17 Day Kiwi Classic Extended ‘Premium’ Tour 

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival you will be picked up for your private transfer from Auckland International Airport to your hotel.

AUCKLAND / TAMAKI 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.

Once settled in visit the All Blacks Experience and take the Guided Tour. This immersive and interactive tour is a must-do for both rugby fans and those new to the game. You’ll take a guided journey through seven rooms with innovative technology that brings the history and passion of New Zealand rugby to life. The tour also gives you the chance to test your skills in an interactive zone and come face-to-face with a powerful cinematic haka.

Today you’ll pick up your Intermediate SUV Budget Rental Car and head north early from the city and discover the breathtaking beauty of Northland, New Zealand’s ‘Winterless North.’ This vibrant region offers stunning beaches, lush subtropical forests, and rich Māori culture. Explore the famous Bay of Islands, a paradise for sailing, dolphin cruises, and island hopping. Experience the ancient history at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s story began. Wander through charming coastal towns, indulge in fresh seafood, and marvel at untouched natural landscapes. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, Northland promises unforgettable experiences in a spectacular setting.

BAY OF ISLANDS/IPIPIRI – This was the name given by Captain James Cook when he described the area 200 years ago. The Bay, studded with over 150 islands, is a “drowned river system,” an area where the sea has invaded and drowned a number of river valleys. Its sheltered waters offer some of the finest boating and fishing to be found anywhere. The Bay of Islands was the site of the first Christian Mission station in New Zealand, as well as having New Zealand’s first capital city, Russell, which is now a quiet little seaside village.

This afternoon you will join Fullers Great Sights in Paihia for their Hole in the Rock Cruise. Board a purpose-built catamaran for a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock. You’ll sail through pristine islands and along the Cape Brett Peninsula, with an excellent chance to see dolphins and other marine life. The tour also includes a stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island, where you can relax on the beach or take a short walk for panoramic views.

There’s nothing like waking up in the Bay of Islands and today we’ve given you a couple of optional tours to choose from that we know you will love including the ferry if you would like to pop across the water to the historic town of Russell. Talk to your consultant if these don’t suit and we can provide a tailored tour just for you.

This is a big road trip that takes you all the way down the North Island. You’ll leave the coastal paradise of the Bay of Islands and travel for several hours through the Northland and Waikato regions. You’ll pass by Auckland and continue south to Matamata, a small town that has become world-famous as the location of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

MATAMATA/MATA,MATA – lies in the lush farmland of the Hamilton-Waikato Region. Famous for dairying and fine thoroughbred horses, it’s easy to see why these green pastures and rolling hills were chosen to portray Hobbiton and The Shire. A number of great farmstays are also on offer in Matamata. Just east of town you can discover the North Island’s highest waterfalls, Wairere Falls, of which a spectacular sight plunging 153m. The Wairere Falls walking track showcases a diverse range of natural scenery and from the lookout you can enjoy magnificent views over the valley and the Waikato Plains.

Your trip begins in Matamata, a town globally famous for the Hobbiton movie set. You’ll journey through the lush Waikato farmland, passing by rolling hills and small rural towns. The route continues through forested sections of highway before you arrive in Rotorua, a city celebrated for its geothermal activity and rich Maori culture.

On route to Rotorua you will step into Middle-earth with Hobbiton Movie Set Tours with their enchanting guided movie set 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.

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 Maori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Maori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

Tonight you will dine like kings and queens at Te Puia taking in their 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 we’ve given you a few of our favourite optional tours to choose from that we know you will love in Rotorua. Talk to your consultant if these don’t suit and we can provide a tailored tour just for you.

Leave Rotorua early today 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.

Later this afternoon visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. This entry ticket is your key to one of New Zealand’s most important cultural institutions. Te Papa is a treasure trove of art and history, with a world-renowned collection of Māori and Pacific Island cultural artifacts. You can also explore exhibitions on New Zealand’s natural history, including volcanoes and unique wildlife, and learn about the country’s military history.

This journey starts with a scenic ferry ride across the Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton. You’ll be treated to incredible views of the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton, a beautiful harbour town that serves as a gateway to the South Island. Tonight you are in for a treat with a night at Hapuku Lodge.

Interislander Wellington to Picton – Plus. This journey is often called one of the most beautiful ferry trips in the world. Your crossing starts in Wellington Harbour, and as you leave the city behind, you’ll be greeted by the dramatic cliffs of the Cook Strait. The true highlight is the last part of the journey as the ship glides through the tranquil, fjord-like channels 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.

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.

A very popular trip that 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.

First though it’s a special opportunity with Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura to Swim with the dolphins. The dusky dolphins inhabit the coastal waters off Kaikoura all year round, making Kaikoura a unique place in the world where, weather permitting, wild dolphins can typically be encountered every day. It is something incredibly special that these wild animals choose to stop and engage one on one with swimmers in the water. Dusky dolphins are probably the most interactive dolphin species and snorkeling with the pod will leave you with lasting magical memories. After this extraordinary experience its off to Christchurch.

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 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.

This is a must-do journey. You’ll leave the Canterbury Plains behind and head inland. The landscape changes dramatically as you get closer to the Southern Alps, and suddenly you’ll see the brilliant, milky-blue waters of Lake Tekapo. It’s a photographer’s dream, especially with the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on its shores.

LAKE TEKAPO/TAKAPŌ – located in the Mackenzie country, with fantastic views of the surrounding Alps. The Lake’s unusual turquoise colour is given by fine rock-flour, which is dust ground by glacial movement and held in suspension by the Lake’s waters. The Lake is also well known for its brown and rainbow trout.

Tonight will be a spellbinding night for you as you visit Dark Sky Project and join the Summit Experience – At Mt John Observatory. This is a world-class stargazing experience. You’ll be taken to the summit of Mount John, the scientific heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Your guide will provide a captivating tour of the Southern Hemisphere sky, using a powerful, state-of-the-art telescope to show you constellations, planets, and nebulae, all while sharing stories and scientific knowledge.

Depart Lake Tekapo and travel south, passing through Twizel and the Mackenzie Basin. The route then climbs the iconic Lindis Pass, with its vast and sweeping tussock landscapes. Descend into Central Otago, a region of world-class vineyards and dramatic mountain valleys. Your trip ends on the shores of Lake Wakatipu as you arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

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.

A day to enjoy the many activities Queenstown has to offer. Choose from one of our popular optional tours below or talk to your consultant about our many tours on offer.

This evening join RealNZ for their Walter Peak – Gourmet BBQ Dinner. This is a magical evening cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. 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.

After a relaxing morning next up is a relatively long but incredibly scenic journey that links the adventure hub with the West Coast glaciers. On route to Franz Josef 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.

There’s nowhere like Franz Josef and this morning you’ll experience the expansive grandeur of it all with Franz Josef Glacier Guides famous Heli-Hike tour. This tour is consistently rated as a highlight of any New Zealand trip. After a thrilling helicopter flight over the glacier, you’ll land high on the ice fall. Equipped with boots and crampons provided by the company, your expert guide will lead you on a two-and-a-half-hour hike through an ever-changing landscape of ice caves, crevasses, and towering ice formations.

Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth to drop your car off and 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.

The Great Journeys of New Zealand – TranzAlpine: Greymouth to Christchurch. Travel on the world famous TranzAlpine Train from Greymouth to Christchurch in the Scenic Plus cabins, 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 hop on a private airport transfer and sadly leave New Zealand ready to share your extraordinary memories and plan your next trip down to see us.