The Grand Private Tour of New Zealand Itinerary

When you touch down in New Zealand you will be met at the airport by Your Private Driver/Guide.

Our guides have been with us for a long time and are seasoned professionals. Our aim is to give ‘you’ our guests a memorable experience of New Zealand and its stunning scenery. With years of experience in tourism in New Zealand, we guarantee that you will receive a first-class service!

The best part about our guides is that they are local and chances are they have their go-to destinations that only locals know about. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, a favourite local pub, or a fantastic attraction that most tourists overlook, our guides can help recommend authentic experiences that you may not discover on your own.

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax - you are on holiday and everything has been taken care of. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your central city luxury accommodation. Make the most of some free leisure time in the 'City of Sails' - simply relax or take this opportunity to explore the many sights of Auckland. This evening we suggest you head down to the viaduct for dinner.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

A three-hour drive north following the beautiful Hibiscus Coast, you arrive at the Bay of Islands. The ‘Bay’ encompasses 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, a maritime adventure playground with an abundance of wildlife including penguins, dolphins, marlin, whales, gannets and more. Many of the islands here have walking tracks and have regular ferry’s to get you there. On land, enjoy beautiful river and seaside walking tracks or encounter the mighty Kauri Tree in pristine subtropical rainforest.

Approximate Distance: 232 kms | 145 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 nights

Picture yourself sailing to islands in unspoiled beautiful surroundings, turquoise water lapping at your feet, arriving at golden sands untainted by footprints… This is the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Phantom Charters are your small group tour operators, providing a comfortable and personal sailing experience to many of the Bay of Islands’ ‘secret spots’. Explore this coastline from a completely new perspective: whether you have a destination in mind, or whether you’d like us to guide you – the choice is yours, the pleasure is ours.

Returning to Auckland for the night, stop in and explore the famous Matakohe Kauri Museum.

The award winning Kauri Museum is famous for its storytelling, preserving our past and showing the viewer what living in early colonial New Zealand was like. The Kauri Museum recounts the history and the legacy left behind by our ancient Kauri Forests. In addition to preserving our past, the Museum plays a role to play in conserving the future of the mighty Kauri.

Approximate Distance: 232 kms | 145 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 min

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

The town of Cooks Beach is on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Cooks Beach is a town on a three-kilometre white-sand beach on the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand. To its north is Cooks Bay, and beyond that is Mercury Bay. To the east is the locality of Hahei and the tourist attraction of Cathedral Cove. 

Approximate Distance: 150 kms | 93 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 

Accommodation: Cooks Beach - 2 nights

Head to the beautiful Hot Water Beach, you will find hot water bubbling through the golden sand. Families, kids and couples can be seen digging their own spa pool in the sand and relaxing in the natural hot springs - this is one experience that should be on your New Zealand bucket list and a truly unique Kiwi experience, perfect for a New Zealand Family Adventure Holiday.

Recommended excursions in and around the Coromandel:

This morning head to the heartland of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is host to some of the world’s most incredible geothermal forces. Geysers and clouds of steam are dotted around the city and the unmistakable smell of sulphur gives the city an otherworldly feel.

Mitai Maori Cultural Experience with a traditional meal.
An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture Enter the world of the Mitai family whose home is in a natural bush setting, see their warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream. This incredibly clear water is full of eels and trout and flows directly from the earth at the sacred Fairy Spring. Enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal steamed underground. During our cultural performance, you'll learn about the tribes past, see their carvings and ta moko (tattoo art).

You'll be amazed by the spine-tingling haka finale.

Approximate Distance: 229 km | 142 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights

Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal wonders, witnessing their deep interconnection. Start with a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua’s top cultural attraction. Highlights include the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house, and the impressive Pohutu geyser.

Continue to the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and delve further into Maori history and customs. Take a brief visit to Kuirau Park to view a recent geothermal eruption site. Conclude the day by exploring the serene and picturesque lakes of our stunning volcanic region, with views of Mount Tarawera accompanied by explanations of both volcanic and Maori history.

View the mighty Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project before stopping at Lake Taupo, the largest in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, often regarded as the world's Art Deco Capital. On arrival, after checking into your hotel we recommend a walk around the town centre and the beach promenade.

Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco- the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area. Napier is the world’s finest example of the Art Deco age and your guide will bring Napier's fascinating architecture to life for you as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre.

Approximate Distance: 414 kms | 257 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Accommodation: Napier - 2 nights

Today join a delightful wine tasting afternoon in the sun, journeying through breathtaking scenery. Encounter fellow enthusiasts and partake in the admiration of the region's exceptional wines. Four wineries await exploration, with the possibility of enjoying a cheese platter amidst the vineyard grounds, contingent upon the weather. Experience approximately 30 distinct wines, encompassing renowned varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, alongside Pinot Gris, Viognier, and the lesser-known aromatics like Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Gris.

Leaving the bays vineyards and orchards we are soon travelling through rolling farm land as we travel into the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region. Stop at historic Greytown to view excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture. The village has a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants making it one of New Zealand’s premier shopping destinations. Time for a shop before travelling over the Rimutaka Ranges and down to our capital city Wellington.

Check out the city's sights and head up Mt Victoria for stunning views over the harbour before heading down to see the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive 'Beehive', and Wellingtons Cathedral. You are staying right in the heart of Wellington's vibrant hub of museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and cafes.

Approximate Distance: 323 kms | 200 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 nights

Wellington is the nation’s capital city. A magnificent landscape of steep-sided hills sits beside a beautiful harbour, and the city itself bustles with a vibrant creative culture. Renowned for its eclectic, arty atmosphere, Wellington is a real kiwi cultural treat and numerous galleries and character-filled shops line its colourful streets. The Museum of New Zealand 'Te Papa' is full of national treasures and sits beside the water in the downtown area of the city centre - well worth a visit. Wellington is also famous for having some of New Zealand's best restaurants - gourmet dining experiences here are truly world-class. Culture, cuisine and scenic beauty abound in New Zealand’s iconic capital.

Some suggested activities and outings

Board the Interisland Ferry, sit back and enjoy New Zealand hospitality on the three hour journey across Cook Strait which connects New Zealand’s North and South Islands - This is one of the most scenic in the world. The journey offers a dramatic view of both the North and South Islands. As you enter the picturesque Marlborough Sounds keep an eye out for wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca that make the sounds home.  Enter the South Island through Picton, a picturesque harbour town located at the head of the Queen Charlotte Sound. 

At Picton, board water taxi for a scenic cruise to the Bay of Many Coves Resort located in the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound.

Accommodation: Queen Charlotte Sound  - 2 nights

The Bay of Many Coves offers a wide variety of activities at the resort such as kayaking, swimming, spa treatments, bird watching and fishing to name a few. Visitors can also enjoy many other activities in the surrounding area, including:

What to do at the Bay of Many Coves:

Return to Picton by water taxi and continue your journey traveling through Marlborough Wine Country, home to world famous Sauvignon Blanc (along with other white varietals and Pinot Noir). The vines will keep you company as you reach the headlands of the East Coast. Once down on the flats this road - (worthy of any big budget car commercial) hugs the coastline - make sure you stop to enjoy the marine life as the New Zealand Fur Seals bask and play along the rocky shoreline, before arriving in gorgeous Kaikoura. The Kaikoura peninsula enjoys a mild microclimate and is overlooked by majestic snowcapped mountains. This unique proximity of ocean and mountain range offers a host of eco-tourism oriented activities, including whale watching, dolphin and seal swimming, kayaking, fishing and hiking.

Approximate Distance: 156 kms | 99 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 14 Minutes 

Accommodation: Kaikoura - 1 night

A spectacular marine playground exists off the coast of Kaikoura and living in this environment is the mighty Sperm Whale. It is here that resident bachelors dive to immense depths in search of Giant Squid, so accessible to Sperm whales but still elusive to mankind. Visitors are drawn to Kaikoura by the ability to view these magnificent mammals in their own environment 12 months of the year and Kaikoura The rich diversity of wildlife found means that every day is a chance to see something different and unique - and you will - from seabirds to cetaceans (whales and dolphins), seals, or even Orca.

Wildlife Encounters in Kaikoura

Approximate Distance: 183 kms | 113 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 35 Minutes 

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Leave the city today westwards through the Canterbury plains, you will find a superb location for some great photos at Lake Tekapo. Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook are remarkable. 

