9-Day North and South Island Tour from Auckland to Christchurch (Summer)
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Packages
A
Mar - Sep Itinerary（Winter)
B
Oct - Mar Itinerary （Summer)COMING SOON
Tour Overview
Highlights
Visit Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo Township, Matamata, Mount Cook National Park, Oamaru, Queenstown, Rotorua, Te Anau, Waitomo Caves, Wanaka.
- Explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves by boat
- Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings
- Enjoy a luxury yacht dinner cruise on Auckland's harbor
- Cruise Milford Sound with waterfalls and wildlife
- Observe blue penguins at Oamaru
- Golden Autumn Special Gift (May - Sep, Valued at NZD150): Arrowtown and Glenorchy 1-day tour
Itinerary
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. Please arrange arrival flight before 2:00pm to join the city tour. )
Auckland, New Zealand
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.
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. Visit Whakarewarewa Maori Village, located in the Whakarewarewa Valley and one of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions. An optional visit to the world-class Polynesian Spa is available in the evening.
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
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.
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.
Rotorua, New Zealand
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.
Whakarewarewa Maori Village
New Zealand's only living Maori village where residents use geothermal resources for daily life. Witness the majestic Pohutu Geyser, the Southern Hemisphere's largest active geyser, explore bubbling mud pools, and enjoy authentic cultural performances
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.
After breakfast, embark on a day of culture and fantasy. 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 hamburg 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.
Matamata, New Zealand
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.
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.
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.
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.
Auckland, New Zealand
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 dinner while taking in stunning harbor views and the city skyline.
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.
Auckland, New Zealand
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.
Christchurch, New Zealand
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.
Avon River
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.
Lake Tekapo Township, New Zealand
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.
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.
Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand
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.
Lake Pukaki, New Zealand
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.
Wanaka, New Zealand
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.
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.
Queenstown, New Zealand
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.
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.
Queenstown, New Zealand
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.
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.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
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.
Te Anau, New Zealand
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!
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).
Dunedin, New Zealand
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.
Saint Paul's Cathedral
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.
Oamaru, New Zealand
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.
After breakfast, we depart from Oamaru and return to Christchurch, enjoying the picturesque rural landscapes of the South Island along the way.
Departure & Return
- Complimentary Auckland Airport Pickup: Available on your first day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Complimentary Christchurch Airport
Pickup: We recommend booking a flight that arrival before 10:00 AM at Christchurch Airport.
Please note: The coach will depart Christchurch promptly at 1:00 PM. Guests with flight delays will need to arrange their own transport. - Complimentary Christchurch Airport Drop-off: please arrange your flight departing after 3:30 PM.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Price Excludes
Additional Notes
- Strict No-Smoking Policy: Smoking is strictly prohibited in all hotel rooms and on balconies. Violators will face a minimum fine of NZD $500 imposed by the hotel. Occupants of the room will be held jointly liable for any fine issued. Non-payment will authorize the hotel to submit the claim to the New Zealand Disputes Tribunal for recovery. All resulting fines, legal costs, and any adverse effects on visas or immigration status are the sole responsibility of the individual.
- Health Advisory: If you are prone to motion sickness, please prepare motion sickness medication and vomit bags in advance.
- Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover losses from unforeseen circumstances such as trip cancellation, additional transportation, or loss of valuables. Guests who voluntarily forgo insurance will be personally responsible for all risks and associated costs.
- Luggage Allowance: Due to the specific requirements of this group tour, each guest is limited to one piece of luggage not exceeding 26 inches in size.
Policies
The price is subject to change based on hotel availability. In cases of sold-out hotels, major events, public holidays, or changes in hotel star ratings. We reserve the right to issue a separate payment link for any additional charges incurred.
Triple rooms in New Zealand typically consist of one double/queen bed and one single bed (or rollaway bed). If three separate beds are required, please advise in advance.
All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book the airline tickets until you received the confirmation.
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.
The purchase of any travel services represents your acceptance Terms & Conditions set out herein. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand these Terms & Conditions prior to booking.
Booking changes
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply.
A fee may be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Name changes or corrections may be treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees will apply. A change of tour date or tour itinerary may be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply.
Cancellations and Cancellation Fees
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .
Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed and pending bookings. Therefore, cancellation penalties and or fees will apply. Time of cancellation will be determined when notice is received and confirmed by our office. Notice of cancellation must be made directly to TakeTours by email or through web mail at Contact Us .
Cancellation penalties per person (request day and departure day are not counted)
15-30 days prior to departure - 30% of total purchase amount.
8-14 days prior to departure - 50% of total purchase amount.
1-7 days prior to departure - 100% of total purchase amount.
Day of departure or no show - 100% per person.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds 30 days after completion of the tour.
15-30 days prior to departure - 30% of total purchase amount.
8-14 days prior to departure - 50% of total purchase amount.
1-7 days prior to departure - 100% of total purchase amount.
Day of departure or no show - 100% per person.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds 30 days after completion of the tour.
Itinerary Variations
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
In case of attraction closures (due to holidays or construction, etc.), tour guide may make some necessary changes to the itinerary accordingly.
Itineraries are subject to change due to the weather, transportation and other conditions, in order to provide the best experience for you.
We constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages.
In case of attraction closures (due to holidays or construction, etc.), tour guide may make some necessary changes to the itinerary accordingly.
Itineraries are subject to change due to the weather, transportation and other conditions, in order to provide the best experience for you.
Tour Cancellation:
We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, TakeTours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour.. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers. We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.
We reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. If cancellation is made any time prior to departure* of the tour, TakeTours' only liability will be to refund to the passenger the amount it has received for the tour booking. We will try to re-book the same or similar tour.. Please note that we are not liable for any cancellation penalties incurred on any other travel arrangements including air tickets purchased separately from customers. We are not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.
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