New Zealand Tour

To the Pacific Paradise

Landing in Auckland, the largest city on the North Island. Auckland is situated on the narrow isthmus of North Island, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to one side and the Tasman Sea to the other. Surrounding the city are 48 extinct volcanic cones, including Mount Eden, which offers panoramic views of Auckland and its surroundings.

Upon arrival, you will meet our representative and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Auckland.

After breakfast, we will embark on a private half-day city tour. We will drive through the historic buildings of the city to the Harbour Bridge, where we will enjoy a stunning view of the Waitematā Harbour and the city.

Next, we will ascend to the summit of Mount Eden for a breathtaking panoramic view of the region. We will continue to the charming village of Parnell and visit Sky Tower, where you can experience the best panoramic views in the area.
The rest of the day will be free for your own exploration. Overnight in Auckland.

After breakfast, you will pick up your rental car and drive approximately 3 hours (230 km) to Paihia, one of the most beautiful and unique locations on the North Island. Paihia is situated in the Bay of Islands, an area comprising 144 stunning subtropical islands. It is the main tourist town in the “Bay of Islands” region and serves as an excellent base for exploring the area.

You can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming with dolphins, kayaking, fishing, or having a picnic on the secluded beaches. Overnight in the Bay of Islands.

After breakfast, we will embark on a half-day shared cruise in the clear waters of the bay towards the “Hole in the Rock,” located among the many islands in the Bay of Islands.

During the cruise, you may encounter marine life such as dolphins, whales, seabirds, and more. We will reach the Cape Brett Lighthouse and then continue our journey to the “Hole in the Rock,” which has been formed over hundreds of years through erosion caused by wind and waves. The boat will pass through the hole, providing a unique experience and stunning views. On our return to Paihia, we will pass several remote islands and beautiful beaches with soft golden sand.

The afternoon is free for leisure activities.
Overnight in the Bay of Islands.

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 5.5 hours (459 km) to the beautiful and well-preserved Coromandel Peninsula. This stunning peninsula is characterized by ancient, dense forests, rivers, and streams, offering breathtaking landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere.

Upon arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the natural beauty of the area or relax at your accommodation. Overnight in Coromandel.

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours (242 km) to the enchanting Waitomo Caves, known for their stunning limestone formations and hidden rivers. Here, we will experience a shared boat tour through the underground river, illuminated by thousands of glowing worms overhead, creating a magical blue light. It’s an incredible experience!

Following our visit to the caves, we will continue our journey with a drive of about two hours (140 km) to Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand’s volcanic activity and the cultural capital of the Māori heritage.
Overnight in Rotorua.

After breakfast, we will embark on a half-day tour of Rotorua and its surroundings. Our first stop will be at the Wai-O-Tapu thermal reserve, where we can enjoy views of bubbling mud pools, colorful thermal springs, and erupting geysers. Following that, we will take a scenic walking tour through the Waimangu volcanic valley, immersing ourselves in the stunning landscapes created by volcanic activity.

In the evening, we will indulge in a traditional “hangi” meal, cooked for us in a special earth oven, while enjoying a captivating Māori cultural performance. This performance will feature the intense war dance of the Māori, the original inhabitants of the land, who will impressively challenge us with their fierce tongue gestures.
Overnight in Rotorua.

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately 3 hours (220 km) to Napier, a port town located on the eastern coast of the North Island.

On the way, we recommend stopping in Taupo, a town situated on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand.
In Taupo, you can enjoy a variety of attractions such as jet boating, a cruise on Lake Taupo, visiting the Huka Falls, and exploring the Aratiatia Dam.
Continue the drive to Napier.
Overnight in Napier.

After breakfast, we will set out for a tour at Cape Kidnappers, where you can enjoy a view of the gannet colony. The tour includes a 4WD drive through streams, agricultural fields, and breathtaking landscapes.