Approximate Distance: 334 kms | 207 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 25 Minutes

Accommodation: Mt Cook Village - 1 night

Experience the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake and its icebergs, in the National Park. A unique guided experience departing Mt Cook village by bus to the beautiful Tasman Valley followed by a 1/2hr gentle alpine walk. Board our MAC boat, and explore the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake, where you will discover the ever-changing ice face of the Glacier and icebergs. Have you ever been alongside, discovered or touched an iceberg?

Heading South: Making your way to Dunedin starts with a drive down the beautiful Waitaki Valley to visit Oamaru. While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants - the locals are bohemians artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops, and venues – it has to be seen to be believed and you'll love it.

Dunedin - Scottish City of Grace and Grandeur
It is for good reason that New Zealand's oldest city is known as the 'Edinburgh of the South' - Dunedin comes from Dun Eideann the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh, founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. 

Approximate Distance: 316 km | 210 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 39 Minutes 

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 nights

Today cruise the length of the Otago Harbour. Experience an unforgettable half day cruise and peninsula tour and explore Careys Bay historic fishing village, Port Chalmers’ busy wharves and the harbour’s beautiful bays, hills, farmland and forest. Enjoy Monarch’s fascinating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head and the surrounding coastline of dramatic cliffs. Watch the NZ Furseals play and swim near their breeding colonies, out at sea you can spot rarely seen ocean birds including other albatross species and petrels, and you may see penguins, dolphins and other marine mammals.

This journey takes you from the Eastern coastal climate into the dry-land region of Central Otago.

Say goodbye to the Dunedin district and cross the farmlands of the Taieri Plains turning inland through hill country and winding river valleys where the vegetation changes to the tussock covered schist Block Mountains of the Central Otago dry lands.

Follow the ever-broadening valley of the beautiful Clutha River. The roads get generally straighter with more expansive views of the upcoming Southern Alps in the distance over the rounded off glaciated terrain on the approach to Queenstown.

Approximate Distance: 280kms | 173 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 40 Minutes

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 nights

With camera batteries fully charged, we set out on an unforgettable journey into a World Heritage Site of absolute majesty. The Milford Road takes you from Te Anau to Milford Sound on one of the most scenic drives on the planet. A glorious labyrinth of soaring peaks is punctuated by unspoiled rainforest, plunging valleys, azure lakes, waterfalls and glaciers. 

The light at the end of the Homer Tunnel marks the final reaches of this amazing roadway and our arrival at Milford Sound. Following a boat cruise of the sound, you will understand why this place was once described as the '8th natural wonder of the world'. From the spectacular scenes of Milford Sound, you will travel back to Queenstown. 

Discover Central Otago's scenic wine country on this fun and interactive afternoon tour. Your tour includes 3 visits to wineries around Queenstown and the Gibbston wine region, exploring New Zealand's largest wine cave, a stunning drive through the rugged Kawarau Gorge viewing the original AJ Hackett bungy bridge, a visit to the Lord of the Rings filming site: Pillar of the Kings and knowledgeable guides with fascinating commentary on wine, local sights & early history of Central Otago.

Continue today to Franz Josef and travel along the rugged West Coast Road and over the Haast Pass. Discover the rich alpine rainforest as you journey through this historic region. Through the Gates of Haast is a lost world that’s so spectacular and remote UNESCO designated it a World Heritage area.

Franz Josef village is small (only 500 locals) and is located only ten minutes from the Glacier. The Franz Josef is a glacier located in Westland National Park on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. Together with the Fox Glacier 20 km to the south it is a unique in the fact that it descends from the Southern Alps to just 200 metres above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest.

Approximate Distance: 350 kms | 217 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 40 Minutes

Accommodation: Franz Josef Village - 2 nights

There are plenty of ways to explore Glacier Country. Perhaps take a scenic flight over the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier or over Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere or a valley walk with a local glacier guide (all own expense). The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers. Take the opportunity to experience the most spectacular glacier environment anywhere in the world, offering a range of glacier hiking options.

Excursions available in and around the Franz Josef area:

This morning you will travel to Greymouth where you board the Tranzalpine to Christchurch. The TranzAlpine Train, is renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey in Christchurch.

Approximate Distance: 173 kms | 107 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 14 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We take care of your transfer to Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

Some suggested activities if you have time