Welcome to Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori—the language of New Zealand’s indigenous people. The name translates as “the land of a thousand lovers,” and it’s easy to understand why. Home to approximately 1.7 million residents, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, celebrated for its harbours, multicultural energy, and vibrant lifestyle.

Arrive in Auckland and enjoy a private transfer to your boutique accommodation. Check in to QT Auckland for a comfortable and stylish two-night stay in the heart of the city.

Spend the afternoon at leisure—take a stroll along the waterfront, relax after your journey, or explore Auckland’s dynamic dining scene, known for its fusion of Pacific, Asian, and modern New Zealand cuisine.

Overnight in Auckland.

Discover Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and busiest city, on a half-day guided tour that showcases its multicultural character, coastal beauty, and volcanic landscapes.

Join a small-group city tour and explore Auckland’s most iconic landmarks, including the Auckland Harbour Bridge, panoramic city skyline, and the seaside suburb of Mission Bay. Continue to One Tree Hill for sweeping views and cultural insight, and visit Mount Eden, a dormant volcano offering one of the best viewpoints over the city and its harbours.

The afternoon is at leisure. In the evening, indulge in fine dining at one of Auckland’s renowned restaurants, enjoying modern New Zealand cuisine influenced by Pacific and Asian flavours.

Overnight in Auckland.

Begin your adventure with a small-group scenic drive through New Zealand’s lush countryside, rolling hills, and pastoral farmland. Your driver will collect you from your hotel and set out toward two of the North Island’s most iconic attractions.

Your first stop is the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you’ll descend into an underground world illuminated by thousands of endemic glowworms. As you glide quietly through the caves by boat, the ceiling sparkles like a star-filled sky, creating one of New Zealand’s most magical natural experiences.

Continue on to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, a must-visit for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Stroll through the beautifully preserved village, see the iconic hobbit holes, Bag End, and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn behind-the-scenes stories from the film productions that brought Middle-earth to life.

After your visit, enjoy a scenic drive through the heart of the Waikato region as you continue to Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity and Māori culture. Upon arrival, check in to Pullman Rotorua for a comfortable two-night stay.

Overnight in Rotorua.

Spend the day exploring Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s most distinctive destinations, renowned for its dramatic geothermal landscapes and deep-rooted Māori heritage.

Discover Rotorua’s famous geothermal wonders, where steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, volcanic craters, and natural hot springs create an otherworldly environment. The region’s raw geothermal energy offers a fascinating insight into the powerful forces shaping New Zealand’s landscape.

In the evening, immerse yourself in authentic Māori culture with a traditional cultural performance, featuring ceremonial welcomes, storytelling, music, and dance. The experience is complemented by a classic Hāngī feast, where local dishes are slow-cooked using heated stones beneath the earth—an essential part of Māori culinary tradition.

Return to your hotel after an enriching day.

Overnight in Rotorua.

Today, travel to Christchurch, known as the “Garden City” and the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. Christchurch blends refined urban charm with abundant natural beauty, offering expansive green spaces, elegant architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene influenced by its strong English heritage.

After check-out, enjoy a private transfer to Rotorua Airport for your flight south. Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be met and transferred to Sudima Christchurch City for check-in.

In the afternoon, experience a classic Christchurch highlight with a punting tour on the Avon River. Glide gently through the city’s leafy waterways while enjoying views of parks, historic buildings, and willow-lined banks—an iconic and relaxing introduction to the city.

In the evening, explore Christchurch’s quality dining scene, known for its innovative cuisine, local produce, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants before returning to your hotel.

Overnight in Christchurch.

Depart Christchurch on a scenic drive via the high summit route across the spectacular Banks Peninsula. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of rolling farmlands, the Canterbury Plains, dramatic coastal bays, and ancient volcanic cliffs, while your skipper shares insights into the region’s geology and history.

Arrive in the charming seaside town of Akaroa, a picturesque settlement with a strong French heritage dating back over 175 years. Embark on a two-hour nature cruise through Akaroa Harbour, one of New Zealand’s premier marine environments. During the cruise, keep watch for unique local wildlife, including Hector’s dolphins, little blue penguins, fur seals, and a variety of seabirds.

After the cruise, enjoy time to explore Akaroa’s quaint streets, historic buildings, boutique shops, and waterfront promenade, all reflecting the town’s distinctive Franco–Kiwi character.

Conclude the experience with a leisurely lunch at an award-winning local café, where you can savour fresh regional flavours and seasonal produce before returning to Christchurch.

Overnight in Christchurch.

Today, journey toward Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and one of the country’s most spectacular alpine destinations. Renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, glacier-fed lakes, and pristine hiking trails, this region is a true highlight for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Travel in comfort on a guided small-group transfer, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the journey through the South Island’s breathtaking landscapes. En route, stop at the stunning Lake Tekapo, famous for its vivid turquoise waters, alpine backdrop, and iconic lakeside setting. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the region’s geology, history, and unique natural features.

Continue into Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, where towering peaks, glaciers, and wide valleys create one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the country.

Upon arrival, check in to The Hermitage Hotel for a memorable one-night stay, surrounded by panoramic alpine views.

Overnight in Mount Cook National Park.

Begin the day with a remarkable Glacier Explorer boat cruise, offering close-up views of the towering, dripping ice face of Tasman Glacier, the largest glacier in New Zealand. Glide across the glacier lake surrounded by floating icebergs while your expert guide provides insightful commentary on the glacier’s formation, movement, and unique alpine environment.

After the cruise, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a scenic drive through the South Island’s dramatic landscapes, traveling past alpine valleys, glacial rivers, and rugged mountain ranges on your way to Queenstown.

Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Southern Alps, Queenstown is widely known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, offering breathtaking scenery, world-class outdoor activities, and a lively dining and nightlife scene.

Upon arrival, check in to QT Queenstown for a comfortable and stylish three-night stay.

Overnight in Queenstown.

Set out from Queenstown on a small-group guided scenic drive to Milford Sound, traveling through the heart of Fiordland National Park. The route reveals mirror-like alpine lakes, dense temperate rainforest, dramatic mountain passes, and sheer rock faces—one of the most spectacular road journeys in the country.

Upon arrival, embark on a Milford Sound cruise, gliding through pristine waters beneath towering cliffs and past cascading waterfalls that plunge directly into the fjord. The serene scale and untouched wilderness create an unforgettable natural spectacle.

After the cruise, return to Queenstown by road for a relaxing evening at leisure.

Optional: Take a scenic flight back to Queenstown for breathtaking aerial views over Fiordland’s peaks and valleys, arriving in time for dinner.

Overnight at QT Queenstown.

Set against towering alpine ranges on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a vibrant hub of adventure, natural beauty, and cosmopolitan charm. Legend has it that early gold prospectors—captivated by the surrounding mountains and rivers—gave the town its regal name.

Start the day with an adrenaline-filled jet boat adventure on the Dart River. Speed through braided river channels beneath dramatic mountain scenery, combining thrills with spectacular wilderness views.

In the evening, enjoy a classic Queenstown experience with a scenic cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Sail across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown Bay to Walter Peak High Country Farm, taking in stunning lakeside and alpine vistas along the way.

Conclude your journey with a gourmet BBQ dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. Relax by a roaring fire, enjoy lakeside views, witness a traditional sheep herding demonstration, and savor expertly prepared dishes in a warm, rustic setting.

Return to Queenstown in the evening, enriched by an unforgettable finale to your New Zealand adventure.

Enjoy a private transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight home, marking the end of your unforgettable New Zealand Highlights journey filled with iconic landscapes, adventure, and memorable experiences.