Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure
Today you head to the airport and board your flight to Christchurch. This is where your New Zealand adventure kicks off, so get to the airport with plenty of time before departure.
- Day 2
In Transit
You're in the air now, crossing multiple continents as you make your way toward New Zealand. Watch the distance close between you and your destination as the flight continues.
- Day 3
Christchurch
You'll arrive in Christchurch and head to your hotel at your own pace. Once you're settled, start walking around the city center and make your way to New Regent Street, where you'll see the pastel-colored colonial buildings that were rebuilt after the 2011 earthquake mixed in with newer structures. If the history interests you, Quake City Museum gives you the full story of how the city reconstructed itself. For a different perspective, consider hopping on the historic streetcar for about 50 minutes touring through downtown (there's an extra charge for this). If your visit lands on a Saturday, head over to Riccarton Bush where the Farmers Market has local produce and food vendors worth checking out.
Optional Activities
- Visit Quake City Museum (payable on site)
- Historic streetcar tour - 50 minutes through city center (costs a few dollars extra)
- Visit Farmers Market in Riccarton Bush (Saturday only)
Landmarks New Regent Street Quake City Museum Riccarton Bush Farmers Market - Day 4
Lake Tekapo
After landing, you'll collect your fully equipped campervan and drive via the Inland Scenic Route to Lake Tekapo. The turquoise water and surrounding mountains create an incredible backdrop. By evening, you'll be stargazing here, taking advantage of this dark sky reserve where visibility is excellent.
Included Activities
- Campervan pickup and equipped vehicle
- Drive South Island via Inland Scenic Route
- Visit Lake Tekapo
Landmarks Lake Tekapo 
- Day 5
Mount Cook National Park
Grab breakfast by the lake, then head to Mount Cook National Park. The Hooker Valley Track takes you across suspension bridges and through a glacial valley with views of snow-covered Mount Cook and a glacial lake scattered with ice floes. You'll be back at Lake Pukaki for the night.
Included Activities
- Hooker Valley Track hike in Mount Cook National Park
- Visit glacial lake with ice floes
Landmarks Mount Cook National Park Mount Cook Lake Pukaki 
- Day 6
Queenstown
Walk around Lake Pukaki this morning (a filming location from The Hobbit), then drive to Queenstown. Spend the afternoon wandering through cafés, restaurants, breweries, and bars. Try a Fergburger and catch the sunset from the promenade overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Included Activities
- Walk around Lake Pukaki
- Explore Queenstown city center
Optional Activities
- Try Fergburger at various locations
Landmarks Lake Pukaki Lake Wakatipu Queenstown 
- Day 7
Queenstown Adventures
This day is all about adventure activities in Queenstown. You can visit Gibbston Valley and try bungee jumping from the historic Kawarau Bridge, or go for ziplines instead. If you prefer, there are optional river activities, or you can ride the Skyline Gondola to access mountain biking trails. Evening brings nice views of the lake.
Optional Activities
- Kawarau Bridge bungee jump - 134 meters (payable on site)
- Zipline over green rocks and turquoise river - 130 metres (payable on site)
- River boat trip (payable on site)
- Skyline Gondola to Queenstown Bike Park
- Mountain biking on 30+ trails
Landmarks Gibbston Valley Kawarau Bridge Skyline Gondola Queenstown Queenstown Bike Park - Day 8
Roys Peak
Drive to Lake Wanaka and tackle Roys Peak. The challenging 1,300-meter climb rewards you with postcard-perfect views of the lake and mountains. From the summit, you might find yourself above the clouds. After coming back down, cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear lake water.
Included Activities
- Roys Peak hike with views of Lake Wanaka and mountains
Optional Activities
- Swim in Lake Wanaka
Landmarks Roys Peak Lake Wanaka 
- Day 9
Mount Aspiring National Park and Franz Josef Glacier
See the Wanaka Tree growing from the lake, then drive past Mount Aspiring National Park with its dramatic peaks and glaciers. The Blue Pools Track takes you through forests and over suspension bridges to emerald-blue natural pools. Later, you'll continue to Franz Josef Glacier and hike either the Franz Josef Glacier Walk or Roberts Point Track for glacier views.
Included Activities
- View Wanaka Tree
- Blue Pools Track hike through forests and suspension bridges
- Franz Josef Glacier Walk or Roberts Point Track hike
Landmarks Wanaka Tree Mount Aspiring National Park Blue Pools Franz Josef Glacier 
- Day 10
Pancake Rocks
Head to the Pancake Rocks, a 30-million-year-old natural wonder. Stop at the Strongman Mine Memorial for ocean views. Walk the Pancake Rocks Trail to the blowholes, which create spectacular displays when surf hits the rocks. The layered rock formations are really quite unusual.
