14-Day New Zealand Vista Tour from Auckland: Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Mt Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz Josef | Flexible Independent Travel

What you'll experience

Highlights

14 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Auckland

   【Private Transfer from Auckland Airport to your Auckland Accommodation】
   You will be met at the Auckland airport by the driver and transferred to your accommodation.
   【Welcome to Auckland】
   Kia ora! Welcome to Auckland, or Tāmaki Makaurau in Māori, New Zealand's vibrant "City of Sails" and the country's largest metropolitan hub. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Auckland offers something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches, it's a paradise for both thrill-seekers and those looking to explore the city. Discover world-class museums and galleries in the city centre, or unwind in the peaceful Auckland Gardens, where the stunning landscapes highlight New Zealand's unique flora. Take a stroll along the bustling waterfront and enjoy fresh seafood and international cuisine at the Viaduct restaurants. For a truly unforgettable view, head up the SkyTower, New Zealand's tallest structure, for panoramic vistas of the city and its surrounding islands.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Movenpick Hotel Auckland
2. 2

   Day 2 — Auckland - Rotorua

   【Auckland to Rotorua Small Group Tour via Hobbiton Movie Set】
   Departing from Auckland, this journey takes you through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Travel south over the Bombay Hills and through the Waikato region's fertile farmland, passing the charming town of Cambridge. At Shire's Rest, begin your Hobbiton tour, exploring 44 Hobbit holes, the Mill, the party tree, and the Green Dragon Inn, where you'll enjoy a complimentary drink. Capture a photo at Bilbo's house, Bag End, with stunning views of Hobbiton and the surrounding hills before continuing to Rotorua.

   

   Hobbiton

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sudima Lake Rotorua
3. 3

   Day 3 — Rotorua

   【Rotorua】
   Rotorua, located in one of the world's most active volcanic regions, is a natural wonderland filled with hot springs, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers. Beyond its geothermal beauty, the city is steeped in rich Māori history, with several prominent tribes calling it home. A visit to a Māori village is a must, as is a relaxing soak in the natural mineral hot springs at the Polynesian Spa.
   【Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included】
   New Zealand's Most Awarded Cultural Attraction, presenting Te Pā Tū. Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pa (village) blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and a forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pā Tū shares Māori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the Maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Sudima Lake Rotorua
4. 4

   Day 4 — Rotorua - Wellington

   【Transfer from your Rotorua Accommodation to the Rotorua Coach Depot】
   You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Rotorua Coach Depot.

   【Rotorua to Wellington by Coach】
   Your coach journey from Rotorua to Wellington takes you through the town of Taupō and alongside New Zealand's largest lake, a massive volcanic caldera formed during one of the world's biggest eruptions. As you skirt Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you may catch a glimpse of the 2,500-meter peak of the active Mt. Ruapehu, weather permitting. Continuing south, you'll pass through rural towns like Taihape, Mangaweka, and Bulls before reaching the scenic Kapiti Coast, leading you into Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital.
   【Private Transfer from the Wellington Train/ Bus Station to your Wellington Accommodation】
   You will be met on arrival at Wellington train station and transferred to your accommodation.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Ibis Wellington
5. 5

   Day 5 — Wellington - Picton

   【Wellington Museum】
   Located in the historic Bond Store on Wellington's waterfront, the Museum of Wellington showcases the city's rich social and cultural history. Housed in a building dating back to 1892, the museum blends traditional displays with modern technology, including interactive exhibits, holographs, and a giant cinema screen. The museum's collection of over 95,000 items highlights the people and events that have shaped Wellington. The Bond Store itself has been carefully restored, preserving its striking facade, timber beams, and original flooring.

   【New Zealand Portrait Gallery】
   The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata is a small gallery which tells the stories of New Zealanders through the art of portraiture. The Gallery is located in Shed 11 on Wellington's waterfront.
   【City Gallery Wellington】
   Showing art that is sometimes challenging and always captivating from some of the world's leading artists, City Gallery Wellington is known for world-class exhibitions of contemporary New Zealand and international art. It is located in Te Ngākau Civic Square.
   【Private Transfer from your Accommodation to the Ferry Terminal】
   You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the ferry terminal in time for your ferry check-in.
   【Ferry Wellington to Picton】
   The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton, often called "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world", takes about 3 hours. As the ferry leaves Wellington Harbour, it passes notable landmarks, including Pencarrow Head, home to New Zealand’s oldest lighthouse (1859), Red Rocks, where a seal colony resides, and Oterangi Bay, the site of the country's highest recorded wind speed of 268 kph (167 mph).
   Crossing the Cook Strait, you'll enjoy stunning views of the Kaikōura Ranges on the South Island, with dolphins and sea birds frequently spotted. About an hour of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds, a breathtaking region of bush-clad mountains, small islands, clear waters, and secluded bays perfect for photography. The journey ends in the picturesque town of Picton, after passing through Queen Charlotte Sound.

