10 Day North to South Island NZ Tour from Auckland w/ Flight

Discover New Zealand’s top attractions in 10 days. Enjoy private tours, handpicked activities, and seamless travel from Auckland to Christchurch.

Duration: 10 days
Cancellation: 6 days
Highlights

Auckland Explore (Mount Eden, Auckland Museum, Auckland CBD, Buddhist Temple & Muriwai/Piha/Long Bay Beach)

Auckland - Begin this multi-day tour in a relaxed and delightful manner! Your journey starts with a pickup from your chosen location in Auckland, where your guide will welcome you.

First, we’ll visit Mount Eden, the highest natural point in Auckland city and a dormant volcano offering panoramic views of the city.

Next, we’ll explore the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits.

After your enriching experience at the museum, you’ll take a brief leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Auckland’s CBD before heading to lunch.

Later, we will visit a beautiful Buddhist temple, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere.

Lastly, we’ll visit one of Auckland’s scenic beaches: Muriwai Beach, famous for its gannet colony; Piha Beach, known for its rugged coastline and black sand; or Long Bay Beach, a perfect spot for a relaxing walk along the shore. In the evening, we’ll drop you to your hotel.

Auckland – Hobbiton Movie Set – Rotorua – Māori Village Experience

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours - Start your second day of the tour with a pickup and a scenic drive towards the Hobbiton Movie Set. This enchanting village is set in the heart of the lush Waikato region, and the movie set is a meticulous recreation of the Shire from J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved books. As you wander through Hobbiton on a fully guided tour, you’ll discover charming hobbit holes, the iconic Green Dragon Inn, and stunning landscapes.

Rotorua - In the afternoon, continue your journey to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. Check in to your hotel and get ready for an unforgettable evening at a Māori Village. Here, you’ll experience a traditional Māori welcome ceremony, including the powerful haka (war dance), as well as engaging cultural performances that showcase the history and traditions of the Māori people. After the performances, enjoy a delicious Hangi Feast, where your food is cooked in the ground using traditional methods, adding a unique and authentic touch to your dining experience. This day promises to be full of magic and cultural immersion, offering you a glimpse into both fantasy worlds and the rich heritage of the Māori people.

Rotorua Explore (Geothermally Active Place, Redwoods Treewalk, Farm Experience & Hot Tub OR River Rafting, Eat Street)

Rotorua - Start the day with a walk around a geothermally active place in Rotorua, where you can see bubbling mud pools and steaming vents. Then, head to the Redwoods Treewalk, a must-do experience. The walk features swing bridges and platforms, offering stunning views of the tall trees and lush forest floor.

After lunch, choose between two unique experiences based on your appetite for adventure.

For a relaxed afternoon, opt for the farm experience followed by a hot tub session. Enjoy a farm show with sheep shearing & a dog show, and tour the 350-acre property to meet and hand-feed animals. Later, unwind in a soothing hot tub nestled in a serene forest.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking thrills, go for Grade 5 river rafting on the Kaituna River, navigating challenging rapids and a 7-meter waterfall, one of the highest commercially rafted waterfalls in the world.

In the evening, enjoy dinner time at Eat Street, Rotorua’s vibrant dining precinct, offering a range of delicious cuisine options.

Rotorua – Flight to Christchurch – Christchurch (International Antarctic Centre or Punting on Avon or Christchurch Tram)

Christchurch - Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. After settling in and refreshing, choose one of three activities: visit the International Antarctic Centre, go punting on the Avon River, or ride the famous Christchurch Tram.

International Antarctic Centre - The International Antarctic Centre offers interactive exhibits, a simulated storm, a ride on an all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle, and a penguin encounter.

Punting on the Avon River provides a peaceful glide through the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park.

The Christchurch Tram offers a unique perspective on Christchurch’s history and landmarks, with knowledgeable drivers providing commentary and stops at key attractions.

Due to travel between the North and South Islands, and the need to rest for the next leg of your journey, it is recommended you enjoy the rest of your day in Christchurch, relaxing and recharging for the epic South Island journey that begins the next day.

