A Quick New Zealand Fix - Both Islands Itinerary

Situated amongst a cluster of extinct volcanic cones, next to a large harbour that bustles with life, both on water and on land. The Auckland isthmus straddles a slim piece of land with coastline facing both the Pacific Ocean, and, on the wild West Coast, the Tasman Sea.

You will be transferred to your accommodation on arrival into Auckland Airport. After checking into your hotel, relax your New Zealand North & South Island Tour officially starts tomorrow. Take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available to give a more in depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.

Some Activities and Sightseeing Options Available are:

Accommodation Auckland - 1 night

Feeling refreshed today - collect your rental car and take to the green rolling landscapes of the Waikato region, as you drive south of Auckland, forming some of the most fertile land in New Zealand. The caves at Waitomo are one of New Zealand's most commanding wonders, the moment you enter this subterranean wonderland you'll discover an ancient underground labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos, and you'll marvel at the amazing stalactites and stalagmites 'decorations' created by Mother Nature.  As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you will glide silently through the starry wonderland of this Glowworm Grotto, your way lit by a myriad of tiny glowworm lights, glittering, glimmering and reflecting off the water. This small group personalized tour allows you to spend 40 minutes under glow worms. Continue on to Rotorua, set in a tranquil Lakeland with significant Maori culture and awesome geothermal activity. 

Sir David Attenborough: “An Astonishing Cave” And “one of natures most Magical Illuminations!”

Approximate Distance: 225 kms | 140 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 50 mins

Accommodation Rotorua - 2 nights

Wai-O-Tapu

"The closest thing to hell existing on earth" Bernard Shaw. This is an eerie landscape and once you have seen the boiling mud, the roaring geysers of hot boiling water, enormous steaming craters and sink holes and of course the offensive sulfuric odour  -  quite clearly spells Hell! Yet Wai-O-Tapu has become one of the most visited attractions in New Zealand and houses some of the world’s most incredible geothermal forces. Walk through it and observe the world famous champagne pool, catch the daily eruption of the Lady Knox geyser that spurts out boiling liquid at 10.15 am daily to a height of 20 meters.

Maori Cultural Evening - Village, Hangi & Music

Spend an evening sharing and feasting on a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way - on hot stones in an authentic earthen oven (a Hangi). This Maori Cultural Evening helps you understand the spiritual significance of the moko (facial tattoo) as warriors demonstrate with tools made of fine bird bone and sharpened greenstone and then perform a concert including the world famous ‘Haka’. An educational and enlightening experience, coupled with a ‘good feed’ and sing-a-long makes for a unique and entertaining experience and a must on any New Zealand North & South Island Tour.

Depending on your preference, you could easily choose to stay in Rotorua and explore the region further, opting to take one of the evening flight to Queenstown.

Recommended excursions in and around Rotorua:

Queenstown: located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination.  Offering a wealth of experiences to be enjoyed from adrenaline activities such as bungee jumps and sky diving, adventurous excursions like jet-boating and hiking through to superb golf, gourmet food and wine tours or romantic hot air ballooning.

Accommodation Queenstown - 3 nights

Today, board a twin engine aircraft for your scenic 35 minute flight to Milford Sound in the famed Fiordland National Park. During your flight, there are panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest.  On reaching Milford Sound, enjoy a full-length cruise of the fiord in modern, purpose built vessels. The vessels offer excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with large windows, spacious decks and comfortable lounges. At the completion of your cruise, return to Queenstown by plane.  Transfers are provided to and from your accommodation to Queenstown airport.

This morning collect your South Island rental car, and experience the beauty of Queenstown exactly as you want to. From relaxing vineyard tours or boat cruises to extreme adventure activities, Queenstown has it all. For the adventurous, don’t miss a thrilling Wilderness Jet Boat Ride on the beautiful and isolated Dart River. The Botanic Gardens and lakeside walkways offer a myriad of opportunities for relaxing strolls, while the boutique shops offer kiwi shopping at its best. Queenstown’s stunning location means that however you choose to spend your day you’ll enjoy being surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.

Recommended Excursions in Queenstown:

Mt Cook National Park is a Fantasy Land of Ice and Rock. Mt Cook National Park, known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mt Cook. Its Maori name, ‘Aoraki’ means ‘cloud piercer’ and at 12,016ft (3,755m) it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park. Tonight enjoy a Star Gazing Tour - this area also has World Heritage status as a SkyPark for the purity and lack of light pollution.

Some highly recommended excursions around the National Park.

Approximate Distance: 265 kms | 165 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 10 mins

Accommodation Mt Cook - 1 night

Tasman Glacier
Embark upon a unique guided experience to get alongside a rather large iceberg!. Transfer by bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley for a short walk before boarding a MAC boat to explore the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. This Tasman Glacier Adventure Tour is 4 hours duration with plenty of time left to travel via the Pleasant Point to Christchurch.

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!
There may be time for some last minute sightseeing or shopping before making your way for your outbound flight. We know you will love this New Zealand North & South Island Tour and 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.

Approximate Distance: 331 kms | 206 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours