New Zealand Explorer: Road Trip Across the North & South Islands - 11 Days

Highlights

• Take a scenic flight above the Southern Alps and land on Haupapa / Tasman Glacier
• Relax among fjords during a nature cruise in Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
• Celebrate Maori history and culture with a special dinner and show in the forest
• Wander on suspended pathways between giant redwoods in Rotorua

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Christchurch, Explore the Garden City

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand's South Island! Your adventure begins in Christchurch, the country's second-largest metropolis. Upon arrival, you'll pick up a rental car, drop your bags at the hotel, and then set out to explore. Today and tomorrow are yours to experience New Zealand's Garden City, which is well known for its green spaces like Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens. For something imbued with history, you could join a punting tour down the Avon River / Ōtākaro led by guides in Edwardian costume.

Or explore Christchurch aboard one of the city's 19th-century trams, which trundle past Cathedral Square and the Canterbury Museum. You can take a sightseeing tour by day, or hop on a historic colonial-style tram after dark for an elegant dining experience while exploring the city's landmarks. Dress up and enjoy the sights from your window-side table while tucking into a three-course meal.

Day 2: Free Day in Christchurch

Settled within the Canterbury Plains on the Pacific coast, Christchurch has always been an ideal jumping-off point for visiting the South Island. Today is yours to continue exploring the city, and you could visit some new landmarks from its billion-dollar, post-earthquake makeover, like the impressive Cardboard Cathedral. If you want to dive into history, the Canterbury Museum helps you discover the city's unique past through interactive displays and artifacts.

In the afternoon, you could relax at a café or bar at Oxford Terrace or ride a gondola to the rim of an extinct volcano. Get out of the city and go wine tasting at the vineyards in Waipara, learn about modern Antarctic exploration at the International Antarctic Centre, or visit the open-range Orana Wildlife Park. If you drive an hour in any direction, you can find yourself skiing, mountain biking, wine tasting, whale watching, bungee jumping, or golfing. In the evening, explore pubs and live music in the city, or seek out a show at the historic Isaac Theatre Royal.

Day 3: Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Scenic Flight & Glacier Landing

Leave Christchurch behind this morning and drive four hours west to Aoraki / Mount Cook, which sits at the base of its namesake mountain (and New Zealand's highest peak at 12,315 ft/ 3,754 m). Along the drive, you'll cross the Canterbury Plains, travel over undulating sheep country to Fairlie, ascend to Lake Tekapo, and skirt the western shore of Lake Pukaki. 

This afternoon you'll take in the spectacular Southern Alps from the sky. See the Hochstetter Icefall as you fly beneath the face of Mount Cook and along the length of Haupapa / Tasman Glacier before making a landing. Silence here will only be broken by the rumbling of an avalanche and the creaking of the snow and ice beneath your feet. Later, when darkness falls, you'll make the most of the International Dark Sky Reserve. Join a tour to use state-of-the-art telescopes to see the clear, star-studded skies of the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and nearby Mackenzie Basin.

Day 4: Drive to Wānaka, Lake Wānaka Cruise & Walk

Get back on the road today for the 2.5-hour drive to Wānaka, which takes in more awe-inspiring scenery. Follow the edge of Lake Pukaki, where you can pause to explore hiking trails on foot or keep driving toward Twizel, the location of many film scenes from "The Lord of the Rings." You'll wind through the beautiful Lindis Pass, one of New Zealand's highest roads with a summit of 3,185 feet (971 m), before reaching Wānaka, the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. It's also one of New Zealand's premier ski destinations, close to Treble Cone and Cardrona ski fields.

This afternoon you'll explore Lake Wānaka, an expansive lagoon with five islands, including the must-see Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve. Take a 35-minute boat ride to the scientific reserve, home to native New Zealand wildlife. The island's most famous feature is the Arethusa Pool. Climb to the top of Tyrwhitt Peak to see the best views. From up here, you'll also enjoy panoramic vistas of Lake Wānaka and the surrounding glacial mountains and valleys. Take a break for tea or coffee before heading back down the track to rejoin the cruise to the mainland.

Day 5: Drive to Queenstown via Arrowtown

Later this morning, drive over New Zealand's highest sealed road—Crown Range Road—before dropping into Arrowtown for some old-world charm and a delicious lunch. This classic gold-rush town, located just 40 minutes from Wānaka, is a step back in time. The gold rush of the 1800s enticed miners from Europe and China to the Otago region, who built the cottages, shops, hotels, and churches of this historic settlement. After lunch, take a walk along the Arrow River, through the town center, and visit the Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement and the Lakes District Museum.

From Arrowtown, it's just a short 20-minute drive to Queenstown. You'll pass Lake Hayes before you catch your first glimpse of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown, the adventure-sports capital of the world and the place to chase hair-raising thrills, from sky diving and extreme bungee jumping to jet-boating and ziplining. Use your whole day to enjoy the drive from Wānaka to Queenstown, giving you time to stop for spontaneous walks and photo opportunities. 

