14 Day Kiwi Escape ‘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.

Depending on your flight arrival time, you may wish to enhance your day with one of our optional experiences. Take in stunning panoramic views on the Sky Tower Tour or dive into the world of rugby with a guided tour at the All Blacks Experience, a must for sports enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

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, sit back, relax, and embark on an unforgettable journey with TIME Unlimited Tours: Auckland City & West Coast Luxury Tour including Lunch. This comprehensive tour offers a perfect blend of city sightseeing and natural exploration. You’ll drive through Auckland’s historic suburbs and see its iconic volcanoes before heading to the rugged west coast. There, you’ll experience the ancient rainforests of the Waitakere Ranges and the famous black sand beaches, all while enjoying a delicious lunch and a personalized experience in a luxury vehicle.

Start your journey by picking up your Intermediate SUV Budget Rental Car and then heading east out of the city toward the pristine natural beauty of the Coromandel. Leaving Auckland’s urban landscape behind, the route heads south, weaving through the scenic farmlands of the Waikato region. As you approach the peninsula, the road becomes more winding, offering glimpses of the Coromandel’s rugged, bush-clad hills and stunning coastline. The journey culminates as you arrive in the heart of the peninsula, a destination renowned for its golden-sand beaches, lush native forests, and charming, laid-back coastal towns.

WHITIANGA/TE WHITIANGA-O-KUPE – a thriving town with around 4000 permanent residents Whitianga offers a full range of visitor services and attractions. There are seven good beaches all within easy reach of the town. Buffalo Beach, Whitianga’s main beach, takes its name from H.M.S. Buffalo, wrecked there in 1840. Dolphins live in the bay and if you are lucky you may catch them frolicking around the Whitianga wharf in the summer. Further north at Kuaotunu and its northern beaches, you can find various activities ranging from Bike Safaris to Horse Riding or just lazing away on one of the many stunning beaches.

Today, step aboard the Hahei Explorer and uncover the magic of Cathedral Cove, New Zealand’s iconic coastal wonder. Your skipper will take you on a journey through 14km of volcanic coastline, showing you spectacular geography and sharing stories of the area. The small-group tour ventures into a gigantic sea cave and, if the tide is right, through a hidden blowhole, offering an up-close and personal view of this magnificent landscape.

You will have the afternoon to unwind and connect with nature in the Coromandel’s stunning landscapes. Lounge on golden sands, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and soak up the sun, or try a truly unique experience at Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural thermal pool right in the sand!

This scenic journey offers a fantastic transition from the peaceful, bush-clad hills and coastal heritage of the Coromandel Peninsula to the dynamic, volcanic landscapes of the Central North Island. Departing from Coromandel Township, a historic gold-mining settlement, the route travels south and inland, passing through the rugged beauty of the peninsula before joining the fertile farmlands and rolling hills of the Waikato region. 

On your way you’ll be stopping at Hobbiton Movie Set Tours and joining the hugely popular Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. Step into Middle-earth with this enchanting guided tour. You’ll journey through the picturesque sheep farm to the movie set, where you’ll see the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and the Party Tree. Your guide will share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories and movie magic secrets, culminating in a complimentary beverage at the world-famous Green Dragon Inn.

As you approach Rotorua, the scenery changes dramatically, and you’ll begin to notice signs of the powerful geothermal forces at play beneath the earth’s surface. The air may become infused with the scent of sulfur, and you’ll pass steaming vents and bubbling mud pools. 

Tonight, we have included the Te Pa Tu Evening Experience. 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.

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.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Rotorua. Whether you choose to relax in one of the region’s renowned geothermal spas, explore local attractions, or simply soak in the natural beauty and rich culture, the day is yours to spend as you please. You may also wish to add an optional tour – be sure to chat with your consultant for personalised recommendation.

Today you will head to Rotorua Domestic Airport and return your rental car.  Depart on Air New Zealand from Rotorua, flying south over the volcanic plateau and the vast expanse of Lake Taupō, past the Southern Alps and onto Queenstown. Once in Queenstown you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation.

Enjoy a free evening in Queenstown to relax and explore at your own pace. For a memorable dining experience, we recommend booking the optional Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner, where you can savor delicious cuisine in a stunning lakeside setting, complete with spectacular views and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

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.

It is Milford Sound today!  Join Altitude Tours on their Milford Sound – Coach / Cruise / Coach, Including Lunch. This full-day tour is a great way to experience the beauty of Milford Sound. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Queenstown in a luxury coach, with an expert guide providing commentary on the way. You’ll then take a scenic cruise on Milford Sound, getting up close to waterfalls and wildlife, and enjoy a delicious packed lunch on board. Return to Queenstown by coach, or speak with your consultant about upgrading with scenic flight back!

Queenstown is a paradise for thrill-seekers, wine aficionados, and nature lovers alike, offering a wide range of activities to make your free day truly unforgettable If you’re an adventure seeker, we suggest booking the optional: Dart River Wilderness Jet for an exhilarating ride through pristine rivers and ancient forests, getting up close to Queenstown’s dramatic scenery. For a more relaxed yet equally stunning experience, you may wish to add on a half-day Nomad Safaris guided walk along the Routeburn Track, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking alpine valleys, waterfalls, and native bush. Or speak with your consultant to book activities tailored to your interests!

Today you will collect your next Intermediate SUV Budget Rental Car and then head north to Mount Cook through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and past the historic town of Cromwell. From Cromwell you’ll then travel through the rugged high country of Central Otago before arriving at the Mackenzie Basin. The trip culminates as you approach Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the turquoise glacial lakes.

MOUNT COOK/AORAKI – whose Māori 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.

Tonight, you will join an expert Big Sky Stargazing astronomy guide for a mesmerizing 90-minute journey through the cosmos. You’ll be taken to a purpose-built viewing platform where, on a clear night, you can explore the Southern Cross, planets, and galaxies through powerful telescopes. Your guide will share their knowledge of the night sky, creating an unforgettable experience in this internationally recognized dark sky reserve.

Spend your free day in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park soaking in breathtaking alpine scenery. If you prefer a leisurely pace, enjoy one of the park’s iconic walks, such as the Hooker Valley Track (1 hour return) or the slightly longer Kea Point Track (2 hour return walk).

For a more adventurous experience, consider booking our suggested optional tour: Glacier Explorer cruise takes you close to the Tasman Glacier and its icebergs. Or take the Ultimate Alpine Experience Combo with Mt. Cook Skiplanes and Helicopters – which offers an unforgettable flightseeing adventure, including landing on a glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime alpine encounter.

Prepare your camera for this spectacular trip that takes you inland from Mount Cook. You’ll pass through the Mackenzie Country, with breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. The route then leads you directly to Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.”

Spend the evening dining onboard the Christchurch Tramway. Enjoy a truly special evening with this seasonal fine dining experience. The beautifully restored tram serves as a moving restaurant, where you will be treated to a multi-course meal featuring premium local cuisine and beverages. As you dine, the tram winds its way through Christchurch’s city center, allowing you to see the vibrant city lights and a mix of historic and modern architecture.

Today we’ve given you a few of our favourite optional tours to choose from that we know you will enjoy in Christchurch. Talk to your consultant if these don’t suit and we can provide a tailored tour just for you.

Head to Christchurch Airport and return your rental car. Today, you’ll sadly leave New Zealand with a taste of what this stunning country has to offer and hopefully plans to be back to see what you didn’t see this time round.