11 Day New Zealand Southbound Explorer

Arrive in Auckland, a vibrant harbour city surrounded by sparkling waters and lush landscapes. Settle in and take time to explore the lively waterfront, cultural attractions and diverse dining scene.

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 relax and start your New Zealand experience with ease.

Suggested Activity: Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise
Experience Auckland from the water as you sail across the Waitematā Harbour at sunset. This relaxing evening combines scenic views with dining, offering a memorable introduction to the City of Sails. Enjoy canapés, a drink and dessert as the sun sets, taking in the city skyline before returning to the lively Viaduct Harbour.

Travel south through rolling countryside and farmland as you make your way to Rotorua. Along the way, step into the magical world of Middle-earth with a visit to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set.

Included: Auckland to Rotorua Small Group Tour via Hobbiton
Travel with Bush and Beach on a scenic journey from Auckland to Rotorua, including a guided visit to Hobbiton Movie Set. Explore iconic film locations like Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn before continuing through the Waikato countryside to Rotorua.

Experience the geothermal heart of New Zealand in Rotorua, where bubbling mud pools, geysers and steaming landscapes create a truly unique setting. Discover Māori culture, forest walks in the Redwoods, lakeside trails, and relaxing spa experiences, all in one of the country’s most diverse destinations.

Spend the day discovering Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes and cultural experiences. From bubbling mud pools to steaming geysers, this region offers a fascinating insight into New Zealand’s volcanic activity.

Suggested Activity: Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa
Relax at Polynesian Spa on the shores of Lake Rotorua, soaking in soothing alkaline mineral pools surrounded by native bush and tranquil water features. Enjoy a range of pool temperatures, lake views, and peaceful indoor and outdoor spaces designed for complete relaxation.

Suggested Activity: Original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Join Rotorua Canopy Tours for an unforgettable forest adventure, soaring through native trees on ziplines and suspended bridges. Between thrills, learn about conservation efforts and enjoy stunning views across the lush forest canopy.

Included: Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience
Experience an evening at Te Pā Tū, where Māori traditions come to life through storytelling, performance, and seasonal cuisine. Set within a forest village, this immersive experience blends culture, history, 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, enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation and begin exploring this evolving city.

Included: Private transfer from Rotorua accommodation to airport
Travel comfortably to the airport with a pre-arranged transfer service. This ensures a seamless connection to your domestic flight.

Included: Flight from Rotorua to Christchurch
Enjoy a quick and scenic journey 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 greeted on arrival and transferred directly to your hotel. This hassle-free service helps you settle into Christchurch with ease.

Travel across the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps, passing turquoise lakes and charming rural towns. Today’s journey highlights some of the South Island’s most iconic alpine scenery.

Discover Aoraki Mount Cook, the country’s tallest peak set within a dramatic alpine landscape of glaciers and valleys. Enjoy scenic flights, short walks, stargazing in a world-renowned dark sky reserve, and learn about mountaineering history at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Included: Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook Small Group Tour via Lake Tekapo
Travel with Cheeky Kiwi Travel on a scenic small group journey from Christchurch through the Canterbury Plains. Stop at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd, then continue past Lake Pukaki into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park with stunning alpine views throughout.

Suggested Activity: Glacier Explorers
Get up close to ancient ice on a boat tour across the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier. Cruise among towering icebergs and glacier cliffs, accessing remote and otherwise unreachable parts of New Zealand’s largest glacier.

Journey through the stunning Southern Alps as you travel towards Queenstown. Along the way, pass glacial lakes, mountain passes and rugged landscapes.

Included: Aoraki Mount Cook to Queenstown Small Group Tour
Travel with Cheeky Kiwi Travel on a stunning journey from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Queenstown. Pass highlights including Lake Pukaki, Lindis Pass and Kawarau Gorge, with plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Discover Queenstown, known in Māori as Tāhuna, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the dramatic Remarkables mountain range. From scenic walks like Queenstown Hill and Ben Lomond to lake cruises on the TSS Earnslaw, the town blends adventure with great food, local culture, and stunning alpine views.

Suggested Activity - Shotover Jet Canyon Jet Boat Ride
Experience the thrill with Shotover Jet as you speed through narrow river canyons, skimming past rock walls at high speed. Hold tight for the famous 360-degree spins that make this one of Queenstown’s most iconic adrenaline activities.

Suggested Activity - Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride
Take in incredible views aboard the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, rising high above the town to Bob’s Peak. Enjoy panoramic vistas over Lake Wakatipu and surrounding peaks including The Remarkables and Coronet Peak.

Travel into Fiordland National Park to experience the dramatic beauty of Milford Sound. This full-day excursion is one of New Zealand’s most memorable highlights.

Included: Milford Sound coach and cruise tour from Queenstown
Travel with RealNZ on a scenic coach journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with expert commentary and photo stops along the way. Cruise through the fiord surrounded by waterfalls, rainforest and towering peaks, with plenty of time to take in the wildlife and ever-changing scenery, plus lunch included.

Travel from Queenstown to the West Coast, passing through picturesque alpine and coastal landscapes. This journey offers incredible photo opportunities at every turn.

Discover Franz Josef Glacier, known in Māori as “Ko Roimata o Hine Hukatere” – The Tears of the Ice Maiden. One of the few glaciers in the world descending into rainforest, it offers unforgettable experiences from scenic flights and heli-hikes to accessible viewpoints and forest walks.

Included: Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka Small Group Tour
Travel with Cheeky Kiwi Travel on a spectacular journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wānaka. Stop at iconic spots including the Cardrona Hotel, Lake Wānaka Tree, Lake Hāwea, Thunder Creek Falls and Ship Creek, with lunch included along the way.

Travel north along the West Coast before crossing the Southern Alps by train. Today combines coastal scenery with one of the world’s great rail journeys.

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

Included: TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Greymouth to Christchurch
Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a spectacular journey from Greymouth to Christchurch. Cross the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass National Park, taking in lush forests, river valleys and sweeping 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 seamless service ensures a stress-free end to your journey.

Your journey concludes in Christchurch, where you’ll prepare for your onward travel. Reflect on the incredible landscapes and experiences from across New Zealand.

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