Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
New Zealand - Auckland - Tongariro - Abel Tasman - Fiordland
100% customisable for you
Rise and shine, your highly anticipated adventure in New Zealand kicks off today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and slip away to the lounge for some peace and quiet before takeoff. Flights to Auckland take just over a day and connect through Southeast Asia – time to sit back, slip on an eye mask and put your feet up.
Because of the 12-hour time difference, you’ll touchdown in Auckland two days later. After clearing customs, grab your bags, meet your private driver and transfer to the city to settle into your room for the next two nights.
If you’re fighting off a bout of jet lag this afternoon, take things easy with some downtime in your hotel. But if you’re keen to stretch your legs, head to the Auckland Museum for an introduction to New Zealand’s history.
This evening, bypass the back and forth by contacting our trusty Concierge for some stellar restaurant recommendations. Let’s make sure your first night is one to remember.
The name of the game today: exploring Auckland, also known as the ‘City of Sails’. Tuck into a hearty breakfast this morning before packing your cameras and hitting the streets of New Zealand’s biggest and most populated city.
True to its nickname, Auckland has a vibrant coastal culture, which you can learn all about at the New Zealand Maritime Museum. From here, enjoy a break in nature at Auckland Domain (the city’s oldest park), before immersing yourself in some trendy neighbourhoods with a stroll around Karangahape Road and the Ponsonby area.
Elsewhere, rugby fans can head to Eden Park for a taste of Auckland’s sporting pedigree, while those keen to stay outdoors can hike up Mount Victoria. At the 217ft summit, you’ll be rewarded with a panorama of the whole city.
But if it’s beach bliss you’re after, the shores of Waitemata Harbour are where it’s at. Bronzed and beaming, you can then end the day on a high note (literally) by venturing up Mount Eden at sunset.
Wake bright and early this morning to enjoy a delicious breakfast before picking up your hire car and strapping in for the two-hour-and-45-minute drive to Rotorua. Road trip tunes at the ready.
When you arrive in this lovely lakeside town, check in for two nights in your next charming hotel. Then drop your bags, freshen up and head out. Sitting on a bubbling cauldron of geothermal activity and perched beside impeccably blue waters, Rotorua is the ideal introduction to New Zealand’s natural beauty.
So, this afternoon, head to the Whakarewarewa Forest, more snappily known as ‘The Redwoods’. Full of towering trees and giant ferns, this 13,838-acre forest can be explored either on foot, by horse or by mountain bike. Whichever way you decide to discover it, just don’t forget to bring your camera.
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning, because today you’re heading to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. There are four hiking routes here, the longest of which stretches two-and-a-half miles. So, strap on a pair of hiking boots – or, failing that, a well-worn pair of trainers – and prepare to discover the geothermal gems tucked away in this rugged region.
Then, at the end of the route, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the 2,200 acre Lake Rotomahana. Another shimmering showstopper is Frying Pan Lake, which boasts the coveted title of the largest hot spring in the world. There’s also the Inferno Crater Lake, the largest geyser-like feature in the world. Contrary to its name, it’s as beautifully blue (and fire free) as every other lake in the area – phew.
Bid the shores of Lake Rotorua farewell this morning as you bundle back into the car and buckle up for the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Ohakune, at the southern tip of Tongariro National Park.
After arriving, settle in for the night in another seriously scenic spot. Then, following some post-car-journey stretching, head out to grab lunch and scope out your new surroundings.
The star of the show here is (of course) Tongariro National Park. New Zealand’s inaugural national park, it stretches over 300 sq miles and houses three volcanoes: Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. The first, Ruapehu, is the highest point on the entire island. Film buffs might also recognize the last, Ngauruhoe, from its role as Mordor in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Having worked up an appetite for dinner by exploring the park this afternoon, return to your hotel to tuck into yet another delightfully delicious meal tongiht.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the lush landscapes of Tongariro National Park this morning before embarking on the three-and-a-half-hour drive to Wellington. You’ll journey through a sequence of green expanses, so keep your eyes on the windows (unless you’re driving, in which case keep them firmly on the road…).
When you pull into the city, check in for a one-night stay in a centrally located hotel. Then, freshen up and venture out to explore the capital of New Zealand.
Satisfy your culture cravings this afternoon at the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum. 'Te Papa’ means ‘treasure box’ in Maori and the museum more than lives up to this promise, boasting an entire floor dedicated to the indigenous people of New Zealand. On the other floors, you’ll find holograms, the world's largest squid specimen and reconstructions of earthquakes and lava flows. Need we say more?
Bid a fond farewell to New Zealand’s North Island this morning as you prepare to catch the three-and-a-half-hour ferry to Picton, on the South Island.
Having gently glided over the Cook Strait – and nibbled on a few delicious snacks – head towards Abel Tasman National Park. Check in for the next two nights before dropping your bags and venturing out in search of a lovely lunch.
