring Milford Sound and the region’s natural wonders.

Cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Glowworm Caves and venture underground into a hidden world of limestone passages and rushing rivers. Drift silently beneath a ceiling illuminated by thousands of glowworms — a truly magical experience.

Continue toward Wanaka with a charming stop at the historic Cardrona village.

• Lake Te Anau cruise

• Guided Glowworm Caves tour

• Underground boat ride

• Scenic drive toward Wanaka

• Cardrona historic village stop

West Meadows of Wānaka

Set on a peaceful private estate just outside Wānaka, West Meadows offers an elegant lodge-style stay surrounded by expansive meadows and mountain views. Known for its spacious suites, refined comfort, and tranquil setting, it provides a serene retreat while remaining close to Wānaka’s lakeside attractions and outdoor experiences.

Discover a hidden gem on Lake Wanaka. Travel by water taxi to Mou Waho Island, a predator-free sanctuary rising from the lake. Walk to a secluded glacial lake at the summit; a rare “lake on an island in a lake” experience surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

• Water taxi across Lake Wanaka

• Guided walk on Mou Waho Island

• Summit glacial lake viewpoint

• Native wildlife spotting

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning before your private transfer to Christchurch Airport. Take with you unforgettable memories of New Zealand’s landscapes, experiences, and warm hospitality. Depart with ease, knowing this is not a goodbye, but the beginning of your next journey back.

• Scenic drive Wanaka → Franz Josef

• Blue Pools walk

• Lake Matheson reflection walk

• West Coast rainforest scenery

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef (Indicative Accommodation)

Nestled in the lush West Coast rainforest near Franz Josef Glacier, Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef is a luxurious 5-star escape where nature and sophistication meet. Designed to blend seamlessly with its environment, this eco-inspired retreat offers spacious, elegantly appointed rooms with premium amenities and private balconies overlooking native bush. Guests can unwind with spa services, enjoy gourmet dining at The Canopy Restaurant, and take in the serenity of the natural surroundings — all while being just minutes from glacier walks, hot pools, and local attractions.

Begin the day high above the forest floor on the West Coast Treetop Walkway, offering a unique view of ancient rainforest giants. Continue north to Hokitika Beach before arriving at Punakaiki to marvel at the dramatic Pancake Rocks and blowholes.

• West Coast Treetop Walkway experience

• Hokitika Beach visit

• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & blowholes walk

Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Positioned along the rugged West Coast shoreline, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki offers a relaxed coastal stay surrounded by dramatic ocean views and native rainforest. With comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and close proximity to the famous Pancake Rocks, it provides a scenic and convenient base for exploring Punakaiki’s natural wonders.

Conclude your journey with one of the world’s great train rides. Board the TranzAlpine Train and cross the Southern Alps, watching the landscape transform from rugged gorges to rolling plains before arriving back in Christchurch.

• TranzAlpine Train journey (Greymouth → Christchurch)

• Panoramic alpine scenery

Novotel Christchurch Airport

Conveniently connected to Christchurch International Airport, Novotel Christchurch Airport offers a modern and comfortable stay ideal for arrivals or departures. Featuring contemporary rooms, soundproofed comfort, and on-site dining, it provides a seamless and restful experience while remaining within easy reach of Christchurch city and the wider Canterbury region.

After an unforgettable journey through New Zealand’s North and South Islands, today marks your departure.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a relaxed morning in Christchurch with time for a final stroll, breakfast, or last-minute shopping.

Your private tour guide will assist with check-out and ensure a smooth transfer to Christchurch International Airport, allowing you to depart with ease and comfort.