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Private Tour

10 Day North to South Island NZ Private Tour from Auckland

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Overview

Available languages

English

240 hours

Mobile ticket

This signature 10-day, 9-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both North Island (Auckland to Rotorua) and South Island (Christchurch to Milford Sound). The tour includes transfer flight, and optional handpicked activities, hotels & departure flight, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in NZ without the hassles of planning endless things and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of NZ in a relaxed style within an ideal number of days.

Besides visiting many of the top attractions in NZ, enjoy the flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for unbelievably long list of 15-17 optional activities, ensuring a diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour for your group, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Choose to finish at Auckland or Christchurch or Queenstown.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance

Following your booking, the operator will get in touch to confirm your preferences, as applicable

With the "With Tickets" option, traveler(s) may swap any of the included activities for alternatives of interest such as Skydiving, Wine Tasting, Golf, Horse Trekking, Scenic Flights, Swimming with Dolphins, Glacier hiking, Relaxing Spa Treatments, Ziplining, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

What‘s Included

Guide-driver exclusively for your group

Private transportation

If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives are provided

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Kiwi Park or 1 hour of Hot Pool Private Soak Ticket at Queenstown

Optional ("With Tickets" option): Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket at Auckland

Optional ("With Tickets" option): Guided Kayaking or Whale Watching Cruise Ticket at Kaikōura

Optional ("With Tickets" option): TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ticket - Christchurch to Arthur's Pass

Optional ("With Tickets" option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau

Optional ("With Tickets" option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Redwoods Treewalk Ticket at Rotorua

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 9 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast

Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear

Optional ("With Tickets" option): International Antarctic Centre OR Punting on Avon OR Tram Ticket

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Geothermal Valley, Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner at Rotorua

Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Agrodome & Private Hot Pool OR River Rafting Ticket at Rotorua

WiFi on board

Optional: Standard Economy Departure Flight from Queenstown to Auckland or Christchurch

Packaged snacks & chocolates

Optional ("With Tickets" option): Gondola with luge rides & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown

Optional ("With Tickets" option): Scenic Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Optional ("With Tickets" option): Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Ticket

Standard Economy Transfer Flight Ticket from Rotorua or Auckland to Christchurch

Optional ("With Tickets" option): Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa

Packaged water bottles

Food & Drinks (except 9 x breakfast with "With Hotels" option)

Travel Insurance

Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Day 1

Auckland Explore (Auckland Museum, Buddhist Temple, CBD, Mount Eden, One Tree Hill & Muriwai / Piha / Long Bay Beach)

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Auckland

Start this multi-day tour in relaxed and delightful style! Your tour begins with a pickup from your preferred location in Auckland, where your guide will meet you.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Auckland Museum

First, we'll head to the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain, home to an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that offer rich insight into New Zealand’s cultural and natural heritage.

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Included
3

Auckland

Next, we'll visit a beautiful Buddhist temple, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. After your enriching experience, you'll head to a popular dining food complex in the heart of the city for lunch, offering a variety of delicious options in a lively setting. Later, we will visit Mount Eden, the highest natural point in Auckland city and a dormant volcano offering panoramic views of the city. After that, we’ll head to One Tree Hill, a scenic volcanic peak with cultural significance and great views. Lastly, we'll visit one of Auckland's scenic beaches: Muriwai Beach, famous for its gannet colony; Piha Beach, known for its rugged coastline and black sand; or Long Bay Beach, a perfect spot for a relaxing walk along the shore. In the evening, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel to relax and unwind.

5 hours 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 2

Auckland – Hobbiton – Rotorua (Redwoods Treewalk, Eat Street)

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Start your second day of the tour with a pickup and a scenic drive towards the Hobbiton Movie Set. This enchanting village is set in the heart of the lush Waikato region, and the movie set is a meticulous recreation of the Shire from J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved books. As you wander through Hobbiton on a fully guided tour, you'll discover charming hobbit holes, the iconic Green Dragon Inn, and stunning landscapes.

4 hours • Admission Included
2

Redwoods Treewalk

Continue your journey to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. Check in to your hotel, and get ready for the famous Redwoods Treewalk — a must-do experience in Rotorua. This walk features swing bridges and platforms, offering stunning views of towering trees and the lush forest floor.

