A representative will meet you at the airport and take you in a private luxury car to the hotel you choose in Auckland. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the ‘City of Sails’ as Auckland is known.

Explore the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland, where two harbors, Waitemata and Manukau, provide an unparalleled marine playground. Visit the hip restaurants and bars that can be found in thriving neighborhoods like Parnell and Ponsonby. Auckland is known for its multicultural cuisine, artwork, and culture. Savor wine tasting in West Auckland or at Waiheke Island's vineyards while embracing the distinctive way of life in the city.

A 30-minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Arataki Center, the gateway to the rainforest. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the sweeping decks extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Your eco-tour includes a guided walk in an untamed original rainforest where ancient Kauri trees tower over the unique trees and plants that have developed separately from the rest of the world for millions of years. Next, you will be taken out to the West Coast to enjoy a Kiwi-style picnic lunch at a scenic location. 

After lunch, walk the clifftop tracks with stunning views along the coast and out across the Tasman Sea. Then, walk in the regenerating rainforest, with giant tree ferns and palm trees growing alongside the picturesque stream, to unwind by a spectacular cascading waterfall. Before heading back to Auckland, venture on to an awe-inspiring west coast beach where you can stroll along the soft black sand, watch the surf waves crashing in, and feel the clear ocean breeze.

Private transfer from your hotel to Auckland Airport for your domestic flight to Taupo. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car at Taupo Airport and take a short self-drive to Taupo township. In the late afternoon, join a Lake Taupo sunset cruise.

At the heart of New Zealand's central volcanic plateau, Lake Taupo offers thrilling activities like water skiing, sailing, and kayaking on the world’s largest volcanic crater. Enjoy a sunset cruise with drinks, classic Kiwi music, and views of the illuminated Māori Rock Carvings. This covered catamaran tour provides a perfect setting to relax and socialize in any weather.
 

Enjoy a leisurely one-hour scenic self-drive in the early morning along Lake Taupo, heading to Tongariro National Park for today's guided adventure. Your guide will meet you at the National Park Village for today's Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 

Tongariro National Park is a land of legends. New Zealand’s oldest National Park, established in 1887, Tongariro is a dual World Heritage Area. This status recognizes both the park’s Māori cultural and spiritual significance and its unique volcanic features. Tongariro is also famous around the world for its' cinema representation of Mt. Doom. Hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19-kilometer trek through volcanic craters, emerald lakes, mountain springs, and rugged terrain. This privately guided adventure immerses you in the park’s unique landscape and cultural significance. Return to Taupo by early evening.

Difficulty: A good level of fitness is required
Distance: 19 km (11.8 miles) of walking.
Total walking time: 7 hours, including stops. 
Equipment: Study hiking boots, daypack, waterbottle or camelback & layers strongly recommended. Extra gear can be rented at extra cost in advance.

Return your rental car to Taupo Airport and fly from Taupo to Christchurch. Pick up your rental car at Christchurch Airport, a short drive from Christchurch.

Christchurch, the “Garden City,” is New Zealand’s third-largest city and the largest on the South Island. Constantly evolving, it blends cutting-edge architecture with historic charm. After the devastation of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, Christchurch has transformed into one of the world’s newest cities, thriving with a vibrant hospitality scene, creative projects, and street art. The city is surrounded by a striking backdrop, the gorgeous Port Hills, coastline, Canterbury Plains, and mountains. Enjoy your afternoon and evening exploring Christchurch at your own pace.

Take a day trip to Akaroa, New Zealand’s only French settlement. Travel through the stunning Banks Peninsula, carved by ancient volcanic eruptions. Drive the high summit route for breathtaking views of farmlands, the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, and the rugged coastline dotted with remote bays.

Upon arrival in Akaroa, board a boat from the main wharf for a nature cruise in the harbor. With luck, spot fur seals, little blue penguins, Hector dolphins, and a variety of native birds. Learn about the local history from the captain as you marvel at the volcanic cliffs. Back in town, stroll through Akaroa’s charming 175-year-old French village, visit art shops, and enjoy lunch at an award-winning café. Make stops at Birdling's Flat, Little River Art Gallery, and Barry's Bay Cheese Factory if you have time, before you head back to Christchurch for the evening.

This morning, set out from Christchurch on one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, along the "Scenic Inland Route" of State Highways 73 and 77. Pass through the rich farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, cross the stunning Rakaia River, and take in the views of Rakaia Gorge. Stop in Geraldine for a coffee or lunch and explore its art shops and famous cheeseries. Then, continue towards Fairlie on State Highway 79.

A turn onto State Highway 8 takes you towards Lake Tekapo after passing Fairlie. From here, the landscape changes as you ascend towards the Mackenzie High Country, home to some of the most evocative hill country in the world. The Mackenzie High Country is different from any other region in New Zealand. Unique weather patterns dry out the soil and grasslands, creating their desert-like landscape. Encircled by the majestic Southern Alps, this unique and mystical place offers outstanding natural beauty and breathtaking backcountry wilderness.

