18-Nights Auckland to Christchurch: New Zealand's Best from $8,599

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand! On arrival to Auckland International Airport, Meet and greet with a local representative who will accompany you on your Half Day (up to 4 hours) Sightseeing Tour.

The tour highlights include the waterfront area, Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, Tamaki drive and Mission Bay, Newmarket, Parnell, and Auckland CBD. After the tour the group will be taken to the hotel for check-in and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: Rydges Auckland (3 Star Rating)

The hotel's close proximity to the centre of the city make it ideal for both business and leisure, with the Casino and the Viaduct's thriving bars and restaurants just a short walk away. And for exploring beyond downtown Auckland, access to the motorway system is close at hand. Rooms at Rydges Auckland are designed to exude warmth and sublime comfort. All rooms enjoy views of the inner city, while some enjoy sweeping views of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the picturesque Waitemata Harbour.

After breakfast, we leave Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo caves. Travel through the Waikato and King Country regions, passing by flourishing farmland and picturesque countryside. On arrival in the small town of Waitomo, enjoy a 45-minutes guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Your guided tour will take you through over 250 meters of stunning underground scenery. The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto. Leaving Waitomo, we make our way to Rotorua, in the heart of the Central North Island. Passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where trees arch over the road to form a tunnel of natural greenery. Arrive in Rotorua, where the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Hotel: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (3 Star Rating)

If you’re visiting New Zealand, Rotorua is simply unmissable. Located at the heart of the North Island it’s an adventure capital, a geothermal hot-spot, and a cultural hub. With its unique natural environment, you’ll never run out of things to do. Whether you crave adrenalin-fuelled fun, sightseeing, and natural wonders, or a bit of pampering and relaxation, Rotorua combines it all in one bubbling, boiling, the beauty of a city.

As well as smelling a bit funny, Rotorua is famous for its stunning geothermal parks. Wai-O-Tapu is nothing short of spectacular. Te Puia never fails to impress. And if you love bubbling mud, Hell's Gate is heaven on earth. For pure beauty, there’s Hamurana Springs and Lake Tarawera are beyond compare. In all, there are over 18 lakes in the region you can walk around or explore by boat. Swim at sandy beaches, enjoy the tranquillity of stunning waterfalls, soak in a hot stream… somehow you always feel you’ve discovered your very own secret spot.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, explore Rotorua and its surrounding areas. Enjoy an enriching restoration journey at the Wai Ariki Hot Springs that offers a unique therapeutic, relaxing and rejuvenating experience, with every element drawing on the centuries-old legacy of Maori practices and culture. Enjoy some free time before an exciting evening at Te Puia. Be guided through New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pa, Kiwi Conservation Centre and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley including Pohutu geyser with one of our shared tour departures. Te Po begins with our mouth-watering buffet with locally sourced cuisine and an authentic Maori twist in each dish. Following dinner, you will experience the exhilarating pohiri (ceremonial welcome) into our beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

This morning after breakfast and check out of the hotel, start travelling from Rotorua, travel along the geothermal highway and past the edge of the largest man-made radiate pine forest in the world - the Kaingaroa Forest towards Taupo. Stop for another relaxing and natural experience in the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand's most colorful natural volcanic area. Upon arrival visit Te Mata peak viewing point and enjoy this spectacular panoramic view. Later we head to Napier, also known as Ahuriri, the largest city in the Hawke's Bay, whose port handles the province's huge volumes of produce, spreads around the wedge of Bluff Hill, sometimes still referred to as "Scinde Island." Get the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the city and view it’s art deco architecture.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania Napier (3 Star Rating)

Hawke's Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, with our Napier hotel enjoying a premium waterfront location on Napier's Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay and guests are treated to sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier's attractions.

We invite you to enjoy quality 4-star hotel accommodation of an international standard. From the moment you step into our spacious, light-filled lobby, you will experience our commitment to quality and customer service. If you fancy waking up to serene ocean views, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is the perfect place to start your day in Hawke’s Bay. Simply leave the curtains open, roll over in bed, and soak it all in. See you soon.

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast he head out to Cape Kidnappers, the world's largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony. Travel in comfort in air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles through Cape Kidnappers Station. An adventure in itself, your safari will travel to riverbeds, broad rolling pastures, steep gullies, and the most breathtaking 360-degree views of Hawke’s Bay and beyond. enjoy watching the 20,000 gannets perform around you. View the seabirds in their natural habitat – nesting, preening, dancing swooping and diving into the sea right before your eyes. Enjoy the rest of the day as you wish.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning, we will be leaving the 1930's inspired city of Napier, you will travel through the countryside of Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu. Travelling along the Kapiti Coastline into the capital city of Wellington or Te Whanganui-A-Tara. Enjoy a guided tour of fascinating Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre. Listen as your knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories about forest restoration and predator control efforts and get a glimpse into conservation in action. Check out Manukura and Turua in the kiwi house and listen to stories from your guide. After your tour, you can stay as long as you like in the reserve until closing time. The rest of the evening is at leisure, you can rest and relax at the hotel or go explore the vibrant harbour and city.