1 hour • Admission Included
3

Rotorua

In the evening, enjoy dinner time at Eat Street, Rotorua's vibrant dining precinct, offering a range of delicious cuisine options.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 3

Rotorua Explore (Agrodome & Polynesian Spa OR River Rafting, Geothermally Active Place & Māori Culture Experience)

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Rotorua

Welcome the morning with adventure ahead. Based on your appetite for adventure, choose between two unique experiences: For a relaxed afternoon, opt for the farm experience at Agrodome followed by a private hot pool session at Polynesian Spa. Enjoy a farm show with sheep shearing & a dog show, and tour the 350-acre property to meet and hand-feed animals. Later, unwind in a soothing private hot pool nestled in a serene place. Alternatively, if you're seeking thrills, go for Grade 5 river rafting on the Kaituna River, navigating challenging rapids and a 7-meter waterfall, one of the highest commercially rafted waterfalls in the world.

3 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

Te Puia

In the late afternoon, get ready for an unforgettable experience at a place known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. Enjoy a guided walk to witness the power of active geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents. Enjoy a delicious Hangi feast, where your food is cooked in the ground using traditional methods, adding a unique and authentic touch to your dining experience. Later, experience a traditional Māori welcome ceremony, including the powerful haka (war dance), along with engaging cultural performances that showcase the history and traditions of the Māori people.

4 hours • Admission Included
Day 4

Rotorua or Auckland – Flight to Christchurch – Christchurch(International Antarctic Centre or Punting or City Tram Ride)

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Rotorua

It's time to say goodbye to the North Island and start your South Island adventure. After checking out from your hotel in Rotorua, you'll be picked up and taken to Rotorua or Auckland Airport for your flight to Christchurch.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

Christchurch

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you'll be transferred to your hotel. After settling in and refreshing, choose one of three activities: visit the International Antarctic Centre, go punting on the Avon River, or ride the famous Christchurch Tram.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

International Antarctic Centre

The International Antarctic Centre offers interactive exhibits, a simulated storm, a ride on an all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle, and a penguin encounter. Punting on the Avon River provides a peaceful glide through the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park. The Christchurch Tram offers a unique perspective on Christchurch's history and landmarks, with knowledgeable drivers providing commentary and stops at key attractions. Due to travel between the North and South Islands, and the need to rest for the next leg of your journey, it is recommended you enjoy the rest of your day in Christchurch, relaxing and recharging for the epic South Island journey that begins the next day.

3 hours • Admission Included
Day 5

Christchurch - Kaikōura or Akaroa (Whale Watching/Kayaking/Nature Cruise & Alpaca Farm) - Christchurch

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Christchurch

Start this beautiful day by being picked up from your hotel. Choose between a full-day tour to Kaikoura or Akaroa, each offering a unique experience based on your preferred activities.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Kaikoura

Kaikōura, famed for its stunning coastal scenery where rugged mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, lies near a unique underwater canyon system that draws abundant marine life, including whales. Opt for a guided kayaking adventure alongside seals, sea birds, and possibly dolphins, or a whale-watching cruise to spot majestic sperm whales, humpbacks, or orcas while learning about their habitat.

5 hours • Admission Not Applicable
3

Akaroa

Akaroa, a charming French-inspired village, invites you to explore its beauty with a 2-hour nature cruise, uncovering its rich history and unique wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world. Follow this with a visit to a charming alpaca farm for cuddly encounters with these adorable animals.

5 hours • Admission Not Applicable
4

Christchurch

After your chosen day tour, we’ll return to Christchurch and drop you off at your hotel.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 6

Christchurch–TranzAlpine Scenic Train–Arthur’s Pass National Park–Castle Hill–Lake Tekapo-Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

TranzAlpine Train

Start your day by being picked up from your accommodation in Christchurch. Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Railway Station, where you will be greeted and taken to your next destination.

2 hours • Admission Included
2

Otira Viaduct Lookout

Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

Arthur's Pass National Park

Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

2 hours • Admission Not Applicable
4

Castle Hill

Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood movies, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk. Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Lake Tekapo.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable
5

Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.

1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Included
Day 7

Lake Tekapo – Lake Pukaki – Aoraki Mount Cook - Scenic Helicopter Ride – Lindis Pass – Queenstown

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Lake Tekapo

Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Lake Pukaki

Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
3

Aoraki/Mt. Cook

The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world's only alpine parrot.

3 hours 15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
4

It's time to embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Soar above the stunning valleys and peaks of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park in one of the modern helicopters. Experience breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding snow-capped ranges as you fly. Relax and enjoy this unique experience with onboard commentary from pilot.

