image

1: The Ultimate North Island Experience - Culture, Nature & Geothermal Wonders

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Destinations Covered: Auckland - Bay of Islands - Rotorua - Waitomo - Hobbiton - Taupo

This North Island adventure is perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Maori culture, witness stunning geothermal landscapes, and explore world-famous movie sets. The journey includes natural hot springs, glowworm caves, emerald lakes, and charming towns. Ideal for families, couples, and curious travelers.

Highlights:
  • Maori Cultural Experience in Rotorua: Traditional welcome, Haka dance, and hangi dinner.

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves: A magical boat ride under a starlit ceiling of bioluminescent creatures.

  • Bay of Islands Cruise: Island hopping, dolphin spotting, and Cape Brett’s Hole in the Rock.

  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: Walk through the Shire, just like in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

  • Thermal Wonders in Wai-O-Tapu & Te Puia: Bubbling mud pools, geysers, and vibrant silica terraces.

  • Lake Taupo & Huka Falls: Jaw-dropping waterfalls and the largest lake in New Zealand.

  • Sky Tower in Auckland: Panoramic views of the city of sails.

Must-Do Activities

1. Haka Cultural Night in Rotorua

Get welcomed into a marae, enjoy a powerful Maori performance, and dine on a traditional earth-cooked feast.

2. Hobbiton Guided Tour

Explore the set's iconic hobbit holes, party tree, and the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary drink.

3. Glowworm Cave Cruise

Drift through limestone caverns illuminated by thousands of glowworms in complete silence - surreal.

4. Island Cruise in Bay of Islands

Sail past 144 subtropical islands, spot dolphins, and walk on white-sand beaches.

5. Soak in Polynesian Spa, Rotorua

Unwind in therapeutic mineral hot pools with lake views.

6. Jet Boat Ride to Huka Falls

Adrenaline-packed ride up to the base of thundering waterfalls.

Accommodation Options:

Auckland (1 Night):

  • Luxury: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour - Waterfront indulgence.

  • Mid-Range: SkyCity Hotel - Central with casino access.

  • Budget: Attic Backpackers - Social, clean, and great location.

Bay of Islands (2 Nights):
  • Luxury: Eagles Nest - Secluded villas with breathtaking views.

  • Mid-Range: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands - Tranquil and central.

  • Budget: Haka Lodge Paihia - Cozy and cool for budget travelers.

Rotorua (3 Nights):
  • Luxury: Regent of Rotorua - Chic and close to everything.

  • Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Rotorua - Family-friendly and near Te Puia.

  • Budget: YHA Rotorua - Affordable and great facilities.

Taupo (1 Night):
  • Luxury: Hilton Lake Taupo - Lakeside elegance.

  • Mid-Range: Millennium Hotel & Resort - Overlooking Lake Taupo.

  • Budget: Taupo Urban Retreat - Comfortable with a backpacker vibe.

Best Time to Visit:

November to April (Spring/Summer): Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities and beach days.

May to October (Autumn/Winter): Quieter, cooler, and great for hot springs and fewer crowds.

image

2: South Island Splendor - Glaciers, Mountains & Fjords

Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights

Destinations Covered: Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Mount Cook - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Franz Josef Glacier - Wanaka

Ready for an epic South Island road trip? This itinerary delivers everything from turquoise lakes and glacier valleys to fjords and adrenaline capital Queenstown. Whether you're into scenic drives, hiking trails, or sky-high adventures, this tour covers the best of the South - in serious style.

Highlights:
  • Stargazing at Lake Tekapo: One of the world’s best places for seeing the night sky.

  • Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park: Walks, heli rides, and glacial views at NZ’s highest peak.

  • Milford Sound Cruise: Iconic fjord with towering cliffs, waterfalls, and dolphins.

  • Franz Josef Glacier: Guided glacier hikes or heli-tours over ice fields.

  • Adventure capital Queenstown: Skydiving, bungee, jet boats - or just chill with a wine.

  • Wanaka's Charm: Hike Roy’s Peak or chill by the lake with the famous lone tree.

  • Scenic TranzAlpine Train (Optional): One of the world’s most scenic rail journeys from Greymouth to Christchurch.

Must-Do Activities

1. Stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve, Tekapo

Catch the Milky Way like never before at Mt. John Observatory with expert guides and telescopes.

2. Hooker Valley Track - Mount Cook

A breathtaking 3-hour walk with swing bridges and glacier views - easy and unmissable.

3. Cruise on Milford Sound

See waterfalls crash from cliffs and maybe spot seals or dolphins in this dramatic fjord.

4. Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike

Take a chopper to the glacier and walk among blue ice tunnels - surreal and unforgettable.

5. Jet Boating on the Shotover River

Fly over water in narrow canyons at heart-racing speeds in Queenstown.

6. Wine Tasting in Gibbston Valley

Sip Central Otago’s world-famous Pinot Noir on a laid-back winery tour

7. Sunrise at That Wanaka Tree

Peaceful, photogenic, and postcard-perfect - especially in autumn.

Accommodation Options:

Christchurch (1 Night):

  • Luxury: The George - Boutique elegance near Hagley Park.

  • Mid-Range: Rendezvous Hotel - Modern and central.

  • Budget: JUCY Snooze - Funky and affordable.

Lake Tekapo (1 Night):
  • Luxury: Peppers Bluewater Resort - Views of the lake and mountains.

