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16 Day North & South Island Highlights

Explore the stunning landscapes of New Zealand on our 16-day itinerary, which takes you through the breathtaking North and South Islands. Begin in Auckland, where you can experience vibrant city life and the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. Journey to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the stunning landscapes of Tongariro National Park.  Fly from Auckland to Christchurch a city rich in history and culture.  Head to Mt Cook/Aoraki to view the glaciers up close by boat or helicopter. Discover the majestic fjords of Milford Sound and visit Queenstown the adventure capital.  This itineary can be personalised to you showcasing New Zealand's diverse beauty, from lush forests and volcanic landscapes to stunning coastlines and charming towns, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike!


16 Day North & South Island Highlights

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

ITINERARY DESCRIPTION

16 Day North & South Island Highlights
16 Day North & South Island Highlights

North Island


Day 1-2: Auckland and Waiheke Island

  • Begin your adventure in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city with more boats      per capita than anywhere else on earth, where you can explore its vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and stunning harborside views.

  • Take a scenic ferry ride to Waiheke Island, renowned for its world-class wineries, beautiful beaches, and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy one of the wine and food tours around the island, enjoying lunch at one of the many vineyards.

  • Visit the renowned Weta Workshop and dine at one of the restaurants up in the      Sky Tower for fantastic views over Auckland. Visit the War Memorial Museum or the Auckland Art Gallery then take a walking food tour around the city.

Day 3 -5: Matamata, Rotorua, Taupo

  • Head south to Matamata and embark on the enchanting journey into the world of      Middle Earth at Hobbiton, as depicted in Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" film trilogies.

  • Journey to Rotorua, the cultural heartland of New Zealand, famous for its Māori heritage, thrilling adventure activities and geothermal wonders.

  • Immerse yourself in the rich Māori culture with a traditional hangi feast and cultural performance at a local marae.

  • Experience the Redwoods Forest Daytime or Nightlight Treewalk floating 9-20 metres above the forest floor.

  • Experience the thrill of riding in New Zealand’s only genuine operating WW2 landing crafts and seeing beautiful scenery enroute both on land and on water, it promises to be a real highlight of your time in Rotorua.

  • Visit Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, a place where Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing traditions, and warm hospitality converge. Nestled by the captivating Lake Rotorua, its name, ‘Chiefly Waters,’ reflects the majesty it holds. Drawing mineral-rich, deeply restorative waters directly from the earth, this 2-hour restorative journey delivers a unique therapeutic, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience on the shores of Lake Rotorua.

  • Visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to witness bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and vibrant hot springs.

  • Travel to Taupo, where you can marvel at the mighty Huka Falls, take a jetboat ride or boat cruise to experience the Huka Falls up close. Explore the dramatic landscapes of Craters of the Moon and take a walk or bike ride along Lake Taupo.

  • Tongariro National Park If you have time, a short drive will take you to this  UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning alpine landscapes and hiking opportunities, including the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike where you can visit the stunning blue waters of Tongariro Blue Lake set against a dramatic volcanic backdrop.


South Island


Day 6-7: Auckland – Christchurch

  • Drive back to Auckland and take a flight to Christchurch, the South Island's largest city, and explore its vibrant arts scene, beautiful gardens, and historic landmarks such as the Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Experience a unique luxury dinner on New Zealand’s only Tramway diner while seeing the Christchurch sights by night.

  • Visit the beautiful unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa. A charming small township nestled in an inner harbour bay of Akaroa Harbour on Banks Peninsula. Take a boat trip to see the dolphins or even swim with them.

  • Visit, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museumand Hagley Park and Gardens

Day 8-9 Christchurch to Aoraki Mt Cook

  • Journey  to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest peak, and hike the Hooker Valley Track for breathtaking views of glaciers and  alpine landscapes.

  • Stopping in at Lake Tekapo enroute is a must and a soak at the  Tekapo Springs.  Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. The church was built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. It is one of the most photographed and painted buildings in New Zealand.

