Highlights
- Climb the Sky Tower and go ziplining on Waiheke Island while in Auckland
- Venture to the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set
- Visit Aoraki / Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo on the drive to Queenstown
- Hit the slopes at two ski fields in Queenstown, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak
- Soar above the Southern Alps with a scenic 50-minute helicopter flight
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Auckland, Sky Tower, Ferry to Waiheke Island, EcoZip Adventures | Auckland |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Rotorua via Hobbiton, Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance | Rotorua |
| Day 3 | Fly to Christchurch, Historic Tram Dinner | Christchurch |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Queenstown via Aoraki / Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo | Queenstown |
| Day 5 | Full-Day Remarkables Ski Field, Skyline Gondola | Queenstown |
| Day 6 | Full-Day Coronet Peak Ski Field | Queenstown |
| Day 7 | Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Full-Day Adventure | Queenstown |
| Day 8 | Scenic Helicopter Flight, Wilderness Jet | Queenstown |
| Day 9 | Depart Queenstown |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, Sky Tower, Ferry to Waiheke Island, EcoZip Adventures
Welcome to beautiful New Zealand! You've landed in Auckland, where a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Drop your bags and 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." A great way to get your bearings is with a trip up the 1,075-foot-tall (328 m) Sky Tower. Stand on the observation deck to take in 360-degree views of Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori name for Auckland).
Day 2: Transfer to Rotorua via Hobbiton, Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance
Today you'll transfer three hours south to Rotorua, New Zealand's famous geothermal city. This area is one of the world's most active volcanic regions, and you'll find bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and signs pointing to natural hot springs. Your scenic journey also passes through J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional Middle-earth. Set in the heart of the Waikato region's farmland, you'll reach The Shire and the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can explore Bilbo's house and drop into the Green Dragon Inn to sip ale, cider, or ginger beer before continuing on to Rotorua.
This evening, you're invited to feast on song, drama, tradition, and seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest pa (village), a space of towering trees and blazing bonfires. Te Pā Tū (formally called Tamaki Māori Village) shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across four hours of celebration and food. Upon arrival, share seasonal kai horotai (delicacies) such as roasted tuna, paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, and foraged greens.
Day 3: Fly to Christchurch, Historic Tram Dinner
Head to the airport this morning by private transfer and catch a quick two-hour flight to the South Island, landing in Christchurch. Transfer to your hotel and settle in, then head out for a stroll to get your bearings in this walkable city. After a remarkable rebirth from the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, the urban center is full of new secrets, from modern architecture and vibrant street art to cocktail bars and bustling restaurants.
This evening, you'll board the country's only restaurant tram for a scenic urban tour while enjoying a four-course meal. This historic, colonial-style dining tram showcases the best of New Zealand cuisine while making the rounds of central Christchurch's top attractions. Enjoy the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum, and the Avon River / Ōtākaro from your window-side table as you dine on local gourmet fare.
Day 4: Transfer to Queenstown via Aoraki / Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today you'll travel from Christchurch to Queenstown on a small-group tour that detours to Aoraki / Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo. It's a six-hour direct drive, so expect an early start since you'll stop along the way. Admire the impressive Canterbury Plains as you drive to the quaint town of Geraldine for morning tea. Next, you'll pause at sparkling blue Lake Tekapo and snap a photo of the popular Church of the Good Shepherd. Turning west, the van will enter Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, and the pristine blue Lake Pukaki will begin to emerge with the Southern Alps.
You'll have 2.5 hours of free time in the national park. Use it to admire Aoraki / Mount Cook (New Zealand's highest peak) and trek the Tasman Lake walk, which freezes over in the winter. The track leads through the glacier's old terminal moraines with amazing views of the glacier, river, and lake. Continue to Queenstown, pausing at a local salmon farm, where you can feed the fish and sample the freshest salmon. Then, climb the Lindis Pass and wind down through the valleys to Queenstown, passing the stunning Kawarau Gorge and stopping at the famous Roaring Meg Lookout.
Day 5: Full-Day Remarkables Ski Field, Skyline Gondola
It's wintertime and you've woken up in New Zealand's adventure capital—which makes it a great day to go skiing! Every ski field is blessed with magnificent views, but the vistas from The Remarkables might be the best in New Zealand. Today you'll hit the slopes of the famous mountain range, which overlooks Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. After breakfast, the NZSki bus will pick you up at the hotel and return you at the end of a huge day, navigating a great network of wide, gentle slopes and mega mountain runs.
While on the mountain, make sure you take a spin on the purpose-built snow tubing lanes before warming up with a steaming hot chocolate at Remarkables Café. If you have time later, take a scenic ride on the Skyline Gondola, one of the steepest cable car lifts 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.
Day 6: Full-Day Coronet Peak Ski Field
Challenge yourself on exciting terrain in some of the best conditions in the Southern Hemisphere today with a day of skiing at Coronet Peak. This ski field near Queenstown is Mother Nature's theme park, offering gripping trails and even night skiing so you can experience the snow in a whole new light. This popular ski resort offers trails for every level, plus there's après-ski for when you've had enough snow time.
After you've had your fill of skiing, enjoy live music at the base building, wet your whistle with a hot chocolate at Heidi's Hut, or take a 20-minute shuttle back to Queenstown and enjoy the many restaurants and bars there.
Day 7: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Full-Day Adventure
Known for its spectacular mountains, waterfalls, and rainforests, the dramatic landscape of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is unmissable on any New Zealand itinerary. On today's full-day, small-group tour, you'll ride in a bus to the launch point. Sit back and enjoy views of the gorgeous Fiordland National Park. Once at Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, you'll board a boat and set out across the fjord to enjoy views of thundering waterfalls, sky-high mountains, lush rainforests, and Mitre Peak.
As you cruise across the fjord landscape, enjoy fun and informative commentary from your nature guide and see plenty of off-the-beaten-track spots away from the crowds. Along the way, keep an eye out for fur seals, penguins, and occasionally dolphins. After, you'll return to Queenstown the same way.
Day 8: Scenic Helicopter Flight, Wilderness Jet
Discover the winter wonderland of the soaring Southern Alps and Mount Aspiring National Park on a scenic 50-minute helicopter flight this morning. Your captain will take you high above the dramatic icy landscape, showing you the ancient icefalls of glaciers. You'll land in the snow and feel on top of the world, surrounded by stunning snowy mountain peaks. From the sky, you'll witness Lake Wakatipu's northern shores, covered valleys, unparalleled views of Mount Aspiring, and the mighty Rees and Dart River valleys.
Later, the thrills continue with one of Queenstown's most exhilarating activities. You'll step onboard 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 special for a final evening by the fire.
Day 9: Depart Queenstown
It's time to say goodbye to New Zealand. If you have time before your flight, squeeze in a morning walk along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. At the appointed time, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to the airport in time for your departing flight. Safe travels!
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