Following the tour, we will drive for approximately 4 hours (322 km) to Wellington. Located at the southern tip of the North Island, Wellington is the capital of New Zealand, characterized by green hills and valleys, the intoxicating scent of the ocean, and a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. In Wellington, you can find museums, art galleries, as well as excellent restaurants and cafes.
Overnight in Wellington.

After breakfast, we will embark on a half-day city tour of Wellington. We will visit the impressive and largest national art museum in New Zealand, Te Papa, and stroll along the beautiful waterfront promenade.
Next, we will continue to the Wellington Botanic Gardens, where we will enjoy a panoramic view from the summit of Victoria Peak.
Overnight in Wellington.

After breakfast, we will drive to the ferry terminal to return your rental car and board the Interislander ferry to Picton, a quiet and charming town on the South Island. During the crossing, enjoy breathtaking views of the many bays and the stunning landscape of the Marlborough region, featuring steep cliffs meeting the turquoise sea.

Upon arrival, you will collect your rental car and drive approximately two hours to Nelson, known as the “Sunshine Capital” of New Zealand. Located near the Marlborough Sounds, Nelson serves as a gateway for excursions into Abel Tasman National Park and Nelson Lakes National Park. The city is nestled in a fertile area of rich agricultural produce and is a great starting point for exploring some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches.
Overnight in Nelson.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park, named after the Dutch captain who discovered New Zealand and paid the price with the lives of some of his unfortunate crew members, who were eaten by local Māori. He is also the one who named the country “Nova Zeelandia,” after a region in Holland, so it was only fitting that this land reward him with a park named after him.

The park features golden beaches interspersed with lush rainforests, and with a bit of luck, you might spot various marine mammals. The tides also reveal and submerge kilometers of land-sea.

We will head to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Bay, from where we will board a water taxi for a several-hour tour deep into the park. During the boat ride, we will see a colony of fur seals and explore hidden coves, where we can take short walks to appreciate the unique flora and fauna of the area. We will sail to Bark Bay and then hike to Akoranga via Torrent Bay and Cleopatra’s Pool, where we can enjoy stunning views of the forest and the coastline below. Continuing our walk, we will cross the suspension bridge over the Fall River on this spectacular trail, eventually arriving at Torrent Bay, where we will connect with the water taxi back to Kaiteriteri.
Overnight in Nelson.

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours (265 km) to Punakaiki Park, where you can witness the stunning phenomenon of sedimentary rock layers formed over millions of years of rising and falling sea levels. These rocks have created formations that remind the settlers of piles of pancakes—though perhaps it was just the name “Punakaiki” that suggested this connection!

Following our exploration at Punakaiki, we will continue our journey with a 3-hour drive (217 km) along the wild shores of the Tasman Sea. We will arrive at the charming town of Franz Josef, named after the nearby glacier. This name pays homage to the Austrian geologist Julius von Haast, who dedicated the glacier to the Austrian emperor.
Overnight in Franz Josef.

After breakfast, we will embark on a breathtaking helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, where we will enjoy stunning aerial views of the majestic ice formations. This unique experience will also include a short walking tour on the glacier itself, allowing you to explore its stunning features up close.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy the surrounding area at your leisure.
Overnight in Franz Josef.

After breakfast, we will embark on a drive south for approximately 3.5 hours (288 km) along the western coast, where we will experience what it means to be at the “end of the world” in the best possible way. As we approach the town of Haast, we will turn east and begin our ascent through the Haast Pass. The scenery and vegetation will transform before our eyes, shifting from dense green rainforest to open alpine landscapes.

We will travel between two of New Zealand’s largest lakes – Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea – through a narrow corridor known as “the neck.” Along the way, we will make several essential stops for photographs, as the breathtaking views are truly unparalleled!
Our journey will culminate in the alpine town of Wanaka, nestled on the shores of the lake bearing the same name.
Overnight in Wanaka.

After breakfast, we will embark on a winding drive of about one hour (67 km) along the golden rivers on our way to Queenstown, the adrenaline capital of New Zealand and perhaps the world, all while surrounded by unparalleled tranquility. Just three decades ago, this was a charming and sleepy resort town on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, which, according to legend, harbors a fearsome monster at its depths (at least that’s what the story says, and who are we to challenge that?).

