Discover New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine landscapes in this beautifully designed 8-night journey. Covering the geothermal wonders of the North Island and the dramatic glacier lakes and fjords of the South Island, this itinerary focuses on turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, and scenic mountain drives. With stays in Wanaka and Lake Tekapo — two of the country’s most picturesque regions — this tour offers a more scenic and photography-focused alternative to the classic New Zealand route.
What is included in the tour
- 8 nights accommodation in well-located 4★ hotels with daily breakfast.
- Private airport arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary.
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour on shared basis.
- Rotorua geothermal sightseeing tour on shared basis.
- Queenstown city orientation tour and lake viewpoints.
- Milford Sound full-day tour with scenic cruise on shared basis.
- Scenic South Island road transfers (Queenstown–Wanaka–Tekapo–Queenstown).
- Visit to Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd.
- All intercity transfers and sightseeing by comfortable vehicles as per itinerary.
- Services of English-speaking local guides during tours.
- All applicable hotel taxes and local service charges.
What is NOT included in the tour
- International airfare to and from New Zealand.
- Domestic flights within New Zealand (Rotorua to Queenstown sector, Queenstown to Auckland departure).
- New Zealand visitor visa charges.
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned.
- Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, shopping, beverages, and phone calls.
- Optional activities such as gondola rides, jet boating, skydiving, helicopter flights, glacier experiences, winery tours, etc.
- Travel insurance.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
- Magical underground boat ride at Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
- Rotorua geothermal parks and Maori cultural landscapes.
- Extended stay in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
- Full-day scenic cruise experience at Milford Sound.
- Stunning alpine drive to Wanaka via mountain passes.
- Lake Wanaka’s tranquil lakeside charm.
- Turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.
- Scenic Southern Alps road journeys with breathtaking photography stops.
- Perfect blend of geothermal wonders, fjords, lakes, and mountains.
Day 1Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Auckland+
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Arrival at Auckland International Airport. Meet and greet and transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax. If time permits, enjoy a short waterfront walk around Viaduct Harbour. Overnight stay in Auckland.
Day 2Day 2: Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Rotorua+
Day 2: Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
After breakfast, check out and proceed towards Rotorua via Waitomo. Visit the famous Glowworm Caves and enjoy a guided underground tour with a magical boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms. Continue to Rotorua. On arrival, check in and relax. Overnight stay in Rotorua.
Day 3Day 3: Rotorua Sightseeing – Fly to Queenstown
Queenstown+
Day 3: Rotorua Sightseeing – Fly to Queenstown
After breakfast, visit Rotorua’s geothermal attractions at Te Puia or Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. See geysers, bubbling mud pools, and learn about Maori culture. Later transfer to the airport for your flight to Queenstown (flight not included). On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 4Day 4: Queenstown Orientation Tour
Queenstown+
Day 4: Queenstown Orientation Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a city orientation tour including Lake Wakatipu viewpoints and Arrowtown. Afternoon free for optional activities such as gondola ride or jet boating. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 5Day 5: Milford Sound Full Day Excursion
Queenstown+
Day 5: Milford Sound Full Day Excursion
After early breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. Travel through Fiordland National Park and enjoy a scenic cruise through the fjord surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Return to Queenstown by evening. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 6Day 6: Queenstown – Wanaka
Wanaka+
Day 6: Queenstown – Wanaka
After breakfast, drive to Wanaka via one of the most scenic alpine routes. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and mountain passes en route. On arrival, explore Lake Wanaka and the charming lakeside town. Relaxed evening. Overnight stay in Wanaka.
Day 7Day 7: Wanaka – Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo+
Day 7: Wanaka – Lake Tekapo
After breakfast, proceed towards Lake Tekapo via Mount Cook region (viewpoints en route). Stop at Lake Pukaki for incredible turquoise lake views. On arrival in Lake Tekapo, visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Evening free for stargazing (weather permitting). Overnight stay in Lake Tekapo.
Day 8Day 8: Lake Tekapo – Queenstown
Queenstown+
Day 8: Lake Tekapo – Queenstown
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive back to Queenstown through beautiful countryside landscapes. On arrival, check in and enjoy your final evening at leisure for shopping or lakeside dining. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 9Day 9: Departure
Queenstown+
Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey via Auckland (flights not included).
