Day 1 Auckland
Day 2 Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua (281 km)
Day 3 Rotorua - Matamata - Auckland (206 km)
Day 4 Auckland (Hotel shuttle to airport; please arrange your own flight arriving in Christchurch before 10:00 am) - Christchurch - Lake Tekapo (929 km)
Day 5 Lake Tekapo Township - Mount Cook National Park - Lake Pukaki - Wanaka - Queenstown (280 km)
Day 6 A full day of leisure in Queenstown
Day 7 Queenstown - Fiordland National Park - Te Anau (270 km)
Day 8 Te Anau - Dunedin - Oamaru (316 km)
Day 9 Oamaru - Christchurch (218 km)
Day 1:
Auckland
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city and the "City of Sails"! Your guide will meet you at the airport and begin a city tour, which includes visiting Mount Eden for panoramic views, driving past the iconic Harbour Bridge, and strolling through Queen Street and Princes Wharf. If time permits, you'll also enjoy the serene sunset at Mission Bay. (Note: The city tour may be adjusted based on your flight arrival time.)
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Auckland, NZD
Commonly referred to as the City of Sails, Auckland is a populous urban area in New Zealand. An isthmus (narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas) Auckland's harbors offer beautiful views and a wide range of water activities.
Mount Eden
Mount Eden is known for having a dormant volcano whose summit is the highest natural point on the Auckland isthmus. Also known as Maungawhau, tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of the harbor and surrounding city from the top of the summit.
Auckland Harbour Bridge (Passing By)
The Auckland Harbour Bridge is the second-longest road bridge in New Zealand, and the longest in the North Island. At 1,020 meters (3,348 ft) long, it is considered a Auckland icon that hovers over the Waitemata Harbour.
Mission Bay (Optional if time permits)
Crystal clear water and white sand characterize the beautiful beaches of Mission Bay. Visit nearby parks and local monuments like the Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain, or dine at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Day 2:
Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua (281 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel buffet)|Lunch: Included (Western-style buffet)|Dinner: Included (Special venison dish)
The tour departs from Auckland Sky Tower between 7:00-8:00 AM, with pick-ups from the airport area. We will first explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, gliding through an underground starry spectacle, before arriving in Rotorua to visit the Government Gardens and Kuirau Thermal Park, where you can experience natural geothermal footbaths. An optional visit to the world-class Polynesian Spa is available in the evening.
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Auckland, NZD
Commonly referred to as the City of Sails, Auckland is a populous urban area in New Zealand. An isthmus (narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas) Auckland's harbors offer beautiful views and a wide range of water activities.
Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is an observation and telecommunications tower located in the Auckland CBD, Auckland City, New Zealand. It is 328 metres (1,076 ft) tall, the tallest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere and the 25th tallest tower in the world.
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Waitomo Caves, NZD
Waitomo can be translated as the 'stream which flows into the hole in the ground'. This meaning is reflected through its fantastic geological history and landscape.
Combine your experience with Ruakuri Cave, see glowworms up close and descend a spectacular spiral entrance. In Aranui Cave be mesmerised by ornate cave decorations also the underground Black Water Rafting.
Duration: Approx. 45 Minutes
Glowworm and Cave Tour
Take time to let your eyes adapt and you will be rewarded with the soft glow of many of thousands of glowworms. There are enough to gently light up an entire cave and bring you to a sense of wonder. Later, our relaxed and gentle tour will treat you to the beautiful Cave of the Spirit. Walk through a lovely succession of chambers to find speleothems, fossil remains of extinct moa and cathedrals filled with natural light, softly falling to the floor.
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Rotorua, NZD
Located in the Bay of Plenty region, Rotorua is New Zealand's 10th largest urban city. Tourists can visit the Government Gardens and the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. Other popular activities include mountain biking, boating, and fishing.
Government Gardens
A public park located near Rotorua Lake, Government Gardens provides visitors with a wide array of activities including swimming, croquet lawns, walking paths and more. Guests also have access to the Rotorua Museum of Art and History and the Polynesia Spa.
Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
Described as one of the top 20 most surreal places in the world, the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is a colorful and spectacular volcanic area where guests can walk along geothermal features and experience natural phenomena unlike any other.
