Auckland, Wellington & Scenic South
This 12-day tour is perfect for those looking to take in both the North and South Island but with less time available. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Auckland and Wellington, with time to discover the volcanic sites of Rotorua. On the South Island, hike the scenic landscapes of Abel Tasman National Park, see the 'Pancake Rocks' of Punakaiki and opt for a helicopter ride over Fox Glacier. Choose from a variety of activities in the resort town of Wanaka, cruise Milford Sound and end your journey in Queenstown.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival into Auckland!
Day 1 Arrival into Auckland!
Haere mai – Welcome! Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day and your first evening offer free time for you to explore the local area and find somewhere for dinner.
Day 2 Exploring Auckland & Rotorua
Day 2 Exploring Auckland & Rotorua
Auckland – Rotorua. This morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Auckland, taking in highlights including the Auckland Museum, quaint Parnell Village and the waterfront. We will also admire the panoramic views from Bastion Point. Then it's on to Rotorua, where we also enjoy a guided sightseeing tour.
This evening we visit Tamaki Maori Village to experience Te Pa Tu. An important date on the Maori lunar calendar, we will feast on local cuisine, sing Maori songs and experience this vibrant culture for ourselves.
Day 3 Rotorua to Wellington
Day 3 Rotorua to Wellington
Rotorua – Wellington. Today we enjoy an included visit to Te Puia with a private local guide. This active geothermal site is also the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, as well as being a Kiwi conservation project. Catch a glimpse of New Zealand’s endangered but iconic national emblem.
Our next stop is Lake Tarawera, home to the buried Maori village of Te Wairoa that was devastated by a volcanic eruption in 1886. Now excavated, the village offers an insight into the chaos and destruction of that fateful day.
This afternoon we fly to New Zealand's capital, Wellington. The city clings to steep hillsides and has an iconic harbour at the southern tip of the North Island. We enjoy a city sightseeing tour, taking in the Parliament Building and the famous 'Beehive'.
Day 4 From North Island to South
Day 4 From North Island to South
Wellington – Nelson. Today we embark on one of the world's most scenic ferry rides, as we say goodbye to the North Island and cross the Cook Strait. The boats are often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow wave, a joyful experience. Arriving in Picton on the South Island, we head to Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough wine country. There's included wine tasting at one of the area's best wineries before we complete our journey to the delightful town of Nelson.
Day 5 Abel Tasman National Park
Day 5 Abel Tasman National Park
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
We spend today soaking up the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden coves, turquoise lagoons and forest ranges. Since there are few roads in this national park we see the sights of it by boat instead. Boarding a small cruiser at Kaiteriteri we head out to enjoy the scenery with plenty of stops along the way for swimming and exploring on foot. Arriving back in Kaiteriteri after the cruise, you have three options.
Option 1 is to relax in the town of Kaiteriteri at leisure.
Option 2 is to join a shorter 7km (2.5 hour) self-guided walk to fabulous Anchorage Beach.
Option 3 is to join a longer 10.5km (4 hour) self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach including the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing-bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool.
After these activities are completed, we transfer back to Nelson for the evening.
Day 6 Punakaiki
Day 6 Punakaiki
Nelson – Punakaiki. Travelling inland from Nelson we head through Nelson Lakes National Park. Take in the rugged peaks, forests and glacial lakes before we make a stop in the quaint village of St Arnaud on the edge of Lake Rotoiti. Heading inland, we follow the incredibly scenic Buller River Gorge to the rugged coast of Punakaiki. This small town is known for its incredible rock formations. Called 'Pancake Rocks, these limestone stacks are an impressive natural feature.
Day 7 Glacier Country
Day 7 Glacier Country
Punakaiki – Franz Josef – Fox. Leaving Punakaiki behind, we journey along the Great Coast Road, recently voted one of the world's top 10 coastal roads by Lonely Planet. We pass through historic Hokitika and stop at the dramatic Hokitika Gorge to admire the view. Continuing through forests and farmland, passing mountains and the Tasman Sea, we reach the small town of Franz Josef, and finally arrive in the village of Fox.
