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from $9,588
Grand Discovery of New Zealand
Private tour

Grand Discovery of New Zealand

nzNew Zealand
8 cities
16 days, 15 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
Superior Room
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 King Bed
26 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Arrival: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
Day 2 Auckland

 Auckland & Maori Culture Experience

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. You'll start by exploring City Highlights and the most iconic spots significant to Maori history. You'll visit Bastion Point, also known as the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, One Tree Hill, the stunning Winter Gardens, and Mt Eden Volcano, one of the most prominent volcanic cones remaining in the Auckland region, where you’ll be able to see amazing views over the Hauraki Gulf.

You will learn about the history, language, and Hongi (Māori greetings) of Tangata Whenua (people of the land). You'll also have the opportunity to try a temporary Moko (tattoo), see the famous Haka (the traditional Māori war dance), and get a hands-on private experience with our traditional musical instruments and authentic games played by our ancestors.

When the tour comes to an end, you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Morning
4h
Private tour
Auckland & Maori Culture Experience
Auckland & Maori Culture Experience
Day 3 Auckland

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

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
Pullman Rotorua
Pullman Rotorua
1135 Arawa St, Rotorua, NZ, 3010
Superior Room, 1 King Bed, City View
1 room
Up to 3 guests
1 King Bed
26 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Day 4 Rotorua

Hobitton and Matamata 

In the morning, you will meet your private driver who will take you to Hobbiton. Your Hobbiton tour begins with a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to the small town of Matamata. Just outside Matamata lies your destination: Middle-earth!

Sir Peter Jackson and his team recognized this private farm as the perfect location to construct the village of Hobbiton for the award-winning The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. During your guided tour, you'll witness the picturesque village you've seen on screen come to life before your eyes. Explore the Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill, and many other structures from the movies while discovering how the set was meticulously crafted. You might even uncover a few behind-the-scenes secrets!

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel. 



5h
Group tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Matamata
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Matamata
Day 5 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.  

Morning
5h
Private tour
Rotorua Cultural and Geothermal Experience
Rotorua Cultural and Geothermal Experience
Day 6 Rotorua

Departure

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

Pullman Rotorua
Address
1135 Arawa St, Rotorua, NZ, 3010
Car from Rotorua to Taupō
Departure
1 h
Arrival
Day 6 Taupō

Arrival &  Māori Rock Carvings cruise 

Welcome to Taupō - the city of serenity and adventure! 

Upon arrival you will be transferred to centrally located hotel. 

For a gentle after-lunch adventure, 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.


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 included
More amenities
Afternoon
2h
Group tour
Māori Rock Carvings Cruise
Māori Rock Carvings Cruise
Day 7 Taupō

Tongariro National Park 

 Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you delve into the breathtaking scenery of the UNESCO dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park. This pristine wilderness is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes and natural wonders.

Discover the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19.4-kilometer trek that traverses volcanic terrain, ancient lava flows, and dramatic vistas. Be prepared to be amazed by the rugged beauty of the surrounding mountains, steaming vents, and emerald lakes.

Be prepared for a long and challenging day out 


Morning
Full day
Group tour (up to 6 people)
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park
Day 8 Taupō

Departure 

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
Departure: Private Transfer Sedan
Flight from Taupō to Wellington
Departure
1 h
Arrival

Description for connection

Monday - Friday
Day 8 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
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
Corner of Lambton Quay and Grey Street, 28 Grey Street, Wellington, NZ, NZ, 6011
Room, 1 King Bed
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 King Bed
Breakfast included
More amenities
Arrival: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
Day 9 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
Private tour
Wellington Sightseeing Tour
Wellington Sightseeing Tour
Day 10 Wellington

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

DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
Address
Corner of Lambton Quay and Grey Street, 28 Grey Street, Wellington, NZ, NZ, 6011
Departure: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
Ferry from Wellington to Picton
Departure
3 h
Arrival
Day 10 Picton

Arrival

Welcome to South island. Upon arrival private driver will pick you up and transfers to centrally located hotel. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy small, but cozy city.


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 11 Picton

Departure


After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up for your travel to Franz Josef



Escape To Picton
Address
33 Wellington Street, Picton, NZ, 7220
Car from Picton to Franz Josef
Departure
6 h 30 min
Arrival
Day 11 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, 2 Queen Beds
1 room
Up to 3 guests
2 Queen Beds
33 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Day 12 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!

Morning
4h
Group tour (up to 5 people)
Franz Josef Glacier Tour
Franz Josef Glacier Tour
Day 13 Franz Josef

Departure

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

This trip tracks down the West Coast through the breathtaking Haast Pass, into the heart of the Southern Alps. 

You’ll travel through the spectacular glacier region, two national parks and past two of New Zealand's largest lakes, Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. From coastal scrub, rain forest, glaciers and native bush, to alpine tussock lands, lakes and mountains - this road showcases the best of South Island scenery all in one go.

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 13 Wanaka

Arrival

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

Breakfast included
Edgewater
Edgewater
54 Sargood Drive, Wanaka, NZ, 9305
Premium Hotel Room
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 King Bed
25 m²
Breakfast not included
More amenities
Day 14 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.

 

Edgewater
Address
54 Sargood Drive, Wanaka, NZ, 9305
Car from Wanaka to Queenstown
Departure
1 h 30 min
Arrival
Day 14 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
Crowne Plaza Hotel Queenstown by IHG
Crowne Plaza Hotel Queenstown by IHG
93 Beach Street, Queenstown, Otago, NZ, 9300
Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Balcony
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 King Bed
33 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Day 15 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.

Morning
12h
Group tour (up to 16 people)
Milford Sound Tour
Milford Sound Tour
Day 16 Queenstown

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

Crowne Plaza Hotel Queenstown by IHG
Address
93 Beach Street, Queenstown, Otago, 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
3 nights
nzTaupō
2 nights
nzWellington
2 nights
nzPicton
1 night
nzFranz Josef
2 nights
nzWanaka
1 night
nzQueenstown
2 nights