The Grand Private Tour of New Zealand 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 now officially on holiday and everything has been taken care of! On arrival you will be transferred from the airport to your accommodation to freshen up and unwind. 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. Explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter, visit the Sky Tower, join a Whale & Dolphin Safari or go America's Cup Sailing to get a feel for Auckland and the surrounding area.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

A three-hour drive north following the beautiful Hibiscus Coast, you arrive at the Bay of Islands. The ‘Bay’ encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more. Many of the islands here have walking tracks and have regular ferry’s to get you there. On land, enjoy beautiful river and seaside walking tracks or encounter the mighty Kauri Tree in pristine subtropical rainforest.

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

Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 Nights

This extended scenic helicopter flight offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning Bay of Islands coastline in greater depth. Building on the classic “Hole in the Rock” tour, this enhanced journey includes the remote eastern coastline of Cape Brett peninsula. Departing from Paihia, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of turquoise waters, lush greenery, and dramatic cliffs, plus secluded bays ideal for photography. On return, see Kerikeri inlet and coastal settlements while your pilot shares insights into history, geology, and wildlife, creating unforgettable memories. This experience reveals hidden gems and showcases New Zealand’s remarkable coastal beauty.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Returning to Auckland for the night, stop in and explore the famous Matakohe Kauri Museum.

The award winning Kauri Museum is famous for its storytelling, preserving our past and showing the viewer what living in early colonial New Zealand was like. The Kauri Museum recounts the history and the legacy left behind by our ancient Kauri Forests. In addition to preserving our past, the Museum plays a role to play in conserving the future of the mighty Kauri.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

The town of Cooks Beach is on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Cooks Beach is a town on a 3 km white-sand beach on the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand. To its north is Cooks Bay, and beyond that is Mercury Bay. To the east is the locality of Hahei and the tourist attraction of Cathedral Cove. 

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

Accommodation: Cooks Beach - 2 Nights

Visit the stunning Hot Water Beach, where naturally heated mineral water bubbles up through golden sands at low tide. Bring a spade and dig your own spa pool, joining families, couples, and kids relaxing in this uniquely Kiwi experience. It’s a must-do highlight for any New Zealand family adventure. While in the Coromandel, enjoy other free activities like exploring Cathedral Cove’s iconic rock arch, hiking the Karangahake Gorge trails, wandering Whangamata Beach, or discovering hidden waterfalls and scenic coastal lookouts—perfect ways to experience the region’s natural beauty without spending a cent.

Included Meals: Breakfast

This morning, travel to Rotorua, the geothermal heart of New Zealand’s North Island. Geysers, steaming vents, and bubbling pools surround the city, while the distinct scent of sulphur creates a truly otherworldly atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy the Mitai Māori Cultural Experience, offering an authentic insight into Māori traditions. Set in a natural bush setting, watch warriors in traditional dress paddle a waka along the Wai-o-whiro stream, fed by the sacred Fairy Spring. See native eels and trout, savour a traditional hāngī meal cooked underground, and learn about tribal history, carvings, and ta moko.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Enjoy a personalised journey through Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and rich Māori heritage with Elite Adventures. Your private local guide collects you from your accommodation for a full-day tour tailored to your interests. Visit New Zealand’s largest active boiling mud pool, then explore the vibrant geothermal landscapes of Wai-O-Tapu. Choose between a walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley, home to the country’s largest hot spring, or customise your day with other lakeside or geothermal activities. Take a scenic drive along the Rotorua lakefront, discovering historic sites, before ending with a relaxing soak at Polynesian Spa’s natural mineral pools.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Visit the powerful Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal Project before stopping at Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Travel across the Central Plateau to Hawke’s Bay and Napier, famed as the world’s Art Deco capital. After checking in, enjoy a stroll through the town centre and along the beach promenade. Napier showcases an exceptional collection of 1930s architecture, including Stripped Classical and Spanish Mission styles, with Art Deco most prominent. Wander the compact Art Deco Quarter, where beautifully preserved buildings create a unique atmosphere and bring the city’s fascinating history vividly to life for visitors today.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Napier - 2 Nights

