Contrasts of New Zealand: North & South Islands Tour - 17 Days

Highlights

• Cruise the marine reserve off Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel
• Learn more about Maori culture through a cultural show in Rotorua
• Go jet boating and paddle a "funyak" on the Dart River
• Take a heli-flight and land on Franz Josef Glacier

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, Sky Tower Dinner

Welcome to Auckland! Meet your driver at Auckland Airport for a transfer to your hotel. New Zealand's largest metropolis is known as the "City of the Sails" as it's surrounded by water, and sailboats can be seen everywhere. Besides a bustling urban center with chic waterfront promenades, Auckland and its surrounding area is home to 26 regional parks featuring a diverse array of landscapes. These include everything from tropical rainforests to a rugged coastline of volcanic black sand and golden beaches.

After your arrival, you can take it easy or head out into the city to explore. A great way to get oriented in the city is to take a stroll around Waitemata Harbour. Roughly translated to "sparkling waters" in Te Reo Māori, the harbor is a starting point for sailing, cruising, and whale watching excursions. It also connects the main port of the city and Auckland Waterfront to the Pacific Ocean. There, keep a close lookout for the orcas and bottlenose dolphins that regularly visit the waters close to the city.

In the evening, head up the distinctive Sky Tower for an unforgettable dinner with a view at Orbit 360° Dining. The restaurant rotates once every hour, giving diners panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. The restaurant focuses on local and seasonal produce, with meat and seafood dishes that highlight New Zealand's cuisine in a three-course set menu.

Day 2: Waiheke Island Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

One of Auckland's' favorite getaways is pretty Waiheke Island, the second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf. Get a taste of everything Waiheke has to offer with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Stop at one of the island's small-scale vineyards to sample some of New Zealand's most distinguished wines, feel the sand beneath your feet as your stroll along one of Waiheke's pristine beaches, or satisfy your gastronomic urge with a lunch stop at a culinary gem.

If you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, you can take the 1.5-hour scenic tour all in one go. The bus stops at 15 of the island's most iconic spots, including Oneroa Village, Onetangi Beach, and several wineries. 

Day 3: Drive to Whitianga via Coromandel, Driving Creek Railway & Potteries

Pick up your rental car and leave Auckland this morning, traveling roughly three hours through the Waikato countryside and across the Hauraki Plains to the Coromandel Peninsula. Extending from Waihi in the south to Port Jackson in the north, Coromandel's namesake ranges run the length of the peninsula and provide dramatic bush-clad mountain scenery. Pass the Firth of Thames, a sparkling blue bay known for its wildlife, and take a short detour to nearby Miranda to see the large flocks of godwits and oystercatchers.

Arriving in the old gold mining town of Thames, there are two different routes to the east coast of the Coromandel. Take the longer and more scenic route north along the Pohutukawa Coast to Coromandel town. This is one of the most spectacular drives in the region and is not to be missed.

Later in the day, visit the Driving Creek Railway and Potteries, which has become a Coromandel icon. The dream of founder Barry Brickell was to establish a pottery workshop on his land, using a narrow-gauge railway to access the natural clay. He developed the railway over many years until it was licensed to carry passengers in 1990. The one-hour return train trip on the innovative train takes you through replanted native kauri forest and includes spirals, tunnels, and several viaducts as it climbs up to the mountaintop terminus. Pottery is still being produced here, and you can watch the artists at work as well as purchase some items.

Day 4: Cathedral Cove Cruise from Whitianga

Spend today exploring the Coromandel Peninsula's volcanic coastline, with its many beaches and sea caves. Begin your journey at Whitianga Wharf, Australasia's oldest stone wharf. Sail aboard a 28-foot (8.5 m) cruiser, which will take you to Cathedral Cove and its nearby islands. Travel past Shakespeare Cliff and the golden sands of Cooks Beach. Go on a snorkeling excursion in the marine reserve and spot many different species of fish, plus crayfish, stingrays, octopus, kina (sea urchins), dolphins, and orcas. If you'd prefer to stay dry, no worries—enjoy the vibrant underwater scenery on an onboard TV. 

Day 5: Drive to Rotorua via Hobbiton

Head south along the Coromandel Peninsula for about today, passing the idyllic seaside communities of Hahei, Hot Water Beach, and Tairua before turning inland. Continuing south, you'll pass through Paeroa, the home of New Zealand's own soft drink L&P—keep an eye out for the giant bottle. Next is the beautiful Edwardian spa town of Te Aroha, "the Mountain of Love," famous for its hot mineral spas and the world's only hot soda water geyser. 

East of Hamilton, you'll find the rural town of Matamata, aka Hobbit Central. If you're a fan of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," you can visit the locations made famous in the movies at the Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours. The set lies on the 12-acre (4.8 ha) Alexander family sheep farm in the hilly Waikato. Take a short bus ride from The Shire's Rest to the filming location, followed by a two-hour walking tour. Your guide will show you all the intricate sets and tell you stories from the filming of the movies. End the tour at the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary Southfarthing ale, cider, or ginger beer.

