12 Day New Zealand Highlights

Arrive in Auckland, a vibrant harbour city known for its mix of urban energy and natural beauty. Take time to explore the waterfront, dine at local restaurants or enjoy views across the sparkling harbour.

Included: Private transfer from Auckland Airport to accommodation
Enjoy a smooth and stress-free arrival with a private transfer directly to your hotel. This convenient service allows you to settle in comfortably and begin your journey with ease.

Suggested Activity - Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore
Enjoy a memorable evening on the water with a sailing dinner cruise across Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour. Glide past the city skyline at sunset, savour canapés, a drink, and dessert, and take in the sparkling views as you return to the vibrant Viaduct Harbour.

Suggested Activity - All Blacks Experience
Step into the world of New Zealand rugby with the All Blacks Experience, where you’ll relive iconic moments and legendary players. Through interactive displays and hands-on challenges, you can test your skills and feel the energy of the haka up close.

Suggested Activity - Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Step into the world of movie magic with the Wētā Workshop Unleashed experience, where you’ll explore incredible sets, props, and practical effects up close. This immersive tour brings robots, monsters, and dinosaurs to life as you discover how blockbuster films are created from concept to screen.

Travel south through rolling countryside into the heart of the Waikato region. Along the way, step into the magical world of Middle-earth before continuing to Rotorua.

Included: Auckland to Rotorua Small Group Tour via Hobbiton
Explore the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, including hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn. Continue to Rotorua, where geothermal activity and Māori culture define the landscape.

Suggested Activity: Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa
Unwind lakeside at the Polynesian Spa with soothing alkaline mineral pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. Relax in a choice of heated rock pools, waterfalls and tranquil spaces, surrounded by native flora and calming geothermal warmth.

Spend the day discovering Rotorua’s unique geothermal landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This region offers a fascinating combination of natural wonders and traditional experiences.

Included: Mount Tarawera & Orakei Korako Thermal Explorer by Floatplane
Take to the skies with Volcanic Air for a breathtaking floatplane journey over Mount Tarawera’s dramatic volcanic landscapes and colourful geothermal reserves. Land at Orakei Korako to explore bubbling hot springs, geysers, and the hidden beauty of this remarkable thermal valley.

Included: Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience
Experience an unforgettable evening at Te Pā Tū, where Māori culture comes to life through storytelling, performance, and seasonal cuisine. Set within a forest village, this immersive experience blends tradition, music, and a shared feast inspired by the Māori lunar calendar.

Transfer to the airport and fly south to Christchurch, the gateway to the South Island. On arrival, begin exploring this charming city known for its gardens and heritage.

Included: Private transfer from Rotorua accommodation to airport
Travel conveniently to the airport with a pre-arranged transfer service. This ensures a seamless connection for your onward journey.

Included: Flight from Rotorua to Christchurch
Enjoy a quick and scenic flight between the North and South Islands. Flying allows you to maximise your time exploring New Zealand.

Included: Private transfer from Christchurch Airport to accommodation
Be met on arrival and transferred directly to your hotel. This hassle-free service ensures a smooth transition into Christchurch.

Travel across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps, taking in stunning landscapes along the way. Today offers some of the South Island’s most iconic scenery.

Included: Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo
Visit Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing to Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of New Zealand’s highest peak and surrounding alpine scenery.

Suggested Activity: Glacier Explorers
Get up close to ancient ice on a unique boat tour across the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Cruise among towering icebergs and dramatic glacier cliffs, accessing rare and remote views only possible on this one-of-a-kind experience.

Journey south through stunning alpine scenery towards Queenstown. Along the way, pass vibrant lakes, mountain passes and dramatic landscapes.

Included: Aoraki Mount Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour
Travel via Lake Pukaki and the Lindis Pass, taking in ever-changing scenery. This scenic route highlights the natural beauty of the Southern Alps.

Enjoy a full day to experience Queenstown’s mix of adventure and relaxation. From scenic walks to thrilling activities, the town offers something for everyone.

Suggested Activity: Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride
Feel the rush with Shotover Jet as you speed through the narrow Shotover River canyons, skimming past rock walls at thrilling speeds. Hold on tight for the famous 360-degree spins and high-speed twists that make this one of Queenstown’s most iconic adrenaline experiences.

Suggested Activity - Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride
Ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola for breathtaking panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks. From the top, take in sights like The Remarkables and Coronet Peak while enjoying one of the best viewpoints in the region.

Travel into Fiordland National Park to experience the dramatic beauty of Milford Sound. This full-day journey offers unforgettable scenery and natural wonders.

Included: Milford Sound Business Class coach and cruise experience
Travel in comfort with RealNZ and Altitude Tours on a premium journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, complete with scenic stops and expert storytelling. Cruise through Milford Sound aboard the MV Sinbad, enjoying canapés, New Zealand bubbles, and breathtaking views from the lounge and open-air deck.

Experience more of Queenstown’s adventure offerings and scenic beauty. Today combines thrilling activities with a memorable evening experience.

Included: Wilderness Jet Experience with Dart River Safaris
Venture into the remote beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park with Dart River Safaris on a thrilling wilderness jet boat journey. Speed along braided rivers surrounded by ancient forests and dramatic peaks, discovering landscapes shaped by history, Māori legend, and film.

Included: TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a memorable evening. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner featuring local produce, followed by a farm show, before sailing back to Queenstown under the night sky.

Travel from Queenstown to the West Coast, passing through diverse and dramatic landscapes. From alpine terrain to rainforest, today’s journey highlights the region’s natural contrasts.

Included: Queenstown to Franz Josef transfer with Glacier Shuttles
Cross the Haast Pass and experience changing scenery from mountains to coastline. This scenic journey showcases some of the South Island’s most beautiful landscapes.

Included: Glacier Valley Shuttle
Take a scenic transfer into the Franz Josef Valley with Glacier Valley Shuttle, offering easy access to this stunning alpine environment. From the road end, enjoy a short walk to a glacier viewpoint or explore nearby tracks surrounded by native rainforest and mountain scenery.

Travel north along the rugged West Coast before crossing the Southern Alps by train. This journey combines coastal beauty with one of the world’s most scenic rail experiences.

Included: Franz Josef to Greymouth transfer via Hokitika
Travel north with Hokitika Scenic Tours, passing through the historic town of Hokitika, famous for its pounamu and gold mining heritage. Continue to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and gateway to your next scenic rail journey.

Included: TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for one of the world’s great train trips from Greymouth to Christchurch. Cross the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass National Park, taking in dramatic mountain scenery, river valleys and expansive plains along the way.

Included: Shared transfer from Christchurch train station to accommodation
On arrival, transfer comfortably to your hotel in the city centre. This convenient service ensures a smooth end to your journey.

Your journey concludes in Christchurch, offering time to reflect on the incredible experiences across New Zealand. From geothermal wonders to alpine scenery, this tour showcases the country’s highlights.

Included: Private transfer from accommodation to Christchurch Airport
Enjoy a seamless transfer to the airport for your departure. This final service ensures a smooth and well-organised end to your trip.