Highlights of Aotearoa: New Zealand's North & South Islands - 18 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, Free Time

Welcome to New Zealand! Your driver will be waiting at Auckland Airport to transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to relax before heading out to explore New Zealand's largest city, which sits on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. With two bustling harbors, it's not hard to see why Auckland is nicknamed the "City of Sails."

Choose your activities for the rest of the day according to your time of arrival and your energy levels after your flight. For supreme views of Auckland, ride to the observation deck of the 1,075-foot (328 m)-tall Sky Tower, or make your way to the top of Mount Eden, one of the city's 48 volcanic cones. Stroll around the flower-filled Wintergardens in the Auckland Domain and learn about the city's Polynesian and European roots at the nearby Auckland War Memorial Museum. For dinner, delve into Auckland's world-class dining scene that is heavy on seafood and Asian influences.

Day 2: Ferry to Waiheke Island, Gourmet Food & Wine Tour

After a good night's sleep, start your first full day in Auckland with a scenic 40-minute cruise through the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. This little island is one of Auckland's favorite rural escapes, and with its pretty beaches and copious vineyards, it's not hard to see why. Enjoy a food and drink-focused tour of Waiheke, sampling locally-produced specialty foods like succulent fresh oysters and award-winning olive oil—accompanied, of course, by wines from some of the island's top boutique vineyards. A platter lunch at one of Waiheke's top vineyard restaurants is included.

Day 3: Auckland's Bush & Beaches Full-Day Tour

Experience the best sights of Auckland City this morning. Travel up Queen Street, through Auckland's Central Business District, past Auckland University, and through the inner city park known as the Domain. Continue on through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, with its historic buildings, before heading over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to the North Shore. Stroll on one of the beautiful white-sand beaches and grab a coffee before continuing up to the summit of Mount Victoria, with its panoramic views of Auckland and historic Devonport.

After lunch, travel 18 miles (30 km) from downtown Auckland to the city's largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges. Visit the Arataki Centre, perched high on the ridge of the ranges, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Admire the magnificent traditional Māori carvings before continuing on to the lush rainforest, where you can walk the easy bush tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand's famous kauri trees. Head to a beach to experience the rugged coastline of West Auckland and feel the black sand beneath your feet.

Day 6: Forest Canopy Tour, Hell's Gate Experience, Redwoods Nightlights

Get active today with an optional three-hour canopy tour through Rotorua's native forest. Explore an extensive network of trails, tree platforms, swing bridges, and ziplines. Take in sweeping views of the dense forest and surrounding hills along the way. You'll be accompanied by a guide who'll share their passion and knowledge of the forest. 

In the afternoon, check out some more of Rotorua's geothermal star attractions at Hell's Gate. Take part in the guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk before plunging into the geothermal mud to experience the healing properties that local Māori have been using for more than 800 years. Diving into the warm mud will open and clear your pores. Follow this with a deeply cleansing sulfur spa that will gently exfoliate your skin.

In the evening, visit Redwoods Nightlights, an eco-tourism walk in the middle of Rotorua's redwood forest. Planted in the early 1900s, some of the California redwoods in this area 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: Fly to Wellington, Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary Night Tour

Say goodbye to Rotorua as you fly south today to Wellington, New Zealand's capital at the bottom of the North Island. You'll be transferred to the airport for the approximately one-hour flight and then picked up at the other end and taken to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and recharging your batteries for this evening's activity.

Tonight, visit one of New Zealand's top conservation attractions, Zealandia. Located on the edge of Wellington, the 555-acre (225 ha) reserve has been restored to its natural state with no mammalian predators, so it's a haven for some of the country's rarest native birds, reptiles, and insects. Your tour begins with an interactive exhibition, followed by a guided, torch-lit walk through the bush. You may spot tuatara lizards hunting for food, Maud Island frogs, parrots, and glowworms lighting up the bush. This is also one of the best places to see kiwis in a wild environment; over 100 live here freely inside the protected valley. 

Day 8: Wellington City Tour, Foodie Experience

Spend today getting to know New Zealand's quirky capital, truly a city with something for everyone. Not only a center of government but also of art, culture, food, fashion, and fun. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (better known just as Te Papa) is popular with all age groups, and don't forget the fascinating Wētā Workshop, home to props and costumes from movies such as "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," and "Avatar." If you'd like to head to a beach, check out nearby Island Bay or Lyall Bay, or even just Oriental Bay right in the city.

In the afternoon, find out why Wellington is known as New Zealand's culinary capital on a 90-minute food-focused walking tour. Try regional cheeses, honey, and chocolates at specialty shops, and then enjoy a meal paired with New Zealand wines at a local restaurant. 

Day 9: Ferry to Picton, Transfer to Blenheim, Wineries Tour 

Today you'll cross the Cook Strait to the South Island, riding the ferry to the small town of Picton. The 57-mile (92 km) journey takes around three hours and has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. Leaving Wellington Harbour, you'll pass many interesting spots, such as Pencarrow Head, on top of which is New Zealand's oldest lighthouse, from 1859. Red Rocks is home to a seal colony and Oterangi Bay is the site that recorded the country's highest-ever wind speed of 167 mph (268 kph).

