2N Christchurch + 2N Franz Josef + 1N Kaikoura + 1N Wellington + 1N Taupo + 1N Auckland
Day 01 : Arrival in Christchurch
Pick up your rental car from Christchurch Airport. Drive to your accommodation in Christchurch, the Garden City.
Day 02 : Explore Christchurch
International Antarctic Centre & Tramway - Experience the Antarctic Storm chamber reaching -18°C, meet Little Blue Penguins, enjoy Husky encounters, and ride the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle. Explore Christchurch's heritage on the tramway with hop-on hop-off access to 18 stops including Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, and New Regent Street.
Punting on the Avon - Board a classic wooden Punt for a peaceful tour through Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens. Your Edwardian Punter guides you past trailing willows, woodlands, and leafy banks while you absorb the beauty of Christchurch's redeveloping city center. Informative commentary included.
Day 03 : Christchurch to Greymouth
Drive: 243km, approximately 3.15 hours
Scenic self-drive across the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass. Experience dramatic mountain scenery, native beech forests, and spectacular views. Arrive on the rugged West Coast in Greymouth.
Day 04 : Greymouth to Franz Josef
Drive: 171km, approximately 2.15 hours
Continue along the scenic West Coast road through lush rainforest, past Hokitika's beaches and craft galleries. Arrive at Franz Josef, gateway to the stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 05 : Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Experience
Neve Discoverer (The Helicopter Line) - Explore one of New Zealand's stunning West Coast glaciers from the air. Gaze over spectacular ice formations and rugged terrain with breathtaking views of snowy glacial plains. Includes thrilling snow landing on the glacier, with your pilot selecting the best location based on conditions.
Day 06 : Franz Josef to Queenstown
Drive: 350km, approximately 5 hours
Scenic drive through spectacular scenery via Haast Pass and native beech forest. Travel through Mount Aspiring National Park along the historic Māori greenstone route. Pass Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka, and Lake Dunstan before arriving in Queenstown.
Day 07 : Milford Sound Full Day Tour
Glass-Roof Coach & Nature Cruise - Travel alongside Lake Wakatipu through farming countryside to Te Anau. Journey through sheer mountains, towering cliffs, rugged valleys, native rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and glacial lakes. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound viewing Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and wildlife including seals, dolphins, and penguins (seasonal).
Day 08 : Queenstown Adventure Day
Skyline Gondola with Luge - Self-drive from Christchurch through the Canterbury Plains to the rugged West Coast. Cross Arthur's Pass through the Southern Alps with spectacular mountain scenery. Arrive at Franz Josef, home to one of New Zealand's most accessible glaciers.
Shotover Jet - Experience New Zealand's most thrilling jet boat ride through Shotover River Canyons. Speed through narrow gorges with canyon walls towering 200+ meters, executing 360-degree spins just inches from rocky outcrops.
Day 09 : Queenstown to Twizel
Drive: 200km, approximately 2.5 hours
Self-drive through Central Otago and the Mackenzie Country. Arrive in Twizel near Lake Pukaki.
Dark Sky Project - Summit Experience (Evening) - Join New Zealand's premier mountaintop astronomy experience at Mount John Observatory. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the world's largest gold-status dark sky reserve. Expert astronomy guides introduce you to the Southern Skies using sophisticated optical telescopes. An awe-inspiring journey deep into the cosmos.
Day 10 : Twizel to Kaikoura
Drive: 458km, approximately 5.5 hours
Drive via Lake Tekapo (photograph the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd) through the Canterbury Plains to the coastal town of Kaikoura, famous for marine wildlife.
Day 11 : Whale Watching Kaikoura
Whale Watch Kaikoura Cruise (12:45pm check-in) - Board the modern catamaran from The Whaleway Station. Prepare for exciting up-close encounters with Giant Sperm Whales. May also see Humpback Whales (June-July), Hector's and Dusky Dolphins, Orcas (December-March), NZ Fur Seals, Royal Albatross, Petrels, and Shearwaters. Cruise duration approximately 3.5 hours.
Day 12 : Kaikoura to Wellington via Ferry
Drive: 155km to Picton, approximately 2 hours
Drive north to Picton through scenic coastal and vineyard landscapes.
Interisland Ferry: Picton to Wellington (approximately 3.5 hours) - Board the ferry with your vehicle for one of the world's most scenic ferry journeys through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait. Enjoy stunning views of the sounds, open ocean, and Wellington harbor entrance.
Arrive in Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.
Day 13 : Wellington to Taupo
Drive: 380km, approximately 5 hours
Self-drive from Wellington through the Wairarapa region and central North Island to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.
Day 14 : Lake Taupo Exploration
Daily Scenic Cruise to the Maori Rock Carvings - See the majestic Maori Rock Carvings on a comfortable two-storied catamaran. Explore New Zealand's largest crater lake with live commentary from skipper and crew. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and homemade muffin. Activities provided for children including driving the boat and treasure hunts.
Polynesian Spa Lakeview Private Pool - Relax in New Zealand's leading international spa on Lake Rotorua's shore. Enjoy deeply restorative hot mineral spring bathing with stunning lakeside views. On-site café serves fresh juices, gelatos, and smoothies.
Day 15 : Taupo to Rotorua
Drive: 80km, approximately 1 hour
Short scenic drive to Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand's geothermal and Maori cultural region.
Te Puia (Te Rā Guided Tour) - Short scenic drive to Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand's geothermal and Maori cultural region.
Redwoods Nightlights (Evening) - Experience one of New Zealand's top design-led attractions featuring 34 exquisite lanterns by David Trubridge. This 700-meter eco-tourism walk spans 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms floating 9-20 meters above the forest floor.
Day 16 : Rotorua to Auckland via Waitomo and Hobbiton
Drive: 358km, approximately 5 hours (excluding attraction stops)
Short scenic drive to Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand's geothermal and Maori cultural region.
Waitomo Glow-worm Caves - Explore an ancient underground world 30 million years in the making. Boat ride through the glowworm grotto, marveling at thousands of magical glowworms (Arachnocampa Luminosa) unique to New Zealand, radiating luminescent light in a subterranean wonderland. region.
Hobbiton Movie Set - Step into the lush pastures of the Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Guided walking tour past colorful Hobbit Hole doors including iconic Bag End. Visit Bagshot Row for an authentic glimpse of a Hobbit's home interior.
Continue to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city.
Day 17 : Departure from Auckland
Return your rental car at Auckland Airport and depart on your onward flight.