Best of New Zealand
Bucket list beauty from Auckland to Queenstown
Can't decide between New Zealand's North & South Islands? Of course, you want to visit Auckland, Hobbiton, and Rotorua, but you also want to experience Mount Cook, Christchurch, and Fiordland National Park. On this unbeatable vacation, you don't have to choose. Immerse yourself in all the beauty New Zealand has to offer, and enjoy included perks like transportation, unique meals, city tours, a visit to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and more!
What's Included
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Auckland (AKL), out of Christchurch (CHC)
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- 3 nights in Auckland at the Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar
- Auckland city tour with harbor cruise (half-day)
- 2 nights in Rotorua at the Rydges Hotel or similar
- Visit to Matamata with tour of Hobbiton movie sets
- Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour
- Half-day tour of Te Puia, the Rotorua Agrodome, and Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- One-way economy class flight from Rotorua (ROT) to Queenstown (ZNQ)
- 3 nights in Queenstown at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel or similar
- Milford Sound Cruise with lunch
- Visits to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo (en-route to Christchurch)
- 2 nights in Christchurch at Sudima Christchurch City Hotel, or similar
- Half-day Christchurch city tour
- Breakfast daily and 3 lunches
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
Great Ways to Explore
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Roam through the set of The Shire from Lord of the Rings on a tour of Hobbiton!
- Feel your eyes widen with amazement as you watch the Waitomo Glowworm Caves illuminate with color.
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Enjoy included cruises of Auckland Harbor and Milford Sound!
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Experience geothermal landscapes and authentic Maori village culture in Rotorua.
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With airport and city transfers included, you won't have to worry about "how do we get there?"
This is the once-in-a-lifetime trip you've been dreaming about! Grab your camera and embark on an amazing adventure through New Zealand's North & South Islands. From spirited streets and blue coasts to whimsical waterfalls and sky-high mountains, New Zealand is a treasure trove of beauty and culture.
Your vacation will begin and end in the vibrant cities of Auckland and Christchurch. In between, you'll explore picturesque Queenstown, the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, the mountainous majesty of Fiordland National Park and Mount Cook, and the stunning waters of Milford Sound and Lake Tekapo.
Enjoy included excursions, like tours of Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour, Te Puia, and more! With stays in Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, and Christchurch, you'll see every incredible inch of New Zealand.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Round-trip economy class airfare into Auckland (AKL), out of Christchurch (CHC)
- All airport and inter-city transfers
- 3 nights in Auckland at the Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar
- Auckland city tour with harbor cruise (half-day)
- 2 nights in Rotorua at the Rydges Hotel or similar
- Visit to Matamata with tour of Hobbiton movie sets
- Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour
- Half-day tour of Te Puia, the Rotorua Agrodome, and Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- One-way economy class flight from Rotorua (ROT) to Queenstown (ZNQ)
- 3 nights in Queenstown at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel or similar
- Milford Sound Cruise with lunch
- Visits to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo (en-route to Christchurch)
- 2 nights in Christchurch at Sudima Christchurch City Hotel, or similar
- Half-day Christchurch city tour
- Breakfast daily and 3 lunches
Helpful links for travel to New Zealand:
-
Roam through the set of The Shire from Lord of the Rings on a tour of Hobbiton!
- Feel your eyes widen with amazement as you watch the Waitomo Glowworm Caves illuminate with color.
-
Enjoy included cruises of Auckland Harbor and Milford Sound!
-
Experience geothermal landscapes and authentic Maori village culture in Rotorua.
-
With airport and city transfers included, you won't have to worry about "how do we get there?"
This is the once-in-a-lifetime trip you've been dreaming about! Grab your camera and embark on an amazing adventure through New Zealand's North & South Islands. From spirited streets and blue coasts to whimsical waterfalls and sky-high mountains, New Zealand is a treasure trove of beauty and culture.
