Discover New Zealand in its most complete and immersive form with this Ultimate Grand Explorer journey across both the North and South Islands. From Auckland’s vibrant waterfront and the magical Glowworm Caves to Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes and Maori heritage, and further into the dramatic alpine beauty of the South Island — including Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, and Milford Sound — this itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience New Zealand without rushing. Featuring glacier lakes, fjords, snow-capped peaks, scenic mountain passes, and charming lakeside towns, this tour offers the perfect balance of nature, comfort, and unforgettable road journeys.
What is included in the tour
- 14 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 town and lake visit.
- Queenstown city orientation tour and lake viewpoints.
- Milford Sound scenic cruise.
- Te Anau scenic visit and lake exploration.
- 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, scenic flights, glacier experiences, etc.
- Travel insurance.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions.
- Auckland city and waterfront exploration.
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves underground boat ride.
- Rotorua geothermal parks and Maori culture.
- Christchurch gardens and heritage charm.
- Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters and Church of the Good Shepherd.
- Mount Cook National Park and Southern Alps landscapes.
- Lake Wanaka and scenic alpine drives.
- Extended stay in Queenstown — adventure capital of NZ.
- Overnight stay in Te Anau near Fiordland National Park.
- Milford Sound fjord cruise — one of the world’s most scenic natural wonders.
- One of the most comprehensive New Zealand journeys covering both islands in depth.
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, Queen Street, or nearby waterfront cafés at your own pace. 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 Auckland Harbour Bridge, Mission Bay, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Eden. Drive past the Sky Tower and explore the vibrant waterfront area. The afternoon is free for leisure or optional activities such as a harbour cruise or Sky Tower visit. 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 underground tour followed by a silent boat ride beneath thousands of glowing worms. Continue your journey to Rotorua. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Evening free at leisure or optional Maori cultural show with 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. Explore 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. 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. Enjoy beautiful countryside landscapes and wide open plains along the way. On arrival, visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and admire the stunning turquoise waters of the lake surrounded by mountains. Evening free to relax or enjoy stargazing (weather permitting). 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 via the spectacular Lake Pukaki route. Enjoy breathtaking views of New Zealand’s highest peak. On arrival, explore Mount Cook National Park with short scenic walks and designated viewpoints (weather permitting). Optional scenic helicopter or glacier flights are available at additional 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 alpine drives in the South Island, crossing Lindis Pass. Enjoy stunning mountain passes, valleys, and lake views along the way. On arrival in Wanaka, visit Lake Wanaka and explore the charming lakeside town. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Wanaka.
Day 8Day 8: Wanaka – Queenstown
Queenstown+
Day 8: Wanaka – Queenstown
After breakfast, continue your journey to Queenstown. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the lakeside promenade, cafés, and vibrant town centre. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 9Day 9: Queenstown City Orientation Tour
Queenstown+
Day 9: Queenstown City Orientation Tour
After breakfast, proceed for a city orientation tour of Queenstown. Visit scenic viewpoints around Lake Wakatipu and drive through Arrowtown region. Enjoy panoramic alpine landscapes. Afternoon free for optional activities such as gondola ride, jet boating, winery tours, or bungee jumping. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 10Day 10: Queenstown – Day at Leisure
Queenstown+
Day 10: Queenstown – Day at Leisure
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure in Queenstown. You may choose from adventure activities such as skydiving, scenic helicopter rides, Shotover Jet, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings at your own pace. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 11Day 11: Milford Sound Full Day Excursion
Queenstown+
Day 11: Milford Sound Full Day Excursion
After early breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park. Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic drives, passing mirror lakes, waterfalls, and alpine valleys. On arrival, board your scenic cruise and witness dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and pristine fjord landscapes. Return to Queenstown by evening. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 12Day 12: Queenstown – Te Anau
Te Anau+
Day 12: Queenstown – Te Anau
After breakfast, drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the scenic countryside drive (approximately 2 hours). On arrival, explore the peaceful lakeside town and Lake Te Anau. Optional Te Anau Glowworm Caves excursion available at additional cost. Overnight stay in Te Anau.
Day 13Day 13: Te Anau – Fiordland Scenic Exploration
Te Anau+
Day 13: Te Anau – Fiordland Scenic Exploration
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day exploring the Fiordland region. You may enjoy short nature walks, lake viewpoints, or an optional Lake Te Anau cruise. This day is designed to slow down the pace and allow you to experience the alpine scenery without long drives. Overnight stay in Te Anau.
Day 14Day 14: Te Anau – Queenstown
Queenstown+
Day 14: Te Anau – Queenstown
After breakfast, return to Queenstown via scenic countryside routes. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for last-minute shopping, lakeside walks, or optional activities. Overnight stay in Queenstown.
Day 15Day 15: Departure from Queenstown
Queenstown+
Day 15: 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.
