Ascend the central Sky Tower in Auckland for a harbor view, explore iconic landmarks and volcanoes, then dine at the Orbit 360 restaurant on the 52nd floor. Enjoy a 360-degree view of Auckland while savoring dinner and take in the Southern Hemisphere’s sunset and night scenery. This combination of beauty, cuisine, and wine enhances your journey.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland showcases New Zealand’s rich and diverse geothermal phenomena. Divided into three walking tracks, you can appreciate these natural wonders that have taken millions of years to form. Experience the shifting play of light and color, including the renowned Champagne Pool, colorful hot springs, bubbling mud pools, steaming grounds, vast panoramas, massive volcanic craters, and colorful mineral terraces.
Milford Sound, carved by glacial movements on the South Island’s western coast, is known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.’ Among the three fiords in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is the only one accessible by road, offering a spectacular mountain journey. Its natural shelter and pristine environment attract a diverse range of marine life, including seals, penguins, dolphins, and even young whales.
Ride the iconic Skyline Gondola, the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest cable car, for stunning views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. At 480 meters above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, you’ll reach Bob’s Peak, offering a 220-degree panoramic view. From the viewing platform, enjoy a magnificent vista of the lake and mountains, including Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter Peak, and Cecil Peak. Taste top New Zealand cuisine at Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar while exploring the southern night sky.
Itinerary
Morning Itinerary
Whale and Dolphin Discovery Tour
Cruise to the beautiful Hauraki Gulf for an encounter with dolphins and whales in their natural environment. Enjoy the close-up view of native dolphins, whales, seals, rare seabirds, and other marine wildlife from the spacious observation deck. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of whales and dolphins playfully chasing each other, as hundreds of seabirds join in the feast.
Afternoon Itinerary
Visit Mt Eden and One Tree Hill
Mount Eden is Auckland’s highest natural vantage point, offering a 196-meter-high dormant volcano with three primary craters, all set amidst lush greenery. One Tree Hill, located in Cornwall Park, is a remnant of a volcanic eruption 30,000 years ago, featuring an 182-meter peak and a circular volcanic crater. At the summit stands a monument and the grave of Auckland’s founding father, Sir John Logan Campbell. Both locations provide stunning panoramic views of the area.
Visit the Sky Tower
At Auckland’s central Sky Tower, you can enjoy stunning views of the city’s harbor, iconic landmarks, and nearby volcanoes through the glass. Take a trip to the 52nd-floor orbit restaurant, where you can dine with a view. It rotates hourly, allowing you to savor dinner while taking in Auckland’s 360-degree panorama, including the city skyline, Southern Hemisphere sunset, and nighttime cityscape.
Morning Itinerary
To visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Experience the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you can enter the vast Cathedral Cave to listen to nature’s echoes. Glide silently on a small boat within the cave and be captivated by the stunning visual display of countless glowworms. As you admire these unique bioluminescent insect larvae, Māori descendants will share local culture and history.
Afternoon Itinerary
To visit Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland
Explore New Zealand’s diverse and unique geothermal wonders as you walk through the park. Witness natural-colored hot springs, bubbling mud pools, steaming landscapes, expansive vistas, colossal volcanic craters, and vivid mineral terraces formed over countless years.
Morning Itinerary
To visit Agrodome Farm
While in agriculturally rich New Zealand, a visit to the country’s largest agri-tourism farm is a must. Along the way, you’ll encounter cows and sheep grazing peacefully. With a couple of feedings, you can get up close with animals like red deer, ostriches, sheep, and alpacas. You can also observe 19 different sheep breeds and enjoy a sheep shearing demonstration.
Afternoon Itinerary
Head to the Hobbiton
Explore the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit series, including Bag End, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and the Party Tree. Enjoy a pint at the Green Dragon Inn, reliving iconic movie moments. Take a leisurely village walk to immerse yourself in the Middle-earth atmosphere.
Morning Itinerary
Fly to Christchurch and start your South Island journey.
Afternoon Itinerary
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Depart to Lake Tekapo
Drive to the starlit town of Tekapo, situated in the southwest of Christchurch, with a 3-hour journey by car. To the north of Tekapo lies the emerald lake, with the grand Southern Alps in the background. Glacier-sourced rock flour suspended in the lake gives Lake Tekapo its vibrant emerald color. By the lakeside, you’ll find the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, offering stunning views of Mt Cook through its stone-built altar window. In spring and summer, Tekapo’s shores bloom with purple lupines, while in winter, you can enjoy distant snow-capped mountains.
Evening Itinerary
Mt. John Stargazing tour
Mt. John Observatory serves as a key center for space research in New Zealand and ranks among the world’s top four stargazing locations. Recognized by astronomers globally as an ideal spot for studying the Milky Way and the universe, it boasts powerful optical telescopes with a 16-inch maximum aperture. Here, you can witness incredible phenomena, including the Milky Way, distant planets, star clusters, our solar system, and even remote galaxies.
Morning Itinerary
Depart to Mount Cook
The drive from Tekapo to Mount Cook takes approximately one and a half hours, passing through Lake Pukaki and the High-Country Salmon Farm.
