20 Day Auckland to Queenstown Southbound Explorer

Arrive in Auckland, a vibrant harbour city set between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Known as the City of Sails, it offers a blend of coastal scenery, urban culture, and nearby island escapes.

Included: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Accommodation
Enjoy a smooth arrival with a private transfer directly to your hotel. This comfortable service allows you to settle in and take in your first impressions of the city.

Take a stroll through Viaduct Harbour and along the waterfront, where cafés and restaurants overlook the marina. For panoramic views, head up the Sky Tower and enjoy sweeping vistas across the city and surrounding islands.

Spend the day discovering Auckland’s mix of natural beauty and vibrant city life. From beaches and islands to cultural attractions, there’s something to suit every interest.

Visit Mount Eden for panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf, take a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting, or explore Rangitoto Island’s volcanic landscape. Areas like Ponsonby Road and Britomart offer excellent dining and boutique shopping experiences.

Suggested Activity: America’s Cup Sailing Experience
Join the crew on a real racing yacht and experience the thrill of sailing on the Waitematā Harbour. This hands-on activity offers a unique perspective of Auckland from the water.

Suggested Activity: Waiheke Island Explorer Tour
Take a ferry to Waiheke Island and explore its vineyards, beaches, and coastal villages. The hop-on hop-off format allows you to explore at your own pace.

Spend the morning enjoying Auckland from the water, taking in its skyline and harbour activity. The city’s maritime culture is best experienced out on the harbour itself.

After your cruise, enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your leisure, with plenty of options nearby. Auckland’s waterfront precincts and nearby attractions are all within easy reach.

Included: Harbour Sailing Cruise with Explore
Sail across the Waitematā Harbour on a relaxed yacht experience with panoramic views of the city. You can take the helm or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery and commentary.

Travel south through the heart of the North Island aboard one of New Zealand’s great rail journeys. The route showcases farmland, volcanic landscapes, and dramatic river gorges.

Passing through Tongariro National Park, you’ll see Mount Ruapehu and the famous Raurimu Spiral before arriving in Wellington. The journey offers a relaxing and scenic way to travel between the two cities.

Included: Private Transfer to Auckland Train Station
Enjoy a convenient transfer from your hotel to the train station. This ensures a smooth start to your travel day.

Included: Northern Explorer Scenic Train
Experience panoramic views from large windows as you travel through diverse landscapes. The journey highlights the natural beauty of the North Island.

Included: Private Transfer Wellington Station to Accommodation
On arrival, transfer directly to your hotel in Wellington. This seamless connection allows you to settle in with ease.

Spend the day exploring Wellington, a compact and creative capital known for its food, arts, and harbour setting. The city’s walkable layout makes it easy to discover a variety of attractions.

Visit Te Papa Museum for an immersive cultural experience, ride the Wellington Cable Car for harbour views, or wander Cuba Street’s cafés and boutiques. For nature, Zealandia offers a unique wildlife sanctuary just minutes from the city centre.

Suggested Activity: Lord of the Rings Half Day Tour
Explore filming locations around Wellington, including Mount Victoria and the Wētā Workshop. This guided experience offers behind-the-scenes insights into the film industry.

Suggested Activity: Wētā Workshop Experience
Go behind the scenes to see how props, costumes, and special effects are created. This interactive tour highlights Wellington’s role in global filmmaking.

Travel from Wellington to the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait and into the Marlborough Sounds. The journey combines ferry travel with a scenic drive through vineyards and coastal landscapes.

Continue via Havelock and Nelson before reaching the Abel Tasman region, known for its golden beaches and clear waters. The drive offers a relaxed pace with plenty of scenic stops.

Included: Private Transfer to Ferry Terminal
Enjoy a comfortable transfer from your hotel to the ferry terminal. This ensures a smooth start to your inter-island journey.

Included: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton
Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds with stunning views of bush-clad hills and sheltered bays. This journey is considered one of the most scenic ferry crossings in the world.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Collect your rental vehicle in Picton and begin your South Island self drive. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Spend the day exploring Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches, turquoise waters, and coastal walking tracks. The region’s mild climate makes it ideal for outdoor activities.

You might choose to cruise along the coastline, kayak between secluded bays, or walk sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Wildlife such as seals and native birds can often be spotted along the way.

Suggested Activity: Abel Tasman Cruise and Walk
Combine a scenic cruise with short coastal walks through native forest and along sandy beaches. This flexible experience allows you to explore at your own pace.

Suggested Activity: Guided Sea Kayaking Experience
Paddle through sheltered bays and along the coastline with opportunities to spot seals and marine life. This is a relaxing and immersive way to experience the park.

Depart the golden beaches of Abel Tasman and travel through the Marlborough region, known for its vineyards and rolling countryside. The journey transitions from coastal landscapes to rugged hills before reaching the dramatic Kaikōura coastline.

Passing through Nelson and Blenheim, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at local wineries or enjoy lunch overlooking the vines. As you approach Kaikōura, the road hugs the shoreline, with mountains rising sharply from the sea.

Travel south along one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal routes, where the ocean meets the mountains. The journey offers frequent opportunities to stop and take in the views or spot wildlife along the shoreline.

Continuing inland, the landscape softens into the Waipara wine region before reaching Christchurch. The city’s blend of heritage and modern design reflects its ongoing transformation.

Enjoy a relaxed coastal drive with ever-changing scenery and photo opportunities. The route is easy to follow and offers several worthwhile stops.

Suggested Activity: Whale Watching Experience
Head out onto the ocean to encounter sperm whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural environment. Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where whale sightings are possible year-round.