Included Activities
- View Strongman Mine Memorial
- Pancake Rocks Walk to blowholes
Landmarks Pancake Rocks Strongman Mine Memorial Tasman Sea 
- Day 11
Abel Tasman National Park
Travel north to Abel Tasman National Park, home to some of New Zealand's most beautiful beaches. Relax on the turquoise waters and golden sands surrounded by green jungle. You can optionally take the Water Taxi to different points along the 55-kilometer Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
Included Activities
- Explore Abel Tasman National Park beaches
Optional Activities
- Water Taxi service to Abel Tasman Coastal Track points (bookable on site)
Landmarks Abel Tasman National Park Abel Tasman Coastal Track - Day 12
Abel Tasman to Marlborough Sounds
Wake to the sound of waves and mountain views. You can explore more of Abel Tasman National Park or head to Marlborough Sounds. If going to the Sounds, drive to Havelock through lush forested fjords and gorgeous bays. This sunny harbor town is known for greenshell mussels and has nice waterfront restaurants.
Included Activities
- Optional day in Abel Tasman National Park
Optional Activities
- Drive to Havelock in Marlborough Sounds
- Dine at restaurants serving greenshell mussels (payable locally)
Landmarks Abel Tasman National Park Marlborough Sounds Havelock - Day 13
Ferry to Wellington
Board the ferry from Picton with your campervan and cross to Wellington. Explore New Zealand's capital starting with Cuba Street's cafés and restaurants. Check out the colorful Bucket Fountain, then ride the famous red cable car up to Kelburn Village for panoramic city views. Bring a windproof jacket since Wellington gets quite windy.
Included Activities
- Ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington with campervan
- Explore Cuba Street
- Visit Bucket Fountain
- Cable car ride to Kelburn Village
Landmarks Bucket Fountain Cable Car Wellington Kelburn Village Cuba Street 
- Day 14
Cape Palliser and Napier
Drive south to Cape Palliser and spot sea lions sunbathing on the rocks. Climb 250 steps to the lighthouse for coastal views. Continue to Napier, an art deco town with 1930s-style buildings. Walk through Emerson Street to see the historic architecture. Finish the day at Te Mata Peak watching the sunset.
Included Activities
- Cape Palliser visit with sea lion viewing
- Cape Palliser Lighthouse climb (250 steps)
- Explore Napier art deco buildings
- Visit Emerson Street
Optional Activities
- Sunset viewing at Te Mata Peak
Landmarks Cape Palliser Cape Palliser Lighthouse Napier Emerson Street Te Mata Peak - Day 15
Tongariro National Park
Head to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand's oldest national park. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes you past active volcanic craters, solidified lava flows, and emerald-green lakes. Climb to the Red Crater where sulfur smells remind you the volcano is still active. You'll reach the spectacular Emerald Lakes at higher elevation.
Included Activities
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike
- Red Crater ascent
- Emerald Lakes viewing
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Tongariro Alpine Crossing Red Crater Emerald Lakes 
- Day 16
Hot Water Beach
Drive north through the Waikato region to the Coromandel Peninsula. Stop at Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own natural hot water pool in the sand thanks to volcanic activity below the surface. It's a unique geothermal spa experience right on the beach.
Included Activities
- Visit Hot Water Beach
- Dig natural hot water pool in sand
Landmarks Hot Water Beach Coromandel Peninsula 
- Day 17
Cathedral Cove
Hike to Cathedral Cove before sunrise. Follow the path through Gemstone Bay past puriri trees in a tropical jungle. Cross suspension bridges and climb to an overlook of offshore islands. Then descend to Cathedral Cove with its natural rock arch connecting two beaches, turquoise waters, and golden sand.
Included Activities
- Hike to Cathedral Cove via Gemstone Bay
- Cathedral Cove viewing with natural rock arch
Landmarks Cathedral Cove Gemstone Bay - Day 18
Auckland City
Return your campervan in Auckland and check into your hotel. Explore New Zealand's largest city starting with a City Circuit Bus tour to see skyscrapers mixed with Victorian buildings. Visit the Sky Tower for elevated 182-meter views of the Harbour Bridge. Stroll through Parnell Road to Newmarket, then head to Viaduct Harbour to watch the sunset.
Included Activities
- Campervan return and vehicle handover
Optional Activities
- City Circuit Bus tour (payable locally)
- Sky Tower visit at 182 meters (payable on site)
- Walk Parnell Road to Newmarket
- Visit Viaduct Harbour for sunset
Landmarks Sky Tower Harbour Bridge Parnell Road Newmarket Viaduct Harbour 
- Day 19
Auckland
Explore Auckland's volcanic geology at Mount Eden, one of 50 inactive volcanoes beneath the city. View the 50-meter-deep crater and city skyline. Also discover the Pink Path (Nelson Street Cycleway), a colorful bike route popular with locals. It's illuminated at night if you want an evening ride.
Included Activities
- Mount Eden visit with crater and city views
Optional Activities
- Nelson Street Cycleway (Pink Path) bike tour or walk
Landmarks Mount Eden Nelson Street Cycleway - Day 20
Departure Preparation
Your last day in New Zealand is here. Take time to reflect on the incredible adventure and the unforgettable memories you've made. Prepare for departure as your time on the islands comes to an end.
- Day 21
Return Home
Your flight home departs today. You'll land with unforgettable memories and can't wait to share all your New Zealand adventures with loved ones.
