Totally New Zealand From Christchurch
Discover the best of New Zealand from Christchurch on this 2-week adventure. On the South Island, see Lake Tekapo and Te Anau, enjoy included wine tasting and spend a free day in Queenstown uncovering the best of New Zealand's adventure capital. Cruise Milford Sound, see the Franz Josef Glacier and return to Christchurch for your flight north to Auckland. On the North Island, take in the picturesque surroundings of Mount Maunganui, explore the Hobbiton film set and discover the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Relax beside Lake Taupo and go caving in Waitomo, end your tour back in Auckland.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Christchurch to Geraldine & Lake Tekapo
Day 1 Christchurch to Geraldine & Lake Tekapo
Christchurch - Geraldine - Tekapo. You will be collected from our designated pick up point in Christchurch (detail in the Trip Notes). From Christchurch, we'll journey through the breathtaking Rakaia Gorge, a natural wonder of immense beauty.
Our next stop is the delightful town of Geraldine, where you'll have the opportunity to savour some of the finest local cuisine. Following free time for lunch, we'll proceed to the stunning Lake Tekapo, renowned for its turquoise waters and spectacular views of the Southern Alps.
Please note: This tour offers a great mix of included activities and a variety of optional excursions. Optional activities can be booked and paid for locally. We will give examples of some of the optional activities available on tour, your guide can assist you with any other available options. A full list of the activities included in the cost of your tour is available in the 'Inclusions' section of the tour.
Day 2 Wine tasting & Te Anau
Day 2 Wine tasting & Te Anau
Tekapo - Te Anau. Today, our journey takes us south to Te Anau. En route, we will stop at the renowned Mt Difficulty Vineyard, where you can look forward to a delightful lunch and an exquisite wine-tasting experience, all included! This is a perfect chance to savour the region's flavours amid breathtaking scenery, creating a memorable highlight of our trip. Arriving in Te Anau, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3 Milford Sound cruise
Day 3 Milford Sound cruise
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Get ready to be amazed as we journey to Milford Sound, frequently referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Embark on an included scenic cruise through the fiord, gliding past majestic waterfalls, towering cliffs, and stunning landscapes that define the area's unique beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the way and enjoy an included lunch onboard.
Following the cruise, we'll make our way to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital and a charming destination set among majestic mountains and pristine lakes.
Day 4 Queenstown at leisure
Day 4 Queenstown at leisure
Today, you have the freedom to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand at your own pace. A wide range of optional activities are available, including bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, scenic hikes, and leisurely strolls around the city's charming streets - ensuring there's something to suit everyone's interests. You should have time to book two or three activities today, and our guide will be able to get everything booked in for you.
Day 5 Queenstown to Franz Josef
Day 5 Queenstown to Franz Josef
Queenstown - Wanaka - Franz Josef. Departing Queenstown, we head towards the breathtaking Franz Josef, famous for its majestic glaciers. Along the way, we will stop in Wanaka, a serene lakeside gem known for offering some of New Zealand's most captivating views. As we continue driving up the scenic west coast, prepare to be mesmerized by the unfolding landscape.
Day 6 Franz Josef at leisure
Day 6 Franz Josef at leisure
Today, you are at leisure to explore the wonders of Franz Josef. You can choose from a range of optional activities, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Perhaps enjoy a guided glacier walk, relax in the soothing thermal pools, or take a thrilling helicopter tour over the Franz Josef Glacier. The day is yours to customize, promising an unforgettable adventure amidst the beauty of Franz Josef. Once more, our tour guide will be on hand to help you book in any activities for today.
Day 7 Fly to Auckland
Day 7 Fly to Auckland
Franz Josef - Christchurch - Auckland. Today, we journey back to Christchurch, making stops at Hokitika, renowned for its exquisite jade carvings, and Arthur's Pass, celebrated for its breathtaking mountain landscapes. Additionally, we'll visit Castle Hill, featuring stunning limestone rock formations that are bound to leave you mesmerized.We'll then make our way back to Christchurch, where you will be dropped off at the airport for your included flight to Auckland.
Your flight is booked for 18:00 or 19:00, and you’ll receive your boarding pass from your guide the day before. Upon arrival in Auckland, you’ll be transferred to our accommodation for the night, where the rest of the night is at your leisure.
Please note: Some travellers may leave the tour in Christchurch, and others may join in Auckland for the second part of our journey. Your tour guide may also change.
Day 8 Auckland to Mount Maunganui
Day 8 Auckland to Mount Maunganui
Auckland - Waihi - Mount Maunganui / Tauranga. We leave Auckland at 09:00, and head towards Tauranga. Our journey will include a stop at the scenic Karangahake Gorge for a short hike, followed by free time for lunch in the quaint town of Waihi.
We continue along the beautiful coastline, arriving at the charming town of Mount Maunganui, on the outskirts of Tauranga. As evening approaches, we'll gather for a group dinner (not included) to share stories and savour the local cuisine. This scenic town has the ocean to each side and a now-green extinct volcano to the north!
