11 Day Land of Contrast ‘Premium’ Tour 

Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Auckland International Airport to your accommodation with time to get a feel for Auckland.

AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU – an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city’s many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand’s biggest city, and the population mix of European, Māori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Today you will pick up your Intermediate Budget rental car. Leaving Auckland behind, the drive to Waitomo offers a refreshing shift from cityscapes to countryside charm. Passing through the Waikato region, you’ll notice the land growing. After skirting around Hamilton, the route winds through small rural towns before arriving in the quiet beauty of Waitomo.

Take a Private Footwhistle Glowworm Cave – Day Tour. The Footwhistle Cave, also known as Te Anaroa Cave, is one of the largest in Waitomo and supports some of the best glowworm displays, yet every tour feels like an intimate trip where you can discover this cave as if for the first time. Your experienced guide will share with you the rich history of the surroundings, and stories of the cave formation and the titiwai, the glow worm that lives in the cave. The solar-powered lights are kept low so you can appreciate the magnificent glow worm displays at their best, some only inches away. Marvel at the fantastic limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites and view the remains of one of New Zealand’s lost treasures, the ancient Moa. Complete the tour by enjoying a complimentary Kawakawa tea whilst you relax in our ponga hut nestled in the native forest.

The journey to Rotorua takes you deeper into New Zealand’s volcanic heartland. The drive winds through peaceful farmland and native forest, with gentle hills guiding the way.

ROTORUA – located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Māori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Māori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland – Ahurei Experience, Private Guide.  Embark on a private guided adventure through the vibrant, otherworldly landscapes of Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland. Your dedicated guide will take you on a journey through the park, with a focus on the unique volcanic formations and the colorful hot springs. The tour also includes the daily eruption of the Lady Knox Geyser, an impressive spectacle that showcases the power of the earth.

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or, for a truly unforgettable experience, book the optional Mt Tarawera volcanic adventure by helicopter. This is an epic journey over craters and lakes you won’t want to miss.

Enjoy the Te Pa Tu, Evening Experience tonight. This is an unforgettable evening that celebrates Māori culture and tradition. You’ll be welcomed with a traditional pōwhiri (welcome), and your guide will lead you on a journey through a reconstructed village. The experience includes stories, songs, and demonstrations of Māori life, followed by a powerful cultural performance and a delicious five-course feast. It is an intimate and engaging way to learn about the Māori world.

Today depart Rotorua and travel south through Taupō and the central plateau. The route crosses the Desert Road, providing spectacular views of Mount Ruapehu. Continue through the Manawatū region and along the Kāpiti Coast. Your journey concludes as you arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital on a stunning natural harbour.

WELLINGTON/TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA – the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington harbour, its houses clinging precipitously to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind which is channelled through the Cook Strait, and causes the wind to blow most days. A clever blend of buildings, old and new, beautiful vistas of the city and harbour, and a cosmopolitan mix of culture and arts give Wellington its heart, and vibrant atmosphere.

Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, Introducing Te Papa. included today is this one-hour guided tour which is an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Te Papa. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the museum, sharing captivating stories and providing a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s rich history, art, and culture, from its unique geological past to its indigenous Māori traditions.

Step aboard the Interislander Ferry for a memorable crossing of the majestic Cook Strait. As you approach Picton, be enchanted by the sparkling waters and dramatic coastline of the Marlborough Sounds. The “Plus” experience elevates your trip with access to the exclusive, child-free Premium Lounge. Here, you’ll find comfortable seating, complimentary food and a selection of premium New Zealand wines and craft beers, ensuring a peaceful and luxurious passage with some of the best views on the ship.

From Picton, take a short scenic drive through rolling vineyards and charming countryside to Blenheim, the heart of New Zealand’s famous wine region.

BLENHEIM/WAIHARAKEKE – the “Sunshine Capital” of New Zealand is situated on the Wairau Plain near the top of the South Island. Blenheim’s combination of high sunshine hours, a long ripening period, and free-draining river flats have put the district’s vineyards at the forefront of the International Wine Industry. The second Saturday of February is Blenheim’s Wine and Food Festival which draws many to celebrate food, music and dance.

