1N Auckland + Auckland City Hotel + Queenstown + Christchurch + Rydges Latimer Square
Day 01 : Arrival in Auckland
Upon landing in Auckland, you will be met at the airport and transferred privately to your hotel. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind and absorb the atmosphere of New Zealand’s largest city. If time permits, a gentle walk along the Viaduct Harbour offers a first glimpse of Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, where sleek yachts and lively restaurants set the tone for your adventure ahead.
Day 02 : Auckland City Explorer
Your exploration of Auckland begins with a 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass, giving you the freedom to discover the city’s highlights at your own pace. The route takes you to Auckland Zoo, where native wildlife thrives, and then up to Mount Eden, a volcanic cone offering sweeping 360-degree views across the city and its twin Harbors. From there, you can stop at Eden Park, the nation’s most iconic rugby stadium, before circling back to the bustling Viaduct Harbour. With short travel times between stops, the day flows easily, allowing you to balance sightseeing with relaxation.
Day 03 : Waiheke Island Experience
Waiheke Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off - Take the ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, just 40 minutes from Auckland. Discover stunning beaches, world-class wineries, olive groves, art galleries, and boutique shops. Explore at your own pace with the hop-on hop-off bus service connecting key island destinations.
Day 04 : Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo & Hobbiton (SIC)
Leaving Auckland behind, you journey south on a guided tour. After about three hours, you arrive at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where a boat ride beneath thousands of twinkling lights creates a magical, otherworldly experience. Continuing for another two hours, you reach Hobbiton, the enchanting movie set nestled in rolling farmland. Here, you wander past 44 hobbit holes, pause at the Green Dragon Inn, and relive iconic moments from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. A picnic lunch is enjoyed en route. By evening, after a further 90-minute drive, you arrive in Rotorua, a town famed for its geothermal wonders and Maori heritage.
Day 05 : Rotorua Cultural & Spa Experience
Today, transfers are not provided, so you will make your own way to each attraction. Begin at Te Puia, where the mighty Pohutu Geyser erupts and Maori performers share traditional songs and dances. In the afternoon, unwind at the Polynesian Spa, soaking in mineral-rich thermal pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. As evening falls, a walk through the Redwoods Treewalk awaits—28 suspension bridges strung among towering 118-year-old trees, softly illuminated to create a magical forest glow. Each site lies within a short drive of Rotorua’s town centre, making the day seamless and immersive.
Day 06 : Rotorua to Queenstown
A private transfer takes you to Rotorua Airport for your domestic flight south. Arriving in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, you are greeted by dramatic alpine scenery and the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu. The evening is free to stroll along the lakeside promenade or enjoy dinner in one of the town’s lively restaurants.
Day 07 : Milford Sound Full-Day Tour (SIC)
An early departure by glass-roof coach takes you on a spectacular journey of around four hours each way. The road winds past Lake Wakatipu, through Te Anau, and into the dramatic Homer Tunnel before opening onto Milford Sound. Here, a nature cruise carries you the full length of the fjord, where sheer cliffs rise from the water, Stirling Falls cascades dramatically, and wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and penguins thrive. A picnic lunch is served on board, and by evening you return to Queenstown, enriched by one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.
Day 08 : Queenstown Adventure Day
Transfers are not provided today, so you will make your own way to the activities. Begin with the Skyline Gondola, ascending 450 meters to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Later, thrill to the famous Shotover Jet, racing through narrow canyons with daring 360-degree spins. Both experiences are within easy reach of central Queenstown, making for a day of adrenaline and awe.
Day 09 : Queenstown Leisure Day
Free day to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Optional activities include lake cruises, wine tours, bungy jumping, skydiving, shopping, or simply relaxing and enjoying the alpine scenery.
Day 10 : Queenstown to Christchurch via Mount Cook (SIC)
Your luxury coach journey to Christchurch unfolds over eight to nine hours, punctuated by scenic stops. The route passes through Kawarau Gorge and Lindis Pass before entering the Mackenzie Country. At Mount Cook Village, beneath New Zealand’s highest peak, you pause to admire the alpine grandeur. Continuing past the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, you visit the charming Church of the Good Shepherd before arriving in Christchurch by evening.
Day 11 : Christchurch City Exploration
International Antarctic Centre & Tramway - Experience the Antarctic Storm chamber, meet Little Blue Penguins, Husky encounters, and ride the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle at the International Antarctic Centre. Explore Christchurch on the heritage tramway with hop-on hop-off access to 18 stops including New Regent Street, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, and Avon River.
Day 12 : Departure from Christchurch
A private transfer takes you from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight. As you depart, you carry with your memories of glowing caves, hobbit holes, geysers, fjords, alpine peaks, and vibrant cities—a journey through the very heart of New Zealand.