This tour is perfect for both casual wine lovers and enthusiasts, offering the chance to connect with fellow guests while discovering the exceptional wines of Hawke’s Bay. Learn about the region’s unique climate and the passion behind each bottle as you visit four to five carefully selected wineries. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a top winery restaurant, then continue tasting wines in beautiful vineyard settings. Finish with a cheese platter in the peaceful grounds of Ngatarawa Vineyard, beside a tranquil lily pond, surrounded by stunning scenery and relaxed country charm.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving the bays, vineyards, and orchards behind, travel through rolling farmland into the rural heart of the Wairarapa region. Stop in historic Greytown to admire well-preserved Victorian colonial architecture and explore its art galleries, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants. Enjoy free time for shopping before crossing the Rimutaka Ranges into Wellington. In the capital, take in city highlights, including Mt Victoria for sweeping harbour views, the Parliament Buildings, the iconic Beehive, and Wellington Cathedral. Stay in the vibrant city centre, surrounded by museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques, and lively cafés right on your doorstep.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is set between steep hills and a scenic harbour, creating a compact city with dramatic natural surroundings. Known for its lively, creative spirit, it offers an artsy atmosphere filled with galleries, independent shops, and street life. At the waterfront, the renowned Museum of New Zealand Te Papa showcases the country’s history, culture, and natural heritage. The city is also a culinary hotspot, with an outstanding range of restaurants and innovative dining experiences. Blending culture, food, and striking scenery, Wellington delivers a dynamic and memorable urban experience in the heart of New Zealand.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today you are transferred from your accommodation to Wellington Airport for a short domestic flight across the Cook Strait to Blenheim, in the heart of Marlborough wine country. Enjoy scenic views as you lift off from the capital, passing over harbour waters, rugged coastlines, and the dramatic top of the South Island. On arrival in Blenheim, you are met and transferred to your accommodation. The region greets you with sunny vineyards, olive groves, and relaxed small-town charm. The remainder of the day is at leisure to unwind or begin exploring this renowned wine-growing region at your own pace.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Blenheim  - 2 Nights

In the heart of New Zealand’s largest wine region, Blenheim is widely regarded as a foodie capital. It’s no surprise that winery-hopping is a highlight, alongside indulging in chocolate tastings and relaxing in a unique beer garden. Hire a bike and explore the surrounding vineyards at your own pace, stopping to sample award-winning wines along the way. Visit Makana Confections for complimentary chocolate tastings, or discover aviation history at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. In the afternoon, unwind at Blenheim’s famous Biergarten, enjoying local craft beers and sunshine, with plenty of additional cafés, cellar doors, and scenic experiences to enjoy.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Today you travel from Blenheim to Kaikōura, enjoying one of New Zealand’s most scenic coastal drives. Leaving the vineyards of Marlborough behind, the journey follows rugged coastline framed by mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for fur seals basking on the rocks along the way. Arriving in Kaikōura, a small seaside town famous for its marine life and dramatic setting, you’ll have time to relax and explore. Stroll the waterfront, enjoy fresh local seafood, or simply take in the sweeping ocean and snow-capped mountain views that make this destination truly unforgettable.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 Night

Experience an unforgettable swim with wild dolphins in Kaikōura. Set out on a guided boat tour into the open ocean, where you can snorkel alongside playful pods in their natural habitat. This remarkable encounter delivers close-up wildlife moments, expert guidance, and a truly immersive marine adventure on New Zealand’s South Island coast.

After your marine wildlife experience, continue south in the afternoon, travelling along the stunning coastal route toward Christchurch.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Leave the city heading west across the Canterbury Plains toward the Mackenzie Basin. Stop at the stunning Lake Tekapo, one of three iconic alpine lakes, where turquoise waters contrast with golden tussock hills and the distant Southern Alps. Visit the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, set on the lakeshore with remarkable views toward Aoraki/Mount Cook. Capture unforgettable photos in this peaceful setting before settling in for the evening. After dark, experience Big Sky stargazing, as Tekapo’s clear skies and minimal light pollution reveal a dazzling display of stars, constellations, and the Milky Way.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 2 Nights

Experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and its icebergs in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Depart Mt Cook Village for a guided journey into the Tasman Valley, followed by a gentle alpine walk surrounded by towering peaks. Board a MAC boat to cruise across the glacier lake, witnessing floating icebergs and the constantly shifting ice face up close. This afternoon, take a breathtaking Mount Cook and glaciers helicopter flight, soaring above vast icefields, rugged alpine ridges, and brilliant blue glaciers. This unforgettable aerial experience reveals the scale and beauty of the Southern Alps from a truly unique perspective above.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you depart the spectacular Aoraki/Mount Cook region and journey south toward Dunedin. Travel through the Mackenzie Basin, passing turquoise lakes, golden tussock landscapes, and the towering Southern Alps fading behind you. Continue through the Waitaki Valley, known for its limestone cliffs, hydro lakes, and rolling farmland. Stop in the charming coastal town of Oamaru, famous for its Victorian architecture and little blue penguin colony. Further south, visit the iconic Moeraki Boulders, enormous spherical stones scattered along Koekohe Beach. Follow the scenic coastal highway into Dunedin, a historic city rich in Scottish heritage, elegant architecture, and vibrant cultural life.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights
 

