
New Zealand: Peaks, Lakes & Legends
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Day 1* – Auckland Arrival
Arrive in Auckland and settle into your hotel. Take it easy with a walk along the harbourfront or relax at a waterfront café before an early night.
Overnight: Auckland -
Day 2 – Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo & Hobbiton
Head south through the Waikato countryside. Stop at Waitomo’s glowworm caves and the Hobbiton movie set before arriving in Rotorua.
Overnight: Rotorua -
Day 3 – Rotorua & Lake Taupo
Discover Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents. Continue to Lake Taupo to see Huka Falls and relax by the lake.
Overnight: Rotorua -
Day 4 – Explore Rotorua & Surroundings
Take a day trip into the Redwood Forest for gentle walks or adventure trails. In the afternoon, enjoy a soak in natural mineral pools or take a boat cruise on Lake Rotorua.
Overnight: Rotorua -
Day 5 – Rotorua to Wellington via Tongariro
Travel south through Tongariro National Park, pausing for short walks with views of volcanic peaks. Continue to Wellington and enjoy the harbour front and vibrant dining scene.
Overnight: Wellington -
Day 6 – Ferry to South Island, Nelson & Abel Tasman
Sail across Cook Strait into the Marlborough Sounds, then continue to Nelson and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. Evening free to settle in.
Overnight: Abel Tasman -
Day 7 – Abel Tasman National Park
Spend the day exploring Abel Tasman’s golden beaches, turquoise bays, and lush forest trails. Options include sea kayaking, coastal hiking, or a boat cruise.
Overnight: Abel Tasman -
Day 8 – Abel Tasman Leisure
Enjoy a slower day — swim, relax by the coast, or take another gentle hike in the national park. Sunset at Kaiteriteri Beach is a highlight.
Overnight: Abel Tasman -
Day 9 – Abel Tasman to Franz Josef Glacier
Travel down the wild West Coast to Franz Josef. Stroll through lush rainforest before catching your first glimpse of the Southern Alps and icy glacier valley.
Overnight: Franz Josef -
Day 10 – Franz Josef Glacier Adventure
Join a guided walk, scenic flight, or heli-hike to explore the dramatic glacier. The afternoon is free to relax in hot pools or explore the small alpine village.
Overnight: Franz Josef -
Day 11 – Franz Josef to Queenstown
Journey south past rugged coastlines, mountain passes, and sparkling lakes before arriving in Queenstown, set against the Remarkables. Evening free to explore.
Overnight: Queenstown -
Day 12 – Milford Sound Day Trip
Drive through Fiordland’s dramatic scenery to Milford Sound. Cruise beneath towering cliffs and waterfalls before returning to Queenstown in the evening.
Overnight: Queenstown -
Day 13 – Queenstown Adventures
Ride the Skyline Gondola, cruise Lake Wakatipu, or choose adrenaline-packed activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, or rafting.
Overnight: Queenstown -
Day 14 – Queenstown to Wanaka
Travel over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Enjoy lakefront walks, the famous Wanaka Tree, or nearby vineyards.
Overnight: Wanaka -
Day 15 – Wanaka to Mount Cook
Head into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Hike the Hooker Valley Track for stunning views of glaciers, alpine rivers, and New Zealand’s highest peak.
Overnight: Mount Cook -
Day 16 – Mount Cook Exploration
Spend the day on alpine trails or take a scenic flight over snow-capped peaks and turquoise lakes. Evening stargazing under some of the world’s clearest skies.
Overnight: Mount Cook -
Day 17 – Mount Cook to Christchurch
Travel via Lake Tekapo, with a stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd and a chance to enjoy the vivid turquoise lake. Continue across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Overnight: Christchurch -
Day 18 – Departure from Christchurch
Spend a relaxed morning in the Garden City before transferring to the airport for your onward journey
*Note: This plan is just a starting point. We can tweak the pace, add or skip experiences, and even combine different destinations to suit your preferences