From Blenheim, you’ll travel south along State Highway 1, which hugs the dramatic coastline. This route offers some of the best scenery in the South Island, with mountains on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other.

KAIKOURA/TE TAUMANU O TE WAKA A MAUI – means “to eat crayfish”, from the Maori words “Kai” meaning food, and Koura meaning crayfish. You can savour crayfish here in Kaikoura, view whales and dolphins at play, or visit local galleries and craft shops, or take a walk along the Peninsula Walkway. If you travel out onto the Kaikoura Peninsula and look back towards the mountains, an amazing tableau will appear before you. The seaward Kaikoura Range appears to rise from the sea, with the snow-capped Southern Alps as a backdrop.

This afternoon, venture out on one of New Zealand’s most iconic tours joining Whale Watch Kaikoura’s famous Whale Watch – Ocean Cabin. This is a fantastic boat tour with a high success rate for spotting whales. You’ll be on a modern catamaran designed for whale watching, with an enclosed cabin and large outdoor decks. Your expert guides will use specialized equipment to locate giant sperm whales, the stars of the show and year-round residents, and you might also see dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds.

Journey further south along the stunning coastline. The route hugs the Pacific Ocean, offering incredible views, and it’s a great place to spot seals basking on the rocks right next to the highway. You’ll leave the dramatic coastal scenery behind as you approach the city of Christchurch, a perfect way to end a coastal adventure.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI – Located on a level plain, Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city’s unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.

Join Amiki Cultural Food Tours guide for a Kai Bites tour, tastings and lunch. Meet at a central city location where you will be greeted in a traditional Māori way before setting off on foot, weaving through laneways, gardens and hidden squares, past historic buildings and landmarks revealing gems hidden in plain sight. You will share your experience with like-minded travellers and a knowledgeable local guide. Your guide will host you over lunch and will provide you with insiders insights into the city’s rich history and culinary scene, stopping at Āmiki’s favourite gems hidden in plain sight. You will stop for lunch at one of Amiki’s favourite establishments before heading back down the laneways to enjoy the tastes of our city’s best kept secrets.

Prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Christchurch. Travel from Christchurch to Mount Cook through the heart of the South Island, passing dramatic Canterbury Plains, braided rivers, and the towering Southern Alps—a scenic journey of mountains, farmland, and unforgettable views.

Immerse yourself in this spectacular region and enjoy the mountain air, extraordinary scenery and local adventures.

MOUNT COOK/AORAKI – whose Maori name “Aorangi” means “Cloud Piercer” is some 3753.5 metres high and surrounded by a host of massive peaks. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and can quite often be surrounded by cloud, constantly vulnerable to the fast changing weather patterns of an alpine climate.

Step aboard the Glacier Explorer. This 2.5-hour tour is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. You’ll take a short walk to the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier, where you’ll board a boat to cruise among floating icebergs and get an up-close view of the glacier’s face. Your knowledgeable guide will share the history of the glacier and the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, providing a surreal and educational experience.

Make the most of your free morning in Aoraki/Mount Cook with a selection of scenic walks, glacier views or perhaps take an incredible scenic flight over snow-capped mountains.

You’ll leave the Mount Cook area and travel through the Mackenzie Basin, with views of the Southern Alps and the famous turquoise lakes. The journey continues through the rugged high country of Central Otago before you arrive in Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

Tonight take a magical evening cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak Station for a Gourmet BBQ Dinner.  As the sun sets over the mountains, you’ll cross Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak, where you’ll enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant. The evening also includes a farm show, where you can see sheep dogs in action and a sheep shearing demonstration.

There is so much to do in and around Queenstown that you are spoilt for choice today. Choose from one of our suggested optional ours, take it easy and enjoy the alone town or talk to your consultant about the myriads of fun on offer in this extraordinary destination.

Today you’ll return your rental car in Queenstown and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.