Hotel: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (3 Star Rating)

The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor presents an engaging selection of rooms, thoughtful amenities, and gracious hospitality from the heart of Wellington’s city center. Featuring two restaurants and bars, conference facilities, parking, and free Wi-Fi, the hotel is designed for business travelers, conference delegates, and those seeking capital culture while on holiday.

As a leading accommodation and venue provider in Wellington city, our hotel is committed to delivering quality accommodation and standout experiences, having recently modernized Whitby’s Restaurant, replaced all elevators, and with new Rooms and Suites now open for our guests to enjoy.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning, enjoy a full day tour of Wellington. New Zealand’s capital promises a rich blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Starting with panoramic views from Mount Victoria, visitors can embrace the city's landscape before diving into its cultural heart. The tour will include a visit to Te Papa Museum, a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car, and a stroll through the lush Botanical Gardens. Historic sites like the Old St. Paul’s Cathedral add a touch of heritage, making it a well-rounded exploration of this vibrant city.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Check out of the hotel, and transfer to Wellington Airport for your domestic flight to Nelson (flight not

included). Upon arrival at Nelson, you will get to your hotel to settle in and then have the rest of the day at your

leisure to explore as you wish. With its gardens and gorgeous sunsets, looks across Tasman Bay. Nelson’s streets

and Parks are named after Admiral Nelson and his exploits, as well as the names of the ships that brought the first

pioneers over from England. Forestry, fruit and fishing are the focus of Nelson's port, while to the west, apple

orchards, tobacco and hop plantations occupy the land.

Hotel: Rutherford Hotel Nelson (4 Star Rating)

Rutherford Hotel Nelson is a premier Conference Hotel at the center of New Zealand within easy access of some of the country’s most stunning sites and activities. Nelson is renowned for its local art, craft and produce which we present to our guests during their stay to create that memorable experience.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today head out after breakfast to Kaiteriteri where you board a boat to heat to the Tonga Quarry. Enjoy a gentle

climb over a forested saddle and around the Bark Bay Waterfall Trail. Cross the spectacular swing bridge beside

Bark Bay Falls. Take some extra time to relax on the golden sands at Bark Bay beach before continuing to

picturesque Medlands Beach. Included in today is a day pass in Abel Tasman which allows you to choose any

Cruise, Cruise & Walk or Double Beach Stop Day trip including a delicious picnic lunch. Take a boat back to

Kaiteriteri where you will then head back to Nelson for a free evening.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today we depart Nelson travelling North past Hira, Havelock, Okaramio and Renwick continue towards the coast

to arrive in Blenheim. A nice break in the day for a spot for some free time for lunch at one of the award winning

vineyards of the Marlborough Region. Depart Blenheim and continue your journey to Christchurch also known as

the Garden City.

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (4 Star Rating)

The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning after breakfast head out towards Mount Cook. We stop at Lake Tekapo. Drive through the farms and fields of the Canterbury Plain. The scenic route leads you through the Mackenzie Country, named after the legendary Scottish sheep rustler who once roamed the area. En route visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd on stunning Lake Tekapo. Continue travelling to Lake Pukaki for stunning views across the lake to Mount Cook. Take an enchanting journey through the cosmos as you delve into the marvels of New Zealand's night sky, a realm teeming with planets, stars, and the allure of distant worlds. Spanning 4367 square kilometres, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the world’s largest Gold Tier reserve of its kind. On this tour, you’ll be at the heart of it all. Your knowledgeable astronomy guide will be delighted to show you the wonders of the southern night sky, using the naked eye, state of the art astronomy telescopes and binoculars at an outdoor viewing platform. Unleash your imagination as you discover our cosmic neighbourhood, from the iconic Southern Cross, seasonal celestial phenomena, planets, star clusters, moons, distant galaxies, and the breathtaking Milky Way, our very own galaxy.

Hotel: The Hermitage Aoraki Mount Cook (4 Star Rating)

Discover the spectacle and drama of New Zealand's Aoraki Mount Cook National Park from the splendour and comfort of The Hermitage Aoraki Mount Cook. The Hermitage, located within Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, has a range of accommodation types available. The main hotel complex contains 164 rooms, while 32 Motel and 20 Chalet self-contained units are located 200-800m away in the village. From an intrepid journey through glacial valleys to a mouth-watering culinary dining adventure, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect place to base your adventure and discover why this region has endeared itself to Kiwi adventure seekers for so long.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a full day tour so get ready to explore! Take a boat cruise on the Tasman Glacial Lake and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs. This is the only tour of its kind in New Zealand and one of the only accessible glacial lakes containing icebergs in the world. It’s a surreal and mesmerising experience in a totally unique environment. No two days are the same on Tasman Lake with a constant shifting of conditions, which simply adds to the magic of this very special place. This tour is designed to both thrill and educate as you learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape. With the effects of climate change and other climatic processes taking their toll on New Zealand glaciers, their retreat is sadly imminent. The lateral moraines remind us of the grand scale that the glacier has reached in previous times. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake. It’s difficult to predict when a calving will take place but it’s possible you will witness one whilst you’re on a tour – a spectacular sight.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