Day 6: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Full-Day Adventure

With towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and dramatic mountain scenery, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is a must-see when on the South Island. Carved by glaciers during the Ice Age, the fjord stretches for 9 miles (15 km) and is surrounded by peaks, such as Mitre Peak, which rises 5,550 feet (1,692 m). Today you'll board a bus and journey south to experience Fiordland National Park for yourself. 

Sit back and enjoy the ride, taking in panoramic views and stopping to take pictures en route. Once at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, you'll board a scenic cruise to experience the scenery from the water. On your two-hour nature cruise, you'll soak up the magnificent landscape and see wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and penguins. Get up close to impressive geological features and feel the full force of the powerful 15,000-year-old Stirling Falls. You'll enjoy lunch on board and then return to Queenstown by bus after the cruise.

Day 7: Half-Day Macetown 4WD Tour, Wilderness Jet

Hop in a 4WD vehicle this morning for a fun off-roading adventure north of Queenstown. You'll follow an old miners' wagon trail to Macetown, a historic mining settlement that dates back to 1862 when gold was discovered here in the Arrow River. Soak up landscapes used in the "The Lord of the Rings" films en route, then explore relics of the well-preserved settlement. In Macetown, there are restored 19th-century structures, including a battery, bakehouse, and cottage, as well as the remains of a schoolroom and stone fences. You'll even try gold panning in the Arrow River.

Later, the thrills continue with one of Queenstown's most exhilarating activities. You'll step aboard the Wilderness Jet for a spectacular journey deep into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park. Gain a new perspective on the landscape as you follow winding, glacier-fed rivers by jet boat. Along the way, you'll experience thrilling 360-degree spins and hear about the area's rich history and countless Māori legends. Return to Queenstown for the evening, and book somewhere for dinner with a cozy fireplace.

Day 8: Fly to Auckland, Harbor Dinner Cruise

Swap the South Island for the North Island today when you drop off your rental car in Queenstown and board a flight to Auckland, an urban paradise squeezed between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. On arrival, collect another rental car and drive to your accommodation in the city. New Zealand's largest metropolis is known as the "City of the Sails," as it's surrounded by water, and sailboats are everywhere. Use the rest of today to explore the vibrant and diverse city as you wish.

You could take a stroll around the marinas and admire more than 500,000 sailboats and yachts. Just make sure you have time to pop back to the hotel to refresh ahead of tonight's memorable dining experience on the water as you sail around Auckland's Waitematā Harbour. Watch the city twinkle after the sun dips below the horizon. You'll be treated to a drink and canapés as you set off toward Westhaven Marina, followed by the main course. Finish the evening with a tasty dessert as you sail back to central Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

Day 9: Drive to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves, Māori Feast & Performance

After breakfast, get behind the wheel again and three hours south to Rotorua, New Zealand's famous geothermal city. This is one of the world's most active volcanic regions, with bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and natural hot springs. As you journey into the heart of the North Island, stop to explore the impressive underground caverns of the Waitomo Caves. Here, a vast 30 million-year-old cave network filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and glowworms begs to be explored. Embark on a gentle boat trip and glide beneath a galaxy of tiny living lights, then continue to Rotorua.

This evening, you're invited as a manuhiri (guest) at Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village). Settle into an enchanting space surrounded by towering tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheater for a four-hour celebration of Māori history and culture. An opening ceremony kicks off with kai horotai (appetizers). Listen to stories and songs and watch dance performances, then follow your Māori guide by torchlight to your three-course hākari (feast). 

Day 10: Redwoods Treewalk, Drive to Auckland via Hobbiton

This morning you'll explore a forest of redwood trees in a unique way. Follow a special treewalk suspended via ecologically-friendly engineering between majestic 100-year-old redwoods. You'll walk along a series of suspension bridges and living decks, which sit between 20 and 40 feet (6 to 12 m) above ground. When you've had enough time immersed in nature, it's time to return to Auckland. On the three-hour drive, you'll pass through J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional Middle-earth and the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Stop to explore Bilbo's house and drop into the Green Dragon Inn to sip ale, cider, or ginger beer. Back on the road, you'll continue north through lush Waikato dairy farms and over the Bombay Hills to Auckland. If there's still daylight, you could scale the 1,075-foot (328 m) Sky Tower with its dizzying observation deck, or make your way to Mount Eden, one of Auckland's 48 volcanic cones.

Day 11: Depart Auckland

Your epic adventure to New Zealand has come to an end. If you have time before your flight, use your morning to take a walk through the city or soak in one of the nearby beaches. When the time is right, drive to Auckland Airport with enough time to return the rental car ahead of your departing flight. Safe travels!

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