Best of Lake Tekapo

Drive at your own pace on the South Island and enjoy plenty of scenic stops along the way

New Zealand Honeymoon Road Trip on the South Island - 7 Days

Get ready for an outdoorsy honeymoon that ticks off the best of New Zealand's South Island. Start in Queenstown, where you'll see the world-famous Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, then grab a rental car and start your road trip. At Lake Tekapo, soar above national parks and glaciers aboard a scenic flight, followed by stargazing. Continue to Akaroa, a wild peninsula where you'll meet friendly dolphins and penguins, and stay in a remote glass cabin. End in Christchurch with a foodie walking tour before departure.

Stay two nights in Wanaka where you'll have free time to hike

New Zealand South Island Nature Tour - 8 Days

This adventurous eight-day road trip across New Zealand's South Island combines a number of unforgettable nature experiences. Pick up a rental car in Christchurch, then venture south to the therapeutic hot pools at Lake Tekapo. Capture views over Aoraki / Mount Cook and Westland National Park with a scenic flight, then leap from a plane above beautiful Wanaka. Finally, discover enchanting glowworm caves in Te Anau, and embark on a mesmerizing fjord cruise across Milford Sound / Piopiotahi.

Enjoy a mix of guided excursions and free time to choose your own hiking adventures

Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip & Tekapo Trek - 20 Days

From glaciers and natural pools to kayaking and whale watching, this epic 20-day road trip through New Zealand has something for everyone. Discover the country's best from north to south, beginning in Auckland and finishing on the island of Te Anau. Highlights along the journey include wineries, wildlife tours, a three-day mountain trek, glowworm caves, lake and fjord cruises, stargazing excursions, and so much more!

The Remarkables Ski Resort on New Zealand's South Island

New Zealand's South Island Ski Safari - 15 Days

This 15-day ski safari dashes between six of the best ski slopes on New Zealand's South Island. Wake to fresh powder at The Remarkables, Coronet, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Mt Hutt, and Roundhill ski fields. Between snow days, you'll soak in natural thermal pools, go hiking, and experience the best après-ski in the country.

New Zealand's Shotover River Canyon, Queenstown

Mini South Island Adventure - 6 Days

Adventure awaits on this self-driving tour of some of New Zealand's most sought-after natural wonders and attractions. Your six-day exploration starts in Queenstown, where you can view the city via gondola or take a jet boat through nearby Shotover River Canyons. From there, you'll cruise scenic Milford Sound, then hit the road toward Lake Tekapo. The tour wraps up with a visit to Christchurch City, where you'll stroll through botanical gardens, take a tram ride, or go punting on the Avon River.

New Zealand's North & South Islands: Auckland to Queenstown - 12 Days

Discover a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers on this 12-day tour through New Zealand's North and South Islands. Take a cruise across Auckland's scenic harbors, enter the magical world of Hobbiton, and stand in awe at Rotorua's geysers. Experience the remarkable stillness of Milford Sound, then head into the backcountry to find Lake Tekapo and take a zip line ride over Wanaka before heading back to civilization in the second city of Christchurch.

A father snaps pics of his children on holiday in the Botanic Gardens in Christchurch, New Zealand

New Zealand Family Road Trip: South Island Mountains & Lakes - 7 Days

This itinerary leads your family through some of the South Island's most striking scenery, with plenty of fun along the way. As you make your way from Christchurch to Queenstown, kids and adults alike will love getting up close to native seabirds, meeting farm animals, and swimming in thermal pools. Gondola, boat, and plane trips will further pack your week with family-friendly adventure!

North to South New Zealand Family Trip: Nature, Cities & Adventure - 14 Days

Start your family trip in New Zealand off on a high with a three-course meal atop the 1,000-foot Sky Tower in Auckland. Zip through Rotorua's native forest via zip lines, swing bridges, tree platforms, and trails before taking a rail cart tour through farm country, at the end of which you'll be treated to a plowman's lunch and a visit to lavender fields. Introduce your children to the night sky at a stargazing workshop, and finish your trip by swimming with dolphins in Akaroa.

