9 Day Signature Auckland to Christchurch ‘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.

This afternoon you’ll love the immersive All Blacks Experience, Guided Tour. This 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 will pick up your Intermediate SUV rental car and your journey begins by heading south from Auckland, traveling through the lush, green hills of the Waikato region. You’ll pass plenty of farms, it’s the heart of dairy country!

Before you get to Rotorua though you will be joining CaveWorld Ltd on their extraordinary 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.

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 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.

We have chosen three fantastic option tours for you to choose from today. If one of these doesn’t suit them your consultant can suggest many more including ones on the more adventurous side however, we have booked the Te Pa Tu, Evening Experience for tonight as we think this is a must do.

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 you will drop your rental car off and depart on Air New Zealand from Rotorua Airport, flying south over the volcanic plateau and the vast expanse of Lake Taupō. You’ll then cross the majestic Southern Alps, with incredible views of glacial valleys and alpine peaks. Your journey concludes as you arrive in Queenstown, a bustling mountain town perfectly set on Lake Wakatipu beneath the iconic Remarkables mountain range. Once in Queenstown you will pick up your Intermediate SUV car rental and head to your hotel.

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.

This evening we have included RealNZ’s ever popular, 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.

It’s Milford Sound day –  how exciting! Join Altitude Tours Queenstown on their Milford Sound – Coach / Cruise / Fly, Including Lunch tour.  This full-day, all-inclusive tour is a “bucket list” experience that showcases the stunning beauty of Fiordland from every angle. Your adventure begins with a comfortable coach trip from Queenstown in a premium Mercedes van, where your knowledgeable local guide will provide entertaining commentary and make multiple stops for incredible photo opportunities at iconic spots like Mirror Lakes and the Chasm. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, you’ll board a small-boat nature cruise to explore the length of the fiord, getting up close to its towering waterfalls and spotting unique wildlife. The grand finale is a breathtaking scenic flight, where you’ll soar over the razor-sharp mountain peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes you just traveled through, arriving back in Queenstown in a fraction of the time. This seamless tour is designed for comfort and convenience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural wonder of the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

A day in Queenstown to enjoy the local area or take yourselves on an exciting adventure. We have included a couple of our favourite tours as options today but your consultant has many more you can choose if these aren’t quite right.

This is a long and incredibly scenic journey that links the adventure hub with the West Coast glaciers. 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.

For an exciting twist, we highly recommend the optional Franz Josef Heli Hike, an exhilarating adventure that combines a breathtaking helicopter ride with an unforgettable trek across the stunning glaciers. It’s the perfect way to experience the wild beauty of Franz Josef from a truly unique perspective

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.

Today you’ll drive from Franz Josef to Greymouth, 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.

Before this epic journey you will join Franz Josef Wilderness Tours on their popular Cruise and Walk Tour. 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.

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.

Transfer with Hallmark Limousines from your city hotel to Christchurch Airport. 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.