After settling in at your lodging, in the evening, join a guided stargazing tour in the heart of the South Island. Under the vast, clear skies of the Aoraki Mount Cook International Dark Sky Reserve, millions of stars will seem to appear before your eyes. Use advanced telescopes at Mount John Observatory, and let your guide share the stories and science of the Southern Skies. Please note, that this stargazing experience is weather-dependent and cannot be guaranteed.

Start your day with the famous Grand Traverse scenic flight from Tekapo. This 50-minute flight takes you over Mount Cook and Westland National Parks in a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, offering stunning views from every seat. Soar above turquoise glacial lakes, rugged valleys, and New Zealand’s highest peaks, including Aoraki Mt. Cook and the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

Once back on the ground, get ready for breathtaking scenery on your drive to Wanaka. From the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, follow State Highway 8 towards Queenstown & Wanaka. You will soon spot the distinctive milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki. Sir Peter Jackson chose this part of the Southern Alps as the setting for ‘Lake Town’ in ‘The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug’ and the backdrop for key location scenes in all Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies.

If time allows, detour onto State Highway 80 toward Mt. Cook after the Lake Pukaki Visitor Center. Stop at "Peter’s Lookout" for incredible views of Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Return to State Highway 8 toward Queenstown and visit the Omarama Clay Cliffs, unique formations shaped by ancient glaciers. Continue through Lindis Pass, where the landscape shifts as you enter Central Otago. After the small historic settlement of Tarras, follow State Highway 8A along the Clutha River, rejoining Highway 6 near Wanaka Airport.

After a big day, settle in and enjoy your evening in Wanaka.

Today you will absorb the unstoppable beauty of pristine wilderness and explore nearby Mt Aspiring National Park, one of New Zealand’s largest National Parks. After breakfast, drive to the small settlement of Makarora, where you meet your pilot guide for a day of adventure in Mt. Aspiring National Park. Enjoy one of New Zealand’s top wilderness experiences, featuring a scenic fixed-wing flight, a remote hike, and an exhilarating jet boat ride. Upon arrival, your pilot will brief you before taking off for a stunning flight over the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes, landing in the heart of Siberia Valley.

The scenic flight will end at a remote grassy airstrip in the mountains. From here, hike for about 2.5 hours through native beech forests, climbing from Siberia Valley to the track’s highest point. Away from the crowds, deep in the isolated wilderness, you can hear birds singing all around you. As you continue downhill into the Wilkin Valley, you can stroll along the lush valley floor, surrounded by towering mountain peaks. Here, meet your jet boat pilot for a thrilling 30-minute ride back to Makaroa. Speed down the glacial-blue Wilkin and Makaroa rivers, taking in stunning scenery with no crowds in sight.

Return to Wanaka for a relaxing evening. 

Wanaka is one of the favorite holiday places for ‘kiwis’ and, although smaller and quieter than Queenstown, provides an appealing mix of family fun, stunning scenery and a vibrant hospitality scene.

After breakfast, your private guide will pick you up for the Wild Hills Safari. Hop into a 4WD car and explore Wanaka’s stunning lakeside views and authentic farming life on the exclusive West Wanaka Station. This 30,000-acre property offers breathtaking scenery and a rich history. Enjoy nature walks, fresh coffee, and home baking at a private mountaintop café. Help with predator control programs by checking traplines maintained by local farmers—experience New Zealand’s genuine rural adventure.

After breakfast, drive to Queenstown via the scenic Crown Range Road. This route takes you through the Cardrona Valley, known for its gold rush history and world-class ski fields. Climb up to the 1,076-meter (3,530-feet) pass for a stunning view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, then descend to join State Highway 6 to continue to Queenstown, today's final destination. Be sure to stop in Arrowtown to explore its well-preserved gold rush town and unique Chinese heritage. Enjoy your afternoon and evening in Queenstown.

Queenstown is an alpine resort town that sits on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, one of the clearest and coldest lakes in the world. Queenstown has been dubbed as the 'Adventure Capital of the world' and with this title comes a plethora of adrenaline-inducing, heart-stopping, and hair-raising activities. The region around Queenstown is characterized by jagged mountains, deep canyons, wild cascading rivers, crystal-clear lakes, rainforest, tussock grassland, and fresh mountain air. In the 1860’s this was a place of gold but today that gold is wine. Pinot Noir, the most fickle of grape varieties, excels in these southernmost vineyards and most of the wineries offer tastings and guided tours, some are home to world-class fine dining establishments.

Dive into one of the most stunning areas of New Zealand. Start today's adventure with a drive along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, hailed as one of the world's most beautiful routes. Pause at Bennet’s Bluff for sweeping lake views and a stretch of the legs. After lunch, experience the thrill of a Dart River jet boat ride deep into Mount Aspiring National Park's stunning landscapes.

