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New ZealandAuckland
8+
17 days, 16 nights private tour
Rating 4.9/5

Best of New Zealand

Discover New Zealand's extraordinary diversity on this 17-day private tour at a moderate pace. Journey from Auckland's vibrant harbors through Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Hobbiton's cinematic magic to the South Island's dramatic glaciers and fjords, with scenic connections including the TranzAlpine train and Interislander ferry. This thoughtfully designed itinerary balances guided cultural experiences with independent exploration, perfect for travelers seeking comprehensive discovery of both islands' natural and Māori heritage.Read more

Best of New Zealand
Best of New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

3 days
Auckland
Day 1

Arrival


Welcome to the Auckland - the city of sailing. Upon arrival, you have a private transfer to the hotel for the check-in. The rest of the day is at your own leisure to relax after the trip. 

Day 2

Auckland Sightseeing Tour


After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and embark on an enriching tour through Auckland, New Zealand's bustling metropolis. Your journey begins in the eclectic Queen Street, a mecca for unique dining and shopping. Dive into Auckland's deep-rooted Māori heritage at the War Memorial Museum, located atop the historical volcano, Pukekawa.
From there, revel in the serene waterfront vistas at Mission Bay and the historically significant Bastion Point. Pause to admire the panoramic views from the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, situated over the glistening Waitemata Harbour and North Shore. Explore Auckland's fashionable districts of Ponsonby and Parnell, renowned for their exclusive boutiques.
Conclude your tour with a spectacular ascent to the SkyDeck of Auckland's iconic Sky Tower, offering a 360-degree view that encapsulates the city's diverse landscape and waterfront. After the tour, your afternoon is free for optional activities.

Day 3

Departure


After breakfast, your driver will pick you up for Rotorua through Waitomo Caves and Ōtorohanga Kiwi House. 

Auckland
Travel time3 hClassPrivate Transfer Sedan
Rotorua

Car from Auckland to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

3 days
Rotorua
Day 3

Arrival


Welcome to volcano city. Upon arrival you will be transferred to centrally located hotel.

Day 4

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland


After breakfast you will enjoy exciting tour to Wai- O - Tapu Therman park. This stunning geothermal park amazes visitors with its diversity in colour ranging from bright orange to emerald greens. The park’s landscape is scattered with a huge variety of thermal activity; steaming lakes, bubbling mud and other fascinating terrain. Important not-to-miss highlight of the Wai-O-Tapu guided day tour is the “Mud Pool”. This feature was the site of a large mud volcano which was destroyed through erosion in the 1920′s. It now provides an opportunity to experience the captivating noise of bubbling mud. Walk through this wonderland via clearly defined tracks and enjoy the diversity of this area through a series of different walks taking from 30 to 75 minutes or more, each with their own unique volcanic vistas to fascinate all ages. 

Day 5

Departure via Hobitton and Matamata


After breakfast private driver will pick you up and transfer to Taupo Via famous Hobitton place. Your Hobbiton tour starts with a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to the small town of Matamata. Just outside the town of Matamata is your destination: Middle-earth! Sir Peter Jackson and his team knew this private farm would make the perfect spot to build the village of Hobbiton for the award-winning The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. Take a guided tour and see the picturesque village you saw on screen in living colour before you.See the Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill and many other structures from the movies, while learning about how the set was built. You might even hear a few secrets from behind the scenes! 

Rotorua
Travel time1 hClassPrivate Transfer Sedan
Taupō

Car from Rotorua to Taupō

Taupō, New Zealand

2 days
Taupō
Day 5

Arrival

Welcome to Taupō - the city of serenity and adventure! 

Upon arrival you will be transferred to centrally located hotel. 

Day 6

Māori Rock Carvings Cruise & Departure

In the morning you will have scenic cruise of Maori carvings on Lake Taupō. This cruise offers an up-close look at the Ngātoroirangi Māori carvings, showcasing the culture and craftsmanship in a relaxed setting.

You’ll also get to take a tour of Lake Taupō’s beautiful bays as you cruise along its coastline and enjoy a complimentary snack and drink. The journey is 90 minutes long, with extended viewing time and educational commentary about both the region and history behind the cultural significance of these impressive carvings.

Later your driver will pick you up from the hotel to transfer you to the airport.  

Taupō
Travel time1 hClassEconomy
Wellington

Flight from Taupō to Wellington

Description

Monday - Friday

Wellington, New Zealand

3 days
Wellington
Day 6

Arrival


Welcome to the farthest capital of the World. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a centrally located hotel. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the city on your own.

Day 7

Wellington Sightseeing and Coastline Tour


After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and experience an enthralling exploration of Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, that combines sightseeing with an immersive coastline tour. Witness the captivating beauty of the city's waterfront from awe-inspiring vantage points, including the summit of Mount Victoria, where you'll be treated to 360-degree panoramic views encompassing the city skyline, rolling hills, and the glistening harbor.

Revel in the city's architectural grandeur by visiting iconic landmarks such as New Zealand's emblematic parliamentary building, the Beehive, and the Old Government Buildings—renowned as the Southern Hemisphere's largest wooden structure. Visit the historical Old Saint Paul's Cathedral, a masterpiece of classic design and immerse yourself in the lush tranquility of the Wellington Botanic Gardens, an oasis of floral diversity and scenic beauty.