Polynesian Spa
Since 1882, there has been a bath house on this site in Rotorua, NZ. Currently, the geothermal spa facility here provides a relaxing treatment that is said to especially help those with arthritis.
Day 3:
Rotorua - Matamata - Auckland (206 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel buffet)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Sunset Cruise with Three-Course Dinner)
After breakfast, embark on a day of culture and fantasy. Visit the famous Agrodome for a tractor tour through lush pastures and interact with friendly animals like alpacas. Then, explore the magical Hobbiton Movie Set and step into the fairy-tale scenes of Middle-earth with a guided tour. In the afternoon, return to Auckland and board a luxury 5-star yacht at Viaduct Harbour. Enjoy a 3-course Western dinner while taking in stunning harbor views and the city skyline. Note: In case of weather or flight issues affecting the cruise, a complimentary yacht experience voucher will be provided for future use.
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Rotorua, NZD
Located in the Bay of Plenty region, Rotorua is New Zealand's 10th largest urban city. Tourists can visit the Government Gardens and the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. Other popular activities include mountain biking, boating, and fishing.
Agrodome
10 minutes from Rotorua city center, Agrodome is a 350-acre (142-hectare) sheep farm. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to interact with the gentle creatures at the Agrodome Sheep Show, Farm Tour or both.
Duration: Approx. 1 Hour
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Matamata, NZD
Located near the Kaimai Ranges, Matamata is a rural town in New Zealand. Visitors may recognize Matamata's scenic beauty because it serves as the location for Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film franchise.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Hobbiton is the official location of The Lord of the Rings film franchise. Originally a family-run farm west of Hinuera, it is now a permanent tourist fixture dedicated to the characters and storytelling originally conceptualized by author J.R.R. Tokien.
Duration: Approx. 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Green Dragon Inn
The Green Dragon Inn's circular blue door is instantly recognizable as a featured landmark in The Lord of the Rings film franchise. This quirky, famous pub hosts private tours and offers guests traditional Hobbit foods and beverages inspired by the movies.
Party Tree
The Party Tree is a large, beautiful tree famous for its appearance in The Lord of the Rings film franchise. This enormous tree is located in a scenic meadow at the south end of Hobbiton and is the location of one of Bilbo Baggins famous speeches.
The Old Mill
This building was built for the Lord of the Rings movies, specifically the scenery around the Shire village of Hobbiton. After filming wrapped, much of the village was left standing.
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Auckland, NZD
Commonly referred to as the City of Sails, Auckland is a populous urban area in New Zealand. An isthmus (narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas) Auckland's harbors offer beautiful views and a wide range of water activities.
Sunset Auckland Skyline Yacht & Dinner Tour
Board a luxury 5-star yacht at Viaduct Harbour. Enjoy a 3-course Western dinner while taking in stunning harbor views and the city skyline.
Duration: Approx. 1 Hour
Day 4:
Auckland (Hotel shuttle to airport; please arrange your own flight arriving in Christchurch before 10:00 am) - Christchurch - Lake Tekapo (929 km)
Breakfast: Included (Hotel buffet)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Included (Alpine Salmon Buffet)
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, take the convenient shuttle bus provided by the airport hotel to Auckland International Airport. Upon arriving in Christchurch, our guide will lead a tour of this "Garden City." We will stroll through the historic Arts Centre, admire the Avon River, and pass by the symbolic Bridge of Remembrance.
Please note: The coach will depart Christchurch promptly at 1:00 PM. Guests with flight delays will need to arrange their own transport.
After lunch, we journey to the stunning Lake Tekapo. Its turquoise color, caused by glacial rock flour, is set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. We will visit the landmark Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake. In the evening, a special treat awaits with a taste of the world's highest-altitude king salmon sashimi. We will stay overnight in the Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve, offering a chance to witness the breathtaking Milky Way.
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Auckland, NZD
Commonly referred to as the City of Sails, Auckland is a populous urban area in New Zealand. An isthmus (narrow strip of land connecting two larger land areas) Auckland's harbors offer beautiful views and a wide range of water activities.
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Christchurch, NZD
The largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, Christchurch is an urban center in the Canterbury region. Nicknamed the Garden City, Christchurch is known for its Anglican cathedral, arts, museums, and as being a gateway for Antarctic expeditions.
