9 Day Signature Auckland to Christchurch 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, Māori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Tonight, consider an optional excursion to the All Blacks Experience or enjoy panoramic views with Sky Tower admission.

Today you will pick up your Compact 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! 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.

Before you get to Rotorua though you will be joining Waitomo Glowworm Caves on their extraordinary Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour. This tour is a journey 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.

On the way, you may wish to add on a magical stop in Matamata and step into Middle-earth with an optional visit to the world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Chat to your consultant to add this to your booking.

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 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 chose 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 Te Puia’s Te Po combo Guided experience + Indigenous Evening as this is a fantastic introduction to the area.

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 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 Compact 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! Today you will join the renowned RealNZ on their Milford Sound – Coach / Cruise / Coach Tour. its a big day but will leave you with lasting memories of the true beauty of Milford Sound.  You’ll 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.

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

Leave early today for this 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.

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.

Once settled in 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.

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.

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.

Private 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.