16 Day City to Mountains, Auckland to Queenstown

Arrive in Auckland, a vibrant harbour city set between the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea. Known as the City of Sails, it offers a lively mix of waterfront dining, cultural attractions, and nearby island escapes.

Included: Private Transfer Auckland Airport to your Accommodation with Tourcorp
Enjoy a seamless arrival with a private transfer directly to your hotel. This comfortable service allows you to settle in and take in your first impressions of Auckland’s skyline and harbour.

Suggested Activity: Harbour Sailing Cruise with Explore
Experience Auckland from the water as you sail across the Waitematā Harbour. This relaxed cruise offers great views of the Harbour Bridge, city skyline, and surrounding islands.

Spend the day discovering Auckland’s unique blend of urban culture and natural landscapes. From volcanic viewpoints to island adventures, there are endless ways to explore.

Visit Mount Eden for panoramic views, take a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting, or explore Rangitoto Island’s lava fields. The Viaduct and Ponsonby areas offer excellent dining and a vibrant atmosphere.

Included: Collect Rental Car
Collect your rental vehicle and enjoy the freedom to explore Auckland and its surrounds at your own pace. Having a car provides easy access to beaches, regional parks, and nearby attractions.

Depart Auckland and travel south through the fertile Waikato region, known for its rolling farmland and rural charm. As you approach Rotorua, the landscape begins to shift with signs of geothermal activity rising from the earth.

Along the way, consider stopping in Tirau for a quick photo or visiting Hamilton Gardens for a unique themed garden experience. Arriving in Rotorua, you’ll notice the distinct geothermal features that define this fascinating region.

Included: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Step into the world of Middle-earth with a guided tour through Hobbiton near Matamata. Explore iconic film locations such as Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree.

Spend the day exploring Rotorua, a destination famous for its geothermal landscapes and rich Māori culture. Bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and cultural experiences create a truly unique atmosphere.

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for colourful geothermal features, explore Te Puia for geysers and cultural insights, or unwind at the Polynesian Spa. The Redwoods Forest also offers scenic walking and cycling trails among towering trees.

Suggested Activity: Original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Soar through native forest on a network of ziplines and suspended bridges. Along the way, learn about conservation efforts and the unique ecosystem of the region.

Suggested Activity: Te Pā Tū Māori Cultural Experience with Dinner
Immerse yourself in Māori culture through storytelling, performance, and traditional cuisine. This evening experience offers a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s heritage.

Suggested Activity: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Explore vibrant geothermal landscapes shaped by thousands of years of volcanic activity. The park features bubbling mud pools, colourful lakes, and erupting geysers.

Travel south through the central North Island, passing Lake Taupō and the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park. The journey offers a mix of lakeside scenery, mountain views, and rural countryside.

Continue through towns such as Turangi and Taihape before reaching the Kapiti Coast, where the road follows the shoreline into Wellington. The capital city welcomes you with its harbour setting and creative energy.

Suggested Activity: Zealandia Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Explore a protected wildlife sanctuary after dark and discover native species in their natural habitat. This guided experience offers a unique insight into conservation efforts.

Cross the Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton, travelling through one of New Zealand’s most scenic waterways. The journey through the Marlborough Sounds offers bush-covered hills, sheltered bays, and crystal-clear waters.

From Picton, continue a short drive to Blenheim, located in the heart of Marlborough’s wine region. The area is known for its vineyards, sunshine, and relaxed atmosphere.

Included: Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton
Enjoy a scenic ferry crossing with panoramic views of coastline and open sea. The Marlborough Sounds section is a highlight of the journey.

Collect Rental Car
Collect your vehicle in Picton and continue your South Island journey with flexibility. This allows you to explore the region at your own pace.

Travel south through Marlborough’s vineyards before reaching the rugged Kaikōura coastline. The scenery shifts dramatically as mountains rise directly from the ocean.

The coastal road offers opportunities to stop for photos and spot seals along the shoreline. Kaikōura is well known for its marine life and relaxed seaside atmosphere. The route is one of the South Island’s most picturesque drives.

Suggested Activity: Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise and Walk
Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds before enjoying a guided walk along the Queen Charlotte Track. This experience combines coastal scenery with native forest.

