New Zealand Discovery Privately Guided Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland, the “City of Sails.” Settle in with a private transfer, explore the waterfront at leisure, and enjoy panoramic views from the iconic Sky Tower over harbour and volcanic landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Sky Tower viewing platform entry
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Auckland

Suggested Accommodation: 

Journey north through scenic coastal and rural landscapes to Paihia, gateway to the Bay of Islands. Spend the afternoon soaking in turquoise waters, island views, and relaxed seaside charm.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic coach journey to Paihia
• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Paihia

Suggested Accommodation: 

Cruise through the spectacular Bay of Islands, passing rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and offshore islands on a guided half-day trip. Visit the famous Hole in the Rock and enjoy opportunities for dolphin spotting and island stopovers.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Dolphin viewing cruise experience
• Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett Lighthouse
• Otehei Bay stopover

Ready to make the journey yours? Enquire online or speak with a Travel Designer to personalise your perfect New Zealand escape.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Paihia before returning to Auckland. Discover New Zealand’s rugby heritage with an interactive All Blacks Experience showcasing the nation’s sporting pride.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Return coach journey to Auckland
• All Blacks Guided Experience
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Auckland

Suggested Accommodation: 

Join your full-day coach tour and travel through rolling farmland to the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves before continuing to Hobbiton for a guided tour of The Shire. End the day in Rotorua, the geothermal and cultural hub of New Zealand.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Coach journey to Rotorua
• Guided Glowworm Cave & Hobbiton Movie Set experiences
• 2 nights in Rotorua

Suggested Accommodation:

Explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Māori heritage, including geysers, carving schools, and cultural storytelling. End the day with a traditional Hāngī feast and cultural performance.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Traditional hāngi dinner
• Guided geothermal valley tours
• Māori cultural experience
• Lady Knox & Pohutu Geyser

Travel through the volcanic plateau, passing Lake Taupō and dramatic landscapes before arriving in Napier, renowned for its Art Deco architecture and coastal charm.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Coach journey to Napier
• Lake Taupō viewpoints
• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Napier

Suggested Accommodation: 

This morning, explore Napier further at your own pace before discovering Hawke’s Bay’s renowned wine region with visits to boutique vineyards. Enjoy tastings, scenic countryside views, and insights into local winemaking traditions.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure
• Guided wine tour at 4-5 wineries
• Wine tasting & cheese platters

Make it yours:
Enhance your Napier exploration this morning with a guided tour in a vintage car, cruising through the city while your expert guide shares its stories and history

Travel south through scenic coastal and rural landscapes to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city known for culture, cuisine, and harbour views.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Coach journey to Wellington
• Explore at your leisure
• 2 nights in Wellington

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a full day exploring Wellington’s vibrant waterfront, creative laneways, and cultural attractions. Visit the museum or relax in the city’s renowned cafés and galleries.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Take a guided tour of New Zealand’s national museum and further discover New Zealand’s rich history and culture. 

Fly to Christchurch and discover the “Garden City,” blending historic charm with modern rebuild architecture, riverside walks, and vibrant café culture.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfers
• Domestic flight to Christchurch
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Christchurch

Suggested Accommodation: 

Travel through the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo before arriving in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park, surrounded by New Zealand’s highest peaks.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch
• Guided small-group tour to Mt Cook
• Charming Geraldine town stopover
• Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
• 2 nights in Mt Cook

Suggested Accommodation: 

Cruise among floating icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and discover the region’s alpine geology. At night, explore one of the world’s clearest Dark Sky Reserves.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Hooker Valley Walking Track

• Tasman Glacier boat tour

• Glacial lake & iceberg scenery

• Dark Sky Reserve Stargazing experience

Travel through dramatic alpine landscapes on a fully guided small-group tour, before arriving in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Alpine small-group journey to Queenstown
• Lake Pukaki, Lindis Pass & Kawarau Gorge
• High Country Salmon farm stopover
• 4 nights in Queenstown

Suggested Accommodation: 

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station, where you will enjoy farm demonstrations and a relaxing lakeside experience. This evening, explore Queenstown at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Morning or afternoon tea

• TSS Earnslaw vintage steamboat cruise 

• Walter Peak farm visit

• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Relax and recharge with a soothing onsen spa experience, the perfect way to ease tired muscles after a long day of exploration.

Embark on a full-day excursion through Fiordland National Park, travelling by scenic coach along alpine roads before enjoying a spectacular cruise beneath Milford Sound’s towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Lunch

• Scenic Milford Sound cruise

• Fiordland National Park scenery

• Fiordland crested penguin & dolphin spotting opportunities

Experience Queenstown’s adrenaline with a high-speed jet boat ride, then ascend Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Jet boat experience
• Skyline Gondola ride
• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Upgrade your Skyline experience with thrilling luge rides or a premium lunch overlooking panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu.

Travel through Wanaka, Haast Pass, and the wild West Coast, experiencing glaciers, rainforests, rivers, and dramatic alpine scenery en route to Franz Josef.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Guided small-group journey to Franz Josef
• Wānaka & Haast Pass 
• Lake Matheson
• 2 nights in Franz Josef

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend the day exploring glacier valleys, rainforest trails, or relaxing in natural hot pools surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Experience the glaciers from a unique perspective with a guided heli-hike, combining a scenic helicopter flight with an unforgettable ice trek.

Travel along the West Coast to Greymouth before boarding the world-famous TranzAlpine train, crossing mountains, gorges, and viaducts to Christchurch. 

Inclusions at a glance:

• Scenic small-group journey to Greymouth
• Hokitika stopover
• TranzAlpine rail journey 
• Private transfer to your accommodation
• 1 night in Christchurch

Suggested Accommodation: 

Transfer to Christchurch Airport for your departure, reflecting on the incredible contrasts of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, from bubbling geothermal landscapes and cultural treasures to soaring peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and breathtaking fiords.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.