Father with his daughter at the Dunedin Railway Station

New Zealand Family Nature & Wildlife Tour: Christchurch to Queenstown - 14 Days

This action-packed, two-week South Island itinerary offers a wealth of wildlife and nature-based experiences that families will enjoy, whether the kids are toddlers or teens. Swim with (or just look at) rare dolphins near Christchurch, explore mountainous farmland in the Southern Alps, see colonies of albatross and penguins near Dunedin, take a glowworm tour in Te Anau, and see the great outdoors in Queenstown with luging and jet boating adventures.

Rent a car on both islands of New Zealand during this two-week honeymoon

New Zealand Honeymoon Road Trip: North & South Islands - 14 Days

Combine nature, sightseeing, and relaxation with this two-week New Zealand honeymoon road trip. You'll tick off both the North and South islands, starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch. Start by exploring geothermal wonders and Maori culture in Rotorua, followed by a sunset hike in Tongariro and free time in Wellington. Then, fly south to Queenstown to cruise through the remote Doubtful Sound, discover glowworm caves in Te Anau, and soar above Aoraki / Mount Cook.

Drive your way from east to west while exploring the South Island's best national parks and attractions

New Zealand's South Island Active Honeymoon - 14 Days

This New Zealand honeymoon is perfect for fit and active newlyweds who love the great outdoors. You'll spend two weeks road-tripping from Christchurch to Queenstown, stopping in Akaroa, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, and Te Anau en route. Along the way, take part in kayaking, cycling, hiking, and jet boating across the South Island. Of course, a romantic holiday should include relaxation, so you'll float in hot pools, stargaze beneath snowy peaks, and cruise across Milford Sound / Piopiotahi.

New Zealand: North to South - 14 Days

Discover the best of New Zealand on this 14-day road trip, covering highlights from north to south, as well as the lesser-known regions. Immerse yourself in varied landscapes, including the spectacular surfing spots of Raglan, geothermal areas of Rotorua, and glacial fjords in Te Anau. Along the way, you will also visit vineyards and encounter native wildlife as you hike, paddle, and fly your way across the country.

Explore New Zealand's oldest park, Tongariro National Park

New Zealand North & South Island Road Trip - 15 Days

From the cosmopolitan cities and raw geothermal activity of the North Island to the stunning landscapes and heart-pumping thrills of the South, this 15-day self-drive itinerary squeezes the best experiences out of New Zealand. Fly over Milford Sound, helicopter over an active volcano, and ride the scenic TranzAlpine train with this luxury itinerary packed with adventure.

Trek the icy terrain atop Tasman Glacier on this eight-day itinerary

New Zealand Snow & Soak Adventure: Christchurch to Queenstown - 8 Days

Enjoy plenty of outdoor activities on this scenic, wintry eight-day journey through New Zealand. Start by exploring Christchurch's urban gardens, then head to Lake Tekapo for a glacier hike and stargazing. Visit Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and cruise on Tasman Glacier Lake as you drive to Twizel. Next, continue to Wanaka for a hot tub experience, ski trip, and happy hour cruise. Finish off in Queenstown, where you can try bungee jumping, jet boating, and wine tasting.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a full-day hike on the North Island

New Zealand Culture & Nature Tour: Auckland to Queenstown - 16 Days

Active types will love this 16-day road trip, where you'll discover the diversity, cultural heritage, and thrilling adventures that make New Zealand a truly remarkable destination. First, bounce from the vibrant city of Auckland to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Then hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing before flying to the South Island to experience the glow worms of Te Anau. Finish with a fjord cruise, followed by two nights in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Spend a few days hiking and biking around Wānaka

Active Road Trip on New Zealand's South Island - 18 Days

Explore the wonders of New Zealand's South Island with this action-packed 18-day road trip. Journey at your own pace through breathtaking landscapes such as Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and Hokitika Gorge. Try adrenaline-pumping activities in Queenstown—like bungee jumping—and join a heli-hike to the Franz Josef / Waiau Glacier. You'll also bike on the West Coast Wilderness Trail and catch a scenic train to Christchurch to finish the adventure.

New Zealand Cities, Mountains & Lakes Road Trip - 17 Days

Experience a bit of everything on this 17-day self-drive tour through New Zealand's North and South Islands. Strike out from Auckland on an epic road trip south, traveling through the North Island's agricultural, geothermal, and wine-producing heartland. Along the way, stop for wine-tasting, glowworm kayaking, and a Maori cultural experiences. From Wellington, take the ferry to the South Island, where you'll hike on glaciers, cruise on remote waterways, and enjoy the vastness of the empty landscape.

