Overview
The perfect introduction to the stunning sights and landscapes of the North and South Islands.Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Geothermal attractions of Rotorua; New Zealand's Adventure capital of Queenstown; and majestic Milford Sound.
Accommodation
4 Star Hotels
We have a wide range of 4 star hotel properties. Most hotels in this category generally have swimming pools, fitness gyms, a choice of restaurants, and are usually a little closer to town centres or occupy premium locations. Room types may include standard, deluxe, superior, mountain view, lake view, suites, etc. Many also include 2 and 3 bedroom suites which can offer great value for larger groups.
3 Star Hotels
All our 3 star hotels have restaurant facilities. Meals can be included in your package, if required. Please note that smaller destinations such as Coromandel, Kaikoura, Akaroa, etc. hotels don't usually feature this as an accommodation option.
Motels
Motel accommodations are self-contained facilities. At minimum, a studio unit includes cooking utensils, a hot plate and/or a microwave, toaster, kettle, and crockery and cutlery. Others will include a full kitchen and can include saunas, spas, and swimming pools and sometimes a full breakfast service. Room types include stuido, 2-bedroom, or family units. Our motels are of a very high standard and are generally owned and operated by locals who would love to share their genuine interest in their region with you.
Details
Independent Coach Tours, using nationwide bus services, daily departures
Route: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Christchurch
Start: Auckland
Finish: Christchurch
Includes:
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- All coach tour transport as specified in this tour package
- All breakfasts (4-star accommodation only)
- Air New Zealand Airfare Rotorua to Queenstown
- Tamaki Maori Village show and dinner
- Te Puia Maori Arts & Crafts
- Entrance to Rainbow Springs
- Entrance to Agrodome and show
- Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
- Queenstown Skyline Gondola
- Discover Milford Sound day tour with cruise and lunch
Pricing:
Cost per person (Twin share)
- Motel (self-catering): from NZ$2,795
- Standard (3-3.5* Star): from NZ$2,985
- Superior (4-4.5* Star): from NZ$3,150
Prices quoted are per person and are room only. Prices do not include meals.
Twin share is based on 2 people traveling together and sharing one rooms. Single room and triple share prices are available upon request.
* Please Note*
Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.
Payment
- Deposit: 20% of the package cost or NZ$250 per person (whichever is the greater) at time of booking
- Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
- Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking
Cancellation Charges
- Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking
Overview
The perfect introduction to the stunning sights and landscapes of the North and South Islands.Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the Geothermal attractions of Rotorua; New Zealand's Adventure capital of Queenstown; and majestic Milford Sound.
Accommodation
4 Star Hotels
We have a wide range of 4 star hotel properties. Most hotels in this category generally have swimming pools, fitness gyms, a choice of restaurants, and are usually a little closer to town centres or occupy premium locations. Room types may include standard, deluxe, superior, mountain view, lake view, suites, etc. Many also include 2 and 3 bedroom suites which can offer great value for larger groups.
3 Star Hotels
All our 3 star hotels have restaurant facilities. Meals can be included in your package, if required. Please note that smaller destinations such as Coromandel, Kaikoura, Akaroa, etc. hotels don't usually feature this as an accommodation option.
Motels
Motel accommodations are self-contained facilities. At minimum, a studio unit includes cooking utensils, a hot plate and/or a microwave, toaster, kettle, and crockery and cutlery. Others will include a full kitchen and can include saunas, spas, and swimming pools and sometimes a full breakfast service. Room types include stuido, 2-bedroom, or family units. Our motels are of a very high standard and are generally owned and operated by locals who would love to share their genuine interest in their region with you.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Agrodome Farm Show Rotorua
Rainbow Springs Rotorua
Pohutu Geyser, Te Puia, Rotorua
Maori Greeting at Tamaki Village, Rotorua
Hangi Meal at Tamaki Village, Rotorua
Skyline Gondola, Queenstown
Red Boats Cruise, Milford Sound
Shotover Jet, Queenstown
Walter Peak Farm Tour, Queenstown
TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak Station, Queenstown
Mount Cook
Itinerary
Open AllEnjoy a tour from Auckland to Rotorua including a guided tour of the fascinating Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Leaving Auckland in the morning you travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Your experienced local driver guide will provide a commentary as you travel to Waitomo and point out sites of interest including Rangiriri, the location of a historic Maori land wars battle between forces loyal to the Maori King and the Colonial Government in 1863.
On arrival in the small town of Waitomo enjoy a guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with their amazing stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. We finish the tour with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms.
Continue your tour this afternoon by driving to Rotorua, passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where the roadside trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of natural greenery. You will also enjoy a delicious picnic style lunch on board the coach.
Tamaki Maori Village cultural tour and dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way. Rediscover the Maori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths and legends and browse throughout the largest after hour's tribal market place in Rotorua. Includes dinner.