As you disembark and stroll through old beech forests, your guide will tell you about the long history of the region and share stories from Maori legends. Enjoy a stroll through the stunning and storied Bob's Cove as you return to Queenstown.

Your journey for today’s Lake Alta Hike begins with a scenic drive to the Remarkables Ski Field; sit back and enjoy panoramic views across Queenstown. Begin your hiking adventure from the ski area base building (1,600 meters/5,250 feet) before starting the gradual ascent to Shadow Basin. Traverse across rugged ridgelines, through alpine fields, and over glacial streams before reaching Lake Alta. Crystal-clear Lake Alta is a pristine glacial lake tucked up in the mountain range, hidden under a thick blanket through the winter, and has appeared in many movies, including Vertical Limit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit. Take in the tranquility of this remote wilderness, enjoy spectacular views across the Wakatipu Valley, and be on the lookout for local wildlife.

After your hike, return to Queenstown for a free afternoon to relax and explore the town or arrange another adrenaline-pumping excursion. 

Today requires an early start for your drive to Te Anau, in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Follow State Highway 6 south towards Kingston and Invercargill, with Lake Wakatipu on your right. The road twists high above Lake Wakatipu, with the 'Devil's Staircase' being the most narrow and impressive part of the journey. From Kingston, the highway passes through rich pastures of dairy and sheep farming land and, more recently, deer farming. Turn onto State Highways 97 and 94 towards Te Anau.

Meet the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise team in Te Anau, where you can safely park your rental car for the night. From here take a a short transfer south from Te Anau to Manapouri. Here, embark on a ferry cruise across Lake Manapouri followed by another bus ride across the magnificent Wilmot Pass, which takes you through the rainforest of Fiordland and into the Sound.

At Deep Cave, board your luxury 65-foot (20-meter) vessel with five comfortable cabins, your home for the next 20 hours. Lunch and refreshments will be provided while you begin to explore Doubtful Sound's surroundings, which include Hall Arm, Crooked Arm, Bradshaw Sound, and more. Activities include sightseeing and exploring, stops for taking pictures, fishing, kayaking, and stargazing on clear nights, in addition to seeing marine mammals. Dinner is served at one of the overnight anchorages, where you can take in the serenity of the Sound after all other boats and visitors have departed.

After a light breakfast, your cruise returns back towards Deep Cove for disembarkation. Continue your return trip across Wilmot Pass to Lake Manapouri. Take a short drive back to Te Anau after crossing the lake to Pearl Harbor in Manapouri.

From here, self-drive on to Fiordland Lodge in Te Anau. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure at Fiordland Lodge. Pre-dinner drinks and a gourmet dinner are provided this evening.

Start your day on the epic Routeburn Track, one of the most scenic drives in the world, on the famous Milford Sound Road from Te Anau to Divide Shelter. Before reaching Divide Shelter, notable locations include Lake Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, Eglinton Valley, and Lake Marian. From the shelter, your walk along this famous Great Walk begins with an ascent through a lush, temperate rainforest on a well-maintained track. The steady climb takes approximately 2 hours at a leisurely pace. Your expert guide will provide excellent opportunities to learn about the natural and human heritage of Fiordland along the way.

Gaining an elevation of 400 meters (1,312 feet), you emerge from the forest into the alpine environment with panoramic views of high snowy peaks, alpine lakes, and deep bush-clad valleys. On a fine day, lunch is on the summit amidst the alpine tarns and, in unfavorable conditions, in the shelter of a nearby tramping hut. After lunch, you have the option to take a walk down the Greenstone Valley or to Earland Falls before returning to the Divide Shelter. Return to Te Anau by late afternoon. Pre-dinner drinks and a gourmet dinner are included with your stay at Fiordland Lodge this evening.

Difficulty: A reasonable level of fitness and walking ability is required
Elevation: 400 meters (1,312 feet) of ascending and descending
Distance: 10 km (6.22 miles) of walking distance.
Walking time: 4–5 hours

Today’s Kepler Track heli-hike adventure begins with a short helicopter flight over scenic Lake Te Anau, beech forest, and alpine vistas to Luxmore Hut on the Kepler Track. From this Department of Conservation hut, you can explore the alpine tussock fields and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Fiordland mountains. You have the opportunity to ascend to the top of Mount Luxmore, weather and time permitting.

After time in the alpine area, hike down the mountain on the well-trodden Kepler Track. The track descends through mountain and silver beech forest and passes under towering limestone bluffs to the sandy beach of Brod Bay, the pick-up point for the rewarding water taxi trip back to Te Anau. Return to Te Anau by late afternoon. Pre-dinner drinks and a gourmet dinner are provided by the lodge this evening.

Difficulty: Medium level of fitness required
Elevation: 800 meters (2,624 feet) descent
Walking Distance: 8 km (4.97 miles) of walking distance
Walking time: 5–6 hours.

After breakfast, travel back to Queenstown Airport to return your rental car, catch your international flight, and begin the return trip home.