Your vacation will begin and end in the vibrant cities of Auckland and Christchurch. In between, you'll explore picturesque Queenstown, the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua, the mountainous majesty of Fiordland National Park and Mount Cook, and the stunning waters of Milford Sound and Lake Tekapo.
Enjoy included excursions, like tours of Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour, Te Puia, and more! With stays in Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, and Christchurch, you'll see every incredible inch of New Zealand.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Day 1. Welcome to Auckland!
Get ready to kick off your New Zealand adventure! Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be transferred to your first hotel.
Check-in and get settled, then begin exploring! Stroll around, get to know the city, and treat yourself to a delicious first-night meal.
Transfer to Auckland hotel
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Auckland
Crowne Plaza Auckland is nestled in the heart of Auckland's Central Business District. Guests can expect well-appointed rooms with free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, television, and more. Aria Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features local produce and a drink menu. Aria Bar is open all day for coffee, cocktails, and light bites. The city's Sky Tower is located right across the street, with other top attractions within walking distance.
Day 2. Auckland
Rise and shine! After breakfast, you'll be introduced to the city of Auckland with an included sightseeing tour.
Spend the afternoon at leisure! Revisit interesting sites from the tour, or discover new hot spots.
Auckland City Tour w/ Harbor Cruise (Half-Day)
Experience a fascinating sightseeing tour followed by a cruise around Hauraki Gulf Harbor with a local guide! See some of Auckland's top attractions, like Quay Street, Waitemata Harbor, and buzzing Queen Street. Snap photos of the Auckland Harbor Bridge, then stroll through Auckland Domain - the city's oldest park!
After returning to downtown Auckland, you'll hop aboard a boat for your cruise!
Day 3. Auckland
There's nothing like a day at leisure in Auckland! You may want to experience amazing views from the top of the Sky Tower, or treat yourself to a wine tasting on breathtaking Waiheke Island! Nature buff? You may want to consider a tour to Rangitoto Island, a landmark volcano with lava tubes, kayaking, hiking, and more!
Day 4. Auckland - Matamata - Waitomo - Rotorua
Wave goodbye to Auckland! After breakfast, you will begin your journey to Rotorua. Along the way, you'll stop at Matamata, where you'll tour through the magical Hobbiton Movie Set on picturesque farmland.
Next, you'll enjoy a tour through the Waitomo Caves! Feel your eyes widen as you take a boat ride through the twinkling glowworm grotto.
After an unforgettable day, you'll check into your Rotorua hotel. Treat yourself to a nice dinner, then get some rest for another full day tomorrow!
Check-in - Rydges Rotorua
Rydges Rotorua features stunning views over the city and the nearby Arawa Rasecourse. Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, coffee/tea making facilities, and television. Atrium Restaurant features modern and classic cuisine. Sip a cocktail at Mezz Bar, head to the fitness center for a workout, or walk to the nearby shops and cafes!
Visit to Matamata with tour of Hobbiton movie sets
Discover the real Middle-earth on the most picturesque private farmland! Located near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand is the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Take a fascinating two-hour guided tour through the movie sets as you experience the magic for yourself!
Day 5. Rotorua
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast, then explore the diverse land of Rotorua! Immerse yourself in Maori culture and visit Te Puia Geothermal Valley, home to geysers, bubbling mud pools, and more. Then, check out the Agrodome and Rainbow Springs Nature Park! Today's tour will leave you excited and enlightened.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore nearby natural sights and treat yourself to a delicious dinner.
Half-day tour of Te Puia, the Rotorua Agrodome, and Rainbow Springs Nature Park
This amazing tour highlights New Zealand's legendary culture, geothermal wonders, and natural beauty. Your first stop will be Te Puia, a center that revolves around Maori culture. Located in Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, Te Puia features over 500 geothermal wonders, including the Pohutu Geyser and bubbling mud pools.