Arts Centre
Housed in enchanting Gothic Revival buildings, the Christchurch Arts Centre is the city's cultural hub. It buzzes with creativity, hosting artist studios, unique shops, theatres, and craft markets.
Bridge of Remembrance
The Bridge of Remembrance is a WWI memorial arch in Christchurch, where soldiers departed for war. It now stands as a spiritual landmark, symbolizing peace, remembrance, and resilient hope.
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Lake Tekapo Township, NZD
Located near the Mackenzie Basin, the Lake Tekapo Township is a small community surrounded mountain ranges, lakes and natural beauty. It is also home to Mount John University Observatory, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Waitaki Dam, and more.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is the second-largest of three roughly parallel lakes running north-south along the northern edge of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island of New Zealand (the others are Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau).
Church of the Good Shepherd
The Church of the Good Shepherd is situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains.
It was built to the glory of God as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve
The Tekapo International Dark Sky Reserve is one of the world's largest and most renowned dark sky reserves. Renowned for its minimal light pollution and clear skies, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe the spectacular Southern Hemisphere stars and Milky Way.
Day 5:
Lake Tekapo Township - Mount Cook National Park - Lake Pukaki - Wanaka - Queenstown (280 km)
Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, travel to Mount Cook National Park. Explore the park's stunning landscapes, with an optional helicopter flight to the Tasman Glacier (weather permitting). We then visit the turquoise Lake Pukaki before continuing to Lake Wanaka to see the famous "Lone Tree." In the evening, we arrive in the world-renowned resort town of Queenstown.
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Mount Cook National Park, NZD
Mount Cook, locally known as Aoraki, is the highest mountain in New Zealand measuring 12,218 feet tall. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Cook is a beautiful, diverse location like no other. Enjoy exploring peaks, valleys, lakes, forests, and more.
Mount Cook Helicopter Tour
Admire the beauty and scale of New Zealand's largest mountain, Mount Cook, from the sky with a helicopter tour. Locally known as Aoraki, guests learn about the mountain's cultural and historical importance from knowledgeable pilots while admiring the grandeur of the Southern Alps.
Duration: 20 Minutes to 1 Hour
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Lake Pukaki, NZD
Lake Pukaki is a glacial lake in the South Island of New Zealand, renowned for its striking turquoise-blue color and stunning views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.
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Wanaka, NZD
Located in the Otago region, Wanaka is a popular resort town that attracts tourists all year round. From cross-country skiing to water skiing, Wanaka offers endless outdoor activities no matter the season, as well as gorgeous views of mountain ranges, lakes, and more.
Lake Wanaka
Located at the heart of Wanaka, Lake Wanaka is situated in a glacier basin and spans an area of 72 square miles. Ideal for adventure tourism, visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Lone Tree
The Lone Tree of Lake Wanaka is an iconic New Zealand sight. A single willow tree stands gracefully in the water, creating a serene and photogenic scene against the mountain backdrop, making it a must-visit landmark.
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Queenstown, NZD
Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.
Day 6:
A full day of leisure in Queenstown
Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
Today offers a full day of leisure in picturesque Queenstown. Nestled between majestic mountains and a sparkling lake, this town is hailed as one of the world's most beautiful resort destinations—a paradise for both relaxation and adventure.
Tailor your day to your interests:
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For Film Buffs: Journey to the fairytale-like village of Glenorchy to explore real-life The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit filming locations.
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For Thrill-Seekers: Get your adrenaline pumping with world-class activities like skydiving, bungy jumping, paragliding, or jet boating.
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For a Leisurely Pace: Soak in panoramic views from the gondola, take a scenic helicopter flight over snow-capped peaks and glaciers, or enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard.
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For a Spontaneous Day: Simply wander the vibrant streets, listen to buskers, and savor coffee by the lake.
Don't forget to try the legendary Fergburger - a deliciously juicy bite you won't forget.
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Queenstown, NZD
Located in the South Island of New Zealand along Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is an urban, resort town popularized for its adventure tourism, which includes snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking, and paragliding. The Lord of the Rings film trilogy also features locations from Queenstown and surrounding locations.
