Essential New Zealand

Sample Itinerary (Subject to change).

Day 1: Depart Canada

Depart today, you will cross the International Dateline and ‘lose’ a day (don’t worry you get it back on your way home.

Day 3: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand

Haere Mai – welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand).  On arrival, make your way to  your Auckland city hotel. The remainder of your day is at your leisure.

Days 4-6: Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and is known as the ‘City of Sails’.  Surrounded by water, Auckland offers many harbor cruises, ferry trips to nearby small islands like Waiheke and Rangitoto and exploring quiet black-sand beaches. It is also within easy reach of wineries, hiking trails, zip-lining and more. The city’s diverse population includes influences from Maori, European, and Asian cultures that provides a range of great dining experiences around the city.

You have three days to explore Auckland and during your stay we have included the following experiences: All Blacks Experience guided tour – discover the story and feeling the passion behind the All Blacks haka, then test your rugby skills in the interactive zone. We have also included a 48-hour hop on hop off transport pass for an introduction to the city and you may choose to access top attractions (entrance is additional cost) such as Sky Tower, Auckland Art Gallery, Newmarket, Parnell village, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Bastion Point and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium.

Day 7: Auckland – Rotorua

Leave Auckland and travel south through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions to Rotorua. On the way you will explore Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm for a 2-hour guided tour of the amazing 12-acre movie set. Step into the lush pastures of ‘the Shire’, visit 44 hobbit holes and hear about the making of the movies. Continue south to the geothermal area of Rotorua, passing through the tiny town of Tirau (the corrugated iron sculpture capital of the world) and stunning Fitzgerald Glade. On arrival at your Rotorua hotel, the rest of your day is at your leisure.

Days 8-10: Rotorua

You have three days to explore the Rotorua region, known for its combination of unique geothermal activity, rich Maori culture and outdoor adventures. Rotorua is a great place to experience bubbling mud pools, active geysers, beautiful forests and lakes.  The adventures here include immersing yourself in local culture and outdoor activities such as walking, luge rides, zorbing, ziplining, mountain biking and rafting. There are many ways to experience the geothermal elements from guided cultural introductions to a hot soak in one of the many pools.

We have included the following excursion one day during your stay: Whakarewarewa Village tour – explore an authentic living Māori village, the geothermal wonders of Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley including the world-famous Pōhutu geyser, boiling mud-pools, steam vents and bubbling pools. See historical landmarks and buildings, including an active Marae (meeting grounds and focal point of Maori communities), WWII Memorial Archway, historic churches and tapu (sacred) burial grounds.

Day 11: Rotorua – Queenstown

Today you will head to your final stop in New Zealand in the South Island.  Fly from Auckland to Queenstown.  On arrival make your way to your hotel and the rest of your day is free.

Days 12-14: Queenstown

You have three days to explore Queenstown as you please.  Aside from its stunning lakeside location and picturesque Southern Alps backdrop, Queenstown is renowned as an adventure playground for good reason. From the thrill of jetboating bungy jumping or riding the luge, to back country 4×4 adventures, wine trails and a vintage steamship ride to a high country fare, the options here really are endless.

During your stay in Queenstown, we have included the follow experiences for you: Scenic Queenstown Gondola ride – take a cable car up 480m to Bob’s Peak.  Here you will enjoy spectacular views of lake Wakatipu, the town, The Remarkables mountain range including Coronet, Walter and Cecil Peaks. Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park tour – depart early, travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular alpine route of the Milford Road through impressive, awe-inspiring scenery. Upon arriving in Milford, board a cruise to the mouth of the fiord, stopping at various points for viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Enjoy scenic highlights such as Mitre Peak and Pembroke Glacier.

Day 15: Depart Queenstown, New Zealand

Your kiwi adventure comes to an end today.  Make your way to Queenstown Airport to start your journey home.

Optional ideas to enhance your New Zealand Trip:

Adventure Package, add from $485pp

Includes: Waiheke Island Ziplining including ferry (Auckland), Redwood forest Treewalk (Rotorua) and Jetboat wilderness safari (Queenstown)

Food & Wine Package, add from $799pp

Includes: Urban foodie walking tour (Auckland), traditional style Maori dinner & cultural experience (Rotorua), Boutique wine tour including lunch (Queenstown).

Private Transfers Package, add from $440pp

Includes: Four private airport transfers in Auckland, Rotorua and Queenstown

Want to extend your trip or customise a different New Zealand vacation itinerary? Contact our destination specialists, this is what we do best!

Browse other popular sample New Zealand trips for inspiration:

Bay of Islands Escape – 4 day Tour

New Zealand Uncovered – 17 day Guided Tour

Kiwi Experience – 21 day Guided Tour

NZ Walks Adventures – 13 day Walking & Hiking

Best of New Zealand – 19 day Road Trip