Christchurch-Akaroa-Christchurch

Akaroa - Start this beautiful day by being picked up from your hotel. We’ll journey towards the charming French-inspired village of Akaroa. Once in Akaroa, embark on a 2-hour nature cruise. This cruise offers a unique opportunity to learn about Akaroa’s fascinating history and wildlife, including the chance to encounter the world’s rarest and smallest dolphins, the Hector’s dolphins. Visit an adorable alpaca farm, where you can interact and cuddle with these charming animals. After an exciting day exploring Akaroa, we’ll return you to Christchurch and drop you off at your hotel.

Christchurch–TranzAlpine Train–Otira Viaduct–Arthur’s Pass Village–Castle Hill–Lake Lyndon–Lake Tekapo

TranzAlpine Train - Start your day by being picked up from your accommodation in Christchurch. Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Railway Station, where you will be greeted and taken to your next destination.

Otira Viaduct Lookout - Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Arthur’s Pass National Park - Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Castle Hill - Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood movies, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk.

Lake Lyndon - Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Lake Tekapo. This picturesque lake offers a serene setting to stretch your legs and take in the surrounding natural beauty. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere before continuing drive to Lake Tekapo.

Tekapo Stargazing - Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.

Lake Tekapo–Lake Pukaki–Aoraki Mt Cook (Hooker Valley and/or Tasman Glacier View Track)–Lindis Pass–Queenstown

Lake Tekapo - Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.

Lake Pukaki - Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

Aoraki/Mt. Cook - The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot.

Mount Cook Airport - It’s time to embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Soar above the stunning valleys and peaks of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park in one of the modern helicopters. Experience breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding snow-capped ranges as you fly. Relax and enjoy this unique experience with onboard commentary from pilot.

Queenstown Explore (Queenstown Gardens, Lake Wakatipu, Central Queenstown Streets, Kawarau River & Skyline Queenstown)

Queenstown - Start your beautiful day in Queenstown with a pickup from your hotel. Visit the famous Queenstown Gardens, located on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. These gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views. After exploring the gardens, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of central Queenstown to experience the city’s cheerful vibes. Relax by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake. After this moment of calmness, prepare yourself to experience the power of twin V8 engines as you jet boat down the Kawarau or Shotover River. Reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph, enjoy the adrenaline rush with multiple 360-degree spins.

Skyline Queenstown - After jet boating, there’s more to enjoy. Take a ride on the Queenstown Gondola, which is believed to be the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown itself. Spend quality time at the top exploring the area, or engaging in fun activities like thrilling luge rides and open-air chairlifts. Watch the sunset from this vantage point. Afterwards, take a return ride on the Gondola back down, where you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel to relax and recharge for another epic day, exploring Milford Sound.

Queenstown – Milford Sound - Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Te Anau

Milford Sound - Start this unforgettable day with a pickup from your Queenstown hotel. Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic photo stops along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home. After the cruise, make your way back to Te Anau, enjoying the scenic drive through the rugged landscapes of Fiordland National Park.

Te Anau Glowworm Caves - After returning to Te Anau, refresh and prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country’s caves. They create a mesmerizing display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience. Finish this day full of beautiful memories by checking in at your Te Anau hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Te Anau - Queenstown - Optional Flight to Auckland or Christchurch – Auckland or Christchurch

Queenstown - Be picked up from your hotel in Te Anau. Sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Queenstown, taking in the stunning landscapes along the way. Experience the wonder of New Zealand’s unique wildlife at the Kiwi Park in Queenstown. Get up close to the iconic kiwi bird, along with a variety of other native species, in a natural and immersive environment. Learn about the park’s conservation efforts and the importance of preserving New Zealand’s precious biodiversity. It’s time to say goodbye as we drop you off in Queenstown. You can either start another adventure or catch your optional departure flight to Auckland or Christchurch, based on your preference. May these memories stay with you forever.

What's Included
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
  • Guide-driver exclusively for your group
  • Private transportation
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
  • If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives provided
  • Standard Economy Transfer Flight Ticket (2 bags/person - 23+7 kg) from Rotorua to Christchurch
  • Optional: Std. Economy Departure Flight (2 bags - 23+7 kg) from Queenstown to Auckland/Christchurch
  • Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Gondola with luge rides, Thrill Jet Boating & Kiwi Park Ticket at Queenstown
  • Optional Entry Ticket: TranzAlpine Train Ticket - Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner Buffet Ticket at Rotorua
  • Optional Entry Ticket: International Antarctic Centre OR Punting on Avon OR Christchurch Tram Ticket
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
  • On-board WiFi
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket at Auckland
  • Packaged snacks & chocolates
  • Optional: Accommodation for 9 nights in 3.5 to 4.5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Redwoods Treewalk Daytime Ticket at Rotorua
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Farm Experience & Hot Tub Ticket OR River Rafting Ticket at Rotorua
  • Optional Entry Ticket: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Ticket
  • Packaged water bottles
What's Not Included
  • Food & Drinks (except 9 x breakfast with “With Hotels & Departure Flight” option)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Additional Information

