Itinerary
Day 1 Itinerary
Arrival in Auckland
Welcome to Auckland, home to 1/4 of New Zealand’s population and bordered by two stunning harbours, Auckland is thriving, diverse city surrounded by natural wonders.
Explore Auckland with your guide. You will visit the attractions such as the Sky Tower, Mt Eden’s volcanic crater, Waiheke Island, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, or Piha Beach
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 10 Itinerary
Hokitika to Christchurch via Greymouth
After breakfast, board the TranzAlpine Train for a fantastic journey through Arthurs Pass. From your carriage you’ll see lush beech rainforest, the spectacular Southern Alps, and the gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Once you leave the mountains, you will pass through the fields of the Canterbury Plains, a landscape of picturesque farmland. All carriages include both one-way seating and tabled group seating, allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery. The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just 4.5 hours. There are 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the ‘Staircase’ standing at 73 metres.
Your guide will meet you at the train station and bring you to your accommodation.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11 Itinerary
Departure from Christchurch
After breakfast, your guide will deliver you to Christchurch Airport for your departing flight.
Day 2 Itinerary
Auckland- Rotorua via Hobbiton
After breakfast, Make your way to Matamata to discover the real Middle-Earth on the most picturesque private farmland. Near Matamata, visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings films in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. The set has been completely rebuilt and will remain as it was seen in the films. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. You can relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in the Shires Rest Cafe.
Travel time from Auckland to Matamata – 2 hours.
After that, Enjoy the scenic drive through rolling farmland to Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. Tour the exciting geothermal attractions with your guide, visiting sulphur springs, mud pools, geysers, and winter terraces.
Arrive at the hotel, check in and rest. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 Itinerary
Geothermal Wonders + Skyline Gondola Buffet Dinner
After breakfast, stroll through Hells gate. Its a steaming thermal reserve. See bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, and mineral pools; learn about New Zealand's history and culture; and even try Maori weaving and woodcarving! After you have explored the thermal reserve, enjoy a relaxing sulphur spa overlooking the reserve. There is no limit on how long you can spend at Hells Gate - enjoy the experience at your leisure.
Relax and explore Rotorua today, with the option to take a trip to one of the surrounding towns. One destination you may want to visit is Hamurana—this small township with 900 dwellings is located 15 kms (20 mins drive) northeast of Rotorua, and is renowned for the stunning Hamurana Springs. A stream-side walk runs through a redwood grove with beautiful views of the crystal clear water that runs into Lake Rotorua.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Maori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Maori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Maori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Maori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Maori women welcoming you onto the marae, and a whaikorero (welcome speech). Relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world renowned haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. Learn Maori customs including Maori musical instruments, haka and poi. The dining experience is a culinary opportunity like no other. Following dessert, you will be transported down into the valley to conclude your evening beside the awe-inspiring Pohutu geyser.
Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4 Itinerary
Rotorua- Queenstown
Board a domestic flight from Rotorua to Queenstown. After arriving in Queenstown, your guide will collect you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.
In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the historic mining community of Arrowtown with your guide or visit a few top wineries in the Gibbston Valley.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Please note: Price of flight not included in the package.
Day 5 Itinerary
Shotover Jet and Glenorchy Tour
After breakfast, get ready for the world’s most exciting jet boat ride! It’s a thrilling ride – skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet ‘Big Red,' you will twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight – hold tight for the world-famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins!
Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6 Itinerary
Milford Sound Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic coach journey through heartland New Zealand to reach Milford Sound. The Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from broad grassy flats, dense rainforest, and towering mountains through to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields. No other road in Fiordland offers such a diverse glimpse into New Zealand’s alpine zone. Your luxury coach has been purpose-built for travelling the Milford Road, incorporating the latest technology for comfort and safety. The seats are tiered and angled towards the windows to maximise your views, and the expansive glass roof provides breathtaking sights of the snow-capped peaks. The schedule includes plenty of time for short nature walks and photo opportunities along the way.
Upon reaching Milford Sound, you will enjoy a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise. With specialist nature guides on board, Real Journeys Nature Cruises offer a close-up experience of Milford Sound’s rainforest, soaring rock walls, towering snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, hanging valleys and wildlife…words just don’t do it justice, you have to see it for yourself! Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions. After your cruise, relax while your coach delivers you back to your Queenstown accommodation.
Day 7 Itinerary
Queenstown- Wanaka
After breakfast, you will leave to go to Wanaka. The journey from Queenstown to Wanaka is around 1 Hour.
Your scenic tour will continue as you enjoy the drive over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Your guide will stop along the way for photos at fantastic viewing points.
Explore the alpine town of Wanaka in the afternoon – your guide could take you to Puzzling World or Rippon Winery, or you could simply relax on the lakefront and do a bit of boutique shopping.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8 Itinerary
Franz Josef Glacier + Heli Flight with Snow Landing
After breakfast, Peoceed to Franz Josef. The Haast Pass Highway is one of the most scenic alpine routes in New Zealand. Explore the pass with your guide, stopping to view cascading waterfalls, broad alpine meadows, craggy snowcapped mountains, and the turquoise depths of the Blue Pools.
Continuing along the West Coast, your guide will take you to the base of Fox Glacier, where you have the option to enjoy a 1-hour return walk to a viewing point over the mighty glacier.
In the afternoon, take an unforgettable 20 minute scenic helicopter flight sweeping above Westland National Park as you explore Franz Josef Glacier before landing in the snow to enjoy exceptional views of the majestic Southern Alps.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Franz Josef.
Day 9 Itinerary
Franz Josef to Hokitika
After breakfast, enjoy your journey along the West Coast to Hokitika, famous for its arts and crafts. Watch a masterpiece being crafted from gold, molten glass, paua or bone, or carve your own creation from wood or jade (pounamu). Take in Hokitika’s natural beauty, enjoy its expansive beach, or venture down one of the many walking and mountain biking tracks.
Overnight stay at the hotel.