Stay 2 nights Rotorua
Experience Te Puia, a place of Maori culture and a thermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools. Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park, which showcases native flora and fauna as well as the New Zealand Kiwi. Then see NZ's agricultural industry in action with a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials at the Agrodome.
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Airport.
Air New Zealand flight Rotorua to Queenstown
You will be met from your flight and transferred to your Queenstown hotel.
Explore Queenstown and surrounds
Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.
Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown.
Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Venture further afield into the Fiordland National Park or head over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country - or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. And after all of that - if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.
Stay 3 nights in Queenstown
Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous tourist destination. You'll experience the world-famous fiord in all its natural glory – surrounded by dense rainforest, glacier-carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls.
Leaving Queenstown, travel in comfort through rugged mountain terrain past Te Anau, a quiet town on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. Your glass-roof coach will provide amazing views of the skyline.
Journey through the Southern Alps and along the picturesque Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls and one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand. Take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer along the Milford Road, like the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters, and Knobs Flat, where glaciers have carved their mark on the terrain.
Travel through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km passageway drilled into solid rock, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids.
At Milford Sound, board your 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise and set off to explore the region that Rudyard Kipling called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters.
At the pinnacle of the sound, Mitre Peak rises dramatically from the depths to a height of 1,692 metres above sea level. Along the way your captain will provide lively and informative commentary.
Your cruise will take place on a modern, purpose-built catamaran with large viewing windows, outdoor decks, panoramic views and warm indoor seating. After your cruise, return to Queenstown by coach.
With such an abundance of activities on offer, one day in Queenstown is never enough! Today you’ll have some spare time for those things you didn’t get to do yesterday. For more thrills you can choose from jet boating, luging, bungy jumping or a canyon swing. If golf is your game, the exceptional Millbrook Golf Course is the place for you. Explore a little further afield - nearby historic gold mining township Arrowtown, is a popular destination and features many original buildings and features. At the head of Lake Wakatipu sits Glenorchy, the scenic drive here is worth the trip alone, however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away. Nearby is the start of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. You can enjoy a section of this track as a day walk or for the ultimate wilderness adventure choose the 3 day all-inclusive fully guided option. To really appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds this area, a scenic flight or hot air balloon ride will take your breath away. For a slightly more grounded experience, the Skyline Gondola offers fantastic views of Queenstown and the Remarkables.
Skyline Gondola
Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern hemisphere - and take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and Coronet Peak - one of Queenstown’s Ski field.
Departing Queenstown in the morning you travel through the Kawarau Gorge towards Cromwell, a major fruit growing region. If time allows you’ll visit the Jones Family Orchard, where you can sample the local produce from Cromwell and surrounds.
From Cromwell you’ll follow the edge of Lake Dunstan, passing through ruggedly beautiful dry hills landscape. Continuing on you cross the Lindis Pass which is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres, this also marks the border between Central Otago and the Mackenzie Country. The first town you pass in the MacKenzie Country is Omarama where a short tea stop is available (own expense). Then pass by Twizel , the surrounding countryside was the location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes.
A short drive past Twizel you turn off the main road and follow the scenic drive along the edge of Lake Pukaki, which delivers you into the heart of Mt Cook National Park. At Mt Cook Village you can enjoy a three-course lunch (own expense) at the famous Hermitage Hotel.
After lunch you’ll have time to explore the village and soak up the view. Alternatively you can experience a scenic helicopter or ski plane flight for incredible views of mountain peaks and glaciers (additional cost, weather permitting – this flight can be arranged with your driver guide on the day). After lunch you’ll continue north to the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo. You’ll enjoy a short stop here to take in the picturesque lake and one of the most photographed buildings in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd.
As you traverse Burkes Pass you leave the MacKenzie Country behind and enter the vast Canterbury Plains, which take you all the way to Christchurch.
Cost per person (Twin share)
- Motel (self-catering): from NZ$2,795
- Standard (3-3.5* Star): from NZ$2,985
- Superior (4-4.5* Star): from NZ$3,150
Prices quoted are per person and are room only. Prices do not include meals.
Twin share is based on 2 people traveling together and sharing one rooms. Single room and triple share prices are available upon request.
* Please Note*
Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.
Payment
- Deposit: 20% of the package cost or NZ$250 per person (whichever is the greater) at time of booking
- Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
- Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking
Cancellation Charges
- Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking
Itinerary
Open AllEnjoy a tour from Auckland to Rotorua including a guided tour of the fascinating Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Leaving Auckland in the morning you travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Your experienced local driver guide will provide a commentary as you travel to Waitomo and point out sites of interest including Rangiriri, the location of a historic Maori land wars battle between forces loyal to the Maori King and the Colonial Government in 1863.
On arrival in the small town of Waitomo enjoy a guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with their amazing stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. We finish the tour with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms.
