The New Zealand Scenic Escape Itinerary

Auckland

Begin your New Zealand adventure in Auckland with a hassle-free arrival and entry to the iconic Sky Tower, offering spectacular panoramic views and a perfect introduction to the “City of Sails” from above.

Inclusions at a glance:

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

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Rydges Auckland

Rydges Auckland is a modern, centrally located hotel offering stylish comfort in the heart of the city. Guests enjoy easy access to Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a fitness centre, on-site dining options, and friendly service, making it an ideal base for exploring. Its convenient location and contemporary amenities provide a welcoming home while discovering the “City of Sails.

Auckland to Rotorua

Hop aboard your full-day group coach tour and journey to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set before continuing to Rotorua for an immersive geothermal and cultural experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

Lunch, traditional hāngi dinner
Coach journey to Rotorua via Hobbiton
Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour & Māori cultural experiences
2 nights in Rotorua

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Set in a magnificent location on the shores of Mystical Lake Rotorua the Sudima Hotel Lake Front Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none. Enjoy a swim in the geothermal heated pools or relax in the spa complex. Adjacent to the renowned, Polynesian Spa and offering beautiful vistas across the lake, this well-appointed Qualmark 4-star hotel is just a short stroll from Rotorua's vibrant CBD.

Rotorua

Spend the day on a guided tour discovering Rotorua’s unique blend of Māori culture and geothermal activity, including Te Puia, geysers, and volcanic landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

Guided Te Puia geothermal tour
Māori cultural and heritage experiences
Pōhutu Geyser
Explore at your leisure

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

Rotorua to Wellington

Travel through the heart of the North Island, passing lakes, volcanic landscapes, and waterfalls before arriving in Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital.

Inclusions at a glance:

Coach journey to Wellington
Lake Taupō views & stopover (subject to departure)
2 nights in Wellington

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Rydges Wellington Hotel

Rydges Wellington blends comfort, style, and convenience in the heart of the capital. Overlooking the harbour and close to Lambton Quay, the hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with kitchenettes, ideal for both business and leisure travellers. Guests enjoy a lap pool, spa, sauna, and onsite dining at the award-winning Portlander Bar & Grill. A perfect base for exploring Wellington’s vibrant waterfront and cultural scene.

Wellington

See the best of Wellington on a guided half-day tour, including Mount Victoria, the Cable Car, Parliament Buildings, and Wētā Cave.

Inclusions at a glance:

Morning tea
Mt Victoria & coastal viewpoints
Weta Cave film experience
Cable-car ride & Botanic Gardens stroll

Wellington to Christchurch

Fly to Christchurch and begin your South Island journey in the “Garden City,” known for its green spaces, river precinct, and creative atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

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

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Quest Christchurch

The Quest Christchurch is located just off Cathedral Square in the heart of the commercial, arts and tourist precinct. This purpose built property is on Christchurch's famous inner city tram loop and features a mix of new and heritage architecture. Incorporated in the complex are a variety of retail shops, cafes and restaurants. All of the serviced apartments fully equipped kitchens.

Christchurch to Franz Josef via Hokitika

Journey across the Southern Alps and West Coast on a guided small-group tour, with alpine scenery, rainforest, and dramatic coastal landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

Lunch
Scenic full-day coach journey to Franz Josef
Castle Hill, Arthur’s Pass Village & Hokitika Gorge stopovers
2 nights in Franz Josef

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is only moments away from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel comprises two wings, the Douglas and Graham wing - offering a variety of room types. The hotel's Canavans Restaurant serves breakfast and dinner using fresh, local produce. Next door, the Moa Bar offers a cozy spot to relax next to an open fireplace after a day of exploration.

Franz Josef

Journey through Glacier Country and experience its dramatic glaciers, pristine rainforest, and the reflective waters of Lake Matheson.

Inclusions at a glance:

Hot drink & biscuits
Guided glacier region tour
Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
Lake Matheson

Franz Josef to Queenstown via Wānaka

Travel along the West Coast via coach and through Haast Pass, stopping at lakes, waterfalls, and alpine viewpoints before arriving in Queenstown.

Inclusions at a glance:

Scenic coach journey to Queenstown
Lake Matheson & Scenic Haast Pass
Lake Hāwea & Lake Wānaka photo opportunities
3 nights in Queenstown

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Scenic Suites - Queenstown

The Scenic Suites offers well appointed rooms in an enviable position, with just five minutes walk to the bustling town centre. The hotels elevated position gives commanding views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. Featuring panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu, this streamlined hotel is a 5-minute walk from art at Milford Galleries and a 7-minute walk from Skycity.

Queenstown

Cruise the waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak for a farm experience and lunch, before spending the evening exploring Queenstown.

Inclusions at a glance:

Gourmet BBQ lunch
TSS Earnslaw vintage steamboat cruise
Walter Peak farm visit
Explore at your leisure

Make it yours:
Elevate your Queenstown experience with a premium dining experience at Bob’s Peak, overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu.

Milford Sound

Discover Fiordland National Park on a full-day, small-group journey through alpine scenery and rainforest before cruising the spectacular Milford Sound.

Inclusions at a glance:

Lunch
Guided tour along Lake Wakatipu
Scenic Milford Sound cruise
Fiordland crested penguin & dolphin spotting opportunities

Queenstown to Dunedin

Travel to Dunedin, a city known for its Victorian heritage, wildlife encounters, and coastal charm, with time to explore at your own pace.

Inclusions at a glance:

Coach journey to Dunedin
Explore at your leisure
1 night in Dunedin

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

This 4-star hotel is located the heart of Dunedin and is filled with modern local artwork. Located just blocks from the Octagon and walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions like the fabulous First Church of Otago, and handy to great restaurants and shopping centres. Amenities Include an on-site Restaurant, cafe/bar and fitness centre.

Dunedin to Christchurch

Travel along the stunning east coast, where rugged shorelines, charming rural towns, and expansive Canterbury landscapes accompany your journey to Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

Coach journey to Christchurch
Scenic coastal and countryside views
1 night in Christchurch

Suggested Accommodation:

Accommodation:

The Quest Christchurch

Christchurch

“Haere rā” and farewell from New Zealand! Enjoy a seamless transfer to Christchurch Airport and depart with unforgettable memories of your journey from North Island’s geothermal wonders to the South Island’s alpine wilderness.

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.

What Elizabeth says about this tour: Group tours are not for everyone - neither are the challenges of left hand driving! For those who want to experience the beauty of New Zealand independently with public transport - we have found the perfect solution. Plenty of variety of accommodation and activities personally selected with the independent traveller in mind.

Enquire Now