The afternoon is yours to spend as you please. Take your pick of a scenic hike through the surrounding landscape or some chill time enjoying the facilities at your hotel. Then, sink into bed to rest up for the adventures of tomorrow.
Hear that? The coast is calling. Tuck into a tasty breakfast this morning before wielding your tickets to the Tongo Island Marine Reserve in Abel Tasman National Park.
Renowned for its golden sand, quiet coves, boulder headlands and rocky reefs, this is one of the biggest attractions in the area. It’s also part of the 37-mile-long Abel Tasman Coast Track, a seriously scenic stretch of beaches, forests and bays.
Hop aboard a catamaran to cruise through this lush landscape. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, penguins and dolphins. Once you’ve tested your wildlife photography skills, jump in the water for a swim or go for a walk along the coast.
Another day, another coastal charmer. Load up the car after breakfast this morning to embark on the four-hour drive to Punakaiki, a small village facing the wide-open waters of the Tasman Sea.
When you arrive, check in for the night, drop your bags, divvy up the sides of the bed and indulge in some downtime before heading out again.
Home to the (brilliantly named) Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes, this is yet another one of New Zealand’s natural wonders. So, be sure to explore the area in the lead up to dinner tonight.
Roll further down the coast this morning with the three-hour-and-20-minute drive to Fox Glacier, in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Eyes peeled; the journey is bound to be a scenic one.
Pull into your next hotel this afternoon and check in for the night. Once you’ve taken some time to settle in and unwind, step out and take in the unrivalled beauty of your new surroundings.
Named after former prime minister Sir William Fox, Fox Glacier descends from the Southern Alps into a rainforest fewer than 1,000ft above sea level. The result: a distinctly dramatic landscape worthy of taking up plenty of space on your camera roll.
This evening, enjoy a well-earned cocktail and a hearty meal in one of this tiny town’s restaurants before hitting the hay to prepare for what tomorrow has in store.
Indulge in a leisurely start this morning before loading up the car and setting off towards Wanaka. The journey takes around three-and-a-half hours, giving you plenty of time for road trip sing-alongs. If your music is in need of a refresh, you can also dip into our destination-specific playlist.
Having pulled into town, check in for the night in a hotel on the shores of Lake Wanaka, New Zealand’s fourth largest lake. Stretching 28 miles and covering 47,360 acres, it’s the ultimate base for outdoor adventures.
Nearby, the town itself also offers plenty of excitement. Galleries and stylish shops line the streets, while cafes, restaurants and craft breweries promise an evening of good food and creative refreshments.
Soak up the panorama of Lake Wanaka one last time this morning before checking out and bundling back into the car for the three-hour drive to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site, no less.
Home to world-famous fjords, majestic mountains, wild walking trails and vibrant blue waters, this is one of the most dramatic landscapes in New Zealand. So, once you’ve checked in and fuelled up on a lovely lunch, lace up your shoes and set off on a walk through the park.
Fuel up on a hearty breakfast this morning, because today, you’re hopping on a boat to cruise through more fantastically photogenic fjords in Milford Sound (also known by the more rhythmic Maori name: Piopiotahi).
Situated in the heart of Fiordland National Park, this marine marvel features steep walls that rise more than 3,280ft above the water. Two spectacular waterfalls take the spotlight: Lady Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls. And if that’s not dramatic enough, there’s also Mitre Peak, a 5,560ft mountain.
When you’re not gazing up at the dramatic rock formations around you, make sure to look down for the chance to glimpse bottlenose dolphins. You might also be able to spot seals, penguins, humpback whales and southern right whales. Talk about hitting the jackpot.
Tuck into a tasty meal at breakfast this morning before strapping in for the two-hour drive to Queenstown, charmingly dubbed the ‘Adventure Capital of the World.’ Where better to spend the final night of your trip?
When you arrive, check in for one night in a centrally located hotel. Then, hit the ground running to eke as much enjoyment out of this action-packed hub as you can.
Boasting a cinematic backdrop of mountains and lakes – and a lengthy menu of outdoor adventures to choose from – Queenstown more than earns its moniker. Elsewhere, its medley of bars and restaurants promises a tasty reward when you return from your escapades.
So, once you’ve racked up some serious step counts, return to the city for a delicious dinner this evening. Time to toast to a trip well spent.
Like all great adventures, your top to tail adventure in New Zealand comes to an end today. Perch up at one of Queenstown’s buzzing cafes this morning before loading up the car and heading to the airport.
Your return flight connects through Southeast Asia and takes a day-and-a-half. Because of the time difference, you’ll arrive the day after you take off, which means you’ll gain around 12 hours... but you’ll already have gained a lifetime’s more in unforgettable memories.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