Travel at your own pace as you explore national parks, like Aoraki / Mount Cook

New Zealand Self-Drive Loop in the South Island - 20 Days

Spend 20 unforgettable days driving around one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world: New Zealand's South Island. You'll begin the loop in Christchurch, then continue to scenic Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki for stargazing and outdoor adventures. Visit the Scottish-style city of Dunedin before moving on to the island of Te Anau. Enjoy urban sightseeing in adrenaline-fueled Queenstown before exploring glaciers and hot springs on the island's north end to finish the itinerary.

The Southern Alps overlooking Lake Tekapo

New Zealand's Natural Wonders: Auckland to Queenstown - 12 Days

Experience what New Zealand is known for—its natural beauty—on this luxurious 12-day road trip. View gulfs and glaciers from seaplanes and helicopters, and breathe in the sulfurous fumes of Hell's Gate Thermal Valley in Rotorua. Hike between towering volcanoes in the Tongariro National Park before soaking in mountain-water hot tubs with nothing but the birds, mountains, and lakes for company. Finish off your stay in one of the world's top lodges overlooking the snowcapped Southern Alps.

The Church of the Good Shepherd with the Milky Way in the background.

South Island Self-Drive City & Nature Highlights - 12 Days

There's no shortage of iconic destinations on New Zealand's South Island, from nature reserves to bustling metropolises. Explore a few of the best spots on this 12-day, self-drive itinerary across the island. Get your fill of cosmopolitan cafés, museums, and architecture in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Queenstown, and connect with nature and the boundless night sky at Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, and the Otago Peninsula.

The drive toward Hawkes Bay takes you to a landscape of world-class wineries and independent farms

Sustainable New Zealand Road Trip: An Eco-Friendly Journey from Auckland to Queenstown - 13 Days

New Zealand is a fabulous country for a road trip, with scenery that makes the journey truly the destination. This 13-day itinerary is geared up for electric vehicles to make your trip more sustainable. As you wind your way south from Auckland to Queenstown, you'll enjoy meals from ingredients harvested on-site, wine purchased from the source, and increasingly eco-friendly and carbon-neutral activities on a trip that seeks to both showcase and preserve New Zealand's powerful natural heritage.

View from Lake Pukaki toward Aoraki / Mount Cook

Nature-Packed New Zealand Family Road Trip: Wellington & the South Island - 14 Days

This two-week New Zealand adventure is perfect for families who love wildlife and the outdoors. Starting at Wellington's groundbreaking nature sanctuary, head south through Kaikoura, Christchurch, Tekapo, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Wanaka, and Queenstown. Along the way, you'll climb glaciers, swim with dolphins, stargaze, whale watch, and have a whole lot of fun!

See Milford Sound / Piopiotah by boat and plane on a scenic, all-day adventure

New Zealand North to South Highlights - 14 Days

Eager to explore the vast beauty of New Zealand without driving? This two-week itinerary uses convenient transfers, buses, and flights to ensure you experience the country's top highlights, from cities to countryside. Start in Auckland and travel south to the wonders of Rotorua before flying to the South Island. Take a dramatic bus trip from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo, then continue to Queenstown and Franz Josef / Waiau Glacier. Finally, ride the TranzAlpine Scenic Train back to the city.

Finish the honeymoon road trip in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world

Ultimate New Zealand Winter Honeymoon - 14 Days

This New Zealand honeymoon road trip combines the best of the country's North and South islands into one brilliant winter vacation. Over 14 days, you'll fly above world-famous sights such as Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, experience the beauty of glacial valleys and turquoise lakes up close, and learn about the night sky while floating in a natural hot spring. You'll also see the mountains around Lake Tekapo covered in snow and finish the trip with a relaxing—and private—onsen experience in Queenstown.

You'll visit New Zealand's best wine regions between Auckland and Queenstown

New Zealand North & South Islands Food & Wine Road Trip - 15 Days

Best for food and wine lovers, this self-guided road trip spans nearly the entire length of New Zealand for the adventure of a lifetime. From Auckland, you'll make your way south through key wine regions while partaking in meals on land, tram, and boat, including a traditional Maori feast and a farm dinner on the South Island. The itinerary also visits top natural attractions with free time to enjoy activities ranging from easy hiking trails to paragliding over Queenstown.