Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland
You'll arrive in Auckland and get settled into your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the City of Sails at your own pace. Take a walk through the city center, head up the Sky Tower for views across the city, or just relax in one of the parks near the waterfront. It's a nice, easy way to start your New Zealand trip.
- Start point
- Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (Auckland City, 00:00 - 00:00)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sudima Auckland City)
Optional Activities
- Visit Sky Tower for panoramic views
- Explore Auckland city center
- Walk through parks and waterfront areas
- Visit galleries and museums
- Explore Parnell historic precinct
- Visit Mt. Eden and its crater
- Explore Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill
Landmarks Sky Tower Queen Street Auckland Domain One Tree Hill Mt. Eden Cornwall Park Parnell Newmarket - Day 2
Auckland
This morning you'll join a 3-hour guided city tour. The route takes you up Queen Street through the business district, then to The Domain for photos. After that, you'll drive through Ponsonby and cross the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore where there's a great beach with views to Rangitoto Island. Stop for local coffee, then head through historic Devonport and up Mount Victoria for city views before finishing at Westhaven Marina and heading back to your accommodation.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sudima Auckland City)
Included Activities
- 3-hour guided Auckland city tour with full English commentary
- Photo stops at The Domain and multiple scenic locations
- Stroll on North Shore beach with Waitemata harbour views
- Visit Mount Victoria for panoramic Auckland views
- Stop at Westhaven Marina
Optional Activities
- Local coffee and baking at beachside cafe (food and drink not included)
Landmarks Queen Street The Domain Ponsonby Auckland Harbour Bridge North Shore Beach Rangitoto Island Waitemata Harbour Devonport Mount Victoria Westhaven Marina - Day 3
Auckland to Rotorua
You'll self-drive through the North Island's scenic landscapes heading to Rotorua, the country's geothermal hub and center of Māori culture. The route passes rolling farmland, native bush, and volcanic peaks. Once you arrive, the day is open to what interests you. Try ziplining through redwood forests, mountain biking, soaking in natural hot springs, or visit a local Māori village in the evening for storytelling, song, and traditional food.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Rydges Rotorua)
Optional Activities
- Zipline through redwood forests
- Mountain biking on world-class trails
- Soak in natural hot springs
- Visit a local Māori village for storytelling, song, and traditional food
Landmarks Rotorua - Day 4
Rotorua to Napier
Start with a relaxing 45-minute soak at Secret Spot Hot Tubs in a private cedar hot tub surrounded by native ferns and forest. You'll have the option to use cold plunge tubs or grab drinks at the bar. From there, you'll self-drive at your own pace to Napier and spend the rest of the day exploring this Art Deco city.
- Accommodation
- Apartment (Quest Napier Serviced Apartments)
Included Activities
- 45-minute soak in cedar hot tub at Secret Spot Hot Tubs with free lockers
Optional Activities
- Cold plunge tub (Brass Monkeys) at Secret Spot
- Foot hot tub (Shinny Dip) at Secret Spot
- Food and drinks at BaseCamp cafe and bar
- Lawn games at Secret Spot
- Explore Napier's Art Deco architecture
- Visit Pania of the Reef statue
- Browse galleries and shops in Napier
Landmarks Secret Spot Hot Tubs Whakarewarewa Forest Napier Pania of the Reef Marine Parade - Day 5
Wellington
Spend the day exploring Wellington at your own pace. The city has lots to see: walk the waterfront, check out Te Papa Museum, relax in cafes, look through art galleries, or shop around. Later in the evening, you'll board the Interislander Ferry to Picton. It's New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry, and they serve locally sourced food and drinks onboard.
Included Activities
- Ferry ticket Wellington to Picton (1 way, standard car included if selecting vehicle option)
Optional Activities
- Visit Te Papa Museum
- Stroll Wellington waterfront
- Explore art galleries
- Browse shops
- Enjoy local cafes
- Snacks onboard ferry (own expense)
- Cinema onboard ferry
- Free kids activities onboard ferry
- Premium lounges onboard ferry
Landmarks Wellington Te Papa Museum Wellington Waterfront - Day 6
Blenheim
You have a leisurely day in Blenheim, located in the Marlborough wine region. Visit local vineyards to try their Sauvignon Blancs, explore the vine-covered plains by bike, or head to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The sunny climate and relaxed vibe here make it perfect for spending time at your own pace.
- Accommodation
- Apartment (Blenheim Spa Motor Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at local vineyards
- Bike ride through Marlborough wine region
- Visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Landmarks Blenheim Marlborough Wine Region Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - Day 7
Kaikoura
Today you're in Kaikoura, a coastal town with rich marine life and rugged natural landscapes. If you're interested, there are optional whale watching tours or the chance to swim with dolphins. You could also visit a seal colony. For land activities, there are scenic walking trails with views of the coastline and mountains. It's a peaceful place to spend the day.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sudima Kaikōura )
Optional Activities
- Whale watching
- Swim with dolphins
- Observe seals at colony
- Scenic coastal walking trails
Landmarks Kaikoura Kaikoura Peninsula 
- Day 8
Kaikoura
You'll spend 3 hours kayaking around the Kaikoura peninsula to see New Zealand fur seals. You get to choose between a pedal kayak (easier on your legs and hands-free for photos) or a traditional paddle kayak. Either way, you'll get up close with the fur seals as they play around and under your kayak.
