10-Day Best of the North and South Island New Zealand

Experience New Zealand your way with a fully customised, private itinerary. Every tour is guided by a dedicated local expert and designed just for you. We specialise in exclusive journeys that create genuine connections with New Zealand’s people and landscapes—unforgettable moments you won’t find anywhere else.

Day 1 | Welcome to Auckland

• Personal airport meet-and-greet and private transfer.
• Explore Auckland's waterfront, laneways, and vibrant food scene.
• Enjoy a private guided city and culinary walking tour.

Day 2 | Waiheke Island

• Discover world-class boutique vineyards, pristine white-sand beaches, and artisan village exploration.
• Optional: Explore Te Motu Arai Roa, where you’ll learn about the cultural significance of Waiheke, our Polynesian roots and our past, present and future.
• Alternative: E-bike in your own time, or take on the Man O’ War Adventure, a breathtaking loop ride. 

Day 3 | Hobbiton & Waitomo

• Visit the enchanting landscapes of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
• Discover filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

• Explore the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a boat ride through the glowworm grotto, and marvel at thousands of magical glowworms.

Day 4 | Rotorua or Lake Taupō

• Discover Rotorua's geothermal landscapes and rich Māori culture.
• Visit Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland. Experience bubbling mud pools, colourful geothermal terraces, and geysers.
• Relax at the Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa - 2 Hour Restorative Journey, or enjoy a mud bath at Hell's Gate
• Optional: Enjoy a traditional hāngī feast and cultural performance.

Day 5 | Christchurch

• Fly to Christchurch and explore the South Island's gateway city. 
• Discover Riverside Market and the city's vibrant culinary scene.
• Explore the city aboard Christchurch's historic tram network.

Day 6 | TranzAlpine & Punakaiki

• Travel aboard the world-renowned TranzAlpine train.
• Cross the Southern Alps through spectacular mountain scenery.
• Visit Punakaiki's famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
• Explore rainforest-fringed beaches, of untamed wilderness and coastal walking trails.
• Explore one of New Zealand's most spectacular World Heritage landscapes.

Day 7 | Franz Josef Glacier

• Visit Hokitika, a rich 1860s gold-rush heritage town, and a status as New Zealand's pounamu (greenstone) capital
• Optional: Walk at Hokitika Gorge, a true photogenic gem with a stunning turquoise river.
• Continue to Franz Josef and Fox Glacier, two of the few glaciers in the world that flow into a lush, temperate rainforest.
• Optional helicopter flight, heli-hike, or glacier experience.

Day 8 | Franz Josef to Queenstown (or Wanaka)

• Visit Lake Matheson and its famous mountain reflections.
• Travel through Mt Aspiring National Park and explore pristine alpine scenery.
• Stop at the Blue Pools, with its stunning, crystal-clear glacial water that glows a vibrant, electric blue. 
• Sop at the stunning shores of Lake Wanaka and take a photo of the famous Wanaka tree.
• Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, for a three-night stay.

Day 9 | Milford Sound or Earnslaw Burn

• Optional: Scenic flight and exploration of Milford Sound, New Zealand's natural Icon in the Fiordland National Park.
• Optional: A helicopter journey to Earnslaw Burn for an unforgettable alpine picnic.
• Discover the wonders of the night sky on world-class stargazing

• Alternative: Cruise the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak, which offers a unique blend of living history and high-country charm.

Day 10 | Arrowtown or Glenorchy

• Explore the heritage village of Arrowtown or the spectacular landscapes of Glenorchy.
• Finish the day with panoramic views from the Skyline Gondola.