Continue your tour this afternoon by driving to Rotorua, passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where the roadside trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of natural greenery. You will also enjoy a delicious picnic style lunch on board the coach.
Tamaki Maori Village cultural tour and dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way. Rediscover the Maori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths and legends and browse throughout the largest after hour's tribal market place in Rotorua. Includes dinner.
Stay 2 nights Rotorua
Experience Te Puia, a place of Maori culture and a thermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools. Explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park, which showcases native flora and fauna as well as the New Zealand Kiwi. Then see NZ's agricultural industry in action with a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials at the Agrodome.
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Airport.
Air New Zealand flight Rotorua to Queenstown
You will be met from your flight and transferred to your Queenstown hotel.
Explore Queenstown and surrounds
Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.
Head down the Gibbston valley wine trail to sample some of the region’s best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's ‘Rata.’ Check out nearby historic Arrowtown and enhance your experience with a four wheel drive trip to Macetown.
Take a leisurely lakeside stroll or ride the gondola for breathtaking views. Venture further afield into the Fiordland National Park or head over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Drive through Lord Of The Rings country - or for the really fanatic, jump aboard one of many dedicated LOTR tours. And after all of that - if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.
Stay 3 nights in Queenstown
Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous tourist destination. You'll experience the world-famous fiord in all its natural glory – surrounded by dense rainforest, glacier-carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls.
Leaving Queenstown, travel in comfort through rugged mountain terrain past Te Anau, a quiet town on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. Your glass-roof coach will provide amazing views of the skyline.
Journey through the Southern Alps and along the picturesque Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls and one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand. Take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer along the Milford Road, like the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters, and Knobs Flat, where glaciers have carved their mark on the terrain.
Travel through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km passageway drilled into solid rock, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids.
At Milford Sound, board your 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise and set off to explore the region that Rudyard Kipling called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters.
At the pinnacle of the sound, Mitre Peak rises dramatically from the depths to a height of 1,692 metres above sea level. Along the way your captain will provide lively and informative commentary.
Your cruise will take place on a modern, purpose-built catamaran with large viewing windows, outdoor decks, panoramic views and warm indoor seating. After your cruise, return to Queenstown by coach.
With such an abundance of activities on offer, one day in Queenstown is never enough! Today you’ll have some spare time for those things you didn’t get to do yesterday. For more thrills you can choose from jet boating, luging, bungy jumping or a canyon swing. If golf is your game, the exceptional Millbrook Golf Course is the place for you. Explore a little further afield - nearby historic gold mining township Arrowtown, is a popular destination and features many original buildings and features. At the head of Lake Wakatipu sits Glenorchy, the scenic drive here is worth the trip alone, however arriving into this peaceful township you could easily rest the day away. Nearby is the start of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. You can enjoy a section of this track as a day walk or for the ultimate wilderness adventure choose the 3 day all-inclusive fully guided option. To really appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds this area, a scenic flight or hot air balloon ride will take your breath away. For a slightly more grounded experience, the Skyline Gondola offers fantastic views of Queenstown and the Remarkables.
Skyline Gondola
Hop aboard the Skyline Gondola - the steepest cable car lift in the Southern hemisphere - and take in the awe-inspiring views of this spectacular landscape. Sit back and relax as you enjoy panoramic views of The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and Coronet Peak - one of Queenstown’s Ski field.
Departing Queenstown in the morning you travel through the Kawarau Gorge towards Cromwell, a major fruit growing region. If time allows you’ll visit the Jones Family Orchard, where you can sample the local produce from Cromwell and surrounds.
From Cromwell you’ll follow the edge of Lake Dunstan, passing through ruggedly beautiful dry hills landscape. Continuing on you cross the Lindis Pass which is one of New Zealand’s highest roads with the summit reaching 971 metres, this also marks the border between Central Otago and the Mackenzie Country. The first town you pass in the MacKenzie Country is Omarama where a short tea stop is available (own expense). Then pass by Twizel , the surrounding countryside was the location of many Lord of the Rings movie scenes.
A short drive past Twizel you turn off the main road and follow the scenic drive along the edge of Lake Pukaki, which delivers you into the heart of Mt Cook National Park. At Mt Cook Village you can enjoy a three-course lunch (own expense) at the famous Hermitage Hotel.
After lunch you’ll have time to explore the village and soak up the view. Alternatively you can experience a scenic helicopter or ski plane flight for incredible views of mountain peaks and glaciers (additional cost, weather permitting – this flight can be arranged with your driver guide on the day). After lunch you’ll continue north to the picturesque town of Lake Tekapo. You’ll enjoy a short stop here to take in the picturesque lake and one of the most photographed buildings in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd.
As you traverse Burkes Pass you leave the MacKenzie Country behind and enter the vast Canterbury Plains, which take you all the way to Christchurch.
