Icons of New Zealand 13 Days
North and South Island (Reversible)
Combining iconic destinations and activities, this private tour is the perfect way to experience the best of New Zealand. Whether it's exploring the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps, immersing oneself in the traditions of the Māori people, encountering unique wildlife, stepping into the fantastical world of The Lord of the Rings, or even challenge yourself with Bungy jumping. It's no wonder that New Zealand consistently ranks high on travellers’ bucket lists!
Travel Style: Private driver I Self-drive
Day 1: Queenstown
Airport Transfer
Explore: Queenstown
Celebrated as New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders.
Suggested Iconic Activity
TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship. After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals.
Day 2: Queenstown
Suggested Iconic Activities
Arrowtown and Around Private Tour
Taking in the best bits of the region: historic Arrowtown and arround. Join a friendly guide on this relaxed private tour, for local highlights, tasting world famous Manuka Honey, amusing stories about gold history, and Lord of the Rings filming locations.
Bungy Jump
If you’ve ever wanted to discover what you’re truly made of, we’ve got plenty of ways for you to find out. Strap up at the World Home of Bungy, the Kawarau Bungy Centre, freestyle it up at the Ledge, or stare fear in the face, out at the Nevis Playground. (Just a option, you can just watch if you prefer)
Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure
Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls.
Day 3: Milford Sound Day Tour
This full-day experience journeys to Milford Sound via road with photo stops in the Fiordland National Park. Next, take a Milford Sound cruise famous for its wildlife and epic waterfalls. The experience ends with a return road tour to Queenstown or the option to fly back. Being New Zealand’s most visited scenic location Milford Sound really does live up to its iconic reputation.
Day 4: Queenstown to Aoraki/Mount Cook
Farewelling Queenstown we travel into the stone fruit region of Cromwell and stop a photo stop at the famous Linda Pass. Next we drive through the endless plains of the Mackenzie district finishing with a iconic photo stop over Lake Pukaki. From there finishing your tour at your accommodation in Aoraki/Mt Cook
Suggested Iconic Activity
Big Sky Stargazing
Take a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos as you explore the wonders of New Zealand's night sky; home to planets, stars and a whole other world we only dream about. Our resident astronomy guides will take you on a 90-minute tour of the night sky through high powered telescopes along with discussing incredible features visible to the naked eye.
Day 5: Aoraki Mount Cook to Christchurch
In the afternoon you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo for a photo stop of the iconic Church of the Good Shepard. Travel the vast Canterbury Plains onto the garden city of Christchurch.
Suggested Iconic Activity
Hooker Vally Walk
This 10km (6.2mile ) hike is not steep and has a well-cared for track as it’s the most popular walk in Mt Cook or maybe even New Zealand so you will never be own your own. The track leads up the Hooker Valley and along the Hooker River, ending at the glacier lake, where there are amazing views of Aoraki/Mount Cook on a clear day. Along the way you will cross three swingbridges and encounter picturesque icebergs, glaciers and majestic mountains that will have you reaching for your camera at every turn
Day 6: Christchurch
Explore: Christchurch
New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it's known for its wide tree-lined avenues and lush gardens. Christchurch is also known for many great restaurants, with the local delicacy being fresh-caught crayfish.
Suggested Iconic Activity
International Antarctic Centre Penguin Rescue
Ever wondered what it takes to keep our colony of rescued penguins healthy and happy? Our exclusive backstage experience offers an insider’s glimpse into the dedicated work that goes into running a rescue centre for the world’s smallest penguin species; the Kororā, Little Blue Penguin.
Day 7: Christchurch
Choose one of the below iconic activities
The TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys, and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
Nature: Whale Watching
Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where Giant Sperm Whales can be seen year-round and close to shore. They congregate here because the 2km deep Kaikōura Canyon runs right up against the coast creating a rare system of sea currents that sustain an incredibly rich marine food chain.
Day 8: Christchurch to Rotorua
Take a domestic flight to Rotorua
Explore: Rotorua
Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools, and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the world’s most active volcanic regions. Geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Māori tribes, a visit to one of the Māori Villages should be high on your agenda.
Suggested Iconic Activity
Culture and Food: Te Pā Tū Cultural Tour and Hangi Dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Māori way. Discover the Māori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths, and legends and browse throughout the largest after-hours tribal marketplace in Rotorua. Includes a hangi buffet feast that has cooked slowly underground.
Day 9: Rotorua
Suggested Iconic Activities
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Grounds
Wai-O-Tapu has pools of vibrantly coloured water caused by the natural minerals, an impressive geyser that plays daily. Some of the highlights include craters formed by acidic steam, the Devils Bath with its vibrant green yellow colour, Lady Knox Geyser that’s goes off everyday at 10.15am, and the Champagne pool which bubbles like Champagne.
Agrodome and National Kiwi Hatchery
The National Kiwi Hatchery is the national leader in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation systems, hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing. When you join one of our experiences, you'll get to see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process and newly hatched kiwi chicks.
HELL’S GATE Mud Bath and Spa.
Hell’s Gate mud spa is a historic New Zealand experience. The healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years. Open and clean your skin by lathering it in our unique mud, before exfoliating and cleansing with a soak in the sulphur spa. Your body and soul will feel revitalised after this soothing experience.
Day 10: Rotorua to Auckland
Suggested Iconic Activities
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
In the heart of New Zealand, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Here you can visit such iconic Hobbit locations as Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and the Party Tree, with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead. After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, continue to Auckland,
Day 11: Auckland
Explore: Auckland
New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails" is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests, and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Central museums and galleries can be explored on foot.
Suggested Iconic Activity
All Blacks Experience
In learning more about the Haka and the New Zealand national teams, this interactive experience entertains and informs. Hear interesting stories about the team and famous players, see All Blacks memorabilia, and even watch a powerful haka. Ideal for adults and kids alike
Day 12: Day on Waiheke Island
Suggested Iconic Activity
Food and Wine: The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
Known as ‘New Zealand’s Island of Wine’, Waiheke has become home to a dedicated group of award-winning wine producers. With a unique micro-climate and the winemakers’ philosophy of 'small is beautiful', Waiheke has produced some of New Zealand’s most prestigious wines.
On this tour, you will visit three of Waiheke’s top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way, enjoy a commentated scenic drive, learning about the island’s history, geography, people, and culture from your knowledgeable local guide.
Day 13: Auckland
Private transfer to Auckland International Airport for the end of your tour.