One of the most popular and comprehensive nationwide tours. 19 days through the North and South Islands, running Auckland to Christchurch. Along the way: Auckland, Bay Of Islands, Ninety Mile Beach. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.
18 nights accommodation
1 meal included
Trip highlights
Included in your price
Auckland
Bay Of Islands
Ninety Mile Beach
Paihia
Hobbiton
Rotorua
What is included
18 nights of accommodation, staying in hotel 4 star
18 nights of accommodation, booked and confirmed before you travel
Coach travel throughout with a driver guide
A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel
This itinerary can be customised: extra nights, different rooms, more activities or a different vehicle. Tell us what you would change.
Where you will go
1Overnight stops, in route orderVisited, not overnightIncludes the Cook Strait crossing11 overnight stops across 19 days. Select a stop to jump to that day.
Day by day itinerary
Your journey:AucklandBay Of IslandsAucklandRotoruaTaupoWellingtonMarlboroughQueenstownArrowtownMilford SoundDunedinLake TekapoChristchurch
On arrival in Auckland, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner. Staying in Hotel Grand Millennium Auckland 5 Star Accommodation Superbly located in the very heart of cosmopolitan Auckland, close to Queen Street and Viaduct Harbour with some of the city’s finest dining, shopping and entertainment venues at your doorstep. Each room offering style, space and wonderful Auckland City views from the floor to ceiling windows. Rooms have a king bed or two double beds, and a separate bath and shower. Meals included: Dinner
Depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty between the indigenous Māori tribes and the British Government in 1840. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) 4 Star Accommodation Any time of year is ideal for escaping to the Bay of Islands in the ‘Winterless North’, and this property, situated at the entrance to the seaside town of Paihia, is the perfect resort-style retreat. The island-influenced architecture with expansive sub-tropical gardens, water features, extensive guest facilities and easy walking access to Paihia’s main local attractions makes this 4-star Hotel a standout. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands 4 Star Accommodation Any time of year is ideal for escaping to the Bay of Islands in the ‘Winterless North’, and this property, situated at the entrance to the seaside town of Paihia, is the perfect resort-style retreat. The island-influenced architecture with expansive sub-tropical gardens, water features, extensive guest facilities and easy walking access to Paihia’s main local attractions makes this 4-star Hotel a standout. Meals included: Breakfast
This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Return to Paihia and travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. This evening is free to explore the local eateries surrounding your hotel. Staying in Hotel Grand Millennium Auckland 5 Star Accommodation Superbly located in the very heart of cosmopolitan Auckland, close to Queen Street and Viaduct Harbour with some of the city’s finest dining, shopping and entertainment venues at your doorstep. Each room offering style, space and wonderful Auckland City views from the floor to ceiling windows. Rooms have a king bed or two double beds, and a separate bath and shower. Meals included: Breakfast
This morning, enjoy a city sights tour before departing Auckland. Journey through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. A guided tour of the 12-acre set, will take you past whimsical Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the Green Dragon Inn. You can now venture beyond the door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior for a fully immersive experience. Staying in Hotel Pullman Rotorua (2 nights) 4 Star Plus Accommodation Situated in the heart of the city and moments away from the lakefront, Pullman Rotorua is the perfect base to explore the region’s geothermal paradise. A Pullman stay is an entire experience with 130 luxurious rooms and suites, energising gym, vibrant dining and a chic bar. Pullman is surrounded by surreal scenery and iconic attractions. Discover shooting geysers, bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs and magical forests. Experience a contemporary open-plan room design inspired by the region’s geothermal origins. Windows let in the daylight and views overlooking the vibrant city. The room features a plush Pullman king-size bed and local artwork. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert. Staying in Hotel Pullman Rotorua 4 Star Plus Accommodation Situated in the heart of the city and moments away from the lakefront, Pullman Rotorua is the perfect base to explore the region’s geothermal paradise. A Pullman stay is an entire experience with 130 luxurious rooms and suites, energising gym, vibrant dining and a chic bar. Pullman is surrounded by surreal scenery and iconic attractions. Discover shooting geysers, bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs and magical forests. Experience a contemporary open-plan room design inspired by the region’s geothermal origins. Windows let in the daylight and views overlooking the vibrant city. The room features a plush Pullman king-size bed and local artwork. Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Board the Hawke’s Bay Express and hear informative commentary on the city’s fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Te Pania 4 Star Accommodation Hawke’s Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day and the Scenic Hotel Te Pania is one of the most recognisable hotels in Napier, boasting design awards for its style and service, situated on the premium waterfront location on Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay. A fresh, contemporary style hotel that is only a short stroll from Napier’s main art deco style street and is located in close proximity to many of Napier’s attractions. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, travel south through picturesque farmland to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. After arriving at your central hotel, you’ll have time at leisure to explore the sights, stroll down to the harbour, or relax before rejoining your group for dinner. Staying in Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor 4 Star Accommodation The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor presents an engaging selection of rooms, thoughtful amenities and gracious hospitality from the heart of Wellington’s city centre. Recently refurbished this leading accommodation and venue provider is located on The Terrace in New Zealand’s thriving capital city nearby to all major attractions. You will stay in rooms which are located on the higher floors and showcase contemporary furnishings, deluxe bathrooms with walk-in showers and Antipodes amenities. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for a city tour showcasing Wellington’s rich history and vibrant culture. This afternoon board your ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. From here enjoy the short scenic journey to Blenheim. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough 4 Star Plus Accommodation Magnificently located in the heart of Marlborough Wine country, the place famous for its world class Sauvignon Blancs, the Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a property sparkling with style and comfort. This pristine hotel offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service all within a minutes’ walk from the centre of Blenheim. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine, then travel to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for a city sights tour. Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel 4.5 Star Accommodation Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey, 4.5 star hotel offers elegant rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier 4 Star Accommodation Only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier, in the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, lies the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier offering everything you need to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. The professional and friendly staff pride themselves on making your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier township. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Staying in Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) 4 Star Plus Accommodation Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure. Meals included: Breakfast
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride (optional) or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon (optional). This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. Staying in Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner, Speciality Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (2 nights) 4 Star Accommodation Conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau’s town shopping centre and a short stroll from the South Island’s largest lake - Lake Te Anau. Escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound. Stay in rooms which are well appointed and modern with a Fiordland interior design theme. The hotel offers an excellent standard of service and the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau 4 Star Accommodation Conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau’s town shopping centre and a short stroll from the South Island’s largest lake - Lake Te Anau. Escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound. Stay in rooms which are well appointed and modern with a Fiordland interior design theme. The hotel offers an excellent standard of service and the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Dunedin City 4.5 Star Accommodation Positioned in the heart of the city and just blocks from the Octagon, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions, great restaurants and shopping centres. This stylish hotel has a fresh contemporary design, with clean lines and dramatic features softened by natural elements such as timber and neutral tones. The attention to style, quality, convenience and service is evident throughout the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River as you marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay. Staying in Hotel Distinction Mackenzie Country 4 Star Accommodation Located in the heart of the Mackenzie region, a unique area of New Zealand’s South Island where mountains meet the riverbeds sits a true country oasis. The Distinction Mackenzie Country features natural stonework and architecture that beautifully reflects and compliments the surrounding landscape. The hotel offers comfortably furnished guest rooms all featuring their own private balcony or patio from which to soak in the glorious mountain views. Featuring natural stone, roaring fires and expansive lawns, the Distinction Mackenzie Country is the ultimate place to unwind after a day experiencing the activities and sights the region has to offer. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel 4.5 Star Accommodation Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey, 4.5 star hotel offers elegant rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner, Speciality Dinner
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. Meals included: Breakfast
Good to know
Departures
This itinerary departs on the dates that suit you, subject to availability. Peak season (December to February) books out early, so enquire well ahead for summer travel.
Make it yours
Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or extend into the other island. Tell us what you would change and we will re-quote, no obligation.
Never travelling alone
Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.
Watch: Milford Sound on this itinerary
Asked before booking
Yes, and most guests change something. Add nights, upgrade rooms, swap activities or start from a different city: tell us what you would change and we re-quote 19 Day Signature Showcase at no cost and no obligation.
A professional driver-guide from our New Zealand operations team, on the ground with you throughout. Every itinerary we sell is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator, the highest grading in the country's official quality mark.
19 Day Signature Showcase runs on scheduled departure dates through the season. Tell us your travel window and we confirm the nearest departures with live availability, usually within one working day.
18 nights in hotel 4 star. Every property is confirmed by name on your written quote, before you pay anything, so you can look each one up before you commit. The trip runs one way, Auckland to Christchurch, so there is no backtracking.
Nothing to enquire. A firm written quote arrives within one working day; if you go ahead, a 20% deposit per person (minimum NZ$250) confirms every booking and the balance is due 70 days before travel, with the exact date on your quote. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme's dispute protections in play.
Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.
Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.
No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire
Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.
One person, before and during your trip
The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.
Insider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.
