Best of New Zealand | 12 Days North & South Island Experience

Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days

Location: New Zealand

Destinations: 1D Auckland , 2D Rotorua , 1D Christchurch , 2D South Island , 3D Queenstown , 1D South Island , 2D Christchurch

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Auckland | Day at Leisure

Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival, get transferred to your hotel. Check in and spend the day at your leisure. You can explore Cornwall Park, which offers a view of the beautiful gardens and the chance to see grazing sheep. You can visit Piha Beach, known for its black sand and rugged cliffs. Rangitoto Island, the city's youngest and largest volcano, provides hiking trails with stunning panoramic views. You can also explore other attractions. Later, return to your hotel for an overnight stay

Day 2 - Transfer to Rotorua | En Route Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set

After checking out of your hotel, you will be transferred to Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Begin with a boat ride through the stunning caves, where thousands of glowworms light up the dark cave walls like stars. Continue to dive into the magical world with a visit to the Hobbiton movie set. Explore the iconic man-made sets from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, including the Hobbit Holes, The Mill, and more. Later, get transferred to the hotel in Rotorua. Check in for an overnight stay.

Day 3 - Visit Waimangu Geothermal Valley and Redwoods Treewalk

Today, get ready to explore the iconic attractions of Rotorua. You will be transferred to Waimangu Geothermal Valley to begin your day exploring the vibrant geothermal landscapes, shaped by Mt. Tarawera's 1886 eruption. Continue to the Redwoods Treewalk, enjoying views from 25 meters above the forest floor. Marvel at the illuminated tree ferns and the 120-year-old Californian redwood trees. Later, board your transfer back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 4 - Arrival in Christchurch | Day at Leisure

After checking out, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival, you'll be driven to your hotel. Check in and spend the day at your leisure. You can explore Quake City to learn about the impact of the 2010–2011 earthquakes or explore the historic Riccarton House set amidst lush gardens. You can explore other attractions like the Air Force Museum, Isaac Theatre Royal, etc. Later, return to the hotel on your own for an overnight stay.

Day 5 - Arrival in Glacier Region | Day at Leisure

After checking out, you'll be transferred to the Glacier Region, passing through Arthur's Pass National Park, known for its rugged mountains, and the vast Canterbury Plains. Upon arrival, get transferred to your hotel. Check in and spend the day at your leisure. You can explore the Tatare Tunnels Walk to see glow worms or relax in the Glacier Hot Pools, surrounded by forests. You can also visit the Fox Glacier Glow Worm Forest. Later, return to the hotel on your own for an overnight stay.

Day 6 - Tour to Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers in South Island

Today, get ready for an exciting helicopter tour. You can experience the stunning Fox and Franz Josef Glacier views. Soar above and marvel at the pristine blue ice, cascading waterfalls, and towering peaks from a breathtaking vantage point. Then, explore the unique ice formations and crevasses up close. Learn about the glaciers' history and geology. Conclude your adventure with a return flight, and capture the panoramic views of this beautiful landscape.

Day 7 - Arrival in Queenstown | Day at Leisure

After checking out of your hotel, you'll be transferred to Queenstown. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the day at your leisure. You can explore Lake Wanaka, known for its serene, lush green views. Then, you can visit the Shotover River, famous for thrilling jet boat rides. You can experience Puzzling World, with its mind-bending illusions and labyrinths, or hike the Blue Pools Track to enjoy lush green landscapes. Later, return to your hotel on your own for an overnight stay.

Day 8 - Day at Leisure

Today, you can explore Queenstown at your own pace. You can explore the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views and then enjoy the thrilling Luge Ride. You can also visit the Walter Peak High Country Tour, which includes a scenic boat cruise across Lake Wakatipu and a farm tour. Visit Mole Lake for serene landscapes and explore Glenorchy, known for its stunning scenery. Later, return to your hotel on your own for an overnight stay.

Day 9 - Day Tour to Fiordland National Park

Today, get ready to explore Fiordland National Park and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty. You can board the Milford Sound Cruise to experience the stunning views of this World Heritage Site. Admire the dramatic Stirling Falls, cascading gracefully into the fjord, and marvel at the towering Mitre Peak, which rises sharply from the water. Enjoy the serene landscapes and the majestic fjords. Later, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 10 - Arrival in Mt. Cook | Day at Leisure

After checking out of your hotel, you'll be transferred to Mt. Cook. En route, experience the scenic view of Lake Pukaki along the way. Upon arrival at Mt. Cook, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. You can enjoy thrilling activities such as skydiving, which offers stunning aerial views of the alpine landscape, or heli-hiking, which provides a unique perspective of Mt. Cook’s rugged terrain. Later, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 11 - Arrival in Christchurch | Day at Leisure

After checking out of your hotel, you will be transferred to Christchurch. En route, enjoy the scenic views of Lake Tekapo. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Check in and spend the day at your leisure. You can visit Hagley Park, known for its big lawns and gardens. You can explore the Avon River for a scenic view of the waterways. Afterward, you can visit Riccarton House, the Canterbury Museum, and other attractions. Later, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 12 - Departure Day

In the morning, check out of your hotel and get transferred to the airport. This marks the end of your trip.

Trip Highlights

  • Savor breathtaking landscapes from fjords to hills, perfect for adventures and stunning views of New Zealand’s diverse terrain.
  • Witness glowworms light up dark caves, creating a magical, starry effect underground with unique bioluminescence.
  • Explore Hobbiton, the charming movie set with iconic scenes from Middle-earth, and relive the magic of "The Lord of the Rings.".
  • Discover Waimangu’s geothermal marvels, including vibrant hot springs and steaming fumaroles in the world’s youngest volcanic system.
  • Experience breathtaking ice treks on Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, marveling at stunning blue ice and rugged landscapes.

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