- Accommodation
- Apartment (Bealey Avenue Motel )
Included Activities
- 3-hour guided seal kayaking tour with local guide
- Hands-free pedal kayak or paddle kayak options
Landmarks Kaikoura Peninsula - Day 9
Christchurch
Today you'll explore Christchurch, a city that mixes urban renewal with classic charm. Wander through the rejuvenated streets, check out contemporary art galleries, and see the vibrant street art around town. You can relax in the Botanic Gardens or take a punt ride down the Avon River. There's a good mix of cultural spots and quiet places here.
Optional Activities
- Visit contemporary art galleries
- Explore street art
- Stroll through Botanic Gardens
- Punt ride on Avon River
- Visit Christchurch Cathedral and Cardboard Cathedral
- Explore Arts Centre
- Visit Canterbury Museum
- Visit International Antarctic Centre
- Visit Orana Wildlife Park
- Visit Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
- Visit Yaldhurst Museum
- Explore Riccarton Bush native forest
- Earthquake tourism tours
Landmarks Christchurch Cathedral Cardboard Cathedral Arts Centre Botanic Gardens Canterbury Museum Ferrymead Heritage Park International Antarctic Centre Orana Wildlife Park Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Yaldhurst Museum Riccarton Bush Avon River Christchurch - Day 10
Lake Tekapo
You'll have a restful day at Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie Region, known for its turquoise waters and scenic landscapes. Relax by the lakeside and take in the views, or visit the Church of the Good Shepherd for some quiet time. If it's the right season, you can walk among colorful lupines or soak in local hot springs while looking at the starry sky.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Haka House Lake Tekapo)
Optional Activities
- Visit Church of the Good Shepherd
- Scenic walks and lupine viewing (seasonal)
- Soak in local hot springs
- Stargazing at night sky
Landmarks Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd Southern Alps Mt John Observatory 
- Day 11
Wanaka
Today is a leisurely day in Wanaka where you can enjoy Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains. You might try a peaceful kayak on the lake or explore trails by bike or on foot. If you want more action, there's paragliding or jet-boating available. The town itself has nice cafes and shops for a relaxed stroll.
- Accommodation
- Guesthouse (Te Wanaka Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking on Lake Wanaka
- Mountain biking trails
- Walking trails
- Paragliding
- Jet-boating
- Stroll through town cafes and shops
- Mt Aspiring National Park exploration
Landmarks Lake Wanaka Mt Aspiring National Park Wanaka 
- Day 12
Queenstown
You'll arrive in Queenstown, known as the adventure capital. Get settled into your accommodation and explore the vibrant town center at your own pace. Check out local restaurants for dinner and start thinking about what you want to do next. Bungee jumping and jet boating are popular, or you can just enjoy the views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountains.
- Accommodation
- Apartment (Queenstown House Boutique B&B and Apartments)
Optional Activities
- Explore Queenstown town center
- Dine at local restaurants
- Scenic walks around Lake Wakatipu
- Bungee jumping
- Jet boating
- Scenic helicopter rides
- Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak
Landmarks Queenstown Lake Wakatipu The Remarkables Ben Lomond Queenstown Hill Bob's Peak Skyline Gondola Coronet Peak Cecil Peak Walter Peak 
- Day 13
Queenstown to Milford Sound
This is a full-day trip to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most famous places. You'll leave early in a comfortable glass-roof coach with driver commentary. The route goes through southern farmland, along Lake Wakatipu, and to Lake Te Anau with a morning tea stop. Then you'll enter Fiordland National Park through Eglinton Valley, stop at Mirror Lakes and Knobs Flat for photos, and pass through Homer Tunnel. Afterward, you'll board a 2-hour luxury catamaran cruise through the fiord, seeing glacier-carved cliffs, rainforest, waterfalls, and wildlife like seals, penguins, and dolphins. There's a picnic lunch onboard, then the coach takes you back to Queenstown.
- Meals
- Lunch (Chicken Picnic Lunch or Vegetarian Picnic Lunch onboard The Gem of the Sound)
- Accommodation
- Apartment (Queenstown House Boutique B&B and Apartments)
Included Activities
- Comfortable leather reclining seats in luxury glass-roof coach
- Scenic stops at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Monkey Creek
- Homer Tunnel passage
- Fiordland National Park
- Milford Sound boutique cruise on The Gem of the Sound (2 hours)
- Chicken or Vegetarian picnic lunch onboard
- Captain's informative commentary during cruise
Optional Activities
- Scenic return flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown (True South Flights)
Landmarks Lake Wakatipu Lake Te Anau Fiordland National Park Eglinton Valley Mirror Lakes Knobs Flat Monkey Creek Homer Tunnel Milford Sound Mitre Peak Tasman Sea 
- Day 14
Queenstown
On your final day in Queenstown, you have the time to go at your own pace. Revisit places you loved or explore something new. Take a stroll around Lake Wakatipu, do some last-minute shopping, or sit in cozy cafes. If you're up for one last adventure, a scenic helicopter ride gives you a bird's-eye view of the landscape before you depart.
- End point
- Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand (Queenstown City, 00:00 - 23:55)
Optional Activities
- Stroll around Lake Wakatipu
- Last-minute shopping
- Relax in cafes
- Scenic helicopter ride
- Revisit favorite attractions
Landmarks Lake Wakatipu Queenstown
