Experience New Zealand at its most scenic and soul-stirring with this beautifully paced Grand Scenic 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 breathtaking landscapes of the South Island — including Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park, Wanaka, Queenstown, and Milford Sound — this itinerary is designed for travellers who love nature, photography, and unforgettable road journeys. With alpine lakes, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, fjords, and charming towns, this is one of the most complete and visually spectacular ways to explore New Zealand.
What is included in the tour
- 11 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.
- Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd visit.
- Mount Cook National Park scenic visit.
- Wanaka lake and town visit.
- 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 flights, etc.
- Travel insurance.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
- Auckland city tour and waterfront areas.
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves magical underground boat ride.
- Rotorua geothermal parks and Maori culture.
- Christchurch gardens and heritage areas.
- Lake Tekapo and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.
- Mount Cook National Park and alpine scenery.
- Lake Wanaka and scenic viewpoints.
- Queenstown alpine landscapes and Lake Wakatipu.
- Milford Sound full-day fjord cruise.
- Some of the world’s most scenic road journeys through the Southern Alps.
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 international journey. The rest of the day is free at leisure. You may explore Viaduct Harbour, the waterfront area, 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 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. The 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 and enjoy a guided tour with a silent boat ride under thousands of glowing worms. Continue to Rotorua. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Evening free or 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 see geysers, boiling mud pools, and steaming landscapes. Also visit 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, transfer to your hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight stay in Christchurch.
Day 5Day 5: Christchurch – Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo+
Day 5: Christchurch – Lake Tekapo
After breakfast, check out and proceed on a scenic drive towards Lake Tekapo. En route, enjoy beautiful countryside views and wide open landscapes. On arrival, visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy the stunning turquoise lake and mountain backdrop. Free time to relax and take photographs. Overnight stay in Lake Tekapo region.
Day 6Day 6: Lake Tekapo – Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook+
Day 6: Lake Tekapo – Mount Cook National Park
After breakfast, drive towards Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. Enjoy scenic views along the way including Lake Pukaki. On arrival, explore the national park area, short walks, and viewpoints (weather permitting). You may opt for optional scenic flights or glacier experiences (at extra cost). Overnight stay in Mount Cook / Twizel region.
Day 7Day 7: Mount Cook – Wanaka
Wanaka+
Day 7: Mount Cook – Wanaka
After breakfast, proceed towards Wanaka via one of the most scenic routes in the South Island. Enjoy mountain passes, valleys, and lakes en route. On arrival in Wanaka, visit Lake Wanaka and explore the charming lakeside town. Enjoy free time to relax, walk along the lake, or visit local cafés. Overnight stay in Wanaka.
Day 8Day 8: Wanaka – Queenstown
Queenstown+
Day 8: Wanaka – Queenstown
After breakfast, continue your journey to Queenstown. En route, enjoy scenic viewpoints and alpine landscapes. On arrival in Queenstown, check in to your hotel. Evening free to explore the lakeside promenade, cafés, and shops. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 9Day 9: Queenstown City Tour & Lake Wakatipu
Queenstown+
Day 9: Queenstown City Tour & Lake Wakatipu
After breakfast, proceed for a 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. Rest of the day free for leisure or optional activities like gondola ride, jet boating, or bungee jumping. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 10Day 10: Milford Sound Full Day Tour
Queenstown+
Day 10: Milford Sound Full Day Tour
After early breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic drives through Fiordland National Park, passing mirror lakes, waterfalls, and mountain tunnels. On arrival, enjoy a scenic cruise through the fjord, witnessing towering cliffs and waterfalls. Return to Queenstown by evening. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 11Day 11: Queenstown – Day Free at Leisure
Queenstown+
Day 11: Queenstown – Day Free at Leisure
After breakfast, the day is free at leisure. You can opt for activities such as skydiving, scenic helicopter flights, wine tours, or simply relax and enjoy Queenstown at your own pace. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 12Day 12: Departure from Queenstown
Queenstown+
Day 12: 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), carrying unforgettable memories of New Zealand.
