12 Day Kiwi Classic 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, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

SKYCITY Auckland – Sky Tower, Total Tower Experience – Sky Tower/Sky Deck. This afternoon you will enjoy The Total Tower Experience which allows you to explore every publicly accessible level of the Sky Tower. You’ll take a glass-fronted elevator to the main observation deck at 186 meters and continue up to the Sky Deck at 220 meters for even more spectacular panoramic views of Auckland. The experience offers a chance to see Auckland’s volcanoes, harbors, and islands, and provides an impressive perspective on the city’s geography.

Today you will pick up your Compact 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 Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour into a subterranean wonderland. Your guide will lead you on a walk through the upper sections of the cave, sharing insights into the cave’s history and geology. The highlight is the silent boat ride on an underground river, where you’ll be surrounded by thousands of tiny glowworms that create a mesmerizing star-like display on the cave ceiling.

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.

Experience the best of Rotorua in one unforgettable afternoon! Join Elite Adventures on an Elite Rotorua half day tour as you explore the wonders of Te Puia, where bubbling mud pools, powerful geysers, and rich Māori culture come to life. Then head to Rainbow Springs, home to lush native forest, crystal-clear springs, and New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird. It’s the perfect mix of culture, nature, and geothermal magic – all wrapped into one epic tour!

Tonight experience the Te Puia Te Po combo (Guided experience + Indigenous Evening). This is a perfect way to experience Māori culture and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. The tour begins with a guided walk, where you’ll see the famous Pōhutu Geyser at dusk. You’ll then be welcomed into the Marae (meeting house) with a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), followed by a cultural performance and a delicious hāngī feast. The experience concludes with a hot chocolate at the geyser under the stars.

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 this morning 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. 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.

Kaikōura is a must stop destination. Its name means “to eat crayfish” in Māori – from “kai” (food) and “koura” (crayfish).  Indulge in the region’s famous fresh crayfish, caught straight from the ocean. Or take a suggested optional tour and get up close with nature: spot giant sperm whales, or swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat.

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.

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.

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.

Prepare for a day of jaw-dropping scenery as you travel deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park with a RealNZ Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, Coach tour.

Depart Queenstown by coach and travel to Milford Sound via Te Anau, enjoying stops along the way. Take the time to see the best of Milford Sound with a leisurely cruise. Exploring the length of the fiord you’ll learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the cool spray of a waterfall as you move in close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and, in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins. Your experienced skippers tailor the cruise to take into consideration weather and recent wildlife sightings, ensuring you’ll see the best that Milford Sound has to offer on the day. Informative, participative and relaxed, this is the perfect way to experience what’s been called the “eighth wonder of the world”. Return to Queenstown by coach.

Next is a relatively long and incredibly scenic journey that links the adventure hub with the West Coast glaciers. On route to Franz Josef Glacier you’ll travel through Wanaka and over the Haast Pass, a route with lush rainforest and past towering mountains. The scenery transforms dramatically as you travel up the West Coast, with lush native bush and dramatic coastal views before you arrive at the glaciers.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER/WAIAU – originally named Victoria, after Queen Victoria of England, geologist Julius Von Haast, renamed it, Franz Josef, after the current Emperor of his homeland, Austria. The Glacier is pale blue/green ice that has retreated and advanced many times over the years. A walk from the carpark to the Glacier terminal will give you some impressive views and an idea of the immense size of the Glacier itself. The township of Franz Josef is a small town based around the tourist and supply trade.

Franz Josef Wilderness Tours -Cruise and Walk. This unique tour offers a two-and-a-half-hour immersion into the untouched beauty of the Franz Josef region. You’ll begin with a tranquil cruise across Lake Mapourika, a scenic gem known for its mirror-like reflections of the surrounding Southern Alps and ancient rainforest. Your knowledgeable guide will share local stories and point out native birdlife as you glide across the calm water. The highlight of the trip is an exclusive landing at the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary, where you’ll embark on a guided walk along a private rainforest trail. This is a rare opportunity to experience a Jurassic-like ecosystem, with towering trees and a lush undergrowth, all while learning about the conservation efforts for the critically endangered Rowi kiwi.

Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth to return your rental car. Begin an epic train journey aboard the TranzAlpine. Experience one of the world’s most scenic train rides, traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. The journey takes you from the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains through river gorges and into the mountains of Arthur’s Pass, offering incredible views from the open-air viewing carriage. You’ll have time to explore the alpine village before your return trip.

The Great Journeys of New Zealand – TranzAlpine: Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch, enjoying the incredible scenery along the way. The journey will take you coast-to-coast through the ‘Great Divide’ and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand’s South Island. From your carriage you’ll see the lush green valleys of the West Coast, the spectacular Southern Alps, beautiful gorges and river valleys and the fields of the Canterbury Plains. Your train journey is 223.8 kilometres long with 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. An open-air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots.

You will be met by Hallmark Limousines at the Christchurch Train Station for your private transfer to your Christchurch city hotel.

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.

Today you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport. Leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.