14 Days • 13 Nights
Classic New Zealand: North & South Island Highlights
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll cruise Auckland's harbour, watch geysers erupt and experience Maori culture in Rotorua, marvel at glowworm caves, then cross to the South Island for the Southern Alps, the Franz Josef glacier, the fiords of Milford Sound and the adventure capital of Queenstown. Scenic trains, wine country and jaw-dropping landscapes fill the days.
With hand-picked hotels, scenic touring and the key experiences arranged, all you have to do is take in one of the world's most beautiful countries.
Trip Highlights
- Auckland's harbour and the Sky Tower
- Rotorua's geysers, hot springs and Maori culture
- The glowworm caves of Waitomo
- The Southern Alps and the Franz Josef glacier
- A cruise on the majestic Milford Sound
- Adventure and scenery in Queenstown
- The TranzAlpine scenic train
- Both islands, coast to mountain to fiord
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 14-day journey.
Arrive in the 'City of Sails' and settle in. A welcome dinner introduces New Zealand as your journey begins.
A city tour and a Waitemata Harbour cruise, the Sky Tower and the museum, with an optional trip to Waiheke Island's vineyards.
Travel south to the Waitomo glowworm caves, gliding through a grotto lit by thousands of tiny lights, then on to geothermal Rotorua.
Explore the geysers and boiling mud of Te Puia, the colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland, and a Maori village with a traditional hangi feast and concert.
Fly to Christchurch, the 'Garden City' of the South Island, with a city tour and the botanic gardens.
Ride the TranzAlpine, one of the world's great train journeys, across the Southern Alps, then travel down the wild West Coast to the Franz Josef glacier.
A glacier walk or scenic helicopter flight at Franz Josef, then a spectacular drive over the Haast Pass and along the lakes to Queenstown.
Ride the Skyline Gondola for the view, cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak, and choose your adventure — jet boat, bungy or wine.
A full-day journey to the majestic Milford Sound in Fiordland, cruising beneath sheer cliffs and waterfalls, with seals and dolphins, overnighting in Te Anau.
A relaxed morning in Te Anau, perhaps the glowworm caves, then back to Queenstown for more of its lakeside charm.
Explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown and taste the pinot noir of the Gibbston Valley wineries.
A scenic drive to Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, through the paradise landscapes made famous by Lord of the Rings.
A free day to relax, shop, take a scenic flight, or add a final adventure before your journey ends.
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
- 13 nights in hand-picked hotels across both islands
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Maori hangi feast
- An Auckland harbour cruise and the Sky Tower
- Rotorua geothermal and Maori cultural experiences and the Waitomo glowworm caves
- The TranzAlpine train and the Franz Josef glacier
- A Milford Sound cruise and Queenstown sightseeing
- 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.
Do we visit both islands?
Yes — this journey covers the highlights of both the North Island (Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo) and the South Island (glaciers, Milford Sound, Queenstown), with a flight between them.
Is Milford Sound worth the long day?
Absolutely — the drive through Fiordland and the cruise on Milford Sound, beneath sheer cliffs and towering waterfalls, is one of the great experiences on earth. We overnight in Te Anau to ease the journey.
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