The Grand Private Tour of New Zealand Itinerary

A warm Kiwi welcome awaits in the City of Sails, where sparkling harbours, volcanic landscapes, and a vibrant waterfront set the scene for an unforgettable New Zealand adventure.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Explore Auckland at leisure
• Waterfront dining precinct
• 1 night in Auckland

Make it yours
Celebrate your time in Auckland with a private harbour cruise or a unique three-course dining experience at Orbit 360°, overlooking the sparkling city lights.

Suggested Accommodation: 

Meet your private driver this morning and begin your North Island journey in comfort. Travel north along the picturesque Hibiscus Coast, with your driver seamlessly transferring you between today's experiences before arriving in the stunning Bay of Islands, a subtropical haven of golden beaches, secluded coves, and more than 140 idyllic islands.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private driver throughout your North Island journey
• Bay of Islands coastal landscapes
• 2 nights in the Bay of Islands

Approximate Distance: 235 kms | 146 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Discover the spectacular coastline of Northland from above on a scenic helicopter flight, revealing secluded bays, rugged headlands, and the iconic Hole in the Rock.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic helicopter flight
• Hole in the Rock aerial views
• Cape Brett coastline

Make it yours
Take some time to discover the birthplace of modern New Zealand with an immersive cultural and historical experience at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

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

Journey south to Auckland, stopping en route at the fascinating Kauri Museum to discover the story of New Zealand's ancient giant forests and pioneering heritage.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Kauri Museum visit
• Scenic drive to Auckland
• 1 night in Auckland

Approximate Distance: 235 kms | 146 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 min

Suggested Accommodation: 

Escape to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, where white-sand beaches, native forest, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere create one of New Zealand's most beloved holiday destinations.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Mercury Bay coastline
• Coastal walks & beaches
• 2 nights in Cooks Beach

Approximate Distance: 150 kms | 93 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 

Suggested Accommodation:

Discover one of New Zealand's most unique natural wonders at Hot Water Beach and spend the day exploring the spectacular beaches and hidden gems of the Coromandel.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Hot Water Beach
• Cathedral Cove region

Make it yours
Enhance your stay with a privately guided coastal experience showcasing the Coromandel's hidden gems, or immerse yourself in Cathedral Cove's marine world on a glass-bottom boat and snorkelling excursion.

Travel to Rotorua, New Zealand's geothermal and cultural heart, where steaming landscapes and rich Māori traditions combine to create a truly unforgettable experience. This evening, enjoy an immersive Māori cultural experience, complete with traditional performances and a delicious hāngī feast.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, dinner
• Scenic drive to Rotorua
• Mitai Māori Cultural Experience
• 2 nights in Rotorua

Approximate Distance: 230 km | 143 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend the day discovering Rotorua's geothermal wonders and cultural heritage on a privately guided experience tailored to your interests.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Private guided tour
• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
• Polynesian Spa experience

Travel south via Lake Taupō and the mighty Huka Falls before arriving in Napier, a charming seaside city renowned for its beautifully preserved Art Deco architecture and wine country surroundings.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Huka Falls visit
• Lake Taupō
• 2 nights in Napier

Approximate Distance: 415 kms | 258 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Suggested Accommodation:

Spend the day discovering the exceptional wineries and gourmet delights that have made Hawke's Bay one of New Zealand's premier food and wine destinations.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, lunch
• Guided wine tour
• Winery tastings

Make it yours
As the sun sets, join a guided Art Deco walking tour and discover the rich history, elegant buildings, and unique character of Napier's iconic city centre.

Travel through the rolling countryside of the Wairarapa to Wellington, New Zealand's compact and vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, bid farewell to your private driver as you begin exploring the city at your leisure.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Greytown visit
• Scenic drive through Wairarapa
• 2 nights in Wellington

Approximate Distance: 325 kms | 202 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Suggested Accommodation:

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring New Zealand's capital, renowned for its vibrant arts scene, exceptional dining, and picturesque harbour setting.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Explore Wellington at leisure
• Waterfront precinct
• Museums & galleries

Make it yours
Explore Wellington in greater depth with a private city tour, a journey aboard the historic Cable Car, and time to discover the world-class exhibits at Te Papa.