Begin the day with one of the world’s great rail journeys, crossing the Southern Alps from east to west. The scenery shifts from farmland to alpine passes and rainforest as you travel towards the West Coast.

After arriving in Greymouth, continue north to Punakaiki, where rugged coastline and native forest meet. This region is known for its dramatic natural formations and untamed beauty.

Included: Shared Transfer to Christchurch Train Station
Enjoy a convenient transfer from your accommodation to the station. This ensures a smooth start to your travel day.

Included: TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Greymouth
Travel through Arthur’s Pass, across river gorges, and into dense rainforest. The panoramic windows offer uninterrupted views throughout the journey.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Collect your rental vehicle in Greymouth and continue your journey along the West Coast. This provides flexibility to explore the region.

Travel south along the West Coast, passing through Greymouth and Hokitika. This stretch of road showcases wild beaches, rainforest, and small historic towns.

Along the way, consider a stop at Hokitika Gorge, where vivid turquoise waters flow through a narrow canyon. Continuing south, you’ll reach Franz Josef, a lively glacier town surrounded by dramatic peaks.

Included: Self Drive Punakaiki to Franz Josef
Enjoy a scenic coastal journey with plenty of opportunities to explore along the way. The route highlights the raw beauty of the West Coast.

Spend the day exploring Franz Josef, where rainforest meets glacier in one of New Zealand’s most unique environments. The village offers a mix of adventure, scenic walks, and relaxation.

Visit the Franz Josef Glacier Valley, unwind in the Glacier Hot Pools, or explore nearby walking tracks through native bush. For a more elevated experience, scenic flights provide incredible views of the ice and surrounding peaks.

Included: Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight
Take to the air for a spectacular flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Landing on the snow offers a rare opportunity to experience this alpine environment up close.

Travel south along the coast before heading inland through Haast Pass and into the Southern Alps. This route offers waterfalls, river valleys, and dense native forest.

Continue past Makarora and the Blue Pools before arriving at Lakes Wānaka and Hāwea. Crossing the Crown Range, you’ll descend into Queenstown with stunning alpine views.

Enjoy one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives, with a mix of coastal and alpine landscapes. The journey includes several standout stops along the way.

Spend the day exploring Queenstown, a destination known for its alpine scenery and wide range of experiences. From adventure to relaxation, there are options to suit every interest.

Take a gondola ride to Bob’s Peak, explore nearby Arrowtown, or enjoy a lakeside walk along Lake Wakatipu. The town’s vibrant dining scene and scenic setting make it a highlight of the South Island.

Suggested Activity: Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Experience high-speed thrills as you travel through narrow river canyons. This iconic activity combines adrenaline with stunning scenery.

Suggested Activity: Central Otago Wine Tour
Visit boutique vineyards in Gibbston Valley, Bannockburn, and Cromwell. The region is known for its world-class Pinot Noir and beautiful landscapes.

Discover more of the Queenstown region, including historic towns and scenic alpine landscapes. The day offers a blend of culture, scenery, and local experiences.

Travel to Arrowtown and Wānaka, where lakeside views and heritage sites create a relaxed atmosphere. Returning to Queenstown, the evening offers a memorable lakeside experience.

Included: Arrowtown and Wānaka Highlights Tour
Explore historic Arrowtown, the Cardrona Valley, and Lake Wānaka’s scenic surroundings. This guided tour highlights the region’s heritage and natural beauty.

Included: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship before enjoying a gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak. The experience combines dining, scenery, and a farm demonstration.

Travel south through Southland’s rolling farmland towards Manapouri, gateway to Doubtful Sound. The journey offers a change of pace as you head into one of New Zealand’s most remote regions.

Cross Lake Manapouri and travel over Wilmot Pass before reaching Doubtful Sound. The experience immerses you in Fiordland’s vast and untouched wilderness.

Included: Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Cruise through towering cliffs and waterfalls while learning about the region’s history and wildlife. Enjoy activities such as kayaking, wildlife spotting, and stargazing from the deck.

Return to the mainland and travel east through Southland towards Dunedin. The route offers a mix of farmland and optional coastal detours through the Catlins region.

Arriving in Dunedin, you’ll discover a city rich in Scottish heritage and historic architecture. Its coastal setting and cultural attractions make it a unique destination.

Included: Dinner at Larnach Castle
Dine in a grand historic setting with a multi-course meal showcasing local produce. The experience offers both fine dining and a glimpse into the region’s heritage.

Spend the day exploring Dunedin and the wildlife-rich Otago Peninsula. The region is known for its unique combination of heritage, coastal scenery, and rare wildlife.

Visit the historic railway station, explore the Octagon, or head out to the peninsula for dramatic coastal views. The area is one of the best places in New Zealand to encounter native wildlife.

Included: Castle to Cruise and Penguin Experience
Enjoy a wildlife cruise to see albatross, seals, and marine life before visiting Larnach Castle. The experience also includes a rare opportunity to see yellow-eyed penguins in their natural habitat.

Travel inland through the historic Otago goldfields, passing towns such as Lawrence, Roxburgh, and Alexandra. The journey follows the Clutha River through a landscape rich in history and natural beauty.

Continuing through Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge, you’ll return to Queenstown surrounded by vineyards and rugged hills. The drive offers a fitting final scenic journey.

Your New Zealand journey concludes in Queenstown, surrounded by alpine scenery and lasting memories. Take time to enjoy a final walk or coffee before heading to the airport.

Included: Return Rental Car at Queenstown Airport
Return your vehicle at the airport depot before your onward journey. This simple process ensures a smooth and stress-free departure.