This exclusive 10-day, 9-night tour provides an ideal mix of daily travel, covering most of the top attractions in both the North Island (from Auckland to Rotorua) and the South Island (from Christchurch to Milford Sound). The tour includes a transfer flight, optional curated activities, accommodations, and a departure flight, ensuring you enjoy the best itinerary during your limited time in New Zealand without the stress of planning numerous details and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is designed to highlight the beauty of New Zealand in a relaxed manner within an optimal number of days.

In addition to visiting many of New Zealand’s top attractions, enjoy the flexibility to select your preferred activities or choose from an impressive list of 16 optional activities, ensuring a varied experience. Relish the luxury of a private tour for your group, complete with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle dedicated exclusively to your group throughout the tour. You can choose to conclude your journey in Auckland, Christchurch, or Queenstown.

  • Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance
Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(4 Ratings)
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Kattyc899
Jul 16, 2024
Recommend to everyone for private Tour - 10/10 would recommend to anyone and everyone. Our guide RV was phenomenal. This trip was one of the best trip of our lives. We enjoyed it a lot throughout the trip. We covered both North and South Islands, made few customizations and our guide RV handled them perfectly. He added his own stops and hidden spots for us to take postcard perfect photos. Hobbiton was very beautiful as was Milford Sound. The best activities on our trip were the Redwood Tree Walk, the Glowworm Cave and visiting Mt. Cook. The glacier lake was mesmerizing. RV made out 10 days wonderful and was very kind to our requests. It was very enjoyable, hassle free and well worth the money.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
T6110zvmichaelh
Jul 3, 2024
Excellent itinerary and relaxing tour - We had a great 10 days trip in New Zealand, covering both the North Island and South Island. The excellent itinerary and few customization were planned by our guide RV. We couldn't think of a better itinerary than this one. We traveled with our kids, and it wasn't tiring at all. Usually, when we travel, our kids get exhausted and tired by evening, especially at end of the trip. However, this tour was handled in an excellent manner, and we felt refreshed at all times. Our guide, RV took care of us as if we were friends he had known for years. He is very good guy. We highly recommend them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
482catien
Jun 20, 2024
One of the best Trips of our lives - We enjoyed a wonderful 10-day trip as a family. Since we had our child with us, we decided not to drive and instead booked a ready to start tour. I was skeptical at first because there were no reviews, but I took a chance as I couldn't find any other tour offering so many worthwhile activities. As we believe activities you remember for life and not the drive. And OMG, I'm glad I booked this. I couldn't ask for more. The trip was so smooth and relaxing as the guide planned each day carefully, and the accommodation was excellent. You never felt overtired or like you did nothing. From the North Island to the South Island, everyday felt like it couldn't get any better, but the next day always surpassed the previous one. The guide was very caring and took care of every single detail. We found the vehicle was tidy and organized every morning. If we felt thirsty, he had bottled water. If we were hungry, he had snacks. If we wanted to take picture, he was ready to click. If we wanted to upload them on social media, he had Wi-Fi. If our battery was low, he had chargers. If it was raining, he had ponchos. Everything was handy. Our son loved the snacks and was very happy with all the activities. This became one of the best trips of our lives. I highly recommend Waimate Journeys!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joannefn6572wa
Jun 19, 2024
Incredible New Zealand Tour - The guide was incredible, ensuring we had everything we needed. He was always ready to adjust the plan, if necessary, with no rush driving or reporting times. We had an amazing private tour experience with him. Also, I must say he is a very good photographer and always ready to take our pictures. The journey was smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free as the guide took care of everything including flights, accommodations, activities, and he was always there when we step out or landed. The Milford Sound drive and cruse were amazing, as was Mt. Cook. I highly recommend Waimate Journeys.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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