This morning, depart to Wanaka by way of the Lindis Pass, and Cromwell. Upon arrival at Wanaka, explore Lake

Wanaka and the town. The town faces north across the lake, to views of the surrounding mountains, which are

often reflected on the Lake's surface on calm days. Poplars and willows grow around the Lake's edge, affording a

colourful show during autumn. Wanaka is best known for boating, fishing and skiing at the Cardrona and Treble

Cone ski-fields.

Hotel: Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka (4 Star Rating)

Situated just 3 kilometers from New Zealand’s 4th largest lake, this relaxing hotel is surrounded by beautiful nature and is a great starting point for outdoor activities.

With Lake Wanaka only a short drive away, Oakridge Resort Wanaka enjoys a convenient location for outdoor activities, including bushwalking, mountain climbing, and golf. Of course, there are also kayaking, jet-skiing, and windsurfing facilities nearby. In winter, the snow-covered slopes of Treble Cone and Cardrona await you.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today after breakfast head out of Wanaka to Lake Te Anau. The focal point of the Fiordland National Park, the

country's most rugged and remote area. Lake Te Anau sprawls at the feet of high rugged mountains with its South,

Middle and North fiords probing into the mountain ranges. On arrival in Te Anau, check in to the hotel and the

enjoy rest of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau (3 Star Rating)

Located in the heart of the town, The Distinction Luxmore is a popular choice with both visitors and locals alike. Basing yourself in Te Anau enables you to explore the Fiordland World Heritage National Park and staying at Distinction Luxmore ensures your experience will be enjoyable. Distinction Luxmore has 186 rooms consisting of Standard, Superior and Deluxe. There are two on site restaurants and bars. Highlights Restaurant and bar has seating for 160 guests offering buffet breakfast daily and a scrumptious Carvery Buffet dinner. Guests can enjoy the views overlooking the township towards Lake Te Anau and surrounding mountain ranges.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Today we will make our way to Milford Sound for our overnight cruise experience. Depart from Milford Wharf

aboard the Milford Mariner, and cruise the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Explore many points of

interest including waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with the experienced nature guide on board. Upon

reaching the open sea, subject to weather and favorable conditions, the sails are hoisted for a period. Then we

return and anchor overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove. Stunning surroundings at the heart of Te Wahipounamu

World Heritage Area. In Maori legend, the fiords were created not by rivers of ice, but by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a

godly figure who came wielding a magical adze uttering incantations. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is without doubt

his finest sculpture. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. In the foreground stands

Mitre Peak, dominating the skyline. Whatever the fiord’s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep

water, it will inspire you.

Hotel: Milford Mariner (3 Star Rating)

For the ultimate Milford Sound experience, spend the night aboard the Mariner and wake up to the dawn of a new day in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Depart from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon and cruise the full length of Milford Sound accompanied by a specialist nature guide. They'll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord's spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you're bound to encounter seals and if you're lucky maybe dolphin and penguins.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

After disembarking from the overnight cruise, continue the journey to Queenstown. Queenstown/Tahuna, is the

South Island's most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables

Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the

ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local

story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as "fit for any Queen", and so she

was called Queenstown. Settle in your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview (3 Star Rating)

A sophisticated escape inspired by its surrounding nature. Located in the heart of Queenstown, the hotel is surrounded by picturesque mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Just a stroll away, you’ll find the town centre. Shop in charming boutiques, dine at classic bistros, or even find an adventure.

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview is a 4-star Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. The hotel has 66 superior rooms and 19 two-bedroom serviced apartments. Spacious and outfitted with modern amenities, every room features large private balconies or a private courtyard to enjoy refreshing views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range - all from the comfort of your room.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Embark on a full-day adventure in Queenstown, where the beauty of nature meets thrilling experiences. Start with a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline, offering panoramic views of the city. Savour the local flavours with a wine tasting at a local winery, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes. Stroll through the charming historic streets of Arrowtown, and if you're feeling adventurous, opt for the heart-pumping Shotover Jet experience. Cap off the day with a gourmet BBQ dinner at Walter Peak, indulging in delicious cuisine against the backdrop of picturesque mountains and serene waters.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a full day at leisure on your own to explore. The city is world-renowned for its adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of adrenaline activities including jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting, skydiving and even indoor thrills.

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast, say farewell to New Zealand and your fellow travellers as you head to the airport to take your adventures and memories home to cherish forever.

Meal(s): Breakfast