Cap off your unforgettable tour with a thrilling cable car ride. As you ascend on this five-minute journey, the cable car glides through atmospheric tunnels, offering unparalleled views of the sprawling cityscape below.

Day 8

Departure


After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up and transfer to the port.

Wellington
Travel time3 hClassStandard Class
Picton

Ferry from Wellington to Picton

Picton, New Zealand

2 days
Picton
Day 8

Arrival

After a scenic ferry ride, your driver will escort you to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind before your next departure. 

Day 9

Departure

Today you will embark on one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world aboard the Coastal Pacific Train, traveling from Picton to Christchurch. This scenic route, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, offers a visual feast of New Zealand’s stunning South Island. 

Picton
Christchurch

Picton - Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

4 days
Christchurch
Day 9

Arrival


Welcome to the Garden City. Upon arrival private driver will pick you up and transfer to the centrally located hotel. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the place on your own.

Day 10

Highlights of Christchurch


Embark on a captivating half-day tour that encompasses Christchurch's most iconic landmarks. Traverse the sprawling green expanse of Hagley Park, pay tribute at the solemn Bridge of Remembrance, and wander along the vibrant facades of New Regent Street. As you journey through the city, engage with live commentary that enriches your understanding of Christchurch's history and the ongoing recovery efforts following the 2011 earthquake.

Culminate your exploratory adventure with an exhilarating cable car ride, offering elevated views that knit together the city's varied tapestry of natural beauty and architectural wonder. This tour is more than a cursory glance at Christchurch, it's an immersive dive into the city's resilience, culture, and scenic splendour.

Day 11

Day At Leisure

Today, you have a free day in Christchurch. You can explore and enjoy this vibrant city at your own pace

Day 12

Departure

In the morning, you meet you private driver, who takes you to the departure point.

Today you will embark on a captivating day-long odyssey aboard the TranzAlpine train, a panoramic journey that sweeps across New Zealand's picturesque South Island, linking Christchurch's east coast to Greymouth's rugged west. Departing from Christchurch, the train courses through the lush Canterbury Plains before ascending into the heart of the Southern Alps via the awe-inspiring Waimakariri River valleys. A brief respite in the alpine haven of Arthur's Pass allows you to absorb the majestic mountain scenery that envelops you.

The adventure culminates as the train negotiates the engineering marvel of the Otira Tunnel, emerging into the untouched beauty of New Zealand's West Coast. Here, you'll descend through dense alpine rainforests to reach Greymouth, the bustling epicenter of the South Island's western region. 

 Upon arrival, your private driver will pick you up at Greymouth train station and transfer you to Franz Josef hotel. 

Christchurch
Travel time8 hClassScenic Class & Private Transfer Sedan
Franz Josef

Train from Christchurch to Franz Josef

Description

Alpine Scenic train ride with private transfer to Franz Josef

Franz Josef, New Zealand

3 days
Franz Josef
Day 12

Arrival

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the evening is free.

Day 13

Glacier tour

The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand's West Coast Glaciers, and one of the most impressive sights to be found anywhere in the world. 
Your tour is a wonderful combination of an exhilarating helicopter ride, jaw-dropping scenery and a two-hour hike through the most spectacular glacier features. 
Your journey starts at the glacier base in Franz Josef Village where you check-in and get the essential gear. From here, your guide leads you on a short walk through the native forest to the helipad and gets you ready to board the helicopter. 
Your pilot lands you high up on the glacier itself, where your guide helps you make the final preparations for your hike before you head off to explore the pristine features of this incredible icescape.
Take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, capture stunning memories, and seize the opportunity to learn more about this magnificent ice giant. A unique adventure that will almost certainly be your most memorable New Zealand experience!

Day 14

Departure

Today after breakfast private driver will pick you up and transfer to the next destination.

Franz Josef
Travel time4 hClassPrivate Transfer Sedan
Wanaka

Car from Franz Josef to Wanaka

Description

It is one of the most beautiful drives in New Zealand. This trip takes you down the West Coast through the breathtaking Haast Pass, right into the heart of the Southern Alps.

Wanaka, New Zealand

2 days
Wanaka
Day 14

Arrival

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the evening is free.

Day 15

Departure

This morning, you will have time to enjoy Wanaka at your leisure. In the afternoon, your private driver will pick you up and transfer you to your next destination - Queenstown.

Wanaka
Travel time1 h 30 minClassPrivate Transfer Sedan
Queenstown

Car from Wanaka to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

3 days
Queenstown
Day 15

Arrival


Welcome to Adrenaline Capital. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the centrally located hotel. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy the area on your own.

Day 16

Milford Sound Small Group Tour


Experience the iconic Milford Sound in a unique and intimate way with our small-group tour departing from Queenstown. You will make multiple scenic stops for you to capture the beauty of this stunning region during the journey. 

Once you arrive, prepare to be awed on a 2-hour cruise along the fjord. Glide past awe-inspiring cliffs, beneath cascading waterfalls, and through mirrored lakes, all while keeping an eye out for fur seals and dolphins. Your local guide will enhance the experience, offering informative commentary about the region's natural history and rich biodiversity.

Before heading back, relish the tranquillity of a beech forest with a leisurely stroll to stretch your legs. The tour concludes with a comfortable ride back to your Queenstown hotel, making this small-group tour a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and personalized exploration of one of New Zealand's most revered natural wonders.

Day 17

Departure


After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up and transfer to the airport.