Wonders of Aotearoa: 9 Day Private Chauffeur Journey

Experience the contrasts of New Zealand’s North and South Islands with a private chauffeur. Explore Waitomo’s glowworms, Rotorua’s geothermal sights and Wellington’s culture, then cross the Cook Strait. Continue along Kaikoura’s coast to Franz Josef’s rainforest and ice, finishing in alpine Queenstown. Seamless travel and curated experiences throughout.

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PACKAGE

Itinerary

Itinerary Details

Day 1

Welcome to the Harbourside City of Auckland

Arrive in Auckland and meet your chauffeur for a private transfer to your hotel. Explore Viaduct Harbour, museums or the SkyTower at your own pace.

Overnight in Auckland.
Day 2

Auckland → Waitomo → Rotorua

Drive through Waikato to Waitomo for your included glowworm eco-tour. Continue to Rotorua, where geothermal pools and steam fields signal your arrival.

Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 3

Rotorua: Geothermal Wonders & Māori Traditions

Spend the day exploring Rotorua with chauffeur support. In the evening enjoy the Te Puia Te Pō Māori experience with haka, storytelling, hāngī dinner and night geyser viewing.

Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 4

Rotorua → Wellington

Travel south past Lake Taupō and Huka Falls before crossing Tongariro National Park. Arrive in Wellington to explore its waterfront, museums and cafés.

Overnight in Wellington.
Day 5

Wellington → Interislander Ferry → Picton → Kaikōura

Board the Interislander Ferry with your chauffeur for the scenic Cook Strait crossing to Picton. Continue along vineyards and coastline to Kaikōura.

Overnight in Kaikōura.
Day 6

Kaikōura → Franz Josef Glacier

Journey across the top of the South Island and along the West Coast via Greymouth and Hokitika before reaching Franz Josef, framed by rainforest and glacier valleys.

Overnight in Franz Josef.
Day 7

Franz Josef Exploration

Explore Franz Josef with chauffeur support. Visit glacier viewpoints, rainforest tracks or the Wildlife Centre. Optional helicopter flights available.

Overnight in Franz Josef.
Day 8

Franz Josef → Haast Pass → Queenstown

Travel south along the West Coast, then over Haast Pass to lakes Wānaka and Hawea before arriving in Queenstown for an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 9

Queenstown Departure

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Queenstown before your chauffeur transfers you to the airport for departure.

Tour Highlights

Meet your private chauffeur at Auckland Airport for a smooth, comfortable transfer to your hotel.

Explore Viaduct Harbour’s waterfront restaurants, marina views, and lively promenade.

Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum or ride the SkyTower for sweeping city panoramas.

Spend your evening enjoying Auckland’s vibrant dining and coastal atmosphere.
Travel with your chauffeur through the rolling green landscapes of the Waikato region.

Join your Down to Earth Waitomo Eco Tour to walk glowworm-lit caverns with specialist guides.

Continue south as geothermal steam and bubbling pools signal your arrival in Rotorua.

Settle into your hotel and enjoy the region’s rich Māori culture and geothermal charm.

Driving distance: 345 km / 214 miles (4.5 hours)

Included: Waitomo Glowworm Eco Tour
Enjoy a relaxed day exploring lakes, geothermal parks, or natural hot springs with chauffeur transfers.

Wander colourful volcanic landscapes, bubbling mud pools, and steaming crater lakes.

This evening, experience the Te Puia Te Pō Māori cultural performance, hāngī dinner, and geyser show.

Return to your hotel after a powerful night of storytelling, haka, and illuminated geothermal activity.

Included: Te Puia Te Pō Evening Cultural Experience
Travel south past Lake Taupō with photo stops at the impressive Huka Falls.

Cross the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park with views of its iconic peaks.

Descend into Wellington, New Zealand’s political and creative capital city.

Explore Te Papa Museum, the waterfront promenade, or the city’s boutique dining scene.

