At a glance
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Don't forget that all of our itineraries are totally customized and so this is just an idea of what we can build for you.
Eleven days covering both islands, moving at a pace that actually lets the country land. New Zealand rewards people who don’t rush it.
It’s one of the furthest-flung destinations on earth for European travellers, and around a fourteen-hour flight for American travellers.
This itinerary starts in Auckland before heading south through the geothermal strangeness of Rotorua and on to the Abel Tasman coastline, one of the most beautiful stretches of water in the southern hemisphere.
From there it moves through Marlborough wine country before finishing in Queenstown and Milford Sound, where the scenery tips from beautiful into something harder to describe.
The routing covers the highlights without feeling like a checklist. There’s enough time in each place to actually settle in, and enough variety across the two weeks to suit couples who want a mix of activity, scenery, and good food.
Auckland tends to surprise first-time visitors who aren’t expecting much of a queer scene. Karangahape Road, known locally as K Road, is where the LGBTQ+ community is most concentrated, with bars, clubs, and cafes.
In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Day 1: Crossing The International Date Line
The International Date Line is an invisible line running along the Pacific Ocean that determines when a calendar day begins and ends. Flights to New Zealand cross this invisible line so you can lose or gain a day as you arrive, essentially turning you into a time traveller. So, the first day of this trip could actually be the second day – it depends on where you travel from.
Day 2: Auckland
When you’ve proceeded through customs head to arrivals. Your driver will meet you and transfer you to your luxury hotel in the centre of the city. You’ll have some time to unwind after the long journey before dinner.
Day 3: Waitomo to Rotorua
This morning you’ll travel by coach to the Glow Worm Caves in Waitomo. The soft glow of thousands of glow worms light up the cave and create a sense of wonder. Head to the beautiful Cave of the Spirit and explore a series of chambers. You’ll see speleothems and fossil remains.
Later, drive to Rotorua, a stunning place built on an active geothermal field. It’s surrounded by geysers, mud pools, and hot springs. It’s also the cultural heart of the native Maori culture.
Day 4: Rotorua
Visit Te Puia in Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Surrounded by gushing waters and bubbling mud pools, this is a spectacular place to explore. Your guide will show you the traditional arts and crafts maintained by the National Carving and Weaving Schools.
You’ll be able to discover Maori culture on a private tour of Ohinemutu. After a traditional welcome, you’ll be regaled with tales of Maori history. Keep an eye out for bubbling mud and geysers gushing on the sidewalks of Ohinemutu.
Day 5: Rotoura, Nelson and Kaiteriteri
Morning drive to Rotorua airport where you’ll catch a flight to the sunshine capital, Nelson. Surrounded by rugged mountains and golden beaches, this is the centre of New Zealand’s arts scene. Evening at leisure to explore this stunning area.
Day 6: Kaiteriteri
This morning, you’ll be sailing into the park on a luxurious vessel. Your guide will teach you about the impact of early settler activity and Maori history. There’s so much vibrant flora and fauna to see here.
You could try your hand at kayaking in the sandy bays of deserted beaches.
Day 7: Kaiteriteri to Blenheim
Drive to Blenheim along the Richmond ranges. Some of New Zealand’s finest wines are produced here. There are over 70 wineries and many boutique breweries. The wonderful cafes and restaurants of Marlborough truly make this place a gourmet’s paradise.
Enjoy lunch at a local winery and go for a wine-tasting session at the fabled Cloudy Bay Winery. Cloudy Bay helped to put New Zealand wine on the map.
Day 8: Queenstown
Fly to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. The list of adrenaline-pumping activities really is unbeatable. Evening at leisure to explore the local bars and shopping areas.
Day 9: Milford Sound
The vast fjord of Milford Sound is a must-see when you’re in New Zealand. It’s flanked by rainforests and vast waterfalls. Known as the eighth wonder of the world, it’s quite a sight to behold. You can fly by light aircraft over the alpine scenery. Board a luxury vessel and cruise along the fjord to the Tasman Sea. Bring your camera as you’ll be passing incredible scenery.
Later that afternoon, brave the famous Shotover Jet – the finest jet boat experience. You’ll get a real adrenaline buzz as you surge along the Shotover River Canyons. Outcrops, boulders, and canyon walls will whizz by as you skim shallows just centimeters above the water.
Day 10: Day at leisure in Queenstown
Enjoy a day at leisure in Queenstown. There’s no shortage of things to explore. You could cruise Lake Wakatipu, visit a gold mining village, visit some native wildlife, play golf – you name it, there’s a lot to do here. If you’re looking for something more laidback, you could go for a wine-tasting session at the Central Otago wine region.
Day 11: Departure
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight. Your epic New Zealand adventure draws to a close.
Further information
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Trip Highlights
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Kaiteriteri
- Blenheim
- Queenstown
- Sail along Milford Sound
- Visit the best wineries – including Cloudy Bay
- Discover native Maori culture
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