From the Cook Strait, spectacular views of the Kaikōura Ranges on the South Island greet you and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and a diverse range of seabirds. The last hour of the ferry crossing takes you through the Marlborough Sounds, a region with bush-covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters, and secluded bays, so keep your camera on hand. At the end of Queen Charlotte Sound, the cruise comes to a stop in Picton.

After your arrival in Picton, you'll be transferred overland to Blenheim, about 30 minutes' drive away. Surrounded by row upon row of vines, Blenheim is in the heart of the Marlborough wine region, famous for its world-class wines. Enjoy an afternoon among the vines on a wine tour. Visit three or four carefully selected wineries to taste the award-winning produce this region is known for. You'll also hear about the history of winemaking in Marlborough and learn about the unique processes each winery uses. 

Day 10: Marlborough Sounds Seafood Cruise

As well as wine country, Marlborough is known for the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, which you got a glimpse of on the ferry ride from Wellington. Today, return to enjoy an afternoon seafood cruise on the sounds. This is prime mussel-farming territory, thanks to its calm, clean waters, and you'll see the barrels of many sheltered mussel farms. Learn about seafood farming, take in the stunning scenery, and sample some fresh local seafood with a glass of award-winning Marlborough wine.

Day 11: Coastal Pacific Train: Blenheim to Christchurch

Leave the car behind today as you head south along the coast on the Coastal Pacific train journey, which travels between Picton and Christchurch, the South Island's largest city. This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikōura Range on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Along the way, pass through the village of Kaikōura. Look out for dolphins, seals, and penguins from the comfort of your train carriage.

After about five hours you'll arrive in Christchurch, where a driver will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure and perhaps take a stroll in the city to find dinner—you won't be short of excellent options in Christchurch.

Day 12: Explore Christchurch

Get to know Christchurch today, a city known for its green spaces such as Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens—you'll soon see why it's nicknamed the "Garden City." Take a tour down the Avon River / Ōtākaro led by guides in Edwardian costume, or ride one of the city's 19th-century trams past Cathedral Square, under reconstruction after being damaged in the 2011 earthquake, and the Gothic-revival Canterbury Museum.

If you have a head for heights, you might opt to start the day with a hot-air balloon ride. Fly above the fertile Canterbury Plains and enjoy views all the way to the Southern Alps. Your day will begin with an early start since ballooning is best at sunrise when the weather is the calmest, and you can make the most of the beautiful morning light. Ballooning is a hands-on experience, and you'll be encouraged to assist with the set-up and pack-up of the balloon itself. Chilled champagne, orange juice, and a light snack will then be served. The flying time is approximately one hour.

Day 13: TranzAlpine Train to Greymouth, Transfer to Franz Josef / Waiau

Hop back on board a train today for your journey across to the West Coast. This time you'll take the TranzAlpine, a scenic train ride through the Southern Alps, across Arthur's Pass, and ending in the coastal city of Greymouth. From your carriage, you'll see the fields and farmland of the Canterbury Plains, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the mountains before descending through the lush beech forest to Greymouth. The journey takes about five hours. 

You'll be met in Greymouth for the journey farther south along the West Coast to Glacier Country. Pass through the historic gold rush town of Hokitika, taking a detour to the spectacular Hokitika Gorge, a turquoise-colored river surrounded by bush-clad cliffs. Continue the journey south, passing many lakes and wide, braided mountain rivers along the way. If the weather's clear, catch a glimpse of the Franz Josef Glacier / Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere as you arrive in the village of the same name, Franz Josef / Waiau.

Day 14: Explore Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef / Waiau, a small town on the Waiho River, is known for the 7-mile-long (12 km) glacier. The terminal face, or endpoint, of the glacier is just 3 miles (5 km) from the town, making it one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. While it has retreated alarmingly over the last couple of decades, there are still various ways of getting a look. Hike to one of several viewpoints near the glacier, or take an unforgettable helicopter ride to get aerial views. Some rides even land at the top of the glacier when conditions are good. 

Day 15: Transfer to Queenstown via Haast Pass & Wānaka

Join your driver and cross back over to the other side of the Southern Alps today on a spectacular road trip that's among New Zealand's best. Heading south from Franz Josef / Waiau, you'll pass through the second glacier town, Fox Glacier. Continue on the road south, running parallel to the coast and sometimes coming within sight of the ocean. Enjoy the ocean views from the Knights Point Lookout, and make a stop at beautiful Ship Cove, where you may see rare Hector's dolphins playing in the surf. At Haast village, cross the wide Haast River and turn inland toward the Haast Pass.

The drive across the mountains offers many opportunities to stop to admire waterfalls, as well as the stunning Blue Pools near Makarora, which are a one-hour return walk. Keep going past Lakes Wānaka and Hawea to reach the town of Wānaka before heading over New Zealand's highest road, the Crown Range Road, and dropping into Queenstown. This drive should be planned as a whole day to really enjoy the scenery and to allow time to explore the walks, with the many stops en route.

Day 18: Depart Queenstown

It's time to say goodbye to Queenstown today. Depending on your time of departure, you may have time for a final walk along the lakeshore or to do some last-minute souvenir shopping. In good time for your flight, your driver will transfer you to your hotel. Queenstown has one last treat for you, though, as the lake and mountain views as you depart are spectacular. Safe travels!

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