Driving distance: 450 km / 280 miles (6.5–7 hours)
Transfer to the ferry terminal and board the Interislander with your chauffeur and vehicle.

Sail for 3 hours across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds.

Continue driving south past coastal cliffs, rolling vineyards, and towering mountain ranges.

Arrive in Kaikōura, famed for marine wildlife and dramatic snow-capped peaks.

Driving distance: Picton → Kaikōura 160 km / 99 miles (2.5 hours)

Included: Interislander Ferry (with car)
Cross the northern South Island through misty ranges, rivers, and forested valleys.

Follow the rugged West Coast past Greymouth and Hokitika’s jade workshops and beaches.

Enter Glacier Country, where rainforest meets snowfields and steep alpine ridges.

Arrive in Franz Josef village for a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.

Driving distance: 500 km / 310 miles (7.5–8 hours)
Explore Glacier Country with short chauffeured transfers to lookouts and walking tracks.

View glacier-carved valleys, mossy rainforest trails, and the reflective waters of Lake Matheson.

Visit the West Coast Wildlife Centre to learn about the rare Rowi kiwi.

Optional upgrades include glacier heli-hike adventures or panoramic Southern Alps flights.

Driving distance: Local exploration only
Travel south along the rugged coastline before crossing the dramatic Haast Pass.

Pass waterfalls, deep gorges, and forest-lined valleys before reaching lakes Wānaka and Hawea.

Continue into Queenstown where alpine peaks rise sharply above Lake Wakatipu.

Spend your evening dining, exploring, or simply relaxing beside the lake.

Driving distance: 350 km / 217 miles (5.5–6 hours)
Enjoy a relaxing final morning taking in lake and mountain views around Queenstown.

Wander through boutique shops, enjoy a lakeside coffee, or take final photos of the Remarkables.

Meet your chauffeur for your seamless transfer to Queenstown Airport.

Depart New Zealand with beautiful memories of your North and South Island journey.

Driving distance: 10 km / 6 miles (20 minutes)

Accommodations

1 night Auckland at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
2 nights Rotorua at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
1 night Wellington at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
1 night Kaikōura at a 4 Star Hotel with breakfast.
2 nights Franz Josef at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.
1 night Queenstown at a 3 Star Hotel with breakfast.

Guests may request to upgrade to 5 Star hotels. Upgrades are subject to availability and additional costs.

Package Includes

Chauffeur Service

Private chauffeur driven vehicle for 12 days.
Fuel, parking, tolls and driver expenses included.
Standard operational charges included.
Airport, hotel and activity pick up and drop off.

Exclusive Experiences

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour.
Te Puia Te Po Māori Cultural Evening with dinner.
Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton. (Car + Chauffer On Board)
Freedom to explore at your own pace with curated activity suggestions.
Accommodation in a 3 Star Hotel for 11 nights with Breakfast.

Disclaimer:
To comply with NZTA regulations, drivers are limited to 14 hours of duty per day (including required breaks) and must have a minimum 10-hour rest period each night. Driving times are approximate, and additional breaks may be required. Local driving within a region is charged additional cost per hour.

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What Travelers Are Saying About Our Tours

Ethan P.

3 days ago

This North-to-South trip was fantastic. The glowworms in Waitomo and the geothermal spots in Rotorua were unforgettable. Everything was mapped out so smoothly that driving felt effortless. A brilliant way to see New Zealand’s diverse landscapes.

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Maya K.

1 week ago

I loved the mix of culture, coast, and mountains on this itinerary. Wellington was vibrant, Kaikōura’s coastline was stunning, and Franz Josef’s icy terrain felt like another world. The whole journey was well-planned and easy to follow.

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Noah J.

5 days ago

Queenstown was the highlight for me, but every stop along the way had something special. From Māori culture in Rotorua to the dramatic South Island scenery, the contrasts were amazing. The self-drive setup made the adventure flexible and stress-free.

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