Afternoon Itinerary
Hooker Valley Track hiking
The Hooker Valley Track, at an elevation of around 100 meters, offers stunning views of Mount Cook and the surrounding peaks. The High-Country Memorial provides an excellent vantage point for valley scenery. As you approach the Mueller Glacier, you can witness the spectacular sight of high mountains and icefalls. Crossing the suspension bridge over the Hooker River is also a highlight. Mount Cook National Park boasts New Zealand’s highest peaks and largest glaciers. Out of the 27 peaks in New Zealand exceeding 3,050 meters, 22 are within this park, with Mount Cook, at 3,755 meters, being the tallest. It’s a truly magnificent place where you can admire the charming wildlife, including Tahr and red deer, while enjoying short hikes.
Morning Itinerary
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Tasman Glacier Heli Hike
Experience an epic helicopter adventure to the stunning Tasman Glacier. Soar above the Southern Alps and embark on a two-hour hike to uncover the glacier’s formation. You’ll fly from Mount Cook Airport, passing over the picturesque Tasman Glacier Lake and the ice sheets downstream, reaching an elevation of 3,000 meters. Amid the shadow of the Southern Alps’ highest peaks, Mount Ollivier and Mount Tasman, you’ll explore the rugged ice terrain. Equipped with glacier boots and hiking poles, you’ll spend the next two hours in a different world within the mountains. On the return flight, enjoy a scenic pass by the towering Hochstetter Icefall, rising 1,000 meters (3,200 feet) on the eastern face of Mount Ollivier/Cook.
Afternoon Itinerary
Travel to Oamaru and visit Blue Penguin Colony
The Little Blue Penguin, the world’s smallest penguin at 20-30cm in height, returns home in groups at nightfall. They follow a regular schedule, leaving at sunrise and returning at sunset. You can observe their journey back to their nests while guides explain their habits.
Morning Itinerary
Travel to Dunedin, passing through Moeraki Boulders Beach
Located 40 kilometers south of Oamaru, Moeraki Beach is adorned with numerous spherical boulders, with several tons of weight and up to two meters of height. Scientists attribute these large round stones to calcite concretions formed around 65 million years ago. A brief walk through the regenerated native forest leads to a viewing platform where you can enjoy the stunning scenery of these boulders. With luck, you may even spot Hector’s dolphins frolicking in the sea.
Morning Itinerary
Visit The Octagon in Dunedin
The Octagon, as its name suggests, is an octagonal plaza established in 1846 and thriving during the late 19th century. It not only serves as the heart of Dunedin’s city center but is also a key transportation hub, with two main roads converging here. The Octagon has been transformed into a pedestrian zone, housing significant historic buildings such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Municipal Chambers. It’s also a hub for diverse shops and a variety of delightful restaurants.
Afternoon Itinerary
Visit Larnach Castle & Gardens
Larnach Castle boasts New Zealand’s top-tier six-star garden. Lady owner Margaret Barker has thoughtfully designed an Alice in Wonderland-themed classical garden while preserving the castle’s historic ambiance and the existing plant life. By day, you can relish sweeping views of the peninsula’s coastal beauty from the garden. For a romantic afternoon, enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at Larnach Castle.
Morning Itinerary
Experience Jet boat
Hop on a jet boat, glide through stunning narrow canyons, and savor a one-of-a-kind, thrilling journey.
Afternoon Itinerary
Skyline Gondola + Summit Buffet Dinner
Ride Queenstown’s iconic Skyline Gondola for breathtaking panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains. Dine at the Stratosfare Restaurant and enjoy a meal while taking in the night scenery.
Morning Itinerary
Depart to Glenorchy
Glenorchy, situated on the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu, is a mere 45-minute drive from Queenstown and serves as the gateway to various hiking trails and the magical realm of Middle-earth.
Afternoon Itinerary
TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruises
Take a ride on the TSS vintage steamship and cruise the stunning Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown. You can also choose to visit Walter Peak Farm for close animal encounters, and wool shearing demonstrations, and indulge in a classic New Zealand BBQ feast.
Full-day Itinerary
Depart to Milford Sound
Embark on a cruise that takes you all the way to the end of Milford Sound. Experience the thrill of passing beneath stunning waterfalls, feeling the mist on your face, and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife like dolphins, penguins, and seals up close.
Morning Itinerary
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Observe the rushing waters sculpting ancient rock formations, admire the diverse array of ancient pillars, and then venture into the pitch-black and tranquil glowworm cave, where thousands of glowworms will illuminate a marvelous tapestry for you.
Afternoon Itinerary
Onsen Hot Pools
Soak in a hot spring among the cliff-top cedars, enjoying the beautiful mountain views.
Morning Itinerary
Arrowtown
Arrowtown, nestled along the Arrow River, is one of New Zealand’s most picturesque settlements. Enjoy a leisurely walk along tree-lined streets, taking in the restored cottages and gold mining heritage.
Afternoon Itinerary
Blue Pools Track
Stroll through the beautiful ancient forest, cross the suspension bridge, and experience the pristine waters of the Makarora River’s Blue Pools.
Morning Itinerary
Lake Wanaka and That Wanaka Tree
The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, nestled among the mountains, resemble a sapphire gem.
Afternoon Itinerary
Christchurch Tramway Dinner
The one-of-a-kind tramway restaurant in New Zealand, where you can savor a delicious dinner while enjoying the bustling city center views.
Morning Itinerary
International Antarctic Centre
At the Antarctic Centre, you can experience the four seasons of Antarctica, brave Antarctic storms, learn about the lives of expedition teams in the Antarctic, visit New Zealand’s research station – Scott Base in Antarctica, and get close to the Little Blue Penguin families living here!
