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- Destination: New Zealand
- Duration: 13 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Experience the ultimate North & South Island journey on this expertly crafted 13-day Best of New Zealand tour, designed to showcase the country’s most iconic landscapes, vibrant cities, and cultural treasures in one seamless itinerary. From the cosmopolitan energy of Auckland and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua to the cinematic Hobbiton Movie Set and the glowing caves of Waitomo, the North Island reveals New Zealand’s rich Māori heritage and natural diversity. Traveling south, cross the scenic Cook Strait to discover the South Island’s dramatic alpine scenery, turquoise lakes, and pristine wilderness.
This classic North & South Island tour of New Zealand takes you through Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park, and the adventure capital of Queenstown, with unforgettable highlights including Milford Sound, Lake Wanaka, and stargazing in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Carefully balanced with guided sightseeing and free time, the journey allows you to personalize your experience with optional activities such as whale watching in Kaikoura, winery dining in Marlborough, glacier flights, and adventure sports. Ideal for first-time visitors, couples, and luxury travelers, this private and bespoke tour offers a complete and immersive way to explore both islands of New Zealand in comfort and style.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1
Auckland
Arrival
2
Aukland - Rotorua
Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata
3
Rotorua - Taupo
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
4 - 5
Wellington - Blenheim
Wellington Free Exploration, Ferry to South Island
6
Kaikoura
Free Exploration with Various Optional Activities: Whale Watching, Sea Fishing, Crayfish BBQ
7
Christchurch
City Sightseeing Tour
8
Lake Tekapo
Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
9
Mt. Cook
Mount Cook National Park
10 - 13
Queenstown
Lake Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Free Day
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Auckland – Begin Your North & South Island Journey
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and the starting point of your unforgettable North & South Island tour. After a private airport transfer, settle into your hotel and recover from your flight. If time permits, stroll along Viaduct Harbour, explore Queen Street, or enjoy harbor views from the Sky Tower area. Auckland’s mix of urban life and coastal scenery offers a gentle introduction to the North Island.
Highlights: Private airport transfer, Auckland city exploration, Viaduct Harbour, Sky Tower views
- Auckland
- Day 2: Auckland – Hobbiton Movie Set – Rotorua
Travel through rolling countryside toward Matamata to visit the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set, one of the most iconic filming locations in New Zealand. Walk through charming hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and beautifully maintained farmland. Continue to Rotorua, a highlight of the North & South Island New Zealand itinerary, known for bubbling mud pools, geysers, and deep-rooted Māori culture. Optional evening hot springs or cultural performances enhance your experience.
Highlights: Hobbiton Movie Set tour, Waikato countryside drive, Rotorua geothermal wonders, Māori cultural experiences
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- Rotorua
- Day 3: Rotorua – Waitomo Glowworm Caves – Lake Taupo
This day showcases the natural wonders of the North Island. Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves on a guided tour, drifting beneath a ceiling illuminated by thousands of glowworms. Continue your scenic drive to Lake Taupo, formed by a volcanic eruption and surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Enjoy lakeside walks, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints as part of your North & South Island journey.
Highlights: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, underground boat ride, Lake Taupo scenery, volcanic landscapes
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- Lake Taupo
- Day 4: Lake Taupo – Wellington
Travel south through scenic countryside to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Known for its arts, café culture, and stunning harbor setting, Wellington offers a perfect blend of culture and scenery. Visit Te Papa National Museum, take the cable car for city views, or relax along the waterfront. This stop connects the North Island portion of your North & South Island tour.
Highlights: Scenic North Island drive, Wellington city sightseeing, Te Papa Museum, harbor waterfront views
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- Wellington
- Day 5: Wellington – Picton – Blenheim (South Island Entry)
Cross the Cook Strait by ferry, enjoying spectacular coastal scenery as you transition from the North Island to the South Island, a signature moment of the North & South Island New Zealand tour. After arriving in Picton, drive to Blenheim in the Marlborough wine region. Optional winery visits and gourmet dining experiences highlight the region’s world-class reputation.
Highlights: Cook Strait ferry crossing, South Island arrival, Marlborough wine region, optional winery dining
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- Blenheim
- Day 6: Blenheim – Kaikoura
Continue along the dramatic South Island coastline to Kaikoura, a town famous for marine wildlife and scenic beauty. Kaikoura is a must-see destination on any North & South Island itinerary, offering optional whale watching, dolphin encounters, or deep-sea fishing. Enjoy fresh local seafood, especially the region’s renowned crayfish.
Highlights: Scenic coastal drive, whale watching option, marine wildlife, Kaikoura crayfish
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- Kaikoura
- Day 7: Kaikoura – Christchurch
Drive south to Christchurch, known as the Garden City and cultural hub of the South Island. Enjoy a guided city tour featuring the Botanic Gardens, Avon River, historic architecture, and modern urban redevelopment. Christchurch adds cultural depth to your North & South Island New Zealand experience.
Highlights: Christchurch city tour, Botanic Gardens, Avon River, cultural landmarks
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- Christchurch
- Day 8: Christchurch – Lake Tekapo
Travel through the Canterbury Plains toward the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, one of the most photographed locations in the South Island. Located within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo offers breathtaking scenery by day and remarkable stargazing by night. This is a standout experience on the North & South Island tour.
Highlights: Canterbury Plains drive, Lake Tekapo turquoise waters, Dark Sky Reserve, stargazing experience
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- Lake Tekapo
- Day 9: Lake Tekapo – Mount Cook National Park
Journey into the heart of the Southern Alps to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak. Enjoy scenic walks, glacier viewpoints, or optional helicopter flights over alpine terrain. This day highlights the raw natural beauty that defines the South Island section of your North & South Island itinerary.
Highlights: Mount Cook National Park, Southern Alps scenery, glacier viewpoints, optional scenic flights
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- Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
- Day 10: Mount Cook – Lake Wanaka – Queenstown
Continue your scenic drive past alpine lakes and mountain passes to Lake Wanaka, known for its peaceful beauty and outdoor activities. After photo stops and leisure time, proceed to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Nestled on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a major highlight of the North & South Island New Zealand tour.
Highlights: Lake Wanaka photo stop, alpine scenery, Queenstown arrival, Lake Wakatipu views
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- Queenstown
- Day 11: Queenstown – Free Day
Enjoy a full free day to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Choose from adrenaline-filled activities like jet boating or bungy jumping, or enjoy relaxed experiences such as vineyard tours, scenic gondola rides, and lakeside dining. This flexibility makes the North & South Island tour suitable for both adventure seekers and leisure travelers.
Highlights: Free day in Queenstown, adventure activities, vineyard tours, scenic gondola ride
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- Queenstown
- Day 12: Queenstown – Milford Sound Day Excursion
Embark on a full-day excursion to Milford Sound, one of the most iconic natural attractions in New Zealand. Travel through Fiordland National Park and cruise along the fjord, surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife. This unforgettable experience is a highlight of any North & South Island New Zealand itinerary.
Highlights: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound cruise, waterfalls, wildlife viewing
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- Queenstown
- Day 13: Queenstown – Departure
Your incredible North & South Island New Zealand tour concludes today. Enjoy leisure time before your private transfer to the airport. Depart with unforgettable memories of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and extraordinary natural beauty.
Highlights: Private airport transfer, end of North & South Island journey, departure from Queenstown
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