12 Days • 11 Nights
New Zealand Highlights: Both Islands
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll cruise Auckland's harbour, experience Maori culture and geysers in Rotorua, ride the TranzAlpine train, walk on a glacier, cruise Milford Sound, and enjoy the lakeside beauty and adventure of Queenstown. Scenic drives, wine country and unforgettable landscapes fill the days.
With hand-picked hotels, scenic touring and the key experiences arranged, it is the best of New Zealand in one seamless trip.
Trip Highlights
- Auckland's harbour and the Sky Tower
- Rotorua's geysers, hot springs and Maori culture
- The Waitomo glowworm caves
- The TranzAlpine train and the Franz Josef glacier
- A cruise on the majestic Milford Sound
- Adventure and scenery in Queenstown
- Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley wine
- Both islands' greatest hits
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Arrive in the 'City of Sails' and settle in, with a welcome dinner.
A city tour and a harbour cruise, the Sky Tower and the museum.
The Waitomo glowworm caves, then geothermal Rotorua.
The geysers of Te Puia, the Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland, and a Maori hangi feast and concert.
Fly to the South Island's 'Garden City' of Christchurch, with a city tour and the botanic gardens.
Ride the TranzAlpine across the Alps, then travel to the Franz Josef glacier.
A glacier walk or scenic flight, then the spectacular Haast Pass drive to Queenstown.
The Skyline Gondola, a TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak, and your choice of adventure.
A full-day journey to the majestic Milford Sound, cruising beneath its cliffs and waterfalls, overnighting in Te Anau.
Return to Queenstown via the historic gold town of Arrowtown and a Gibbston Valley wine tasting.
A free day to relax, shop or add a final adventure.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Queenstown airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and scenic touring throughout
- 11 nights in hand-picked hotels across both islands
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Maori hangi feast
- An Auckland harbour cruise, Rotorua geothermal and Maori experiences
- The Waitomo glowworm caves and the TranzAlpine train
- A Franz Josef glacier experience and a Milford Sound cruise
- Queenstown sightseeing and the Skyline Gondola
- Inter-island flight and all listed activities
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from New Zealand
- NZeTA and International Visitor levy fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional domestic flights beyond those stated
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and adventure experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before travelling, which includes the International Visitor levy. Others need a visitor visa; we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. New Zealand is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
- Driving: New Zealanders drive on the left. Roads are scenic but often winding, and distances take longer than they look, so we build in realistic drive times (or you can self-drive)
- Seasons reversed: New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so summer is December to February and winter (with skiing in the south) is June to August. Spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful
- Four seasons in a day: The weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, along with strong sun protection for the intense UV
- Biosecurity: New Zealand has strict biosecurity, so declare all food, plant and animal items on arrival and clean any hiking boots or camping gear to protect the country's unique nature
- Sandflies: The West Coast and Fiordland (including Milford Sound) have persistent sandflies, so bring insect repellent for those areas
- Best time: New Zealand is a year-round destination; summer is best for hiking and the outdoors, winter for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden landscapes and wine country
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand, which keeps things simple
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM or eSIM gives good coverage in towns and along main routes. Power is 230V with the Australian-style type I plug, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Maori hangi feast or a wine-country lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy New Zealand's superb food and wine.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, scenic touring and activities are arranged for you, with the option of private guides, coach touring or a self-drive itinerary to suit your style.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, applied for online before travel. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (December-February) is ideal for hiking and the outdoors, winter (June-August) for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden colours and wine. New Zealand is beautiful year-round.
Should we do a self-drive or guided tour?
Both work wonderfully — self-drive gives freedom and flexibility on New Zealand's scenic roads, while a guided or private tour takes care of everything. We can tailor either to you.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, activities and hotels can all be tailored, and we can add Milford Sound, a glacier, wine country, adventure sports or luxury lodges. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By a short scenic flight or the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait between the North and South Islands — both included and arranged as your route requires.
How is this different from the 14-day Classic tour?
It covers the same essential highlights of both islands at a slightly quicker pace over twelve days. The 14-day Classic adds more time in Queenstown and extra South Island scenery.
Is twelve days enough for both islands?
Yes — with a flight between the islands and efficient scenic touring, twelve days comfortably covers New Zealand's must-see highlights from Auckland to Queenstown.
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