Continue your journey to Rotorua (located about three hours from the Coromandel); its geothermal activity becomes evident before you reach the city, as you'll see steam rising from the roadside and surrounding hills, and there's a distinctive sulfur smell! Considered a heartland of Māori culture, Rotorua is an ideal place to gain an insight into New Zealand history and culture, which you'll discover in the coming days.

Day 6: Te Puia Tour & Māori Arts, Amphibious Duck Tour, Redwoods Nightlights

Discover more of New Zealand's geothermal landscapes today in Rotorua. The area is famed for its otherworldly green and orange sulfur pools, bubbling mud baths, and spurting geysers. You'll see all of this at the Te Puia Springs, home to Pohutu Geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day, shooting a plume of scalding water up to 100 feet (30 m) into the sky.

Next, you'll visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre, which is a refuge for native birds, including New Zealand's national emblem, the flightless kiwi. Continue to the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, where you'll learn about carving and weaving techniques from the artists themselves. Rotorua is a heartland of Māori culture and an ideal place to explore this ancient culture.

If you enjoy quirky sightseeing adventures, get ready to take in Rotorua's sights in a whole new way, transported by a WWII-era amphibious Duck! You'll begin in the heart of Rotorua with a city tour, where you'll see the highlights and learn about the area's rich history and diversity. Your guide will also explain the history of the Duck itself. You'll then head out of town to take in magnificent views of Mount Tarawera and the Rotorua Lakes District before you "splash down" into Lakes Tikitapu and Okareka.

In the evening, visit Redwoods Nightlights, an ecotourism walk in the middle of Rotorua's redwood forest. Planted in the early 1900s, some of the California redwoods here are up to 120 years old, and the forest is used for both forestry and recreation. Marvel at the trees' height and the glow from 30 lanterns (created by New Zealand-based designer David Trubridge) that are dispersed across 28 suspension bridges hanging up to 65.6 feet (20 m) above the forest floor.

Day 7: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Mitai Māori Village

Sculpted by thousands of years of volcanic activity, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a showcase of Rotorua's geothermal wonders. Explore this out-of-this-world landscape, which has been shaped by what lies below its surface—one of the most extensive geothermal systems in New Zealand that extends over 7 square miles (18 sq km). You'll experience diverse and wild volcanic features as you walk at your own pace along well-defined tracks. This area is home to the largest mud pool in New Zealand and was originally the site of a large mud volcano, which was ultimately destroyed through erosion in the 1920s.

In the evening, enjoy an authentic cultural experience at the Mitai Māori Village. Through dance, you'll learn the story of how Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa people migrated to the area. Watch warriors in traditional dress paddle a waka (canoe) down the Wai-o-Whiro stream and visit the Fairy Spring, where you might spot glowworms. The tour includes a traditional hāngī meal, in which meat and taro are slow-cooked in an earth oven set in the ground on hot stones.

Day 8: Fly to Queenstown, Skyline Gondola & Luge

Say goodbye to the North Island today as you drop off your rental car in Rotorua and fly south to Queenstown. During the short flight, you might get great views of the Southern Alps, which form the spine of the South Island, as you approach Queenstown. Upon arrival, pick up another rental car and head to your hotel.

Later on, a great way to get to know New Zealand's "Adventure Capital" is to ride the Skyline Gondola, one of the steepest cable cars in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll climb over 1,400 feet (450 m) to Bob's Peak for panoramic views of the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and sparkling Lake Wakatipu. After admiring the views, ride the peak's two hilltop luge tracks, which is both a fun and a scenic adventure. The gondola will take you back down the mountain, or you can hike or bike back down.

Day 9: TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak with Lunch

Take a scenic cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm today on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, one of the last remaining coal-fired passenger ships in the Southern Hemisphere. Originally built on the South Island's east coast in Dunedin, it was dismantled and shipped by rail to Lake Wakatipu, where it's been transporting goods and passengers since 1912. 

Following the 40-minute outward voyage from Queenstown, disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once there, you can sit back on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant and savor the delicious aromas as your chef takes the best local produce and turns it into a magnificent backcountry lunch. Wash it down with a glass of local wine.

Day 10: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

Today starts with a transfer by luxury glass-roofed bus—allowing uninterrupted views of the mountains above—along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to the small settlement of Manapouri. From Pearl Harbour, cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm and then travel by bus over Wilmot Pass, through dense Fiordland rainforest. There are opportunities along the way to examine the plant life and view the spectacular scenery.

Once at Doubtful Sound, board your catamaran, Commander Peak, for a three-hour cruise of the beautiful sound all the way out to the Tasman Sea. From the catamaran, you'll be able to view waterfalls, rainforests, and mountains. Of particular interest, if sighted, are fur seals basking on the rocks or a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins. Rare Fiordland crested penguins can also sometimes be seen. On the return journey, the vessel's engines will be turned off for a while, so you can enjoy the "sound" of silence.

Day 11: Dart River Jet Boating & Funyak Tour

Today's full-day tour begins with a transfer north into the wilds of Mount Aspiring National Park. Hop in a jet boat for an adrenaline-pumping ride down the glacier-fed Dart River. Feel the excitement as you zip along this shallow waterway at high speeds while your daredevil captain performs exhilarating spins. After the thrills, stop on the riverbanks for a stroll and to appreciate the surroundings. The unspoiled wilderness is incredible, featuring snowcapped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. 

