Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Queenstown

Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival in Queenstown, you'll be met and privately transferred into town. Settle in and enjoy your first afternoon at leisure, surrounded by the Remarkables and beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown's compact center is ideal for exploring on foot, with excellent restaurants, boutiques and lakefront views.
 

Day 2 – Milford Sound by Air & Water

Today brings one of New Zealand's most memorable experiences. Fly from Queenstown across dramatic alpine landscapes, glaciers, lakes and waterfalls to magnificent Milford Sound. On arrival, board a nature cruise to explore the fiord beneath its towering cliffs before returning to Queenstown on another spectacular scenic flight across Fiordland.
 

Day 3 – Queenstown Wilderness Adventure

Journey into the spectacular wilderness surrounding Queenstown for an exhilarating jetboat adventure along the braided Dart River. Travel through a landscape of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and glacial valleys, stopping along the way to learn about the area's natural and cultural history and walk among ancient beech forest.

Make it your own: Instead of jetboating, choose a half-day guided walk on the Routeburn Track, a self-guided cycling adventure from Arrowtown to Queenstown, or spend the day discovering Central Otago's celebrated food and wine.
 

Day 4 – Queenstown to Lake Pukaki

Collect your rental vehicle and begin your New Zealand road trip. Follow the Kawarau Gorge through Central Otago, travel alongside Lake Dunstan and cross the beautiful Lindis Pass before reaching the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. With the Southern Alps rising beyond the lake, this is one of New Zealand's most spectacular settings.
 

Day 5 – Aoraki/Mount Cook & the Mackenzie Country

Today is yours to explore. Walk the nearby Pukaki Kettlehole Track, venture into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for one of its beautiful alpine walks, visit Lake Tekapo, cycle a section of the Alps to Ocean Trail or take to the skies for a scenic flight over the Southern Alps and glaciers.
 

Day 6 – Lake Pukaki to Christchurch

Travel through the expansive landscapes of the Mackenzie Country, passing Lake Tekapo and crossing the Canterbury Plains en route to Christchurch. Spend the remainder of the day discovering this revitalized city, where beautiful gardens and the Avon River sit alongside contemporary architecture, street art, restaurants and lively laneways.
 

Optional experience: Add a guided Māori cultural food walk through central Christchurch, combining local flavors with stories of manaakitanga, connection and the city's Māori and settler heritage.
 

Day 7 – Christchurch to Kaikōura

Drive north to Kaikōura, where snow-capped mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. This extraordinary coastal environment supports one of New Zealand's richest concentrations of marine life. Later, enjoy a hands-on farm-to-table experience, foraging and harvesting ingredients before joining your host in the kitchen to prepare a seasonal feast accompanied by local wine or beer.
 

Optional experience: Add an evening guided sea-kayaking excursion along the Kaikōura Peninsula, watching for fur seals, penguins, albatross and perhaps dolphins as the sun sets.
 

Day 8 – Swim with Wild Dolphins

Take to the water for an extraordinary encounter with Kaikōura's wild dusky dolphins. Cruise offshore with expert guides before entering the water to swim near these playful animals in their natural environment. Keep watch for fur seals, orca, pilot whales and Hector's dolphins along the way.
 

Make it your own: Those who prefer to stay out of the water can substitute an albatross encounter or whale-watching cruise.
 

Day 9 – Kaikōura to Nelson & Abel Tasman

Continue north through the Marlborough countryside and past Blenheim, heart of one of New Zealand's best-known wine regions. Travel onward through the Rai Valley to sunny Nelson and the Abel Tasman region, known for its beautiful coastline, national parks, vineyards, orchards and thriving arts community.
 

Day 10 – Abel Tasman National Park

Spend a memorable day exploring the golden beaches, turquoise bays and native forest of Abel Tasman National Park by boat. Cruise along the coastline and visit the Tonga Island seal colony before stopping in a sheltered bay for lunch. Swim, snorkel, kayak, take a bush walk or simply relax and enjoy your spectacular surroundings.
 

Make it your own: More active alternatives include a 6 mile coastal walk through the park, a cruise-walk-sail combination, or a full-day kayaking and walking adventure through the marine reserve.
 

Day 11 – Nelson to Waiheke Island

Fly from Nelson to Auckland, where a private transfer takes you to the ferry terminal for the scenic journey across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island. Collect your rental vehicle and begin exploring an island known for its vineyards, olive groves, beaches, walking trails and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
 

Day 12 – Walk & Wine on Waiheke

Discover another side of Waiheke on a leisurely guided walk through regenerating native bush, rolling countryside and vineyard landscapes. Enjoy beautiful views across the Hauraki Gulf along the way, stopping for wine tastings and a picnic lunch at two of the island's celebrated vineyards.
 

Day 13 – Waiheke Island

Experience Waiheke from above on three spectacular ziplines soaring over native forest, followed by an interpretive forest walk. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy—perhaps visit another winery, linger over a long lunch, explore the island's galleries or relax on one of its beautiful beaches.
 

Day 14 – Auckland & Depart New Zealand

Return from Waiheke and finish your journey with a private exploration of Auckland. Discover some of the region's scenic highlights and lesser-known places with your private guide, stopping for lunch along the way before continuing to Auckland International Airport for your departing flight.