Start in Auckland, travel through Waikato to glowworm caves and Rotorua’s geothermal sights. Cross the volcanic plateau to Wellington, sail south to Kaikōura, explore Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound, and end in Aoraki/Mount Cook and Christchurch.
Start in Auckland, travel through Waikato to glowworm caves and Rotorua’s geothermal sights. Cross the volcanic plateau to Wellington, sail south to Kaikōura, explore Queenstown, cruise Milford Sound, and end in Aoraki/Mount Cook and Christchurch.
8 Day / 7 Night Tour
$1,269
82+ Booked
8 Day / 7 Night Tour
$1,269
82+ Booked
Arrive in Auckland, collect your rental car at the airport, and check into your city hotel. Spend your first afternoon exploring: wander the Viaduct Harbour, enjoy fresh seafood by the water, or head up the Sky Tower for sweeping views of the city and Hauraki Gulf.
Overnight at a hotel in Auckland.
After breakfast, drive south through Waikato to Waitomo for a small-group eco-tour through glowworm-lit limestone caverns, learning about geology, wildlife, and conservation. Continue to Rotorua’s geothermal and Māori heartland.
Drive: 330 km / 4.5 hrs
Included: Down to Earth Eco Tour
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Te Puia to see boiling mud pools, silica terraces, and the Pohutu Geyser. In the evening, enjoy a Māori cultural experience with haka, poi, storytelling, and a traditional hāngī dinner.
Included: Te Puia + Te Pō Evening
Overnight in Rotorua.
Breakfast at hotel. Stop at Huka Falls, follow Lake Taupō, and cross Tongariro’s volcanic plateau to Wellington. Take the 3-hour Interislander Ferry to Picton, then drive past vineyards and seal colonies to Kaikōura.
Drive: 670 km / 9.5 hrs + ferry
Included: Interislander Ferry
Overnight in Kaikōura.
Breakfast at hotel. Spend the morning exploring Kaikōura’s peninsula track, watching fur seals, or trying local crayfish. Drive the Pacific Coast highway inland to Christchurch and explore the Botanic Gardens, Avon River, or Riverside Market.
Drive: 180 km / 2.5 hrs
Overnight in Christchurch.
Breakfast at hotel. Cross the Canterbury Plains to the Mackenzie Basin, stopping at Lake Tekapo’s Church of the Good Shepherd. Follow Lake Pukaki into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for short alpine walks or Dark Sky stargazing.
Drive: 330 km / 4.5 hrs
Overnight in Mt Cook.
Breakfast not included. Enjoy an alpine walk or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre before retracing your scenic route past turquoise lakes and high-country landscapes. Cross the Canterbury Plains back to Christchurch.
Drive: 330 km / 4.5 hrs
Overnight in Christchurch.
Breakfast at hotel. Spend the morning at leisure before driving to the airport to return your rental car and depart New Zealand.
Drive: 20 km / 30 mins.
Self-Drive:
Exclusive Experiences:
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5 days ago
The Aotearoa Highlights Journey was an amazing experience. The route flowed perfectly from Auckland to Christchurch, and every stop felt meaningful. Having everything organised made the drive easy, and the freedom to explore made it even better. Highly recommend!
1 week ago
I loved every moment of this trip. The glowworm caves, Rotorua’s geothermal sights, and the ferry crossing to the South Island were unforgettable. Queenstown and Milford Sound were the absolute highlights. Such a well-crafted itinerary!
3 days ago
This tour gave me the ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Kaikōura’s coast, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and the stop in Wellington were incredible. The planning was spot-on, and the self-drive setup made everything feel effortless. I’d definitely book again!
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