  • Mid-Range: Mantra Lake Tekapo - Great for families.

  • Budget: YHA Lake Tekapo - Cozy with perfect stargazing views.

Mount Cook Village (1 Night):
  • Lodge: The Hermitage Hotel - Epic views of Mount Cook from your window

  • Budget: Aoraki Court Motel - Modern, clean, and close to trails.

Queenstown (3 Nights):
  • Luxury: Eichardt’s Private Hotel - Lakeside luxury.

  • Mid-Range: Novotel Queenstown - Perfectly located.

  • Budget: Nomads Queenstown - Friendly, fun, central.

Franz Josef (1 Night):
  • Luxury: Te Waonui Forest Retreat - 5-star eco-luxury.

  • Mid-Range: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier - Solid and scenic.

  • Budget: Rainforest Retreat - Treehouse-style hostel and cabins.

Wanaka (1 Night):
  • Luxury: Tin Tub Luxury Lodge - Hillside views and spa.

  • Mid-Range: Edgewater Hotel - Right on the lake.

  • Budget: YHA Wanaka - Relaxed with mountain views.

Best Time to Visit:

December to March (Summer): Warm weather, longer days, great for hikes and adventure sports.

April to May (Autumn): Crisp weather and golden foliage, especially in Wanaka.

June to August (Winter): Snow sports season - Queenstown and Wanaka become ski hubs.

September to November (Spring): Snow-capped peaks, blooming lupins, and fewer crowds.

image

3: Best of Both Islands - 14-Day New Zealand Explorer

Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights

Destinations Covered: Auckland - Rotorua - Waitomo - Lake Taupo - Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura - Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Wanaka

From the bubbling geothermal parks of Rotorua to the ice-carved beauty of Milford Sound, this itinerary offers a complete and balanced taste of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Blend culture, nature, wildlife, and adventure as you travel by scenic drives, short flights, and even a ferry across the Cook Strait. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, this journey is unforgettable.

Highlights:
  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton - Enchanting underground wonder and movie magic.

  • Maori Culture & Geothermal Parks (Rotorua) - Experience New Zealand’s heart and soul.

  • Wellington City & Te Papa Museum - Stylish capital with world-class art and food.

  • Ferry across Cook Strait - One of the most scenic ferry rides in the world.

  • Whale Watching in Kaikoura - See sperm whales, dolphins, and albatross up close.

  • Starry Skies of Lake Tekapo - Dark sky reserve with a cosmic view.

  • Queenstown Thrills & Milford Sound Beauty - From jet boats to fjords to fine wine.

  • Scenic drives through Canterbury and Central Otago - Every day is a postcard.

Must-Do Activities

1. Hangi Feast & Maori Performance (Rotorua)

Cultural immersion with songs, storytelling, and delicious food cooked underground.

2. Hobbiton Guided Tour

Explore Bilbo’s front door, Sam’s garden, and have a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

3. Cruise in Milford Sound

Be awed by cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife in one of the most iconic places on Earth.

4. Whale Watching in Kaikoura

Go on a catamaran to spot the ocean’s giants - often just minutes from shore.

5. Explore Te Papa Museum (Wellington)

Interactive exhibitions that bring NZ's culture, history, and natural world to life.

6. Ride the Skyline Gondola in Queenstown

Soar up Bob’s Peak for panoramic views and optional luge rides.

7. Stargazing at Mt. John Observatory

Bundle up, grab a telescope, and see Saturn’s rings or the Milky Way in dazzling detail.

Accommodation Options:

Auckland (1 Night):

  • Luxury: Cordis Auckland - Urban, elegant, and central.

  • Mid-Range: Sudima Auckland City - Sleek and modern.

  • Budget: Haka Lodge Auckland - Clean, social, and well-located.

Rotorua (2 Nights):
  • Luxury: Pullman Rotorua - New and upscale.

  • Mid-Range: Princes Gate Hotel - Historic and charming.

  • Budget: Rotorua Central Backpackers - Friendly and affordable.

Taupo (1 Night):
  • Luxury: Hilton Lake Taupo

  • Budget: Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

Wellington (1 Night):
  • Luxury: InterContinental Wellington - Classy with harbor views.

  • Mid-Range: QT Wellington - Quirky art hotel.

  • Budget: The Marion Hostel - Trendy and social.

Kaikoura (1 Night):
  • Luxury: Hapuku Lodge - Nestled between ocean and mountains.

  • Mid-Range: The White Morph - Comfortable with views.

  • Budget: Dusky Lodge - Great for whale watchers.

Christchurch (1 Night):
  • Luxury: The George - Peaceful garden-side stay.

  • Budget: Urbanz Hostel - Vibrant and youthful.

Tekapo (1 Night):
  • Luxury: Galaxy Boutique Hotel - Right under the stars.

  • Budget: Lakefront Lodge YHA - Steps from the lake.

Queenstown (3 Nights):
  • Luxury: The Rees Hotel - Lakefront luxury.

  • Budget: JUCY Snooze - Pods, style, and location.

Wanaka (1 Night):
  • Luxury: Edgewater Hotel

  • Budget: Base Backpackers Wanaka

Best Time to Visit:

November - April(High Season): Best weather, perfect for long road trips and outdoor adventure.

May - October(Shoulder Season): Fewer crowds, great for starry skies, whale watching, and snowcapped views.

Winter Add-on: Add ski adventures in Queenstown/Wanaka for July-August trips.