Explore New Zealand in depth with this beautifully curated journey covering both the North and South Islands. From Auckland’s vibrant waterfront and the magical Glowworm Caves of Waitomo to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Maori culture, and further into the dramatic landscapes of the South Island including glaciers, alpine passes, lakes, and fjords — this itinerary is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and scenic road journeys. With highlights such as Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, and Milford Sound, this tour is ideal for travellers who want to experience New Zealand beyond the basics at a relaxed and immersive pace.
What is included in the tour
- 9 nights accommodation in well-located 4★ hotels with daily breakfast.
- Private airport arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary.
- Half-day Auckland city tour on shared basis.
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour on shared basis.
- Rotorua geothermal and Maori cultural sightseeing tour on shared basis.
- Christchurch city orientation tour.
- Scenic West Coast drive to Franz Josef Glacier region.
- Queenstown city orientation tour and lake viewpoints.
- Milford Sound full-day tour with scenic cruise from Queenstown on shared basis.
- 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.
- Any domestic flights (if applicable).
- New Zealand visa charges.
- Lunches and dinners unless specifically mentioned.
- Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, shopping, beverages, and phone calls.
- Optional activities such as skydiving, bungee jumping, jet boating, helicopter rides, glacier heli-hikes, etc.
- Travel insurance.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
- Auckland city tour and waterfront areas.
- Magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves experience.
- Rotorua geothermal parks and Maori cultural insights.
- Christchurch gardens and city highlights.
- Spectacular Southern Alps and West Coast scenic drives.
- Franz Josef Glacier region and alpine landscapes.
- Full-day Milford Sound fjord cruise.
- Lake Wakatipu and alpine mountain viewpoints in Queenstown.
- A perfect combination of North & South Island highlights.
Day 1Day 1: Arrival in Auckland – Hotel Check-In
Auckland+
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland – Hotel Check-In
Arrival at Auckland International Airport. Meet and greet by our local representative and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax after your long international journey. The rest of the day is free at leisure. You may explore the nearby waterfront, Viaduct Harbour, or Queen Street on your own. Overnight stay in Auckland.
Day 2Day 2: Auckland City Tour
Auckland+
Day 2: Auckland City Tour
After breakfast, proceed for a half-day guided city tour of Auckland. Visit key attractions including the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mission Bay, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Eden. Drive past the Sky Tower area and explore the city’s vibrant waterfront and shopping districts. Afternoon is free at leisure for shopping or optional activities like Sky Tower visit or harbour cruise. Overnight stay in Auckland.
Day 3Day 3: Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Rotorua+
Day 3: Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed by road towards Rotorua. En route, visit the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you will enjoy a guided tour and a silent boat ride under thousands of glowing worms creating a magical underground experience. Continue your journey to Rotorua. On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. In the evening, you may explore the town or opt for an optional Maori cultural show and dinner. Overnight stay in Rotorua.
Day 4Day 4: Rotorua Sightseeing – Fly/Transfer to Christchurch
Christchurch+
Day 4: Rotorua Sightseeing – Fly/Transfer to Christchurch
After breakfast, proceed for Rotorua sightseeing. Visit Te Puia or Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to witness geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming geothermal landscapes. Also see the Redwood Forest area and learn about Maori culture and traditions. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey to Christchurch (flight not included). On arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay in Christchurch.
Day 5Day 5: Christchurch – Franz Josef Glacier (Scenic Drive)
Franz Joseph+
Day 5: Christchurch – Franz Josef Glacier (Scenic Drive)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed on a spectacular scenic drive across the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass or West Coast route (depending on road and weather conditions). Enjoy breathtaking landscapes, mountain passes, rivers, and rainforests en route. Arrive in the Franz Josef / Fox Glacier region by evening. Check in to your hotel and relax. Overnight stay in Franz Josef / Fox Glacier region.
Day 6Day 6: Franz Josef – Queenstown
Queenstown+
Day 6: Franz Josef – Queenstown
After breakfast, enjoy some free time in the glacier region. You may opt for an optional helicopter ride or glacier scenic flight (at extra cost). Later, continue your scenic journey towards Queenstown, passing through beautiful lakes and alpine landscapes. On arrival in Queenstown, check in to your hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 7Day 7: Queenstown City Tour & Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown+
Day 7: Queenstown City Tour & Lake Wakatipu
After breakfast, proceed for a relaxed city orientation tour of Queenstown. Visit scenic viewpoints around Lake Wakatipu and enjoy stunning mountain landscapes. Drive past Arrowtown or nearby viewpoints depending on time. The rest of the day is free for leisure or optional adventure activities like jet boating, gondola ride, or bungee jumping. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 8Day 8: Milford Sound Full Day Tour
Queenstown+
Day 8: Milford Sound Full Day Tour
After early breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Enjoy a spectacular scenic drive through Fiordland National Park, passing through mirror lakes, waterfalls, and mountain tunnels. On arrival, enjoy a scenic cruise on Milford Sound, sailing past towering cliffs, waterfalls, and possibly spotting seals and dolphins. Return to Queenstown by evening. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 9Day 9: Queenstown – Day Free at Leisure
Queenstown+
Day 9: Queenstown – Day Free at Leisure
After breakfast, the day is free at leisure. You can choose from a range of optional activities such as skydiving, scenic helicopter rides, wine tours, Shotover Jet, or simply relax and explore the lakeside town, cafés, and shops at your own pace. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 10Day 10: Departure from Queenstown
Queenstown+
Day 10: Departure from Queenstown
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and enjoy a private transfer to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey to your country via Auckland (flights not included), with beautiful memories of New Zealand.