Visit the beautiful Otago Peninsula and a private conservation area that ensures exclusivity with brilliant opportunities to photograph Hooker's Sea lions, Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals and other sea bird colonies. At Taiaroa head from a cliff face we watch and observe Royal Albatross flying about the headland and to and fro from the ocean. Then aboard the 'Monarch' cruise that allows viewing of the entire Royal Albatross breeding area and usually allows viewing of Albatross flying or sitting on the ocean as well as seeing many other species that live and breed around the headland.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Farewell the Dunedin district and travel across the fertile Taieri Plains before heading inland through rolling hill country and winding river valleys. Watch as the landscape shifts into the dramatic tussock-covered schist ranges of Central Otago’s drylands. Follow the ever-broadening Clutha River as it carves its way through the region, with increasingly expansive views opening toward the Southern Alps. The road gradually straightens across glaciated terrain as you approach Queenstown. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by towering peaks, Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital, offering a vibrant alpine setting and stunning natural beauty.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Journey along the stunning Milford Road, one of the world’s most spectacular alpine drives. Marvel at ever-changing landscapes, from vast grassy flats and ancient rainforest to glacial lakes, alpine herb fields, and soaring peaks. Then cruise the majestic Milford Sound, where you’ll pass beneath towering cliffs, feel the mist of cascading waterfalls, and watch for seals, dolphins, and rare Fiordland crested penguins. Cap off your adventure with a breathtaking scenic flight back to Queenstown. From above, enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, winding rivers, deep lakes, and lush rainforest—an unforgettable way to take in Fiordland’s dramatic beauty.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Discover Central Otago’s scenic wine country on this fun and interactive afternoon tour. Visit three wineries around Queenstown and the Gibbston Valley, sampling world-class wines in New Zealand’s renowned Pinot Noir region. Explore the country’s largest wine cave, then enjoy a stunning drive through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, passing the original AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge. Stop at a famous Lord of the Rings filming location, the Pillars of the Kings, and learn about its cinematic significance. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide shares insights into winemaking, local landmarks, and the fascinating early history of Central Otago.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Continue today to Franz Josef, travelling along the rugged West Coast Road and over the dramatic Haast Pass. Discover rich alpine rainforest as you pass through this historic and remote region, where the “Gates of Haast” reveal a spectacular wilderness so untouched it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area. Arrive in Franz Josef Village, a small settlement of around 500 locals located just minutes from the glacier. Franz Josef Glacier, within Westland Tai Poutini National Park, descends from the Southern Alps to just 200 metres above sea level, surrounded by lush temperate rainforest.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Accommodation: Franz Josef Village - 2 Nights

Franz Josef Village offers a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, with plenty to explore for nature lovers and adventure seekers. While the Franz Josef Glacier is the star attraction, the village itself is the perfect base to enjoy the surrounding landscapes. You can wander through nearby rainforest tracks that offer stunning views of the glacier or visit scenic viewpoints. For a more leisurely experience, unwind at the local hot pools, soaking in the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're after glacier views or simply a peaceful retreat, Franz Josef has something for everyone.

Included Meals: Breakfast

This morning, travel to Greymouth and return your rental vehicle at the train station on arrival. From here, board the world-famous TranzAlpine train for your journey back to Christchurch. Widely regarded as one of the great scenic rail journeys in the world, it crosses the South Island coast to coast in spectacular style. Travel through deep gorges, broad river valleys, and over towering viaducts as the scenery transforms from rugged West Coast wilderness to the rolling Canterbury Plains. Relax in comfort and enjoy ever-changing panoramic views on this unforgettable scenic plus alpine crossing back to Christchurch.

Included Meals: Breakfast

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

Christchurch is a vibrant blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. You'll want to explore the city's iconic sights, from wandering through lush, beautifully landscaped gardens to enjoying the peaceful Avon River. The central city is a mix of historic charm and modern development, with striking Gothic and contemporary architecture. Whether you're relaxing in green spaces, admiring local landmarks, or soaking in the atmosphere of the evolving city center, Christchurch offers a perfect balance of leisure, culture, and scenic beauty, ideal for getting to know the city at a relaxed pace.

Included Meals: Breakfast

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

Included Meals: Breakfast