12 Day Classic Best of Both Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Relax you are now officially on holiday and everything has been taken care of! On arrival at the airport you will be transferred directly to your hotel to freshen up and unwind. 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 before an included visit up the iconic Sky Tower. 

Auckland Sky Tower Entry
For over 25 years, the Auckland Skytower has been the focal point of this beautiful harbour city. The magnificent 328m high structure rises up out of the land to delight locals and visitors alike. Experience incredible 360° views of Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) , taking in ancient volcanoes, sparkling sunlit harbours and beyond.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

It’s hard to believe when you drive through the idyllic peaceful countryside of the Waikato, that hidden beneath its surface lies a labyrinth of Glowworm Cave networks that house formations and creatures that are simply out of this world. 

If you are interested in seeing galaxies of beautiful glowworms, then this small group personalized Spellbound Tour allows you to spend 40 minutes under glowworms. This tour is one of the most unhurried glow worm tours in New Zealand, with plenty of time for your eyes to adjust to the darkness - intensifying the effect of thousands of softly shining glow worms.

Sir David Attenborough described the spellbound Cave as an “Astonishing Cave” And “one of natures most Magical Illuminations!”

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

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Setting off from Rotorua, travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. You will journey to the emerald pastures and rolling hills of The Shire, where Hobbiton was brought to life on a private farm in Matamata. This idyllic village blurs the line between fantasy and reality. Set to the scale of a 3ft Hobbit you’ll feel like you’ve walked into a magical world of smoking chimneys. 

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 43 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour (each way)

Return your rental vehicle to Rotorua Airport and fly to Christchurch where you will collect your next rental vehicle on arrival.

After checking in, why not step back to Edwardian times with a relaxing Private Punting Trip down the Avon River? It's a wonderful introduction to the "Garden City". Gliding gently along the river in a flat-bottomed boat, you will take in Christchurch's 'must-see' historic buildings and Botanic Gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Embark on the TranzAlpine train through Arthur's Pass to Greymouth, with breathtaking views of gorges, the ice-fed Waimakariri River, and the Southern Alps, ranked among the world’s top train journeys. Upon arrival, collect your rental and head to Franz Josef, a village near Westland National Park. Franz Josef Glacier, descending from the Southern Alps to 200m above sea level, spans 12km and lies amidst temperate rainforest. Its cycle of advance and retreat reflects snowfall and meltwater patterns.

Approximate Distance: 171 km | 106 miles  Total Driving Time: 2 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Okarito Lagoon, New Zealand's largest unmodified wetland, is surrounded by Kahikatea and Rimu rainforests, offering a pristine habitat for rare birdlife. Kayaking through its shallow waters and rainforest river deltas reveals sightings of White Herons (Kotuku), Shags, Royal Spoonbills, and the rare Okarito Kiwi. With over 70 bird species recorded, it’s a birdwatcher’s haven. On clear days, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Cook, Mount Tasman, and the Southern Alps in the distance.

Take your time heading south today: you won't want to miss the spectacular scenery as it transforms from rugged coastal mountain ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge. You will finally emerge into the lush green farmland surrounding Queenstown, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps, is New Zealand’s most celebrated destination.  Offering a wealth of experiences to be enjoyed – from adrenaline activities through to superb golf, gourmet food, and wine tours or romantic hot air ballooning.

This afternoon visit: The Kiwi Birdlife Park Wildlife Sanctuary

Approximate Distance: 355 km | 221 miles  Total Driving Time: 5 hours 

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Although celebrated as New Zealand's 'adventure capital' Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Head down the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample some of the region's best Pinot or catch a ride on the 100 year old Steamship - the TSS Earnslaw - to Walter Peak Station for dinner and a farm tour. Browse the waterfront cafes and have lunch at Michelin star chef Josh Emett's 'Rata.' - but if you do really want the adrenaline rush Queenstown is known for, take your pick from the Shot over Jet, Nevis Bungy, Canyon Swing, Zipline, Luge or Heli-ski.

Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park is part of UNESCO's Te Wāhipounamu (The Place of Greenstone) World Heritage region. Here in Mackenzie Country you'll find Australasia's highest mountain - Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,724m) - nestled in the splendid Southern Alps.

Known to Māori as Aoraki or Cloud Piercer, this magnificent mountain is surrounded by over 150 peaks along with countless glaciers, ice and snow fields, mountain lakes, and ranges.

Approximate Distance: 265 km | 164 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Mount Cook - 2 Nights

Start your day with a walk up the beautiful Hooker Valley, providing breathtaking views of some of New Zealand's highest and most enthralling peaks. Enjoy a stunning 11 km (6.8 mile) trek along over mostly flat terrain (there are some rocky bits) to the terminal lake of the Hooker Glacier. The journey encompasses an Alpine Memorial and passes over the turbulent Hooker River by Swing Bridge to unsurpassed vistas of Aoraki Mount Cook's south face and the surrounding glaciers.

Today you have an included visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. The centre showcases the Aoraki Mount Cook region, its people and its place in the universe. Designed to educate and entertain, the centre depicts Sir Edmund's longstanding connection with the region and touches upon his achievements, expeditions and life's work. 

The drive from Mount Cook (Aoraki) to Christchurch is a breathtaking journey through some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. Starting amidst the towering peaks and alpine beauty of Mount Cook National Park, the route takes you past the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, with stunning views of the Southern Alps. 

Continuing through the Mackenzie Basin, you'll encounter the charming town of Lake Tekapo, renowned for its striking blue lake, the Church of the Good Shepherd, and expansive night skies. From here, the journey transitions to the rolling farmlands and golden tussocks of the region, passing through towns like Fairlie before reaching the lush greenery of the Canterbury Plains. 

Approximate Distance: 330 km | 205 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage! Today we say farewell. Return your rental vehicle at Christchurch Airport where you will board your onward flight, taking with you the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.