Day 9 Hobbiton & Rotorua
Day 9 Hobbiton & Rotorua
Mount Maunganui / Tauranga - Hobbiton - Rotorua. Our journey today starts with an included visit to Hobbiton, the iconic movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. On our guided tour, we'll delve into the movie-making process, explore the intricate details of the set, and enjoy an included lunch at the charming Shire's Rest Cafe. Following this, we'll proceed to Rotorua, where you can relax or enjoy some of the optional activities on offer, including a hike to Mount Tarawera, a Polynesian Spa treatment or an e-bike tour.
Day 10 Rotorua at leisure
Day 10 Rotorua at leisure
Today offers you the chance to enjoy a wide range of activities in and around Rotorua. You can experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Kaituna River or unwind in the thermal pools at the Polynesian Spa. Alternatively, you can explore the Redwoods Treewalk, set off on an e-bike tour, or hike the stunning Mount Tarawera volcanic crater. Your guide will be on hand to book in any activities you would like to try.
Day 11 Rotorua to Taupo
Day 11 Rotorua to Taupo
Rotorua - Taupo. Today after breakfast, we'll travel to Huka Falls to observe its remarkable power, and then visit the geothermal marvels of Wai-O-Tapu. Entrance is included to this geothermal wonderland, sculpted by volcanic activity over millenia. We'll continue on to Taupo, where in the evening, you have the option to go on a breathtaking sunset cruise to enjoy the spectacular views of Lake Taupo and its surrounding scenery.
Day 12 Taupo at leisure
Day 12 Taupo at leisure
Taupo offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. You can spend the day leisurely discovering the town’s attractions or choose from a range of optional activities. For those craving excitement, the Tongariro Crossing or a thrilling jet boat ride are great choices. If you prefer a laid-back experience, you can try fishing, take a scenic flight, or unwind in the area's natural hot springs.
Day 13 Waitomo & Cambridge
Day 13 Waitomo & Cambridge
Taupo - Waitomo - Hamilton - Cambridge. Get ready for a day packed with adventure and discovery as we depart from Taupo and journey to Waitomo. Here, we'll enjoy an included guided tour to delve into Waitomo's enchanting underground caves, admire the captivating limestone formations, and see the glowworms that illuminate the caverns.
Following our cave exploration, we'll proceed to the beautiful Hamilton Gardens, known for its stunning themed gardens that each depict different civilizations, cultures, and historical periods. After our guided tour of the gardens, we proceed to the charming town of Cambridge, where we'll have the opportunity to stroll through the quaint streets and visit local shops and cafes.
Day 14 Auckland
Day 14 Auckland
Cambridge - Raglan - Auckland. Today is your final day on the North Island, and after breakfast we'll visit the popular surfing town of Raglan. You'll have the morning to soak in the town's unique charm, exploring local shops and cafes.
After a leisurely morning, we'll head to the impressive 55-metre Bridal Veil Falls. We'll then make our way back to Auckland, where you will be dropped off at the airport at approximately 16:00 (more information is available in the Trip Notes).
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Overlooking Lake Tekapo, this informal hotel, housed in wood-panelled buildings, is a 13-minute walk from the scenic Church of the Good Shepherd and 9 km from the Mount John University Observatory. The relaxed rooms feature flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also offers a casual bar and restaurant with views of the lake, along with amenities such as board games and meeting space.
Overlooking Lake Te Anau, this straightforward hotel off State Highway 95 is 2 km from the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary and 3 km from the Fiordland Vintage Machinery Museum. The unpretentious rooms, featuring carpeted floors, come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and mini-fridges. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, and meeting space.
Situated opposite Queenstown Bus Station in a residential neighbourhood, this upscale hotel is a 6-minute walk from Milford Galleries Queenstown in the town centre and 1 km from the Skyline Queenstown gondola. The cosy, relaxed rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, sitting areas, mini-fridges, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel offers a formal restaurant with a fireplace and a casual bar serving light meals. Additional amenities include a gym, hot tub, and sauna.
Boasting views of the Southern Alps, this unpretentious hotel is a 3-minute walk from guided tours at the West Coast Wildlife Centre and a 6-minute walk from the Tatare Tunnels Walk. The modest rooms and suites, featuring carpeted floors, include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, and mini-fridges. Amenities consist of an informal restaurant, meeting space, and a hot tub, along with a bar that has a fireplace.
Set in the scenic Bay of Plenty with views of Mount Maunganui, this relaxed apartment hotel is a 2-minute walk from Mount Maunganui Beach, 1 km from Moturiki Island, and 6 km from Tauranga Airport. The bright, no-frills studios feature limited free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players, along with kitchenettes and seating areas. All studios include patios or balconies, with some offering ocean or mountain views. Additional amenities include an outdoor lap pool, a hot tub, landscaped gardens, and a guest laundry facility.
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.
A 5-minute walk from the shores of Lake Taupo, this modern motel, set in a complex of buildings, is 8 km from Huka Falls and 7 km from Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park. The relaxed studios feature flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes, and Wi-Fi, with many offering lake views, whirlpool baths, and private patios or balconies. Amenities include BBQ facilities and a play area with a trampoline.
Nestled against Te Koo Utu Lake Domain park, this relaxed hotel is an 11-minute walk from local history exhibits at the Cambridge Museum and 3 km from State Highway 2. The unpretentious rooms come equipped with TVs, Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Amenities include a meeting room, a restaurant, and a bar, along with guest laundry facilities, a hot tub, and a 24-hour gym. Breakfast and parking are also available.
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