Return to the water and continue at a more leisurely pace in an inflatable canoe known as a "funyak." Paddle along a beautiful downstream route as your guide tells you about the geology and history of the Dart River's sparkling channels. You'll break again at an ancient beech forest for a delicious picnic lunch. After, venture into the wilderness and hike to hidden streams, rock pools, and granite river gorges, like the dramatic Rockburn Chasm. Continue downstream to the settlement of Paradise.

This whole region is so attractive that it has served as a shooting location for many films, including "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia," among others. From Paradise, board a bus for a transfer back to Queenstown via scenic backroads.

Day 12: Explore Glenorchy & Arrowtown

Spend today exploring a couple of attractive little towns around Queenstown. The picturesque drive hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu is a major reason to head to the village of Glenorchy. Situated at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is home to a few small and unusual stores and some superb walking tracks.

Another worthwhile place for a short road trip is Arrowtown, one of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand. Set alongside the gold-bearing Arrow River, the town was founded in 1862 during the height of the Otago gold rush. Dozens of pioneer-built cottages, shops, hotels, and churches can still be seen today, and a special highlight is the Chinese settlement at the edge of the river, built by Chinese miners in 1868. In April and May, Arrowtown ignites with color as deciduous trees prepare for winter, and a festival held in the last week of April celebrates the town's seasonal beauty.

Day 13: Drive to Franz Josef / Waiau /via Blue Pools & Haast

Leave Queenstown today for a scenic five-hour drive north. Cross the Crown Range, following the highest sealed road in New Zealand, to arrive in the alpine town of Wānaka. From there, you'll skirt the shores of both Lake Wānaka and Lake Hāwea, then enter the small town of Makarora. A little way past Makarora, stop at the spectacular Blue Pools for a one-hour roundtrip walk through native beech forest to a dazzlingly blue glacier-fed swimming hole.

Day 14: Glacier Heli-Flight with Snow Landing, Hiking, Waiho Hot Tubs

Franz Josef / Waiau is known for the 7-mile-long (12 km) Franz Josef Glacier. The terminal face, or endpoint, of the glacier, is just 3 miles (5 km) from the town, making it an easy stop while you're in town. To get closer to the glacier and even land on top of it, consider taking a helicopter tour. These typically land on the snow high up on a glacier (Franz Josef or another one, depending on conditions) and let you get out for some amazing photos.

If you want to get active, you might want to hike one of the many trails around Franz Josef / Waiau. Visit the Department of Conservation Information Centre in town to plan a hike in the area, as conditions often change. There are many to choose from. Some of the most popular trails include the Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere Walk and Sentinel Rock Walk, which provide views of the glacier. Then there's the Lake Wombat Track and Terrace Walk, which takes you through the forest and past former gold mining operations.

After a busy day, relax with a soak at Waiho Hot Tubs across the road from the DOC center. Fed by a nearby stream and surrounded by bush, the fire-heated tubs are a soothing end to a day around Franz Josef / Waiau, whatever the weather (just make sure to book a hot tub before you arrive!). 

Day 15: Drive to Greymouth via Hokitika, Train to Christchurch

Today's two-hour drive takes you north up the West Coast, past wind-swept beaches and through ancient rainforest. Make sure to leave time to stop in the historic gold-mining town of Hokitika, known for its greenstone (pounamu). Head to Hokitika Beach to take in the endless sea views or pick up a souvenir at one of the many craft shops. Continue to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train. Drop off your rental car before boarding your train to Christchurch. 

The TranzAlpine is considered one of the world's greatest train journeys. Travel from the west to the east of the South Island through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage, you'll see lush beech forest, deep river valleys, and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island and the second-largest in New Zealand.

Day 16: Explore Christchurch, International Antarctic Centre

Following the 2011 earthquake that razed much of its center and outlying suburbs, Christchurch has undergone a multibillion-dollar makeover. There are many historic and refreshed attractions to enjoy here today. Go punting on the Avon River / Ōtākaro, take a historic tram ride along a hop-on hop-off course, catch the gondola to the rim of an extinct volcano, or do all three. See the world's only Cardboard Cathedral and the work-in-progress reconstruction of the ChristChurch Cathedral, and get a breath of fresh air in the renowned Christchurch Botanic Gardens. 

Take the opportunity to visit the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, too, to learn about life in this remote region. The center has a range of interactive experiences: see if you can survive an Antarctic storm, learn what it's like to work on the ice, and get up close to huskies and blue penguins. There's also a 4D cinema with a selection of adventures.

Day 17: Depart Christchurch

It's time to say goodbye to Christchurch today and New Zealand today. Depending on your time of departure, you may have time to do some last-minute souvenir shopping in the morning or enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of Christchurch's trendy new restaurant strips. Once it's time to head to the airport, a driver will collect you and transfer you to your flight. Haere ra and safe travels!

More Great New Zealand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Check out these other New Zealand itineraries, explore different ways to spend 17 days in New Zealand, or discover the best time to visit New Zealand.

A note on diacritical and retroflex markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.