Private Tour
Available languages
288 hours
Mobile ticket
This ultimate 12-day, 11-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering majority of top attractions in both North Island (Auckland to Wellington) and South Island (Kaikōura to Stewart Island). It includes a transfer flight, and optional handpicked activities and luxury hotels, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in NZ without the hassles of planning, coordinating endless details, and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of NZ in an ultimate style for a lifetime memorable trip.
Besides visiting many of the top attractions in NZ, enjoy flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a curated mixture of 19–21 optional activities, ensuring an ultimate and diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for you throughout the tour. Start in Auckland and finish in Queenstown, both cities with international airports.
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
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.
Optional Entry Ticket: Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
Guide-driver exclusively for your group
Private transportation
Optional Entry Ticket: Guided Exploration Ticket in Stewart Island
Optional Entry Ticket: Gondola with luge rides & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
Optional Entry Ticket: Geothermal Valley, Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner Ticket at Rotorua
Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
Optional Entry Ticket: TranzAlpine Train Scenic Ticket from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
Standard Economy Transfer Flight Ticket from Wellington to Christchurch
WiFi on board
Optional Entry Ticket: Bill Richardson Transport World Ticket at Invercargill
Optional Entry Ticket: Northern Explorer Scenic Train Ticket from Hamilton to Wellington
Optional Entry Ticket: Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
Optional Entry Ticket: Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket at Auckland
Optional Entry Ticket: Guided Kayaking or Whale Watching Cruise Ticket at Kaikōura
Optional Entry Ticket: Farm Experience & Hot Tub Ticket OR River Rafting Ticket at Rotorua
Optional Entry Ticket: Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Packaged water bottles
Optional Entry Ticket: Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives provided
Optional Entry Ticket: One-way Ferry Ticket from Bluff to Stewart Island
Optional Entry Ticket: Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Optional Entry Ticket: One-way Scenic Flight Ticket from Stewart Island to Bluff
Packaged snacks & chocolates
Optional: Accommodation for 11 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast
Optional Entry Ticket: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Ticket
Optional Entry Ticket: Redwoods Treewalk Ticket at Rotorua
Optional Entry Ticket: Guided Botanical Garden Tour OR Punting on Avon OR Christchurch Tram Ticket
Food & Drinks (except 11 x breakfast with "With Hotels & Departure Flight" option)
Travel Insurance
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Auckland Museum
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 greet you. First, we'll head to the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
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.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Hobbiton Movie Set
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.
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.
Rotorua
In the evening, enjoy dinner time at Eat Street, Rotorua's vibrant dining precinct, offering a range of delicious cuisine options.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
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 followed by a hot tub session. 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 hot tub nestled in a serene forest. 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.
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.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Greet the day with excitement. Check out from your hotel in Rotorua and enjoy a comfortable transfer to Hamilton Railway Station, where you’ll board the Northern Explorer Scenic Train for a full-day journey to Wellington. This scenic rail experience spans nearly eight hours and takes you through the heart of the North Island’s diverse landscapes. Sit back and relax in your spacious seat as you glide past rolling farmland, native forests, mountain ranges, and dramatic river gorges. The route features several engineering highlights, including crossings over tall viaducts and the remarkable Raurimu Spiral—a clever railway design that allows the train to climb steep terrain. One of the most scenic parts of the trip is the section through Tongariro National Park, offering panoramic views of its volcanic peaks, including Mt Ruapehu. Onboard commentary shares stories and history of the regions you pass, while an open viewing carriage and café add to the comfort.
Wellington
Arrive in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, in the evening and check in to your hotel for a restful and comfortable night.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Wellington
Wake up to another beautiful day in New Zealand’s vibrant capital. Enjoy some free time in Wellington to explore at your own pace, if you wish. It’s time to say goodbye to the North Island and begin your South Island adventure. After checking out from your hotel, you’ll be picked up and taken to Wellington Airport for your flight to Christchurch.
Christchurch
Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. After settling in and refreshing, choose one of three activities: visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, enjoy punting on the Avon River, or ride the iconic Christchurch Tram. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer a relaxing and scenic place to unwind, with beautifully landscaped grounds, historic trees, seasonal flower displays, and peaceful walking paths. 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.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
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.
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.
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.
Christchurch
After your chosen day tour, we’ll return to Christchurch and drop you off at your hotel.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
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.
Otira Viaduct Lookout
Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
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.
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.
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.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Lake Tekapo
Get ready for today’s journey 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Queenstown
Begin your day with new energy 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.
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 Fiordland National Park.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Set off on another day of discovery in Te Anau with a pickup from your hotel. 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.
Invercargill
Leave Te Anau at noon and head south along the Southern Scenic Route, a peaceful drive through rolling farmland, forested areas, and occasional coastal landscapes. Enjoy the changing views as you travel toward Invercargill, the southern hub of Southland. Stop here to explore Bill Richardson Transport World—an impressive and unique attraction showcasing one of the largest private transport museums in the world, featuring classic trucks and cars.
Bluff
After your visit, continue to Bluff, known as New Zealand’s southernmost town and the gateway to Stewart Island. If you’re visiting between March and August, don’t miss the chance to try fresh Bluff oysters—a local delicacy prized for their rich flavour. As evening sets in, take a short walk to Stirling Point, where the famous signpost shows distances to cities around the world and offers stunning views over Foveaux Strait. Depending on the season and availability, stay overnight either in Bluff for a quiet coastal experience or in Invercargill for more options and convenience.
Bluff
Check out from your accommodation and be dropped off at the ferry terminal in Bluff for your journey to Stewart Island.
Stewart Island
Enjoy the scenic one-hour ferry ride across Foveaux Strait, often accompanied by seabird sightings and fresh ocean air. After reaching Stewart Island, begin with a short cruise through Paterson Inlet, where you’ll hear fascinating cultural and historical stories about the area. You’ll then arrive at Ulva Island, a predator-free nature sanctuary with no permanent human settlement, allowing native wildlife and forest to thrive. During your guided walk, you’ll explore peaceful forest tracks and learn about the island’s rich biodiversity. Your guide will help you spot native birds such as the South Island robin, saddleback, tūī, and others. Seeing a wild kiwi is possible, but it depends on luck, as they are shy. After your Ulva Island experience, return to Oban and take a scenic flight back to Bluff. This day trip lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—sailing to Stewart Island by ferry and flying back with stunning aerial views over Foveaux Strait.
Queenstown
Enjoy the drive back to Queenstown, passing through the quiet Southland landscape as the day winds down. It's time to say goodbye as we drop you off to your preferred location in Queenstown. May these memories stay with you forever.
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 19-21 activities.
Pickup included
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.
Pickup included
With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 11 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season.
With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry tickets for mentioned 19-21 activities.
Pickup included
Operated by Waimate Journeys