Fly across the Cook Strait to Marlborough, New Zealand's celebrated wine region of sun-drenched vineyards and relaxed country charm. On arrival in Blenheim, meet your new private driver who will accompany you throughout your South Island journey, ensuring a seamless and personalised experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Domestic flight to Blenheim
• Meet your private South Island driver
• 2 nights in Marlborough wine country

Sugested Accommodation:

Spend the day at leisure exploring New Zealand's largest wine region, where world-class vineyards, gourmet producers, and scenic countryside await.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Marlborough wine region
• Vineyard experiences to explore
• Gourmet food opportunities

Make it yours
Indulge in a full-day wine experience, visiting some of Marlborough's celebrated cellar doors, or combine fine wines and stunning scenery on a leisurely vineyard cycling tour.

Follow one of New Zealand's most scenic coastal drives to Kaikōura, where mountains meet the sea and marine wildlife thrives.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Scenic coastal drive
• Kaikōura marine region
• 1 night in Kaikōura

Make it yours
Glide across Kaikōura's tranquil evening waters on a guided sunset sea kayak tour, with opportunities to encounter fur seals and seabirds along the rugged coastline.

Approximate Distance: 128 kms | 81 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Swim with wild dolphins in one of New Zealand's most extraordinary wildlife encounters before continuing south to Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Dolphin encounter swim
• Marine wildlife experience
• 1 night in Christchurch

Approximate Distance: 180 kms | 112 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Journey into the heart of the Southern Alps, stopping at the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo before arriving beneath New Zealand's highest peak.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, dinner
• Lake Tekapo
• Big Sky Stargazing experience
• 2 nights in Aoraki / Mount Cook

Approximate Distance: 330 kms | 206 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins 

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience the grandeur of New Zealand's alpine wilderness from both land and air with glacier adventures and breathtaking scenic flights.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, dinner
• Tasman Glacier Explorer boat tour
• Scenic helicopter flight
• Alpine landscapes

Travel through dramatic alpine landscapes and coastal scenery to the historic Scottish city of Dunedin.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Oamaru Victorian Precinct
• Moeraki Boulders
• 2 nights in Dunedin

Approximate Distance: 320 km | 199 miles  Total Driving Time 4 hours 

Suggested Accommodation:
 

Discover the remarkable wildlife of the Otago Peninsula, home to rare penguins, sea lions, fur seals, and majestic royal albatross.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Otago Peninsula tour
• Wildlife cruise
• Royal Albatross colony

Make it yours
Fancy a drink? Make the most of your Dunedin visit with a Speight’s Ale House Tour and three-course dinner package.

Journey inland through the rugged landscapes of Central Otago to Queenstown, New Zealand's spectacular alpine resort town.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Central Otago scenery
• Lake Wakatipu
• 3 nights in Queenstown

Approximate Distance: 285 kms | 177 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Suggested Accommodation:

Experience Fiordland's extraordinary beauty on a journey combining one of the world's greatest scenic drives, a Milford Sound cruise, and a spectacular flight back to Queenstown.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, lunch
• Milford Sound cruise
• Scenic flight
• Fiordland National Park

Discover Central Otago's renowned wine region, sampling world-class wines amid dramatic mountain landscapes and historic landmarks.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, lunch
• Boutique wine tour
• Winery tastings
• Gibbston Valley

Make it yours
Elevate your Queenstown experience with a spectacular gondola ride followed by a premium dining experience with panoramic views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.

Travel the spectacular West Coast via Haast Pass to Franz Josef, where glaciers descend through ancient rainforest in a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, dinner
• Haast Pass drive
• West Coast rainforest
• 2 nights in Franz Josef

Approximate Distance: 355 kms | 220 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Suggested Accommodation:

Enjoy a day at leisure in glacier country, surrounded by rainforest, mountains, and some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Explore Franz Josef at leisure
• Glacier viewpoints
• Rainforest walks

Make it yours
Elevate your stay with a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers and Southern Alps, or choose a heli-hike for an extraordinary on-ice experience in this remarkable wilderness.

Board the world-famous TranzAlpine train for one of the world's great rail journeys, crossing the Southern Alps back to Christchurch.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• TranzAlpine scenic rail journey
• Southern Alps crossing
• 2 nights in Christchurch

Approximate Distance: 175 kms | 108 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation:

Spend the day exploring Christchurch, a vibrant city where beautiful gardens, heritage architecture, and innovative urban spaces create a unique atmosphere.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Explore Christchurch at leisure
• Gardens & riverside precinct
• Shopping & dining opportunities

Make it yours
Explore Christchurch in greater depth with a private guided tour, a scenic punt along the Avon River, or a journey aboard the iconic heritage tram.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning before departing New Zealand with unforgettable memories of spectacular landscapes, unique wildlife, and extraordinary experiences.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Private airport transfer

Ready to make the journey yours? Speak with one of our Travel Designers to customise your own unforgettable New Zealand adventure.