The enormous Franz Josef and Fox glaciers have carved their way down the Southern Alps to sea level, and our accommodation is located near this incredible natural feature. Weather permitting, join an optional helicopter ride over the Fox glacier, a memorable experience (book and pay locally).
Day 8 Lake Matheson & Mt Aspiring National Park
Day 8 Lake Matheson & Mt Aspiring National Park
Fox – Wanaka. This morning we visit nearby Lake Matheson for a morning stroll. With Mount Cook as your backdrop and the early morning birds chirping, it's a peaceful and relaxing experience. It's then time to depart, as we make our way over the Haast Pass and into Mount Aspiring National Park. Reaching the pretty resort town of Wanaka, the evening is at leisure. Located on the shore of Lake Wanaka, the town is a delightful place to head out and explore.
Day 9 Ecological tour or 4X4 adventure
Day 9 Ecological tour or 4X4 adventure
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by boat and escape civilisation as we cruise to an island where we hike through vibrant native vegetation to find a hidden mountaintop lake surrounded by small islands. We trek on to reach the island's summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool. Look out for the rare Buff Weka, a flightless bird extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920, which often joins visitors.
Option 2 is a 4WD adventure. We will explore a perfect mix of stunning scenery, history, and farm life in New Zealand's High Country. We will traverse remote back roads on an authentic farm with Lake Wanaka as our backdrop, surrounded by nature's beauty. We get up close to farm animals and visit historical sites, all while enjoying optional hikes through alpine meadows and lakeside forests, offering a unique insight into Wanaka's history, heritage, modern farming, and breathtaking landscapes.
When we return to Wanaka we have the afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy the town.
Day 10 Te Anau lake
Day 10 Te Anau lake
Wanaka – Te Anau. It's time to say farewell to Wanaka as we head towards the most southern part of our trip. We stop for a photograph of the famous Cardrona Pub and visit the gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Continuing through the Remarkables mountains and past Lake Wakatipu, we eventually reach our destination. Te Anau is the largest freshwater lake on the South Island and our base for the evening.
Day 11 Milford Sound & Queenstown
Day 11 Milford Sound & Queenstown
Te Anau – Milford Sound - Queenstown. Our journey to Milford Sound involves passing through Fiordland National Park, one of the most scenic drives of our trip. One of the greatest wildernesses in the Southern Hemisphere, the scenery is punctuated with lofty mountains and deep glacial valleys. We reach Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.
Boarding a comfortable cruiser, we head out onto the waters of Milford Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins, and admire Mitre Peak from the water. Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. Back on dry land, we complete our drive to Queenstown by retracing our steps to Te Anau and then heading north.
Day 12 Farewell New Zealand
Day 12 Farewell New Zealand
Our tour ends today after breakfast at the hotel in Queenstown. An included transfer will take you to the airport for your onwards flight.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
The M Social Hotel in Auckland is the perfect blend of modern design and convenient location. Situated in Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, this modern hotel offers an unbeatable location to explore the city. The hotel boasts a variety of well-decorated rooms and suites with stunning views of the city or harbour. Each room is designed for comfort and style, featuring sleek decor, comfortable beds, and modern amenities to make your stay truly comfortable. A highlight of the M Social Hotel is the stylish Beast & Butterflies restaurant, serving up delicious Asia Pacific cuisine. When relaxing in the hotel guests can make the most of the modern fitness centre or enjoy some drinks at the bar to unwind after a day of exploring.
Set in the heart of Rotorua, the Millennium Hotel offers a unique blend of luxurious comfort and access to local natural beauty. The hotel's location places you within easy reach of Rotorua's geothermal parks, Maori cultural experiences, and adventure activities, making it an ideal choice for exploring the diverse attractions of this captivating city. Rooms provide a perfect place for relaxation. Guests can expect modern amenities, comfortable furnishings, and some rooms even offer stunning views of Lake Rotorua or the surrounding landscapes. Millennium Hotel Rotorua offers a variety of facilities to enhance your stay, including a heated pool & fitness centre. The hotel offers two restaurants that serve delectable menus of local and international cuisine. A contemporary cocktail bar is also found on site for guests to enjoy.
