New Zealand's 7 Natural Wonders in 7 Days Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ and welcome to the South Island of New Zealand!

After a breathtaking descent through the mountains, land in Queenstown and we'll transfer you from the airport to your hotel. Check in, get settled, and you're free to explore however you wish!

Nestled on the shores of glistening Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by towering peaks, Queenstown is New Zealand’s ultimate holiday destination.

This picturesque town is a paradise for nature lovers. Take the gondola (cable car) to the top of Bob's Peak for glorious alpine views and excellent short mountain walks. Tick that bungee jump off your bucket list or simply relax by the waterfront with a glass of local Pinot Noir.

One thing's for sure: you'll never run out of things to do in Queenstown.

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

No Queenstown visit is complete without a pilgrimage to the "8th Natural Wonder Of the World": Milford Sound.

Scenic flight to Milford Sound 
Travel to Fiordland National Park in style on a scenic flight over the lakes, rivers, mountains and forests of this breathtaking region.

Keep your camera close: there are scenic wonders begging to be snapped from above. The stunning Mirror Lakes, glacier-formed Eglinton Valley and iconic Mitre Peak are among the many highlights.

Milford Sound Cruise 
Once in Milford, board your purpose-built cruise vessel and sail the full length of the Sound. Surrounded by glacier-scarred cliffs up to 1200 metres (3,937 feet) tall, you'll marvel at the giant waterfalls cascading to the inky waters below. Dolphins, penguins and seals often visit Milford Sound, so keep your eyes peeled. It's a day to remember forever.
 

Drive to Mount Cook National Park and enjoy one of New Zealand's top scenic drives through the spectacular Southern Alps as you travel from Queenstown to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.

Home to our country's highest mountain, this icy wonderland is exquisitely beautiful. The Maori name for Mt Cook is Aoraki, meaning ‘Cloud Piercer’: at 3,755m tall (12,016ft) the mountain certainly deserves its name.

Mt Cook Scenic Flight with Tasman Glacier Landing 
This afternoon a helicopter whisks you away on a scenic flight to the Tasman Glacier. Soaring high above the mighty Southern Alps, you'll fly up the Tasman Valley and land on New Zealand's largest glacier. With pristine snowfields all around (not to mention 600 metres (1,968 feet) of ice under your feet!) it's a magical experience.

Tonight, look to the skies for another New Zealand Natural Wonder: Mount Cook National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve, and the stargazing opportunities are simply unbeatable.

Approximate Distance: 265 km | 165 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Mt Cook - 1 Night

After driving to Christchurch a quick flight transports you to the North Island, where Rotorua's other-worldly natural attractions await.

Sitting squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Rotorua's landscape is unique: it's like landing on the moon! Here you'll see Earth's crust at its most exciting. Giant geysers rocket into the air and colourful sulphur terraces hiss and boil.

But Rotorua is about much more than boiling mud. In this Maori heartland, you can immerse yourselves in the history and tikanga (culture) of the First People of New Zealand.

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Rotorua - 3 Nights

Waimangu Volcanic Valley 
You'll be awestruck by the alien landscapes of the Waimangu Valley. With spectacular volcanic craters, hot water springs, geothermal terraces and rare plant life, it's like travelling back to prehistoric times.

Fuelled by molten lava 2km below the earth, there are steaming lakes and hissing vents, silica terraces and even the world's largest hot pool. Linger long enough and you'll witness the craters changing colour as the sun moves across the sky.

Waimangu's wonderful local guides will tell you all about the Maori history and legends woven into the fabric of this very special area.

Polynesian Hot Springs 
Relax  with a luxurious soak at the award-winning Polynesian Spa. Lie back in the seclusion of your private thermal pool and let the world wash away.

Polynesian Spa is New Zealand’s original geothermal bathing experience, and gives you the opportunity to indulge in both alkaline and acidic natural mineral springs. Unique day spa therapies also offer the ultimate experience.

Travel to Waitomo's underground caves, famed for their beautiful natural lighting - kindly supplied by tens of thousands of twinkling glow worms.

Waitomo Glow Worm Cave Tour 
Floating along an underground river, a spectacular light show unfolds before your eyes. Your local guide will tell you all about New Zealand's unique glow worm species and the secrets of their subterranean home.

Emerge into daylight and stroll along the gorge path to Te Ana o Te Atua, the Cave of the Spirit. It's a treasure-trove of history where you can see incredible Moa bird fossils: now extinct, these New Zealand giants were around six feet tall!

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! 
A leisurely drive takes you to Auckland, where your trip ends in our City of Sails. We wish you a safe onward journey, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.

Approximate Distance: 336 km | 208 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins