Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day exploring Viaduct Harbour, Wynyard Quarter, and Queen Street before visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Ride to the top of the Sky Tower for panoramic views across the city, volcanic cones, and surrounding islands. End the evening with dinner overlooking the waterfront.
Day 2 – Auckland to Bay of Islands
Drive north through rolling countryside to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Upon arrival in Paihia, relax on sandy beaches, explore the charming waterfront, or take a short ferry to the historic town of Russell, New Zealand’s first European settlement. In the evening, enjoy a sunset cruise through the tranquil bay while admiring its many islands.
Day 3 – Bay of Islands to Auckland & Fly to Queenstown
Begin the morning with a scenic cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock, keeping an eye out for dolphins and other marine wildlife along the way. Return to Auckland before catching your flight to Queenstown. Spend the evening strolling along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and enjoying the town’s lively restaurants and cafés.
Day 4 – Explore Queenstown
Spend a full day experiencing Queenstown’s famous attractions. Ride the Skyline Gondola for spectacular views before trying the thrilling luge rides. Adventure enthusiasts can choose from bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, or paragliding, while others may prefer exploring boutique shops, lakeside walking trails, or taking a relaxing cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship.
Day 5 – Milford Sound Day Trip
Travel through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, passing alpine valleys, waterfalls, dense rainforests, and Mirror Lakes. Board a scenic cruise to experience the dramatic beauty of one of the world’s most famous fjords, where towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls create unforgettable scenery. Return to Queenstown in the evening.
Day 6 – Queenstown to Wanaka
Drive across the scenic Crown Range Road, stopping at panoramic viewpoints before arriving in Wanaka. Visit the iconic Wanaka Tree, enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakefront, and explore the town’s boutique galleries, cafés, and artisan shops. Those seeking adventure may choose to hike part of Roy’s Peak for stunning alpine views.
Day 7 – Wanaka to Franz Josef
Journey through Haast Pass, stopping at Thunder Creek Falls, Fantail Falls, and the Blue Pools before reaching Franz Josef Glacier. Explore the glacier valley on foot or choose an optional helicopter flight that lands on the glacier for breathtaking panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Day 8 – Franz Josef to Christchurch
Continue along the spectacular West Coast, stopping at Hokitika Gorge and the famous Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki before crossing Arthur’s Pass National Park. Enjoy dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, and native forests before arriving in Christchurch for the evening.
Day 9 – Explore Christchurch
Spend the day discovering Christchurch’s unique blend of history and modern innovation. Visit the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Riverside Market, and New Regent Street. Enjoy punting on the Avon River or ride the Christchurch Gondola for panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains and Banks Peninsula.
Day 10 – Departure from Christchurch
Enjoy a relaxed final morning visiting the historic Arts Centre, Sumner Beach, or Riverside Market before transferring to Christchurch International Airport, bringing your unforgettable journey through New Zealand to a close.