Upon arrival, we will head out for one of Queenstown’s most popular activities: a thrilling jet boat ride through the rivers. These jet boats, powered by high-performance engines, offer incredible maneuverability at speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour, even in depths as shallow as seven centimeters. The boats twist and turn just inches from jagged rocks and perform 360-degree spins, accompanied by the excited shouts of passengers.

In the evening, we will take the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding landscapes. We’ll savor a delicious dinner along with a fine New Zealand wine at the mountaintop restaurant—an unforgettable experience!
Overnight in Queenstown.

After breakfast, we will embark on a two-and-a-half-hour drive alongside Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau, the largest lakes on the South Island. Traveling along the “Milford Road,” we will enter the land of fiords. This scenic route features breathtaking landscapes, where we will stop to admire stunning mirror lakes and visit cascading spiral waterfalls.

We will pass through the Homer Tunnel, which cuts through the towering mountain range that borders the fiord area, and soon we will find ourselves in Fiordland National Park, which covers an area equivalent to the entire state of Israel and is the largest national park in New Zealand. We will traverse the land of a thousand waterfalls, aptly named for the countless waterfalls plummeting from heights of hundreds of meters. The sight is truly astonishing! Milford Sound is the northernmost, deepest, and most beautiful of the fiords.

We will board one of the boats cruising through the fiord and marvel at the giant cliffs surrounding us, rising up to 1,700 meters, from which countless waterfalls cascade down with incredible force. Lunch will be provided (shared cruise).

After the cruise, we will drive approximately an hour and a half (118 km) to Te Anau.
Overnight in Te Anau.

After breakfast, we will embark on a shared cruise on Lake Te Anau. We will enter a system of limestone caves where thousands of glowworms shine above us in a mesmerizing blue light. It’s an amazing experience!

Following our cave exploration, we will drive approximately 3.5 hours (290 km) to Dunedin. The remote road takes us past fossil forests, hidden coves, deserted beaches, coastal cliffs, waterfalls, and abundant marine mammals, including one of the southernmost lighthouses in the world.
Overnight in Dunedin.

After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour of Dunedin. We will visit the beautiful botanic gardens, the famous Baldwin Street, the Dunedin Art Museum, and Larnach Castle.
Later, we will take a shared cruise to the yellow-eyed penguin colony, where you can get very close to these unique birds.

Following the cruise, we will enjoy a one-hour walk to observe the majestic royal albatross.
Overnight in Dunedin.

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 4 hours (318 km) to Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki, the highest mountain in New Zealand, rising to 3,724 meters. The mountain is named after the English explorer James Cook, who first arrived in New Zealand with his ship in 1769.
Overnight at Mount Cook.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day hike in the Hooker Valley, where we will enjoy stunning views of some of New Zealand’s highest peaks. During our trek, we will learn about the unique flora of the area and the wildlife that inhabits this beautiful environment.
Overnight at Mount Cook.

After breakfast, we will drive for about 4 hours (323 km) to Christchurch.

Upon arrival, we will embark on a day tour of Christchurch. We will visit Cathedral Square, the Canterbury Museum, which features fascinating exhibits of historical animals, the Antarctic Centre, and the Botanic Gardens. Christchurch is known as the “Garden City” due to its many parks and gardens, offering a unique blend of culture, history, and nature. Following the earthquake in 2011, the city underwent extensive renovations, and visitors can witness a mix of modern architecture alongside rich history and new developments.
Overnight in Christchurch.

After breakfast, we will drive to Banks Peninsula, located southeast of Christchurch, which is the result of extensive volcanic activity.
Upon arrival, we will embark on a shared catamaran cruise, enjoying the beautiful views of Akaroa Harbor and the peninsula. During the cruise, we may encounter a variety of marine wildlife, including dolphins and numerous bird species.
Overnight in Christchurch.

After breakfast and depending on your flight time, we will drive to the airport, return your rental car, and catch your flight back home.