Discover New Zealand’s Must-See Highlights from North to South
This 10 day Essential New Zealand journey takes you from the North Island’s cultural heart to the South Island’s dramatic alpine landscapes. Beginning in Auckland and Rotorua, you’ll experience geothermal wonders and Māori traditions before heading south. Highlights include Wellington’s vibrant city life, Dunedin’s heritage charm, and a Milford Sound cruise .
Continuing through the South Island, the itinerary showcases diverse scenery from rolling farmland to towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Time in Queenstown allows for both relaxation and adventure, while the journey concludes with a scenic alpine route via Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. This well-paced tour offers a comprehensive introduction to New Zealand’s most iconic destinations.
Inclusions
Accommodation for 9 nights staying in Motel (or Hotel 4 star)
Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App
The Visitor Promise - Cultural Learning Course
Auckland to Rotorua Small Group Tour via Hobbiton with Bush and Beach
Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included
Rotorua Duck Tours City & Lakes Tour
Private Transfer Rotorua Accommodation to Rotorua Intercity Depot
Rotorua to Wellington by InterCity Coach
Private Transfer Wellington Hotel to Airport
Air New Zealand flight Wellington to Christchurch
Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation
Private Transfer Accommodation to Intercity Stop Lichfield St
Christchurch to Dunedin by InterCity Coach
Dunedin Coach Stop to Accommodation Transfer
Dunedin to Te Anau Transfer
Milford Sound Cruise from Te Anau and returning to Queenstown with RealNZ - Lunch Included
Begin your journey travelling south through the Waikato region, where rolling farmland and picturesque towns set the scene. Today introduces you to both cinematic landscapes and rich Māori culture as you arrive in Rotorua.
Included: Small group tour from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Movie Set Step into Middle Earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where detailed film locations bring the story to life. Wander through hobbit holes and iconic sites while learning behind-the-scenes insights from your guide.
Included: Te Pā Tū Māori cultural experience with dinner Immerse yourself in Māori traditions through storytelling, performance, and seasonal cuisine. Set within a forest village, this experience offers a powerful connection to New Zealand’s heritage.
Day 2: Explore Rotorua
Discover Rotorua’s unique geothermal landscapes and cultural highlights at your own pace. This region is known for its bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and rich Māori history.
Included: Rotorua Duck Tours City and Lakes experience Explore Rotorua on an amphibious vehicle, travelling across both land and water. This fun and informative tour showcases the region’s lakes and volcanic scenery.
Day 3: Rotorua to Wellington
Travel south through the heart of the North Island, passing volcanic landscapes and scenic countryside. This journey offers glimpses of iconic natural features before arriving in the capital city.
Included: Private transfer from Rotorua accommodation to coach depot Start your day with a convenient transfer to your departure point. This ensures a smooth and stress-free beginning to your journey.
Included: InterCity coach travel from Rotorua to Wellington Enjoy a scenic journey past Lake Taupō and Tongariro National Park. The route features landscapes recognised from film and natural history alike.
Included: Private transfer from Wellington Airport to accommodation On arrival, transfer directly to your hotel in the city centre. This service allows you to settle in comfortably after your journey.
Day 4: Wellington to Christchurch
Spend time exploring Wellington before continuing your journey to the South Island. Today blends urban culture with a scenic transition between islands.
Included: Private transfer from Wellington accommodation to airport Enjoy a seamless transfer to the airport, ensuring a relaxed start to your travel day. This convenient service simplifies your onward journey.
Included: Flight from Wellington to Christchurch Take in aerial views as you travel south to Christchurch. The flight highlights the changing landscapes between the islands.
Included: Private transfer from Christchurch Airport to accommodation Arrive in Christchurch and transfer directly to your hotel with ease. This ensures a smooth arrival in the Garden City.
Day 5: Christchurch to Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains and along the coast to Dunedin. This journey showcases a mix of farmland, rivers, and historic towns.
Included: Private transfer from accommodation to coach stop Begin your day with a convenient transfer to your departure point. This ensures a stress-free start to your journey.
Included: InterCity coach travel from Christchurch to Dunedin Enjoy a scenic drive through diverse landscapes and coastal regions. The journey offers insight into the South Island’s rural charm.
Included: Transfer from Dunedin coach stop to accommodation On arrival, transfer directly to your hotel for a comfortable check-in. This service ensures a smooth end to your travel day.
Day 6: Dunedin to Te Anau
Journey through Southland’s rural landscapes as you travel towards Fiordland. Today introduces you to one of New Zealand’s most scenic and tranquil regions.
Included: Coach transfer from Dunedin to Te Anau Travel through farmland and small towns while enjoying views of rivers and countryside. This journey offers a relaxed transition to Fiordland.
Day 7: Milford Sound to Queenstown
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound before continuing on to Queenstown. This day is filled with dramatic landscapes and unforgettable scenery.
Included: Milford Sound coach and cruise experience Travel along the spectacular Milford Road before boarding a scenic cruise through the fiord. The journey offers stunning views of waterfalls, cliffs, and native wildlife.
Day 8: Explore Queenstown
Spend the day enjoying Queenstown’s mix of adventure, scenery, and relaxation. Surrounded by mountains and lake views, the town offers something for every traveller.
Included: Skyline Gondola ride in Queenstown Take in panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks from above. The gondola offers a relaxing way to appreciate the region’s beauty.
Day 9: Free Day Queenstown
Take another day to explore Queenstown and its surrounding areas in more depth. From scenic drives to outdoor adventures, there are countless options to enjoy.
Day 10: Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook
Conclude your journey with a scenic trip through the Southern Alps. This final day highlights some of the South Island’s most iconic landscapes.
Included: Small group coach tour from Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo Travel through Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and admire the vivid blue waters of Lake Tekapo. This guided journey offers a memorable finale to your New Zealand adventure.
Pricing
Cost per person (Twin share)
Motel (Self Catering): from NZ$5,400
4-Star Accommodation: from NZ$6,340 (includes 10 breakfasts)
Coach Tours