Next stop: the Agrodome! Enjoy an interactive farm tour on which you will feed animals and visit the nursery. See more animals when you visit New Zealand's wildlife and natural scenery at Rainbow Springs Nature Park! Get up close and personal with all types of native flora and fauna, including the famous kiwi bird.
Day 6. Rotorua - Queenstown
This morning, you'll be transferred to the airport for a quick flight to Queenstown! Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your next accommodation.
Queenstown is a popular hub for hikers, climbers, and skiers. Built around Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown offers some of the most beautiful views in New Zealand!
Once you're all checked in and settled, spend the afternoon exploring on your own.
Transfer to Rotorua airport (ROT)
Fly to Queenstown!
Transfer to Queenstown hotel
Check-in - Heritage Queenstown
Heritage Queenstown features beautiful views of the surrounding area, including Lake Wakatipu. Guests will enjoy comfortable rooms stocked with fluffy bathrobes, free WiFi, television, and more. Mackenzies Restaurant and Bar serves dishes that feature fresh, local ingredients. Guests can dine outside on the balcony or by the fire, depending upon the season. The hotel also features a pool, sauna, jacuzzi, and gym. Heritage Queenstown is located just a 5 minute drive from the center of town.
Day 7. Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Grab your camera and get ready to experience New Zealand's world-famous fjord: Milford Sound! Depart Queenstown and travel along the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu, through southern farmland, to Lake Te Anau.
Enter the one and only Fiordland National Park and feast your eyes on jaw-dropping beauty. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, hop aboard a boat and set off on a scenic cruise! Sail out to the Tasman Sea as you glide past glacier-scarred rock walls and picturesque waterfalls. Be on the lookout for wildlife, like seals and dolphins!
After an incredible day of scenery and wildlife, you'll return to Queenstown for a relaxing evening. Treat yourself to a lovely dinner!
Day 8. Queenstown
Ahh, a relaxing day to explore Queenstown on your own! Enjoy breakfast, then spend the day at leisure.
You may want to stroll through Queenstown's' pretty streets of galleries and restaurants, go on a scenic hike, or treat yourself to a ride on the Skyline Queenstown gondola for breathtaking panoramic views!
Day 9. Queenstown - Mount Cook - Christchurch
Say "see ya" to Queenstown and begin your journey to Christchurch. Along the way, you'll stop in postcard-worthy Mount Cook! There, you'll have time for lunch and independent exploration.
You'll continue your journey through Lake Tekapo, where you'll see the Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy views of the spectacular Southern Alps. Wind down through Burke's Pass and the Canterbury Plains until you reach Christchurch!
Settle into your hotel and spend a relaxing evening at leisure.
Check-in - Sudima Christchurch City Hotel
Sudima Christchurch City Hotel is a new boutique hotel can be found among the bustling cafes, bars, and restaurants on Christchurch's Victoria Street. The hotel is in close proximity to Christchurch's CBD and Hagley Park. After an invigorating day of sightseeing, head back to the hotel for canapes and a refreshing cocktail or kick back in your spacious guestroom for a good night's sleep.
Day 10. Christchurch
Rise and shine! Recharge with a delicious breakfast, then enjoy an included half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch!
The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. Revisit your favorite spots on the tour, or discover new corners of Christchurch!
Half-day Christchurch city tour
The tour commences in the central city of Christchurch and covers the area which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes in February 2011. The guide will explain both the history of the city and the effects of the earthquake, you will see for yourself both the destructive powers of nature and the rebuild taking place. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale a historic homestead and gardens. We then travel to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building with a lookout providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. The tour then travels via the Port Hills and Lyttleton Harbour by way of the Sign of the Kiwi and Governors Bay to the Port of Lyttleton. The tour proceeds through the Lyttleton harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.
Day 11. Depart New Zealand
Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and wave goodbye to beautiful New Zealand. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home.
Spend your flight replaying warm memories and dreaming about your next adventure!
Transfer to Christchurch airport (CHC)
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
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