16 Day New Zealand Uncovered ‘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, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Kickstart your adventure in Auckland with a day of freedom with a voucher included to visit the Sky Tower. Wander the city streets, soak up harbour views, or dive into a suggested optional experience – perfect for discovering hidden gems and making your first memories in New Zealand.

Sky Tower, Total Tower Experience – Sky Tower/Sky Deck. 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 Intermediate Budget rental car and head south to the Rotorua, traveling through the lush, green hills of the Waikato region. You’ll pass plenty of farms, it’s the heart of dairy country!

Take a short detour to Waitomo, where you’ll explore the Ruakuri Caves. You can journey deep underground with New Zealand’s longest guided walking cave tour. The adventure begins as you descend through a spectacular spiral entrance, leading you into a breathtaking subterranean landscape. Here, you’ll walk amongst softly folding shawl-like limestone formations and crystal tapestries. Your guide will bring the cave’s history and Māori legends to life as you get up close to sparkling glowworms. The tour is also unique because photography is permitted, so you can capture the stunning beauty of this special place.

From Waitomo and as you get closer to Rotorua, you’ll start to notice the unique, sulphur-rich air. It’s the city’s signature scent and a sign that you’ve arrived in a place full of bubbling mud pools and incredible Māori culture.

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.

Enjoy a free day in Rotorua to relax and soak up the geothermal wonders, or choose an optional tour – whether it’s bubbling mud pools, cultural experiences, or thrilling activities, the choice is yours.

Tonight, you will be picked up by Te Pa Tu for 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.

PICTON/WAITOHI – is a busy seaside town, situated at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound. The town is the South Island Terminal for the Cook Strait Ferry, with people and car numbers, rising and falling according to the Ferry Timetable. Picton has wonderful views of Mabel Island, at the Harbour entrance, along with green/blue bush clad ranges that appear to drop into the sea.

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

Prepare for a fantastic and scenic journey that hugs the coastline for much of the way. You’ll leave the Marlborough vineyards behind and travel south with the dramatic Kaikōura Ranges on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Keep an eye out for seals, as they often hang out on the rocks right next to the road!

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 you will 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.

The drive takes you 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.

Spend a free day in Christchurch at your own pace – wander the city’s streets, discover hidden gems, or book optional tours to explore more of its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, fascinating stories of resilience, or take a trip to charming Akaroa with its French-inspired streets, harbour views, and playful Hector’s dolphins.

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.

A spectacular journey from the heart of the Southern Alps to the adventure capital. 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.

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, with the flexibility to add your choice of luxury experiences or simply relax in style.

Start the day with a Shotover Jet Boat Ride a thrilling and iconic New Zealand adventure. Your expert driver will blast you through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River, skimming over shallow water at up to 90 km/h. You’ll experience heart-pounding acceleration, ride the rapids, and get within a hair’s breadth of the towering cliff faces. The tour is famous for its exhilarating 360-degree spins, which will send a rush of adrenaline and a spray of water sparkling across the river. It’s a unique combination of stunning natural scenery and high-octane adventure that has become a quintessential Queenstown experience.

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 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.

Enjoy a full day to discover Franz Josef at your own pace. Stroll rainforest trails, unwind in the Glacier Hot Pools, or book one of the suggested optional activities. For the ultimate experience, a heli-hike on the glacier is a must – combining a breathtaking scenic flight with an unforgettable guided walk on the ice.

Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth to 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. With the Scenic Plus experience, savour regionally inspired cuisine paired with wine and beer from the comfort of your luxurious seat as you soak in the spectacular scenery – a hosted dining experience like no other.

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’ll head to Christchurch Airport by private transfer and leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.