Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and transfer to your hotel. Spend the day exploring the city’s beautiful waterfront, bustling Viaduct Harbour, and Queen Street. Visit the Auckland Domain, New Zealand’s oldest park, before heading to the Sky Tower for spectacular views. In the evening, enjoy dinner overlooking Waitematā Harbour.
Day 2 – Auckland to Waitomo & Rotorua
Depart Auckland and drive to the famous Waitomo Caves. Take a guided tour through the limestone caverns and witness thousands of magical glowworms illuminating the cave ceilings. Continue to Rotorua, where you can explore the lakefront, Government Gardens, and relax in one of the city’s geothermal hot pools.
Day 3 – Rotorua to Taupō & Queenstown
Begin the day at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland before driving to nearby Lake Taupō to admire Huka Falls and New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake. Later, fly from Rotorua or Taupō (via Auckland if required) to Queenstown. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant town centre and lakeside promenade.
Day 4 – Queenstown to Glenorchy
Drive along one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads to Glenorchy, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes. Walk the Glenorchy Lagoon Boardwalk, visit Paradise Valley, and admire the spectacular filming locations used in The Lord of the Rings. Return to Queenstown for a relaxed evening.
Day 5 – Milford Sound Excursion
Travel through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise beneath towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and rainforest-covered mountains while keeping an eye out for dolphins, fur seals, and penguins. Return to Queenstown after an unforgettable day.
Day 6 – Queenstown to Te Anau
Drive south to the peaceful lakeside town of Te Anau, often referred to as the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Spend the afternoon walking along the lakefront, visiting the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, or taking an evening cruise to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Day 7 – Te Anau to Wanaka
Travel through spectacular alpine landscapes toward Wanaka. Stop at picturesque viewpoints along the way before arriving at Lake Wanaka. Visit the famous Wanaka Tree, browse local boutiques, and enjoy the town’s relaxed atmosphere surrounded by mountains.
Day 8 – Wanaka to Mount Cook
Drive through the beautiful Lindis Pass towards Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Stop at Lake Pukaki to admire its stunning turquoise waters before arriving at New Zealand’s highest mountain. Spend the afternoon hiking one of the scenic walking trails such as the Hooker Valley Track.
Day 9 – Mount Cook to Christchurch
Continue your journey through the Mackenzie Basin, stopping at Lake Tekapo to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy breathtaking alpine scenery. Arrive in Christchurch in the evening and explore the city’s modern riverfront precinct.
Day 10 – Departure from Christchurch
Spend your final morning visiting the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, or New Regent Street before transferring to Christchurch International Airport.