Day 7:
Queenstown - Fiordland National Park - Te Anau (270 km)
Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Included (Fiord Cruise Buffet)|Dinner: Included (Fiordland Lobster Meal)
After breakfast, we will travel to Milford Sound and board a scenic cruise. The journey offers views of towering cliffs and waterfalls, with chances to see local wildlife such as seals and dolphins. In the evening, we will arrive at Lake Te Anau. An optional visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves is available later.
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Fiordland National Park, NZD
Established in 1952, the Fiordland National Park is New Zealand's most significant conservation that supports a large and diverse ecosystem of plants and wildlife. Enjoy hiking, bird watching, and more while surrounded by the astounding beauty of this natural paradise.
Milford Sound
Described as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Milford Sound offers breathtaking views and recreation. Visitors can admire staggering cliffs and waterfalls, kayak in the sea, take a helicopter flight, or enjoy a day or overnight boat cruise.
Milford Mariner Ship Cruise
Spend the night aboard the Milford Mariner Cruise Ship and experience the Milford Sound like never before. Enjoy nature guides by day and stargazing by night, as well as delicious buffet-styled breakfast and dinner among the sound's natural beauty.
Duration: 1 Day
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Te Anau, NZD
Located in the Southland region of New Zealand, Te Anau is a scenic town that borders the Fiordland National Park. Experience the beauty of numerous mountain ranges, Lake Te Anau, bird watching, and easy access to Queenstown and the Milford Sounds.
Te Anau Lake
Lake Te Anau is the largest lake in the South Island of New Zealand, known as the "Gateway to Fiordland." Nestled within majestic mountains, it offers serene beauty and serves as the main base for exploring Fiordland National Park.
Glow Worm Cave
Take a journey into the underground magic of the Te Anau glow worm caves on the shores of Te Anau Lake. Cruise through limestone passages before arriving in a grotto filled with these marvelous creatures!
Day 8:
Te Anau - Dunedin - Oamaru (316 km)
Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Included (Chinese Hot Pot)|Dinner: Included (Maori-style Hangi dinner)
After breakfast, travel to Dunedin for a city tour. Key stops include St. Paul's Cathedral, the historic University of Otago, the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, and the world's steepest Baldwin Street. We will then pass by the scenic Moeraki Boulders beach before arriving in Oamaru. In the evening, we will visit the Little Blue Penguin Colony (VIP seating included, Please note: if VIP seats are unavailable due to late booking, standard seating will be provided).
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Dunedin, NZD
Dunedin is a bustling urban, cultural center in the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand. It offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors including the theatre, music, museums, sporting events, universities, parks, gardens, architecture, and much more.
Dunedin Railway Station
Embodies Dunedin's wealthy inheritance, This building perhaps is New Zealand’s most photographed building. The ornate Flemish Renaissance-style architecture features white Oamaru limestone facings on black basalt rock. The sheer size, grandiose style and rich embellishments of the station earned architect George Troup the nickname of Gingerbread George.
Baldwin Street
Located in Dunedin, New Zealand, Baldwin Street is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's steepest residential Street. At its maximum incline, the slope of Baldwin Street is 19 degrees or a gradient of 35%.
University of Otago
Founded in 1869, the University of Otago is New Zealand's oldest university. Its Dunedin campus is renowned for its Scottish-style stone buildings and stunning gardens, often ranked among the world's most beautiful campuses, blending academic prestige with photographic charm.
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Oamaru, NZD
Oamaru is the largest and most populous town in the northern Otago region. Located 120 kilometers north of Dunedin, Oamaru is home to important archaeological sites and architectural stone buildings such as St. Patrick's Basilica.
Moeraki Beach
Moeraki Beach is best known for enormous, spherical boulders lying along its coast between the towns of Moeraki and Hampden. Visitors will enjoy learning about the indigenous Māori legends surrounding these boulders and the picture-perfect views these unique beach feature offer.
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is a renowned wildlife site in New Zealand, where visitors can observe the world's smallest blue penguins returning ashore to their nests after dusk.
Day 9:
Oamaru - Christchurch (218 km)
Breakfast: Included (Western-style at the hotel)|Lunch: Excluded|Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, we depart from Oamaru and return to Christchurch, enjoying the picturesque rural landscapes of the South Island along the way.
8-Day South Island Scenic Trains and Glaciers Grand Loop from Christchurch
2-Day Middle-earth Adventure Tour from Auckland, Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua & Hobbiton
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