Auckland to Queenstown

Itinerary

7 days · Auckland to Queenstown

1. 1

   Day 1

   Auckland – Rotorua

   • Depart Auckland
   • Arrive Rotorua
   • Overnight Rotorua

   Depart central Auckland at 6:20am and travel south through the scenic Waikato region, renowned as New Zealand’s dairy farming heartland. Enjoy views of rolling countryside as you journey through one of the country's most productive agricultural areas.

   Continue to the spectacular Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where millions of years of natural processes have created a fascinating underground world of limestone formations. Enjoy a guided walk through the caves before enjoying a silent boat ride gliding through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms.

   Please note: This experience involves walking and includes approximately 75 steps.

   Continue through the Central North Island to Rotorua, arriving in the early afternoon.

2. 2

   Day 2

   Day in Rotorua

   • Overnight Rotorua

   This morning, discover the rich cultural heritage and geothermal wonders of Rotorua with a visit to Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village, home to the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people.

   Join a guided tour through New Zealand’s only living Māori village, where residents continue to utilise natural geothermal energy for cooking, bathing, and heating their homes. Explore the remarkable Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, featuring bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and the famous Pōhutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere.

   Learn about traditional Māori customs, daily life on the geothermal plateau, and the unique relationship between the local people and this extraordinary landscape. Visit important cultural and historical sites, including an active marae, the WWII Memorial Archway, historic churches, and sacred burial grounds.

   Conclude the experience with a cultural performance featuring waiata (songs), haka, stick games, and traditional storytelling that bring to life the legends, history, and heritage of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people.

   From approximately 1:30 pm, transferred back to your accommodation where you can enjoy free time to explore Rotorua at your own pace.

3. 3

   Day 3

   Rotorua – Wellington

   • Depart Rotorua
   • Arrive Wellington
   • Overnight Wellington

   Travel south by InterCity coach to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

   Journey alongside the shores of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, formed within a vast volcanic caldera. Continue across the dramatic Central Volcanic Plateau, home to the striking volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.

   Further south, the landscape transitions into rolling farmland before reaching the scenic Kapiti Coast. Enjoy sweeping views across Cook Strait and, on clear days, catch glimpses of the South Island in the distance.

   Arrive in Wellington at approximately 5:50pm.

4. 4

   Day 4

   Wellington – Kaikoura

   • Depart Wellington
   • Arrive Kaikoura
   • Overnight Kaikoura

   Transfer to the Ferry terminal for a scenic 3.5-hour crossing of Cook Strait to Picton, located in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.

   Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore Picton’s waterfront before continuing south aboard the Coastal Pacific train or Intercity coach. This route showcases dramatic coastal landscapes and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

   Please note: The Coastal Pacific train does not operate between May and September. During this period, travel between Picton and Kaikōura will be by coach.

   Arrive in Kaikōura at approximately 4.00pm.

   Please note: The Coastal Pacific train does not operate between May and September. During this period, travel between Picton and Kaikōura will be by coach.

   Arrive in Kaikōura at approximately 4.00pm.

5. 5

   Day 5

   Kaikoura – Christchurch

   • Depart Kaikoura
   • Arrive Christchurch
   • Overnight Christchurch

   Kaikōura is internationally renowned for its abundant marine wildlife, including sperm whales, dusky dolphins, and New Zealand fur seals.

   Today, join a whale-watching excursion with Whale Watch Kaikōura and travel into deep offshore waters where sperm whales can be observed year-round. There may also be opportunities to encounter other marine mammals and seabird’s native to the region.

   Following your whale-watching experience, depart Kaikōura and travel south through the rolling countryside of North Canterbury. Enjoy rural landscapes and coastal scenery en route to Christchurch.

   Arrive in Christchurch at approximately 6.30pm.

6. 6

   Day 6

   Day in Christchurch

   • Overnight Christchurch

   Today is dedicated to exploring Christchurch, New Zealand’s largest South Island city and the “Garden City.”

   This morning, join a 3-hour sightseeing tour showcasing the city’s beautifully restored heritage buildings alongside contemporary architecture, reflecting the city’s ongoing regeneration following the earthquakes.

   Highlights include Mona Vale, a heritage estate known for its elegant gardens and tranquil waterways, as well as the Ōtākaro / Avon River corridor, an area transformed into expansive green space as part of the city’s regeneration. The tour continues to the seaside suburb of Sumner, framed by volcanic hills, and then to the Sign of the Takahe, where panoramic views extend across the city, Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps.

   From approximately 12.00pm, enjoy free time to explore Christchurch at your own pace.

7. 7

   Day 7

   Christchurch – Queenstown

   • Depart Christchurch
   • Arrive Queenstown

   Depart central Christchurch at 7.00am and travel south through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains, with ever-changing views of the foothills of the Southern Alps.

   Continue through Burkes Pass before descending to the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, where you will visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, set on the lakeshore against a spectacular alpine backdrop.

   From Lake Tekapo, travel along the western shores of Lake Pukaki, renowned for its vivid glacial-blue waters, before continuing to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak.

   There is time for a lunch stop (own expense) at Mount Cook Village, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. According to Māori legend, Aoraki and his brothers were transformed into stone, forming the Southern Alps.

   The journey then continues south across Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country, before following the Kawarau Gorge toward Queenstown.

   Arrive in Queenstown at approximately 6:30pm, where your Auckland to Queenstown journey concludes.