Three Week Best of New Zealand Vacation Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax you are now officially on holiday and everything has been taken care of! On arrival at the airport you will be transferred directly to your hotel 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 before an included visit up the iconic Sky Tower. 

For over 25 years, the Auckland Skytower has been the focal point of this beautiful harbour city. The magnificent 328m high structure rises up out of the land to delight locals and visitors alike. Experience incredible 360° views of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) , taking in ancient volcanoes, sparkling sunlit harbours and beyond.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Collect your rental vehicle this morning and travel to the heartland of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is host to some of the world’s most incredible geothermal forces. Geysers and clouds of steam are dotted around the city and the unmistakable smell of sulphur gives the city an otherworldly feel. A heartland of Māori culture, the local people have embraced this turbulent land. 

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

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

This is a great half-day geothermal and nature experience, beginning with a walking tour along the Waimangu Volcanic Valley Crater walkway (this is mainly downhill and flat). There are shuttle buses to transfer from the valley to the Lake Rotomahana boat cruise.

Enjoy the 45-minute cruise voyaging around the beautiful lake. This is a protected wildlife refuge and scenic reserve. Allow 3 hours for the walk and boat cruise.

The Thermal Explorer Highway guides you to the Central North Island and the largest body of freshwater in the Southern Hemisphere - Lake Taupo. follow its shores south and climb up to the spectacular Desert Road into the Tongariro National Park where a dramatic alpine vista unfolds, crowned by the imposing volcanic peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngaruahoe. Continue along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington.

Approximate Distance: 455 km | 283 miles  Total Driving Time: 6 hours

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Beginning over one hundred million years ago, this guided journey of Te Papa, The Museum of New Zealand explores New Zealand’s rich history and cultures. Stories of tenacious wildlife, the resilience of the Māori people, and artistic interpretations of life in the South Pacific are shared along the way. This tour provides an excellent opportunity to gain insights into the vibrant landscapes and cultures your will encounter throughout your trip to New Zealand.

Wellington is the nation’s capital city. A magnificent landscape of steep-sided hills sits beside a beautiful harbour, and the city itself bustles with a vibrant creative culture. Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets. Wellington is also famous for having some of New Zealand's best restaurants - gourmet dining experiences here are truly world-class. Culture, cuisine and scenic beauty abound in New Zealand’s iconic capital.
 

Return your rental at Wellington Airport and fly to Blenheim to collect your next vehicle. Once a sheep-farming region, Blenheim’s plains are now filled with vineyards producing world-class wines. Drive along the scenic East Coast to Kaikoura, where the road hugs the shoreline, offering views of playful fur seals. Nestled between snowcapped mountains and the ocean, Kaikoura’s mild microclimate makes it a hotspot for eco-tourism: whale watching, dolphin and seal swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hiking all showcase its unique natural beauty.

Approximate Distance: 130 km 81 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 45 mins

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 2 Nights

For a bird's-eye view of giant humpbacks and the mighty sperm whale, go whale watching by aeroplane! It's the best way to view whales and Kaikoura's mighty mountains. In a typical 30-minute flight, you will see the majestic sperm whale getting ready for its next dive. Pods of up to 500 dusky dolphins playfully swimming are often spotted. Sightings can include the southern right, humpback, fin, sei, Bryde's, pilot, southern bottlenose, and blue whales. Other visitors can include the common, Hector's, Risso's, and southern right whale dolphins, and orcas.

Flying over Kaikoura Peninsula, you can see evidence of ancient Maori fortifications (pa sites), the township of Kaikoura, and New Zealand fur seals relaxing on the rocks. During favorable conditions, passengers can enjoy a spectacular flight over the 2800m (9186 ft) high Seaward Kaikoura Ranges.

Leaving Kaikoura and the coast, you will head inland towards the rural Canterbury Plains on your way to Christchurch the South Island's largest city. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Christchurch is known as the "Garden City", blessed with beautiful parks and gardens right in the heart of town.

Why not step back to Edwardian times with a relaxing Private Punting Trip down the Avon River? It's a wonderful introduction to the "Garden City". Gliding gently along the river in a flat-bottomed boat, you will take in Christchurch's 'must-see' historic buildings and Botanic Gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Head west from the city across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, a stunning spot for photography. One of three neighboring lakes in the Mackenzie Valley, its shores are carpeted with golden tussocks, rolling toward the Southern Alps. The solitary Church of the Good Shepherd overlooks the lake, with breathtaking views of Aoraki / Mount Cook. At night, join Big Sky Stargazing in this Grade 1 Dark Sky Reserve, exploring the Milky Way, Southern Cross, and distant galaxies through expert-guided telescopes and binoculars.

