Essential New Zealand

Explore the great outdoors, a geothermal cultural heartland, crystal blue lakes and snow-capped mountains.

Experience New Zealand’s iconic sights and activities in the most popular North and South Island locations.

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL AUCKLAND

Depending on your preferred travel choice, you will either be met and privately transferred or self drive to your accommodation.  Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.

DAY 2 – AUCKLAND – HOBBITON – ROTORUA

Journey to Matamata for a charming tour of unique, character Hobbit homes, gardens and the watering hole just as you see in the movies. Then continue on to Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else.

Auckland-Matamata: 175km (approx 2hrs)

Matamata-Rotorua: 70km (approx 1hr)

DAY 3 – ROTORUA

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. Today you’ll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest.

DAY 4 – ROTORUA – QUEENSTOWN(Flight Not Included)

Depart on your domestic flight to Queenstown.  (Airfare is NOT included).

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations.  It is a hub of adventure surrounded by famous landscapes, renowned vineyards and goldmining history. 

Flight Time:  Rotorua to Queenstown is approx. 3 hours

DAY 5 – QUEENSTOWN

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World. Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer.

DAY 6 – QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD – QUEENSTOWN

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today’s stunning journey takes you past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks. Venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your return to Queenstown.

Queenstown – Milford: 287km (approx 3hrs, 50mins) each way

DAY 7 – DEPART QUEENSTOWN

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or return of your rental car.

INCLUSIONS:

DAY 1-

Overnight: Auckland

Optional Activities:

Auckland Sky Tower

DAY 2-

Overnight: Rotorua

Included Activities:

Hobbiton Movie Set

Optional Activities:

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Polynesian Spa – Deluxe Lake Spa

Maori Hangi Dinner & Concert

DAY 3-

Overnight: Rotorua

Included Activities:

Waimangu Geothermal Valley

Redwoods Treewalk Nightlights

DAY 4-

Overnight:

Queenstown

DAY 5-

Overnight:

Queenstown

Optional Activities:

Walter Peak High Country Farm Excursion

DAY 6-

Overnight:

Queenstown

Included Activities:

Milford Sound Cruise