Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. After check-in, you will have the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: 3 – 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 2: Hobbiton Movie Set
Today you will be traveling south through the picturesque Waikato countryside, you’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery, mighty rivers, and impressive mountains, with plenty of opportunities to capture great photos along the way. The highlight of today’s tour awaits at the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, where you’ll board the iconic green Hobbiton buses for a two-hour guided exploration of this magical 12-acre movie set.
A professional Hobbiton guide will lead you through the lush pastures of the Shire, showcasing 44 charming Hobbit holes, and beautiful gardens, and sharing captivating secrets and stories about the making of the movies.
Don’t miss the chance to savor a complimentary cold beverage at ‘The Green Dragon Inn,’ a famous pub within the Hobbiton village. As the day winds down, you will be transferred back to Auckland, with surprise stops along the way, which might include scenic lakeside views, encounters with local wildlife, or a chance to indulge in delicious New Zealand ice creams.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks
Accommodation: 3 – 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 3: Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu tour
Depart from Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, with your guide pointing out the top highlights as you leave the city. Later on, journey south through the picturesque Waikato countryside, known for its extensive farming and stunning scenery. Enjoy photo opportunities, encounter mighty rivers, and even spot some farm animals. A quick coffee break is included at a special location. After, we will pass through Tirau, famous for its unique corrugated iron sculptures and buildings, earning it the title of ‘Corrugated Iron Capital of the World.’
Later on arrive at Wai-O-Tapu, a surreal geothermal wonderland. Enjoy a fully guided tour and marvel at the Champagne Lake, Devil’s Bath, mud-pools, geothermal craters, and other captivating geothermal features. Follow-up experience a guided driving tour of Rotorua city, visiting famous sites such as Lake Rotorua, Rotorua Museum, Government Gardens, Whangapipiro (Rachel Spring), and the Blue Baths. There might be time for discounted shopping and trying Manuka Honey at a special souvenir shop.
Evening, we will start the journey back to Auckland with fully guided stops along the way, making the most of your return trip.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks
Accommodation: 3 – 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 4: Coromandel Peninsula Highlights Tour
Depart from Auckland, and enjoy a guided drive past the city’s top highlights, setting the scene for your adventure. Journey south through the stunning Waikato countryside, known for its extensive farming, scenic beauty, mighty rivers, and impressive mountains. Later, enter the untouched beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula, famous for white sand beaches, native forests, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean coastline.
Make several stops for short walks and photo opportunities. Following up we will proceed to explore Cathedral Cove, one of New Zealand’s most famous and beautiful beaches, featured in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie. Reach the beach through a native bush walk and take time to relax, swim, and enjoy the stunning views.
Afternoon, after a delicious lunch (at your own expense), head to the renowned Hot Water Beach. Dig your own naturally-heated geothermal water bath in the sand and indulge in a natural geothermal spa experience.
Evening, start the journey back to Auckland, with a fully guided return trip and secret stops along the way to make the most of your day in paradise.
Meals: Breakfast, Snack
Accommodation: 3 – 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 5: Fly to Queenstown
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Queenstown, upon arrival at Queenstown you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 6: Queenstown Onsen
Today we will enjoy the exclusive outdoor spa cedar tubs for a blissful 60-minute soak in the midst of nature. The idyllic cedar-lined hot tubs are the highlight for Queenstown visitors and locals. The spa’s uniqueness is a Kiwi twist to a Japanese tradition with their exclusive use pools, filled with pure water sourced from the surrounding mountains and heated to a comfortable 38.3 degrees.
During your rejuvenating soak, they provide towels, a complimentary drink, and a snack, ensuring a delightful experience. The versatility of our pool rooms, featuring wooden side walls and a retractable roof, allows you to seamlessly switch between an indoor and outdoor setting with just a simple push of a button.
So just immerse yourself in panoramic views of the majestic mountains across the scenic Shotover River. Later, you will be transferred back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Snack & Beverage
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 7: Queenstown to Milford Sound
After breakfast, we will embark on a stunning adventure from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Your guide will point out top highlights as you drive around Lake Wakatipu, offering amazing views of ‘The Remarkables’ Mountain Range.