   【Transfer from the Picton Ferry Terminal to your Picton Accommodation】
   You will be met at the Picton Ferry Terminal and transferred to your accommodation.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Beachcomber Inn Picton
6. 6

   Day 6 — Picton - Christchurch

   【Transfer from your Picton Accommodation to the Picton Coach Stop】
   You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the Picton Coach Stop.
   【Picton to Christchurch by Coach】
   From Picton, travel south on State Highway 1 towards Blenheim, located in the heart of New Zealand's largest wine-producing region, Marlborough. As you cross the dry hills of the Marlborough Ranges, you'll approach the stunning Kaikoura Coast, one of the South Island's most scenic areas. The road runs along the shore for about 50 kilometres, offering plenty of opportunities to spot native wildlife, including seabirds and New Zealand fur seals, before continuing south to your final destination, Christchurch.
   【Private Transfer from Lichfield St stop to your Christchurch Accommodation】
   A private transfer will collect you from the coach stop and transfer you to your accommodation.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Fable Christchurch
7. 7

   Day 7 — Christchurch - Mt Cook

   【Christchurch to Mt Cook via Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour - Lunch Included】
   This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the area with the famous Lake Tekapo, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier. The ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt Cook. Led by famously passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge and run in modern, comfortable minibuses packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

   

   Lake Tekapo

   

   Mount Cook National Park

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Hermitage Hotel Room Mount Cook View
8. 8

   Day 8 — Mt Cook - Dunedin

   【Mt Cook to Dunedin Transfer】
   In the afternoon, you'll be picked up from your accommodation in Mt Cook Village for the journey to Dunedin. The trip includes a brief stop in Omarama, followed by a scenic tour of the historic Whitestone Precinct in Oamaru. Next, enjoy a guided walk along Koekohe Beach to see the famous Moeraki Boulders before continuing to Dunedin, where you'll be dropped off at your accommodation.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
9. 9

   Day 9 — Dunedin - Te Anau

   【Dunedin to Te Anau Transfer】
   The drive to Te Anau takes you through picturesque Southland farmland, passing the peaceful river town of Balclutha, the largest town in South Otago, which offers a variety of shops and services. Balclutha is known for its distinctive arched concrete bridge, under which flows the powerful Clutha River, popular for year-round salmon and trout fishing. Continuing inland, you'll pass the small town of Clinton before reaching Gore, the official home of country music, also famous for excellent fly fishing, with the Mataura River and many other productive streams nearby. Enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you head east toward Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
10. 10

    Day 10 — Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

    【Milford Sound Cruise with Return Luxury Coach Transfers from Te Anau, and onto Queenstown】
    From Te Anau, you'll travel by coach along the stunning Milford Road, with photo stops along the way into Milford and additional stops, including a short walk, on the return journey. Your knowledgeable driver will share insights about the area. Upon reaching Milford Sound, you'll board a cruise that takes you along the full length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise offers fantastic views, allowing ample time to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. Throughout the journey, the friendly crew provides commentary in several languages and highlights key sights, including Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.

    

    Milford Sound

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
11. 11

    Day 11 — Queenstown

    【Queenstown】
    Queenstown, known in Māori as Tāhuna, is renowned as New Zealand's "adventure capital", though it offers much more than just adrenaline-pumping activities. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath the towering Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a wealth of historic, gastronomic, and scenic attractions. Whether you're seeking a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, Queenstown has the perfect trail for you, including the Queenstown Gardens, Ben Lomond Track, and Queenstown Hill Walking Track. For stunning views, take the Queenstown Gondola up to Bob's Peak. Enjoy waterfront cafes, al fresco dining, the famous Fergburger, or indulge in a dessert at Patagonia Chocolates.
    【TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner】
    Experience a classic Kiwi evening with a gourmet BBQ buffet and farm demonstration at the historic Walter Peak High Country Farm. Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship, taking in stunning views. At the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant, enjoy a seasonal menu featuring local produce, succulent meats, and fresh vegetables. Finish with delicious desserts, New Zealand cheeses, tea, and coffee. After dinner, watch a sheep-herding demonstration and visit the farm animals. Conclude your evening with a scenic cruise back to Queenstown under the stars.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
12. 12

    Day 12 — Queenstown - Franz Josef

    【Queenstown to Franz Josef Transfer】
    Leaving Queenstown, travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Travel across the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, the landscape changes dramatically. Welcome to the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines and powerful waterfalls. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your base for exploration of the area.
    【Glacier Valley Shuttle】
    A Glacier Shuttles representative will meet you at your accommodation and take you on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle will travel up the Franz Josef Valley to the road end, where you can walk to a viewing platform for a closer look at the glacier or enjoy one of the short walks in the area. Afterwards, you'll be returned to your accommodation by Glacier Valley Shuttles.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
13. 13

    Day 13 — Franz Josef - TranzAlpine Scenic Train - Christchurch

    【Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station Transfer】
    Head north from Franz Josef to the historic gold mining region of Hokitika. Known for its Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone) this seaside town has a rich history dating back to the 1860's. Continue to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast and the starting point for the next leg of your journey - the TranzAlpine Scenic Train.
    【TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch】
    Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
    【Shared Transfer from the TranzAlpine Railway Station to your Christchurch Accommodation】
    On arrival at the Christchurch railway station, you will be met by a driver and transferred to your accommodation.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Fable Christchurch
14. 14

    Day 14 — Christchurch

    【Private Transfer from your Christchurch Accommodation to the Christchurch Airport】
    A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

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