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

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 2 Nights

Start your day with a walk up the beautiful Hooker Valley, providing breathtaking views of some of New Zealand's highest and most enthralling peaks. Enjoy a stunning 11 km (6.8 mile) trek along over mostly flat terrain (there are some rocky bits) to the terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier. The journey encompasses an Alpine Memorial and passes over the turbulent Hooker River by Swing Bridge to unsurpassed vistas of Aoraki Mount Cook's south face and the surrounding glaciers.

Today you have an included visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. The centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. Designed to educate and entertain, the centre depicts Sir Edmund's longstanding connection with the region and touches upon his achievements, expeditions and life's work. 

Heading South: Making your way to Dunedin starts with a drive down the beautiful Waitaki Valley to visit Oamaru. While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants - the locals are bohemians artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops, and venues – it has to be seen to be believed and you'll love it.

Dunedin - Scottish City of Grace and Grandeur
It is for good reason that New Zealand's oldest city is known as the 'Edenborough of the South' - Dunedin comes from Dun Eideann the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh, founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. 

Approximate Distance: 320 km | 198 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours  

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Today cruise the length of the Otago Harbour. Experience an unforgettable half day cruise and peninsula tour and explore Careys Bay historic fishing village, Port Chalmers’ busy wharves and the harbour’s beautiful bays, hills, farmland and forest. Enjoy Monarch’s fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and the surrounding coastline of dramatic cliffs. Watch the NZ Furseals play and swim near their breeding colonies, out at sea you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, and you may see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

Te Anau is a region of stunning natural beauty, where several iconic Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed amid pristine forests and lakes. Experience the area up close with flight-seeing, fly fishing, kayaking, sailing, or hiking.

Begin with a cruise across Lake Te Anau to the entrance of the Glowworm Caves, hidden within lush native forest. Explore twisting limestone passages, underground waterfalls, and small lakes, then glide silently by boat into a grotto illuminated by thousands of glowworms, creating a magical, starry spectacle underground.

Approximate Distance: 290 km | 180 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

This morning, transfer to Manapouri for a special cruise in the remote, stunning Doubtful Sound—larger, deeper, and far quieter than Milford Sound. Cross scenic Lake Manapouri, then journey over Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove to board The Patea Explorer. Enjoy spacious decks for waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife. An onboard nature guide highlights landmarks and creatures, from dolphins and fur seals to the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Visiting this isolated wilderness is a peaceful, almost spiritual experience, with the journey itself as memorable as the destination.

This is a coach cruise coach - return to Te Anau

Included Meals: Lunch

Make the most of this morning to enjoy the beauty of Mount Cook National Park at your leisure. Take your time heading south this afternoon: you won't want to miss the spectacular scenery as it transforms from rugged ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge. During your drive you might like to stop and visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. You will finally emerge into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown. 

Approximate Distance: 175 km | 108 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Sit back and take in the stunning views as you ride the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! You'll be carried 450 metres to the top of Bob's Peak where you get to experience a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak.

Although celebrated as New Zealand's 'adventure capital' Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region's best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's 'Rata.' - but if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shot over Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Today, set out to explore Mou Waho Island, one of only five islands in the vast Lake Wanaka. Accessible by a 35-minute boat cruise, this predator-free nature reserve shelters New Zealand’s rare and endangered species, giving you the chance to see them up close. Stroll with a local guide along a well-formed track through native bush to Tyrwhitt Peak, where you’ll discover Arethusa Pool, a tiny lake with islands of its own. Marvel at 360-degree lake and mountain views, and enjoy a refreshing swim in its clear waters.

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Wanaka - 1 Night

Continue today to Franz Josef and travel along the rugged West Coast Road and over the Haast Pass. Discover the rich alpine rainforest as you journey through this historic region. Through the Gates of Haast is a lost world that’s so spectacular and remote UNESCO designated it a World Heritage area.

Franz Josef village is small (only 500 locals) and is located only ten minutes from the Glacier. The Franz Josef is a glacier located in Westland National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Together with the Fox Glacier 20 km to the south it is a unique in the fact that it descends from the Southern Alps to just 200 metres above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest.

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

Accommodation: Franz Josef Village - 2 Nights

Today  you will pay a visit to the West Coast Wildlife Centre, the official home to the breeding and incubation program of Rowi Kiwi. Found only in the local South Okarito Forest, the Rowi is New Zealand's rarest species of kiwi. You also have the opportunity to view Tuatara, a highly endangered dinosaur like reptile found only in New Zealand.

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. 

This morning travel to Greymouth where you will board the TranzAlpine to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine Train, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch.

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

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. 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.