  • Whether you’re interested in stargazing or not, there’s no denying that the Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve offers you some of the most incredible views of the night sky you’ll find on Earth. Depending on the time of year, you’ll be treated to super-clear views of the planets in the solar system, amazing star constellations, and the Milky Way.

  • Explore the glaciers and towering icebergs by boat and complete the experience with a helicopter flight over the Tasman Glacier including a glacier landing.

Day 10-11: Aoraki Mt Cook to Wanaka

  • Wanaka nestled on the shores of Lake Wanaka, where you can enjoy outdoor      activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and scenic flights.

  • Take a trip to a high-country farm in a 4-wheel drive and experience incredible views over Lake Wanaka Words fail to describe how utterly spectacular this adventure through West Wanaka High Country Station is.  Private farm tracks, participation with predator control conservation projects, yarns about farming life, and fascinating local history will leave a deep and lasting connection with the land. One of the most authentic adventures Wanaka has to offer..

  • If  you are a hiker, take the 5-6 hike up to Roys Peak Many hikers opt to simply hike as far as the famous viewpoint. This is often confused as "Roy’s Peak”, but this first viewpoint (which has been made famous on      Instagram) isn’t the official summit! Instead, if you continue for another 30 minutes, you’ll reach the true peak. Regardless of whether you head up to the very top or stick to the famous viewpoint, the views are nothing less than stunning.

  • Visit Rippon Winery for a free wine tasting, with stunning views overlooking the      Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wānaka

Day 12-13: Wanaka to Te Anau

  • Make your way to Te Anau, nestled on Lake Te Anau’s shores, which serves as the gateway to Fiordland National Park and its renowned fjords.  You will drive through the heart of Central Otago on the way including Cromwell home of the Clyde Damn and Lake Dunstan, the vineyards of Gibbston Valley and Kawarau Gorge the Bungi jumping capital of New Zealand before skirting Queenstown enroute to Te Anau.

  • Once in Te Anau, take a boat cruise across Lake Te Anau and visit the Glow worm caves.

  • Take an unforgettable day trip and cruise to Milford Sound starting with scenic drive through rugged landscapes, stopping at key viewpoints along the way to capture stunning photos of waterfalls, mountains, and native flora.

  • Take a guided day hike on part of one of ‘The Great Walks’ of New Zealand on the Milford Track, the Routeburn or Kepler tracks.

Day 14-16 Queenstown

  • The drive from Te Anau to Queenstown via Arrowtown offers a stunning journey through the heart of New Zealand's South Island. En route to Queenstown, stop at the historic town of Arrowtown showcasing its well-preserved gold rush-era buildings and offering an opportunity to explore its quaint streets, visit the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, and indulge in local cafes and boutiques.

  • Queenstown, a gem nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu amidst the towering Southern Alps, beckons adventurers and nature lovers alike with its unrivalled beauty and diverse array of activities. Renowned as the adventure capital of New Zealand, this vibrant town offers an adrenaline-fueled playground, where visitors can plunge into thrilling experiences like bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and white-water rafting. With its stunning landscapes, boundless adventure, and warm hospitality, Queenstown promises an unforgettable escape in the embrace of nature's grandeur.

  • Explore the Queenstown Gardens Trail, take a walk-up Queenstown Hill or a walk beside Lake Whakatipu.

  • Head up the Skyline Gondola for incredible views of Queenstown, you could try the fun Luge ride before enjoying the views over a buffet dinner.

  • For the adventurous, board the Dart River Wilderness Jet Boat Tour from Glenorchy and venture deep deep into the awe-inspiring Mount Aspiring National Park.

  • Take a guided e-bike winery tour into the Gibbston Valley wine region experience exceptional New Zealand wines.

  • If you are Lord of the Rings fans then take an exceptional journey to these iconic filming locations. Witness the magic of these authentic scenes come to life against the breathtaking backdrop of The Real Middle Earth.

Day 17

Fly to Auckland for your departure flight or take a flight to Australia direct from Queenstown.

Ready for a unique adventure?

Let us create a personalised and unforgettable experience for you!

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