30 minutes • Admission Included
5

Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Queenstown. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains. Upon arrival in Queenstown, check in to your accommodation and prepare for the adventures that await in this vibrant lakeside city.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 8

Queenstown Explore (Queenstown Gardens, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Wharf, Jet Boating & Skyline Gondola with Luge Rides)

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Queenstown

Start your beautiful day in Queenstown with a pickup from your hotel. Visit the famous Queenstown Gardens, located on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. These gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views. After exploring the gardens, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of central Queenstown to experience the city's cheerful vibes. Relax by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake. After this moment of calmness, prepare yourself to experience the power of twin V8 engines as you jet boat down the Kawarau or Shotover River. Reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph, enjoy the adrenaline rush with multiple 360-degree spins.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable
2

After jet boating, there's more to enjoy. Take a ride on the Queenstown Gondola, which is believed to be the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon reaching the top, you'll be treated to spectacular views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown itself. Spend quality time at the top exploring the area, or engaging in fun activities like thrilling luge rides and open-air chairlifts. Watch the sunset from this vantage point. Afterwards, take a return ride on the Gondola back down, where you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel to relax and recharge for another epic day, exploring Milford Sound.

4 hours • Admission Included
Day 9

Queenstown - Milford Sound Cruise or Doubtful Sound Cruise - Te Anau

Accommodations

Optional ("With Hotels" Option): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability & season.

1

Queenstown

Start this unforgettable day with a pickup from your Queenstown hotel. Choose between a full-day tour to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, both located in Fiordland National Park, each showcasing the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s fiords in their own distinct way.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Milford Sound

Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic stops and nature walks along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home.

5 hours • Admission Not Applicable
3

Begin your journey with a peaceful cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a scenic coach ride over Wilmot Pass, offering spectacular views of untouched rainforest and alpine scenery. Upon arrival at Doubtful Sound, board a cruise to explore the vast, remote fiord known for its deep stillness and dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by towering peaks, hidden waterfalls, and native wildlife, the experience feels truly immersive and untouched.

7 hours 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
4

Te Anau

Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau and end the day filled with beautiful memories as you check in to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
Day 10

Te Anau Glowworm Caves - Queenstown (Kiwi Park or Private Hot Pool Soak) - Optional Flight to Auckland or Christchurch

1

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Be picked up from your hotel in Te Anau. Prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country's caves. They create a mesmerizing display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience. Later, sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Queenstown, taking in the stunning landscapes along the way.

3 hours • Admission Included
2

Queenstown

Choose to experience either the unique Kiwi Park or a relaxing hot pool. Kiwi Park: Experience the wonder of NZ's unique wildlife at the Kiwi Park. Get up close to the iconic kiwi bird, discover the ancient tuatara, a fascinating reptile that has existed since the time of the dinosaurs, along with a variety of other native species, in a natural and immersive environment. Know the park's conservation efforts and the importance of preserving NZ's precious biodiversity. Private Hot Pool Soak: Relax at one of the most popular hot pools in NZ — a serene retreat perched above the Shotover River. Soak in a private cedar-lined hot tub while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and river below. This tranquil experience offers the perfect balance of luxury and nature. It's time to say goodbye as we drop you off in Queenstown. You can either start another adventure or catch your optional departure flight to Auckland or Christchurch. May the memories never fade.

2 hours 30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Hotel + Ticket + Dep Flight

With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 9 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season.
With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry tickets for mentioned 16 activities.
With Departure Flight: Includes standard economy departure flight from Queenstown to Auckland or Christchurch as needed.
Pickup included

No Hotel, Ticket & Dep Flight

Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.
Without Entry Tickets: This options excludes entry tickets for activities. Travelers book their own desired activities. Timeslot guidance provided.
Without Departure Flight: This option excludes departure flight from Queenstown to Auckland or Christchurch. Tour ends in Queenstown.
Pickup included

Ticket | No Hotel & Dep Flight

Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.
With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry Tickets for mentioned 16 activities.
Without Departure Flight: This option excludes departure flight from Queenstown to Auckland or Christchurch. Tour ends in Queenstown.
Pickup included

Hotel + Ticket | No Dep Flight

With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 9 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season.
With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry tickets for mentioned 16 activities.
Without Departure Flight: This option excludes departure flight from Queenstown to Auckland or Christchurch. Tour ends in Queenstown.
Pickup included

Reviews

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10 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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    From NZ$10,775.00

    5.00
    10 reviews
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