Travel south along the coast before heading inland through the Waipara wine region. The journey offers a mix of ocean views, rolling hills, and vineyard landscapes.

Arriving in Christchurch, you’ll find a city that blends heritage architecture with modern innovation. Its parks, river, and creative precincts make it an enjoyable place to explore.

Included: Whale Watching Experience with Whale Watch Kaikōura
Head out onto the ocean for a close encounter with sperm whales, dolphins, and seals. This unforgettable experience showcases Kaikōura’s rich marine environment.

Spend the day exploring Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region, where city sights meet rural landscapes. This experience combines urban highlights with authentic local farming and wine culture.

You’ll discover a mix of heritage architecture, green spaces, and evolving city precincts before heading into the countryside. The contrast between city and rural life makes this a well-rounded and engaging day.

Included: Christchurch City, Sheep Farm and Wine Tour with Lunch
Explore Christchurch’s key sights before visiting a working sheep farm to see shearing demonstrations and farm dogs in action. The day continues with a wine tasting in the Waipara Valley, showcasing the region’s cool-climate wines.

Travel south across the Canterbury Plains, following a route shaped by braided rivers flowing from the Southern Alps. The journey offers wide open landscapes and a sense of space unique to this region.

Stop in Oamaru to admire its historic white stone buildings or visit the Moeraki Boulders along the coast. Arriving in Dunedin, you’ll notice its strong Scottish heritage reflected in its architecture and character.

Spend the day exploring Dunedin, a city known for its heritage architecture and vibrant student atmosphere. The combination of history, culture, and coastal scenery makes it a unique destination.

Visit landmarks such as the Dunedin Railway Station, explore the Octagon, or head out to the Otago Peninsula for wildlife encounters. The region is home to albatross, seals, and penguins.

Suggested Activity: Wildlife Peninsula Encounter Tour and Cruise
Join a guided tour across the Otago Peninsula, including a wildlife cruise to see albatross, seals, and seabirds. The experience also includes visits to conservation areas where rare penguins can be observed.

Travel south through the scenic Catlins region, known for its rugged coastline, waterfalls, and native forest. This less-travelled route offers a more remote and rewarding journey.

Stop at Kaka Point or Nugget Point for dramatic coastal views before continuing through Invercargill and along the southern coast. Arriving in Te Anau, you’ll be welcomed by lakefront scenery and Fiordland’s gateway town.

Included: Te Anau Glowworm Caves Experience
Cruise across Lake Te Anau before exploring an underground cave system filled with glowworms. This unique experience combines natural beauty with a sense of quiet wonder.

Travel along the Milford Road, one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives, through Fiordland National Park. The route features alpine peaks, mirror lakes, and glacier-carved valleys.

Passing through the Homer Tunnel, you’ll arrive at Milford Sound, where towering cliffs and waterfalls create a dramatic setting. The journey itself is as memorable as the destination.

Included: Milford Sound Cruise with Lunch
Cruise through the fiord, getting close to waterfalls and towering rock faces. Wildlife such as seals and dolphins are often seen along the way.

Travel north through Southland’s rolling countryside towards Queenstown. The journey offers a relaxed drive with changing landscapes along the way.

As you approach Lake Wakatipu, the road follows the shoreline with spectacular mountain views. The Remarkables range signals your arrival into Queenstown.

Included: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a historic steamship to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm show before returning under the evening sky.

Spend the day exploring Queenstown, a destination known for its alpine scenery and wide range of activities. From adventure to relaxation, there is something for everyone.

Take a gondola ride for panoramic views, visit Arrowtown for a glimpse of gold mining history, or enjoy a lakeside walk. The town’s vibrant food and wine scene also offers plenty of options to unwind.

Suggested Activity: Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Experience an adrenaline-filled ride through narrow river canyons at high speed. This iconic activity combines excitement with stunning scenery.

Suggested Activity: Central Otago Boutique Wine Tour
Visit boutique vineyards across the region, including Gibbston and Cromwell. The tour showcases world-class Pinot Noir and beautiful landscapes.

Your New Zealand journey concludes in Queenstown, surrounded by alpine scenery and unforgettable experiences. Take time to enjoy a final stroll or coffee before departure.

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