You need to enable JavaScript to run this app.
Home
Trip Builder
Grand Discovery of New Zealand
Private tour

Grand Discovery of New Zealand

nzNew Zealand
9 cities
17 days, 16 nights
Day by day
Places you explore
Recommended hotels
Landmarks & Experiences
Day 1 Auckland

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. 

Breakfast included
Hotel DeBrett
Hotel DeBrett
2 High Street, Auckland, NZ, 1010
Classic Room
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 King Bed
23 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Arrival: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
New Zealand Visa Processing Service
New Zealand Visa Processing Service
Day 2 Auckland

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.

5h
Auckland Sightseeing Tour
Auckland Sightseeing Tour
Day 3 Auckland

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

Hotel DeBrett
Address
2 High Street, Auckland, NZ, 1010
Car from Auckland to Rotorua
Departure
9 h
Arrival

Description for connection

Experience the wonders of New Zealand's wildlife and natural beauty.
Get up close and personal with New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird at the Ōtorohanga Kiwi House. Learn about these fascinating flightless birds and their conservation efforts in a guided tour through their natural habitat.
After that explore the enchanting Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of tiny glowworms illuminate the underground caverns. Embark on a magical boat ride through the cave system and marvel at the breathtaking glowworm display lighting up the darkness.

Day 3 Rotorua

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


Breakfast included
Haka House Rotorua
Haka House Rotorua
1278 Haupapa Street, Rotorua, NZ, 3010
Bed in 6 Bed Dorm
2 rooms
Up to 1 guest
1 Twin Bed
Breakfast not included
More amenities
Day 4 Rotorua

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. 

6h
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Day 5 Rotorua

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! 

Haka House Rotorua
Address
1278 Haupapa Street, Rotorua, NZ, 3010
5h
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Matamata
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Matamata
Car from Rotorua to Taupō
Departure
1 h
Arrival
Day 5 Taupō

Arrival 

Welcome to Taupō - the city of serenity and adventure! 

Upon arrival you will be transferred to centrally located hotel. 


Breakfast included
Hilton Lake Taupo
Hilton Lake Taupo
80-100 Napier Road, Taupo, NZ, 3330
Room, 1 King Bed
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 King Bed
30 m²
Breakfast not included
More amenities
Day 6 Taupō

 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.  

Hilton Lake Taupo
Address
80-100 Napier Road, Taupo, NZ, 3330
2h
Māori Rock Carvings Cruise
Māori Rock Carvings Cruise
Departure: Private Transfer Sedan
Flight from Taupō to Wellington
Departure
1 h
Arrival
Day 6 Wellington

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.

Breakfast included
Quest Wellington
Quest Wellington
Quest Wellington 33 Hunter St, Wellington, NZ, 6011
Studio
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 Queen Bed
35 m²
Breakfast not included
More amenities
Arrival: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
Day 7 Wellington

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.

4h
Wellington Sightseeing Tour
Wellington Sightseeing Tour
Day 8 Wellington

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

Quest Wellington
Address
Quest Wellington 33 Hunter St, Wellington, NZ, 6011
Departure: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
Ferry from Wellington to Picton
Departure
3 h
Arrival
Day 8 Picton

Arrival

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

Breakfast included
Escape To Picton
Escape To Picton
33 Wellington Street, Picton, NZ, 7220
Sea Room
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 Queen Bed
35 m²
Breakfast not included
More amenities
Arrival: Private City Transfer Sedan
Day 9 Picton

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. 

Escape To Picton
Address
33 Wellington Street, Picton, NZ, 7220
Departure: Private City Transfer Sedan
Train from Picton to Christchurch
Departure
6 h
Arrival
Day 9 Christchurch

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.

Breakfast included
Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
113 Worcester Street, Christchurch, NZ, 8011
Studio
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 Queen Bed, 1 King Bed
27 m²
Breakfast not included
More amenities
Arrival: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
Day 10 Christchurch

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.

5h
Highlights of Christchurch
Highlights of Christchurch
Day 11 Christchurch

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 Christchurch

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. 

Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
Address
113 Worcester Street, Christchurch, NZ, 8011
Departure: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
Train from Christchurch to Franz Josef
Departure
8 h
Arrival

Description for connection

Alpine Scenic train ride with private transfer to Franz Josef

Day 12 Franz Josef

Arrival

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

Breakfast included
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
State Highway 6, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ, 7856
Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 King Bed
33 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Day 13 Franz Josef

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!

4h
Franz Josef Glacier Tour
Franz Josef Glacier Tour
Day 14 Franz Josef

Departure

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

Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Address
State Highway 6, Franz Josef Glacier, NZ, 7856
Car from Franz Josef to Wanaka
Departure
4 h
Arrival

Description for connection

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.

Day 14 Wanaka

Arrival

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

Breakfast included
Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka
Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka
20 Studholme Road, Corner of Cardona Valley Road, Wanaka, NZ, 9381
Standard Room (King)
1 room
Up to 2 guests
2 Twin Beds
22 m²
Breakfast not included
Day 15 Wanaka

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.

Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka
Address
20 Studholme Road, Corner of Cardona Valley Road, Wanaka, NZ, 9381
Car from Wanaka to Queenstown
Departure
1 h 30 min
Arrival
Day 15 Queenstown

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.

Breakfast included
Ramada Queenstown Central
Ramada Queenstown Central
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown, NZ, 9300
Hotel Room
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 King Bed
21 m²
Breakfast not included
More amenities
Day 16 Queenstown

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.

12h
Milford Sound Tour
Milford Sound Tour
Day 17 Queenstown

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

Ramada Queenstown Central
Address
24 Frankton Road, Queenstown, NZ, 9300
Departure: Private Airport Transfer Sedan

What's included

Exceptional downtown hotel accommodations
Guided sightseeing tours with expert English-speaking guides
Delicious breakfasts at your hotels
In-depth exploration of best landmarks
In-depth exploration of best landmarks
Tickets and intercity transportation as per itinerary
Professional meeting services at the airport
Dedicated support team before and during your trip

Reviews

As you prepare for your travels, we proudly highlight our 99.8% customer satisfaction rate. Below are reviews from travelers who have enjoyed our award-winning service. Thank you for choosing us—your extraordinary journey awaits!
4.9 / 5
Excellent
962 Reviews
This was a dream trip for me, and they helped make it a dream come true.
The guides Firebird works with are top-notch.
We had a “trip of a lifetime,” thanks to Firebird.
I was extremely pleased with Firebird's personalized service.
nzAuckland
2 nights
nzRotorua
2 nights
nzTaupō
1 night
nzWellington
2 nights
nzPicton
1 night
nzChristchurch
3 nights
nzFranz Josef
2 nights
nzWanaka
1 night
nzQueenstown
2 nights