14 Day Fiords, Peaks, Coastal Icons & More

Begin your adventure in Christchurch, where lush gardens and elegant boulevards tell the story of the city’s rebirth. This garden city blends heritage architecture with vibrant new spaces ready to be explored.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Discover Christchurch Afternoon Tour
Enjoy an insightful half‑day sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s earthquake history and ongoing transformation. This tour combines garden strolls with heritage landmarks for a well‑rounded introduction to Christchurch’s resilience and beauty.

Today you depart Christchurch and board the world‑renowned TranzAlpine train for a breathtaking journey across the Southern Alps. You’ll cross dramatic gorges, vast plains and alpine landscapes before arriving on the West Coast.

Collect Rental Car
Collect your intermediate rental car, giving you freedom and flexibility to explore at your pace. You can also choose to upgrade to a vehicle that better suits your style and luggage needs.

Immerse yourself in Franz Josef’s unique glacier environment, where lush forests meet ice‑carved valleys. The region’s wild beauty and ancient glacial rivers offer a dramatic start to your day.

Franz Josef Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours
Explore the glacier at your pace with expert guides who share stories of geology, flora, fauna and local history. The experience brings you up close to sparkling streams, rainforest birds and the ever‑changing glacier.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Twin Glacier Scenic Helicopter Flight
Soar over Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and land among ancient ice for breathtaking views and photo opportunities. The helicopter flight takes you into icy valleys that few travellers ever see.

Set out through the West Coast’s ancient forests and past cascading waterfalls as you make your way toward alpine country. Dramatic coastal views slowly give way to sweeping mountain vistas.

Today you’ll take a scenic flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, offering panoramic views of snow‑topped peaks and rainforest. Once at the fiord, you’ll board a luxurious cruise to discover waterfalls, wildlife and towering cliffs.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Milford Sound Flight and Cruise
Fly in comfort over alpine terrain, then cruise deep into Milford Sound where waterfalls plunge into mirror‑like waters. Dolphins and seals often appear, making the fiord experience even more memorable.

Queenstown offers both heart‑pounding adventures and relaxed lakefront pleasures, all set beneath a breathtaking mountain backdrop. Between scenic strolls and adrenaline activities, there’s something for every traveller here.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Lord of the Rings Queenstown Tour
Journey through iconic Middle‑earth filming locations with expert guides on a thrilling 4WD safari. This tour blends stunning scenery with cinematic magic and fascinating stories.

TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw, enjoy a gourmet BBQ buffet and watch sheep‑herding demonstrations. The evening offers a perfect mix of local food, scenic views and rural charm.

Leaving Queenstown, you’ll journey through wine‑rich valleys, over the Lindis Pass and into Mackenzie country. Towering peaks and tussock plains define this scenic road toward Aoraki‑Mt Cook National Park.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Glacier Explorers
Cruise among towering icebergs on the Tasman Glacier’s terminal lake and see the glacier from a rare vantage point. This tour delivers spectacular glacier views in a truly unique way.

Today you travel back to Christchurch via Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, two of New Zealand’s most stunning turquoise lakes. Snow‑tipped mountains and wide pastoral plains make this drive unforgettable.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – International Antarctic Centre General Admission
At the International Antarctic Centre you’ll experience simulated Antarctic conditions, penguin encounters and educational exhibits about life at the frozen continent. This interactive visit brings a touch of polar adventure to Christchurch.

Head north through rolling vineyards and then to the rugged Kaikoura coast, where mountains meet the ocean. This scenic drive blends pastoral valleys with breathtaking shoreline views.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Ocean’s Cabin with Whale Watch Kaikōura
Join New Zealand’s only marine‑based whale watching tour to see sperm whales, dolphins and seals up close. Depending on the season, you may also spot humpbacks, blue whales or orcas.

Drive north along spectacular coastline and past Marlborough’s wine region before reaching Picton. Then board the scenic Interislander Ferry for a memorable crossing through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.

Collect Rental Car
Collect your next rental car at Wellington and prepare to explore the North Island at your own pace. You can also choose a different vehicle from the fleet if preferred.

Today’s drive takes you up through rolling Kapiti Coast towns and onto the volcanic plateau before arriving in Rotorua. Along the way you’ll see diverse landscapes from coastal plains to geothermal terrain.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience
Te Pā Tū brings Māori history, music, dance and cuisine to life in a spectacular cultural performance. Your dinner is served in traditional style as part of this immersive experience.

Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Māori heritage shine today with visits to geysers, mud pools and native forests. You’ll also have the chance to fly through the treetops on an exhilarating canopy adventure.

Te Ra Daytime Experience at Te Puia
At Te Puia you’ll witness bubbling thermal features, Maori art and the soaring Pōhutu Geyser. This cultural and natural experience combines spectacular scenery with rich heritage.

Original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Zip through native forest on suspended bridges and thrilling lines with expert guides. The views and forest insights make this an unforgettable adventure.

Leave behind steaming valleys and head through lush farmland to the magical Hobbiton Movie Set, where Middle‑earth comes alive. After Hobbiton, continue north across the Waikato plains toward Auckland.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY – Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Walk through the Shire with a guided tour featuring hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn and the Party Tree. The immersive experience brings Tolkien’s world to life with fun and fascinating details.

Spend your final morning exploring Auckland’s vibrant sights, shops and waterfront before returning your rental car. Say goodbye to New Zealand with wonderful memories of its landscapes, culture and friendly hospitality.

Farewell from Aotearoa / New Zealand
As you depart, take with you the spirit of New Zealand — from towering peaks and spectacular fiords to bubbling springs and rich Māori culture. In Māori, “mā te wā” is not goodbye, it’s “see you again soon”!