This perfectly paced adventure combines an inter-island flight with iconic sights and authentic encounters. 7 days through the North and South Islands, running Queenstown to Auckland. Along the way: Queenstown, Arrowtown, Milford Sound. 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.
Included in your price
This itinerary can be customised: extra nights, different rooms, more activities or a different vehicle. Tell us what you would change.
Your journey:QueenstownRotoruaWaitomo CavesAuckland
Your journey to the Islands of New Zealand kicks off in Queenstown (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Meet your Travel Director for a welcome briefing and drinks. The evening is free for you to enjoy one of its many lakefront restaurants and bars. Hit us up for dining recommendations. Staying in: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (1 night)
Arriving in New Zealand, the first thing you probably noticed is that there’s a lot of farmland. Its fitting then, that one of the first visits you make is to meet a 'Southerner' local farmer at Real Country. View demonstrations of Horse communication and Working sheep dog mustering. Try your hand at a Stock whip cracking lesson, and feed and interact with the friendly farm animals, as part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture. Then you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive in the former gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Come dusk, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw; the only thing more inspiring than the peaks of the Remarkables that surround is the festive atmosphere welcoming you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead awaits. Staying in: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
You clearly need more than one day to appreciate Queenstown and its surrounds. And when we say surrounds, we mean Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Today sign up for an Optional Experience* to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Travel through World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park for exceptional views as you pass through dense rainforest and pass by towering mountains. On arrival at Milford Sound/Piopiotahi embark on a cruise to experience the eighth wonder of the World. Don’t be surprised if you see fur seals and local mountain parrots (the Kea), they are common here, playing in the wake of waterfalls. If you like things fast-paced, opt for wine tasting or jet-boating. You are in the adventure capital of New Zealand, after all. Staying in: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
Touching down in Auckland, you’ll board your coach for the drive to Rotorua, the cultural capital, where you can take in Maori history and culture. Staying in: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast
Your visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery is guided by passionate conservationists and will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national bird on this rewarding MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Rotorua’s landscapes are reminiscent of a sci-fi movie set where mud pops from bubbling geysers and steam rushes skywards. See it first-hand on your guided walk at the Maori Village of Ohinemutu, another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Explore its geothermal landscapes, sacred sites, ancestral stories, St Faith’s Church, and rich cultural traditions with a local kaitiaki (guardian). This evening, embark on the Te Pō guided experience at Te Puia, where you’ll learn about Maori history and culture. It begins with an exhilarating cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Witness a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. Then view the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands, followed by a delicious buffet dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine. Staying in: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Set your GPS for the Waitomo Caves. While cruising cavernous waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. The next thing that glows on your horizon is Auckland. This evening, share the stories of your New Zealand Panorama tour at dinner with your Travel Director and companions at The Grill, celebrating Aotearoa’s culinary treasures. Staying in: Horizon by SkyCity Auckland (1 night) Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Short, sweet, and packed with highlights, how else to describe this wonderful week? Meals included: Breakfast
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.
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.
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
Still deciding? Worth a read: How many days do you actually need in New Zealand? · The best time to visit New Zealand, from people who live here
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.
How your money is protectedAvailability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.
Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.
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.Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.
7 days across both islands, Queenstown to Wellington, at your own pace behind the wheel. Strong on adventure.
9 days across both islands, from Auckland through to Christchurch, self drive, with every night booked ahead. Strong on classic driving tours.
9 days across both islands, Wellington away to Queenstown, driving yourself, with the route planned for you. Strong on classic driving tours.
