14 Day Privately Guided Kiwi Itinerary

When you touch down in New Zealand you will be met at the airport by Your Private Driver/Guide. 

Our guides have been with us for a long time and are seasoned professionals. Our aim is to give ‘you’ our guests a memorable experience of New Zealand and its stunning scenery. With years of experience in tourism in New Zealand, we guarantee that you will receive a first-class service!

The best part about our guides is that they are local and chances are they have their go-to destinations that only locals know about. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, a favourite local pub, or a fantastic attraction that most tourists overlook, our guides can help recommend authentic experiences that you may not discover on your own.

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax - you are on holiday and everything has been taken care of. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your central city luxury accommodation. Make the most of some free leisure time in the 'City of Sails' - simply relax or take this opportunity to explore the many sights of Auckland. This evening we suggest you head down to the viaduct for dinner.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

To the south of Hamilton, the small and pleasant town of Waitomo is the focal point of the region’s subterranean wonders. The caves at Waitomo are one of New Zealand's most commanding wonders – a celebration of nature's work over the last one hundred thousand years. There are hundreds of miles of labyrinthine caves, glow-worms, under ground lakes, stalactites and stalagmites, and all manner of limestone crustaceans. Above ground, the area around Waitomo is also popular for horse riding and bush walking.

Take part in the small group personalized Spellbound Tour that allows you to spend 40 minutes under glow worms. This tour is one of the most unhurried glow worm tours in New Zealand, with plenty of time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness - intensifying the effect of thousands of softly shining glow worms.

Approximate Distance: 333 kms | 207 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation Rotorua - 2 nights

At Okawa Bay on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, board "Tiua", a 53ft catamaran for a relaxing sail on serene Lake to secluded coves and natural hot pools reached only by boat - a memorable journey.

This afternoon, travel past the Blue & Green Lakes to the famous buried village of Te Wairoa. This is New Zealand's most visited Archaeological Site, where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera Eruption come to life. Te Wairoa was established by the Christian missionary in 1848 as a model village, however Te Wairoa survived for fewer than 40 years before it, and the nearby Pink and White Terraces were obliterated by the eruption of Mt Tarawera.

This evening, enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (feast) and cultural performance.

Today we visit the surreal, geothermal reserve, Wai-O-Tapu. The bubbling mud pools and incredibly colourful silica terraces are unforgettable. 

On the road to Lake Taupo we view the turbulent Huka Falls where the Waikato River thunders through a narrow chasm. From Taupo there are magnificent views across the lake to the three active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu (2,797 metres), the highest mountain in the North Island.These mountains of the volcanic plateau are our next destination, the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. Take a walk in the park this afternoon.

Approximate Distance: 179 kms | 111 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 20 mins

Accommodation National Park - 1 Night

Our day starts in style, with breakfast at the historic Chateau Tongariro nestled at the base of the mountains. This is the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, from this volcanic plateau we make our way across the high country and down to our capital Wellington. 

We stay two nights in Wellington as we reckon you can’t miss "the coolest little capital in the world". We’ll check out the city's sights and head up Mt Victoria for the stunning views over the harbour before getting settled for the night. We’re right in the heart of Wellington's vibrant hub of museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and cafes. Looking for some local flavour? Ask for one of Wellington’s trendy craft beers with your dinner (our pick – Tuatara).

Approximate Distance: 336 kms | 209 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 20 mins

Accommodation Wellington - 2 nights

The day is yours to enjoy, you are at the heart of all the action at The Bolton Hotel, a short walk to the waterfront, Te Papa National Museum and all the eateries and boutique breweries that Wellington is famous for.

Wellington is also the spiritual home of "The Lord of Rings" where you can visit Weta Workshop and see how all the props are made or drop into the Embassy theatre which hosted the world premier back in 2003.

Here are some sight seeing and activity suggestions while in Wellington:

Loading up the car and heading across to ‘the mainland’ is what we all used to do on holiday as kids, it’s a Kiwi rite of passage!  We cruise on the Interislander ferry for three hours across Cook Strait and into beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton to plant our feet firmly on “Te Waka a Maui”, the South Island. Our first port of call is Allan Scott's vineyard for wine tasting and lunch, right in the heart of the world famous Marlborough sauvignon blanc region.

From wine country we head to through the heart of Marlborough toward Nelson, the sunshine capital of New Zealand and gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Along the way we cross the Pelorus River bridge, scene of the Barrel Run scene from the Hobbit movies. In Nelson relax and unpack, this is home for 2 nights.

Approximate Distance: 133 kms | 83 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 50 mins

Accommodation Nelson - 2 Nights

Today you have a choice of a full Scenic Cruise or a cruise and walk from Marahau along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline. Abel Tasman National Park is our country's smallest national park. It protects 23,000 hectares of the most natural stretch of easily accessible coastline in New Zealand. The coastline is characterised by islands just offshore, sheltered waters, estuaries and golden, sandy beaches. Lie on a beach, or even go for a swim if the weather is warm. The park is sheltered from ocean swells, and enjoys a mild climate. After your cruise or walk we return to Nelson.
 

From Nelson we drive to Pelorus Bridge, Havelock and Blenheim then down the spectacular Kaikoura coastline where big seas pound the rocks. Kaikoura is a small hamlet beside the ocean and beneath the towering Kaikoura Mountains. Seafood, especially crayfish, is a specialty. We stay right on the waterfront. This afternoon take a scenic flight to view whales and stroll along the coastline for encounters with the cheeky fur seals that live here.

Approximate Distance: 243 kms | 151 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation Kaikoura - 1 night

This morning we continue south, winding inland over the Hunderlee Hills and dropping down to the patchwork beauty of the Canterbury Plains. Today's lunch is very special – Akaunui Farm Homestead, owned by Di and Ian Mackenzie, is surrounded by beautiful gardens and the homestead itself oozes history and character. We dine on fresh produce from the bountiful veggie garden and enjoy true kiwi country hospitality. In the afternoon we drive past stunning alpine lakes and fields of golden tussock before arriving at our accommodation in the foothills of the Southern Alps, and into the World Heritage and breathtaking Mt Cook National Park where you stay in the shadow of New Zealand's tallest Mountain. 

Approximate Distance: 506 kms | 314 miles  Total Driving Time: 6 hours 42 mins

Accommodation Mt. Cook - 1 night

Enjoy an early morning stroll in the valley first thing before we drive through more mountain and tussock scenery to arrive into Queenstown. We take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for beautiful views over this pretty resort town. Your hotel is very central, only minutes away from town and with views out to Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountains. Queenstown is home to a myriad of delicious cafes and restaurants – your driver/guide can offer some great recommendations.

Approximate Distance: 264 kms | 164 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 20 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 nights

Today promises to be one of the highlights of your time in New Zealand. Travel to Milford Sound along the Milford Road – winding deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park, this is one of the most visually spectacular roads in the country. Arriving in Milford Sound itself, take a boat cruise to explore the inky blue waters. The onboard nature guide will help you to spot the unique wildlife that call this place home. Afterwards, return by stunning scenic flight to Queenstown.
 

Today is the final day of your tour. Experience Queenstown exactly as you want to and enjoy a day of activities from walking & cycling and adrenalin & adventure to gourmet food & wine. Your driver/guide will assist you with your plans. 

Recommended excursions in Queenstown:

If you would prefer something a little more relaxing, enjoy wandering the boutique shops or strolling through the pretty Botanic Gardens. Whatever you choose to do, you’re guaranteed to be surrounded by stunning scenery.
 

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We take care of your transfer to Queenstown Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday. Our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon in Aotearoa, New Zealand.