Pass through Devil’s Staircase, known for dramatic photos. Enjoy the idyllic town of Te Anau and Lake Te Anau, New Zealand’s second-largest lake. Enter Fiordland National Park and stop at Eglinton Valley with Lord of the Rings-worthy views.
Experience the Mirror Lakes’ reflections and visit Lake Gunn. Continue through the breathtaking Darran Mountains, home to the Kea parrot. Traverse the hand-built Homer Tunnel and arrive at the magnificent Milford Sound. Board a boutique cruise with Cruise Milford, encountering fur seals, massive rock faces, and waterfalls cascading from ancient rainforests. Marvel at Mitre Peak’s awe-inspiring beauty.
After the cruise, enjoy more scenic stops, including The Chasm and Pop’s View Lookout, before heading back to Queenstown with a fully guided return trip and breaks along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 8: Queenstown to Mt Cook
Today you will be traveling to Mt Cook and your guide will introduce you to the top highlights as you drive through the picturesque Kawarau Gorge, passing the iconic Kawarau Suspension Bridge and the Roaring Meg Lookout.
In Cromwell, you’ll witness vast vineyards and cross Lake Dunstan towards Lindis Pass. Climbing in altitude, enjoy breathtaking views down the valleys from the famous Lindis Pass lookout. Stop at the quaint Omarama township for a break or try their renowned creamy chicken pie. Then, prepare to be amazed as you reach Lake Pukaki in Aoraki National Park, framed by the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Southern Alps.
Capture stunning photos and learn about nearby Lord of the Rings filming locations. Arriving at Mt Cook Village, you’ll have the chance to admire New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook, standing at 3724m. Your guided transfer ends here, but your adventure to explore Mt Cook has just begun.
Meals: Breakfast, Snacks
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 9: Glacier Explore – Ice Adventure in Aoraki
Today you will be embarking on the ultimate ice adventure in Aoraki/Mount Cook. Check-in for your Glacier Explorers trip at the Activities Centre on the ground floor of the Hermitage Hotel. Later on, you will be transported to the Tasman Valley, a short drive from Mount Cook village.
After a 1.5km/25-minute alpine walk through the National Park from the Blue Lakes carpark, you will board the Glacier Explorers boat at the Tasman Lake jetty. The excursion lasts about 2.5 hours, with approximately one hour spent on the lake.
Get ready for an unforgettable glacier exploration experience! Please bring an extra warm layer of clothing, sunblock & sunglasses, wet weather gear, and suitable walking shoes.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 10: Mt Cook to Christchurch
Today you will be departing from Mt Cook Village, weather permitting, to capture stunning shots of New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook, standing tall at 3724m. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Pukaki along one of the world’s most beautiful roads, with the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook and Southern Alps as a backdrop.
Don’t miss the chance to take Instagram-worthy photos, explore the Church of the Good Shepherd, and see the Mackenzie dog at Lake Tekapo. As we head towards Christchurch, pass through more scenic passes and high country towns, with a quick break in the peaceful town of Geraldine before reaching your final destination, Christchurch. Your guides will point out highlights along the way as you journey to your drop-off locations in Christchurch.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 11: TranzAlpine Train Tour from Christchurch
Today you will be picked up from the hotel and experience the breathtaking Arthur’s Pass National Park on a full-day tour from Christchurch with the Scenic TranzAlpine train journey. Traverse the stunning Canterbury Plains and wind through Waimakariri Gorge into the heart of the Southern Alps.
Our guide will lead you on short rainforest walks past rivers, offering captivating mountain vistas at Castle Hill. Enjoy a delicious hotel lunch and light refreshments before the return trip via Waimak Gorge. Discover the natural beauty and wonders of Arthur’s Pass National Park on this unforgettable adventure. You will be transferred back to your hotel after the tour ended.
Meals: Morning & Afternoon Tea, Lunch
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 12: Christchurch
Today you will spend a day at your leisure around Christchurch.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: 4 Stars Hotel or similar
Day 13: Say Goodbye to Christchurch
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight departure.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: N/A
