Highlights of the North and South Island Itinerary

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where sparkling harbours, volcanic landscapes and a vibrant waterfront create the perfect introduction to your journey. Enjoy panoramic views over the city with a visit to the iconic Sky Tower.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Private airport transfer
• Sky Tower viewing platform entry
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Auckland

Suggested Accommodation: 

Journey through the rolling countryside of the Waikato to Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal landscapes and rich Māori culture. Along the way, discover the spectacular Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a personalised glowworm experience.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Rental vehicle collection
• Guided Glowworm Caves tour
• 2 nights in Rotorua

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Experience two of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions, from the famous Hobbiton Movie Set to an immersive Māori cultural evening. Discover the region’s unique blend of cinematic landscapes, geothermal wonders and living Māori traditions.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, Traditional Hāngi Dinner
• Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
• Māori cultural experience

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour (each way)

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

Return your rental vehicle, fly to Christchurch and discover the charm of the Garden City, known for its heritage, green spaces and vibrant food scene. Enjoy a relaxing Avon River punting experience before a shared group dinner walking tour this evening.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, Dinner
• Domestic flight to Christchurch
• Avon River punting experience
• Kai Safari walking tour
• 1 night in Christchurch

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Travel aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine through the spectacular Southern Alps before continuing to Franz Josef. Discover a region where ancient rainforest and glaciers combine to create one of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Private rail transfer
• TranzAlpine rail journey
• Rental vehicle collection
• 2 nights in Franz Josef

Approximate Distance: 171 km | 106 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Explore the pristine wilderness surrounding Franz Josef, where lush rainforest, wetlands and alpine scenery meet. Experience the beauty of Okarito Lagoon on a guided kayaking adventure through this remarkable nature reserve.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Okarito Lagoon kayaking experience
• Native birdlife viewing opportunities

Make it yours
If you're interested in the iconic Fox & Franz Josef glaciers, swap your kayaking experience for an unforgettable guided heli-hike to experience these spectacular ice formations up close.
 

Travel south through ever-changing alpine landscapes to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Discover native wildlife with a visit to the Kiwi Birdlife Park before exploring this iconic lakeside destination.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Lake Matheson & Scenic Haast Pass
• Kiwi Birdlife Park entry
• 2 nights in Queenstown

Approximate Distance: 355 km | 221 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Suggested Accommodation: 

Enjoy a day at leisure in Queenstown, surrounded by spectacular alpine scenery and endless experiences. In the evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw before enjoying a BBQ dinner at Walter Peak.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Gourmet BBQ Dinner
• Explore at your leisure
• TSS Earnslaw vintage steamboat cruise 
• Walter Peak farm visit

Make it yours
Enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Wakatipu this morning, with a scenic gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak.
 

Travel through the breathtaking Mackenzie Country to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. Discover a spectacular alpine landscape recognised as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Dinner
• Explore at your leisure
• Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
• 2 nights in Mount Cook

Approximate Distance: 265 km | 164 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Spend the day exploring the dramatic alpine landscapes of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Experience the remarkable Tasman Glacier from the water on an unforgettable glacier boat cruise.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast, Dinner
• Tasman Glacier boat tour
• Glacial lake & iceberg scenery
• Explore at your leisure

Make it yours
Discover the remarkable story of New Zealand’s mountaineering heritage with admission to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, featuring interactive exhibits and inspiring tales of exploration.
 

Travel from the Southern Alps across the Mackenzie Basin and Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Enjoy one final journey through some of New Zealand’s most iconic South Island scenery.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Breakfast
• Church of the Good Shepherd & Lake Tekapo
• Explore at your leisure
• 1 night in Christchurch

Make it yours
Experience the city's highlights with a heritage tram pass and discover its rich history, iconic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Suggested Accommodation: 

Your New Zealand journey comes to an end today. Return your rental vehicle before departing Christchurch with unforgettable memories of your North and South Island adventure.

Inclusions at a glance:

• Rental vehicle return

Inspired by what you’ve seen? Let’s create a journey to Aotearoa, New Zealand that’s uniquely yours.

Speak with a Travel Designer to start planning your personalised escape.