A classic journey through the very best of New Zealand.
From Auckland's harbour and island lifestyle to geothermal Rotorua, Māori culture, alpine landscapes, Queenstown and the spectacular Milford Sound, this journey brings together the essential experiences of both islands.
Designed for first-time visitors and families who want to experience New Zealand comprehensively without rushing, the journey balances iconic sights with time to relax and enjoy the places along the way.
Arrive in Auckland and settle into your accommodation overlooking the city, harbour or waterfront.
Enjoy a relaxed welcome and private transfer, followed by an easy afternoon to recover from your journey.
Stay: Auckland
Begin with Auckland's harbour and waterfront before taking a short ferry journey to Waiheke Island.
Explore vineyards, coastal landscapes and secluded beaches. Enjoy a long lunch overlooking the vines before returning to Auckland in the late afternoon.
Experience: Waiheke wine & island lifestyle
Stay: Auckland
Travel south through the Waikato countryside towards Rotorua.
Along the way, visit the Hamilton Gardens or enjoy a relaxed countryside lunch before continuing to Rotorua.
In the afternoon, discover the geothermal landscape of bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and volcanic lakes.
Stay: Rotorua
A full day dedicated to Rotorua's Māori culture and geothermal heritage.
Visit a geothermal reserve and experience a Māori cultural programme featuring traditional storytelling, performance and cuisine.
The evening can be arranged around a private dining experience or a traditional hangi.
Stay: Rotorua
Depart Rotorua for Lake Taupō.
Take time to explore the lakefront and visit Huka Falls, where the Waikato River narrows dramatically through a natural gorge.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or arrange a private boat experience on Lake Taupō.
Stay: Taupō
Continue south through the central North Island before arriving in Wellington, New Zealand's capital.
Spend the afternoon exploring the waterfront and Cuba Street, or visit Te Papa for an introduction to New Zealand's history, culture and identity.
Stay: Wellington
Fly to Christchurch and begin your South Island journey.
Explore the city's gardens, riverside precinct and contemporary cultural spaces.
The evening is free for a relaxed dinner in one of Christchurch's distinctive restaurants.
Stay: Christchurch
Travel south through the Canterbury Plains and the Mackenzie Basin.
The landscape gradually changes from farmland to turquoise lakes and dramatic alpine mountains.
Arrive at Aoraki / Mount Cook and settle into one of New Zealand's most spectacular mountain environments.
Stay: Aoraki / Mount Cook
A day among the Southern Alps.
Choose between an easy alpine walk, a scenic flight, glacier experience or simply enjoying the views from your lodge.
The evening is deliberately unhurried, allowing time to experience the extraordinary night sky of the Mackenzie region.
Stay: Aoraki / Mount Cook
Travel through Lindis Pass and Central Otago towards Queenstown.
Arrive in Queenstown in the afternoon with time to explore the lakefront, boutique shops and restaurants.
Stay: Queenstown
A day to experience Queenstown at your own pace.
Choose from a private lake cruise, winery experience in Gibbston Valley, scenic helicopter flight or a relaxed day exploring Arrowtown and the surrounding countryside.
Stay: Queenstown
Travel into Fiordland National Park through dramatic mountain scenery, native rainforest and alpine valleys.
Cruise Milford Sound beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls before returning to Queenstown.
For a more exclusive experience, a scenic flight option can be arranged.
Stay: Queenstown
Enjoy a final morning in Queenstown before flying back to Auckland.
Spend the afternoon at leisure or enjoy a final waterfront dinner.
Stay: Auckland
Private transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward journey.
Journey Ends
Private or small-group travel
Carefully selected accommodation
Flexible daily pacing
Local experiences and dining
Tailored activities and excursions
Auckland arrival and departure
14 Days · North & South Islands · Private & Tailored
Helen
+64 27 888 5887 (WhatsApp available)
antugroupnz@gmail.com
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