Found in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, the Regal Palms Resort is a luxurious escape surrounded by nature's marvels. Conveniently located on the edge of the city, this resort provides easy access to Rotorua's iconic attractions, including geysers, hot springs, and cultural experiences. Rooms at the Regal Palms Resort are stylish and modern, offering a variety of spacious and well-equipped suites and villas. Each unit boasts modern amenities such as an ensuite, a TV, A/C, and a small kitchenette with private balconies or courtyards, creating a serene retreat for guests. The resort's facilities include a heated outdoor pool, mineral spa pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, and a mini gold course, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate. The on-site day spa offers a range of pampering treatments for ultimate relaxation.
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington is perfectly situated in the heart of New Zealand's vibrant capital city. The hotel's location is unbeatable, just steps away from Wellington's bustling business district and the city's major attractions. It's a great base for exploring the Te Papa Museum, the iconic Wellington Cable Car, and the vibrant scene along the waterfront. Rooms are comfortable, clean and stylish and guests can expect plush furnishings, modern amenities and splendid views of the city from some rooms. Facilities include a fitness centre and a restaurant/bar serving Asian and European inspired cuisine.
The Rutherford Hotel in Nelson is the perfect hotel for travellers to this charming coastal city. Ideally situated in the heart of Nelson's central business district, the hotel offers easy access to the city, as well as the picturesque waterfront and nearby parks. Rooms at the Rutherford Hotel are modern and comfortable in addition to many boasting splendid views of the city or the nearby Tasman Bay. The hotel features excellent facilities, including a fitness centre, and a restaurant/bar.
With a picturesque beach right on the doorstep, the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki boasts easy access to the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, the seaside village of Punakaiki, and Paparoa National Park. Its comfortable and spacious rooms feature an en-suite, WiFi, and panoramic views of either the surrounding green forest or ocean. Guests can enjoy the ‘Ocean View Restaurant & Bar’ which offers delicious dishes prepared using premium New Zealand ingredients.
Formerly known as the Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel, this property is now under the management of THC Hotels & Resorts. Situated in the charming township of Fox Glacier, the Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel provides a perfect base for exploring the awe-inspiring Fox Glacier and nearby attractions. Rooms are designed for comfort and relaxation, many with stunning mountain or rainforest views. Paired with its modern amenities and cosy furnishings ensure a pleasant stay. The hotel offers excellent facilities, including a welcoming bar and restaurant serving delectable cuisine, perfect for refuelling after a day of adventure in the surrounding wilderness.
The Edgewater Hotel in Wanaka offers a spectacular retreat set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps and the pristine waters of Lake Wanaka. This idyllic location provides guests with a serene and picturesque escape in the South Island. Many rooms offer breathtaking lake or mountain views and feature modern amenities such as ensuites, A/C, and TV’s, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay. The hotel's amenities include a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine and a bar for unwinding with a drink. Edgewater Hotel also features a heated pool, spa pools, tennis courts, and a fitness centre, offering opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
The Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau is a gateway to the stunning Fiordland region, nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau. The hotel provides a comfortable and welcoming retreat after a day of adventure. Rooms are thoughtfully designed and equipped with modern amenities such as an ensuite, WiFi, and a TV, ensuring a restful stay. Many rooms offer scenic views of Lake Te Anau or the surrounding mountains. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and a cosy bar where guests can savour local and international cuisine while taking in the picturesque surroundings. Other amenities include a fitness centre and a guest lounge.
Scenic Suites Queenstown offers a luxurious escape in the heart of New Zealand's adventure capital. Ideally located just a short walk from the vibrant town centre, the hotel enjoys a prime position for exploring the stunning landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and the thriving dining and entertainment scene that Queenstown is famous for. Accommodation at Scenic Suites Queenstown is stylish and designed for comfort. Many rooms offer breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil and scenic backdrop for your stay. The hotel's amenities include a restaurant and bar serving delicious local and international cuisine and a modern fitness centre, ensuring that guests can unwind and rejuvenate after a day of adventure. The hotel's location is also convenient for exploring Queenstown's attractions, such as the Skyline Gondola and the waterfront.
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