Experience the best of New Zealand’s North and South Islands on a scenic journey from Auckland to Queenstown. Discover top North Island highlights, including Waitomo’s subterranean glowworm caves, the mythical Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua’s bubbling geothermal valleys, and the coastal capital of Wellington. After crossing the Cook Strait, travel across the South Island to ride the iconic TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps, witness ancient glaciers, embark on an exclusive overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound, and end your adventure amidst the historic gold-mining towns and world-class wineries surrounding Queenstown.
Arrive in Auckland, the "City of Sails," and transfer to your hotel (21 km, ~30 mins). Spend your free time exploring the waterfront or visiting the All Blacks Experience. Overnight in Auckland.
Take a 40-minute ferry across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. Spend the day touring boutique vineyards, enjoying wine tastings, and having an included winery lunch before returning to Auckland for the evening. Overnight in Auckland.
Drive south to Ruakuri Cave in Waitomo to see ancient limestone formations and glowworms. Continue to the Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided walk through the Shire and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, then drive on to Rotorua (330 km total, ~4.5 hours). Overnight in Rotorua.
Spend a free morning relaxing at thermal baths or walking through giant redwoods. In the evening, visit Te Pa Tu for a traditional Maori cultural performance and a three-course geothermal Hangi dinner (30 km local transfers, ~45 mins). Overnight in Rotorua.
Visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland to see volcanic pools and mud basins. Drive to Hawke’s Bay (220 km, ~3 hours) and check into your winery cottage at the base of Te Mata Peak for an evening wine tasting and dinner. Overnight in Hawke's Bay.
Enjoy an optional sunrise walk up Te Mata Peak before heading to Napier (40 km, ~45 mins). Take a guided walking tour of its 1930s Art Deco architecture, followed by a free afternoon for biking, visiting galleries, or taking a safari to Cape Kidnappers. Overnight in Hawke's Bay.
Drive south through the Wairarapa region to Wellington (315 km, ~4 hours). Enjoy a guided behind-the-scenes tour and traditional food at the Te Papa Museum, followed by a North Island farewell dinner on the waterfront. Overnight in Wellington.
Board a morning ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton (3.5 hours). Drive south along the coastal highway to Kaikoura (155 km, ~2.5 hours), a seaside town famous for sperm whales, seals, and marine wildlife. Overnight in Kaikoura.
Drive south to Christchurch (180 km, ~2.5 hours). After settling in, take a guided walking food tour along the Avon River and through local laneways to sample seasonal specialties. Overnight in Christchurch.
Take a short morning walk in Christchurch before boarding the scenic TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Greymouth (4 hours). Visit a local greenstone studio, then drive north to Punakaiki in Paparoa National Park (45 km, ~45 mins). Overnight in Punakaiki.
View the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at high tide. Drive south along the coast (220 km, ~3 hours), stopping at Okarito to join a native tree planting project before continuing to Glacier Country. Overnight in Franz Josef.
Take a ranger-led tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see the rare Rowi Kiwi breeding program. Spend the afternoon at leisure with optional glacier helicopter flights, lake kayaking, or hot tubs (20 km local driving). Overnight in Franz Josef.
Drive through Westland National Park and over the scenic Haast Pass (380 km, ~5 hours). Pass Lakes Wanaka and Hawea on your way to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Overnight in Te Anau.
Travel to Lake Manapouri, cross by boat, and take a coach over Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound (30 km driving, 2.5-hour transit). Board your overnight cruise vessel to navigate the fjord, spot wildlife, and enjoy dinner under the stars. Overnight on board in Doubtful Sound.
Enjoy morning cruising before returning across Lake Manapouri. Rejoin your vehicle and drive through the high country to Queenstown along Lake Wakatipu (175 km, ~2.5 hours). Overnight in Queenstown.
Spend the day exploring Queenstown at your own pace. Choose from thrill sports like jet boating and bungy jumping, or opt for a scenic cruise on the TSS Earnslaw steamship or a ride up the Skyline Gondola. Overnight in Queenstown.
Visit historic Arrowtown for a walking tour of the 19th-century gold-mining settlement and Chinese Settlement. Continue to the Gibbston Valley for Pinot Noir tastings and a final group farewell dinner (45 km round trip, ~1 hour). Overnight in Queenstown.
Your journey ends after breakfast. Transfer to Queenstown Airport for your departure flight or extend your stay in the Southern Lakes region.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit is during the shoulder and summer months from October to April, offering warm weather, longer daylight hours, and ideal conditions for outdoor sightseeing and nature activities.
A light to moderate fitness level is sufficient, as most activities involve gentle walking tours on paved paths, short nature walks, and standard boat or train boarding.’
Most drive days take between 2 to 5 hours of travel with scenic stops along the way, though longer transit days can take up to 8–9 hours when combining ferry crossings and road travel between islands.
Yes, New Zealand is very accommodating for dietary needs, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options available at most restaurants, cafes, and guided dining experiences.
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere throughout New Zealand, so carrying a minimal amount of cash for small local purchases or tipping is usually all that is needed.
