18-DAY INDEPENDENT NEW ZEALAND HOLIDAY
Explore New Zealand From North to South — Without the Driving
Experience both islands on an 18-day independent journey connecting coastal scenery, Māori culture, geothermal landscapes, alpine destinations and some of New Zealand’s great scenic journeys.
Travel using scheduled coaches, domestic flights, small-group tours, private transfers and scenic rail, with accommodation and key experiences arranged along the way.
Two islands. 18 days. No rental car required.
Your Journey at a Glance
Duration
18 Days / 17 Nights
Travel Style
Independent travel
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Start
Auckland
Finish
Christchurch
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From
NZ$9,685 per person twin share
Accommodation
Comfortable motels
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Includes scheduled coaches, domestic flights, private transfers, small-group touring and the TranzAlpine scenic train
Pricing is indicative and may vary by season, availability and selected experiences.
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Your 18-Day Route
Auckland → Bay of Islands → Auckland → Rotorua → Wellington → Christchurch → Aoraki/Mt Cook → Queenstown → Milford Sound → Franz Josef → Christchurch
Begin in the subtropical Bay of Islands before travelling through the cultural and geothermal heart of the North Island. Continue through Wellington, then fly south for alpine landscapes, Queenstown, Fiordland, the wild West Coast and a spectacular TranzAlpine rail journey into Christchurch.
Why You’ll Love This Journey
A comprehensive journey through both islands, combining iconic destinations, local experiences and some of New Zealand’s most memorable ways to travel.
Rotorua & Māori Culture
Experience Waitomo, Hobbiton, geothermal Rotorua and an evening of Māori culture and seasonal cuisine at Te Pā Tū.
Bay of Islands & Cape Reinga
Cruise among the islands before travelling north to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.
Milford Sound & TranzAlpine
Explore Milford Sound, cross the Haast Pass to Franz Josef and finish with the TranzAlpine journey across the Southern Alps.
Aoraki/Mt Cook & Queenstown
Travel through Lake Tekapo and the Mackenzie Country before continuing across the Lindis Pass to Queenstown.
Your 18-Day Itinerary
Each day is planned around realistic travel times, transport connections and time to enjoy the destinations along the way.
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Welcome to New Zealand. On arrival at Auckland Airport, your private driver will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation in central Auckland.
The rest of the day is free to settle in and explore the city at your own pace. Wander along the waterfront, visit the Viaduct Harbour or simply relax after your journey.
Included today: Private airport transfer
Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Suggested experience: Auckland Harbour sailing dinner cruise. -
Leave Auckland by scheduled coach and travel north through the coastal communities and rolling countryside of Northland to Paihia in the Bay of Islands.
After arriving, join a cruise through the islands towards Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Enjoy the coastal scenery and keep watch for dolphins, whales and other marine life along the way.
A local transfer will take you from central Paihia to your accommodation.
Included today: InterCity coach, Bay of Islands cruise and local transfer
Accommodation: Admirals View Lodge & Motel. -
Journey to the far north of New Zealand on a full-day guided tour to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.
Travel along the sweeping west coast, experience the vast landscapes of the Far North and visit Cape Reinga, where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. Along the way, your local guide shares stories of the region’s Māori traditions, history and natural environment.
Included today: Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach full-day tour and lunch
Accommodation: Admirals View Lodge & Motel. -
Enjoy a relaxed morning in the Bay of Islands. If you wish, you can take a short guided tour of historic Russell before returning to Paihia.
Later, transfer to the coach stop and travel south by scheduled coach to Auckland, passing through Northland’s rural towns and farming country before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge into the city.
Included today: Local transfer and scheduled coach to Auckland
Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Suggested experience: Russell Mini Tour. -
Travel south from Auckland to Rotorua, visiting the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves along the way.
Explore the remarkable underground cave system before continuing to Rotorua, known for its geothermal landscapes and strong Māori heritage. Your day also includes a visit to Te Puia, where geothermal features and cultural experiences introduce you to this distinctive part of the North Island.
Included today: Auckland to Rotorua tour, Waitomo Caves, Te Puia and lunch
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa
Suggested experience: Polynesian Spa -
Travel from Rotorua to the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata. Join a guided tour through the detailed film set, including Hobbit Holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, followed by lunch.
In the evening, experience Te Pā Tū, an immersive Māori cultural experience set within a forest village. Enjoy storytelling, performance, traditions and a seasonal dinner inspired by Māori cuisine.
Included today: Hobbiton Movie Set tour, lunch, Te Pā Tū cultural experience and dinner
Accommodation: Silver Fern Suites & Spa. -
Transfer to Rotorua Airport and fly south to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
On arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your accommodation before you join a private Lord of the Rings themed tour. Visit filming locations around Wellington, enjoy views from Mt Victoria and explore Wētā-related locations in Miramar for a behind-the-scenes look at New Zealand filmmaking.
Included today: Airport transfers, Rotorua–Wellington flight and private Lord of the Rings tour
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Wellington. -
Today is yours to explore Wellington at your own pace.
Walk along the waterfront, visit Te Papa, ride the historic Cable Car or explore the cafés, restaurants and shops around Cuba Street and the central city.
If you would like a more structured experience, suggested options include the Wētā Workshop Experience or a guided tour of Te Papa.
Accommodation: Adina CityLife Wellington
Suggested experiences: Wētā Workshop Experience or guided Te Papa tour. -
Your private driver will collect you from your Wellington accommodation and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Christchurch.
After arriving in the South Island, another private transfer will take you to your Christchurch accommodation. The remainder of the day is free to settle in and explore the central city at your own pace.
Included today: Wellington airport transfer, Wellington–Christchurch flight and Christchurch airport transfer
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch.
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Leave Christchurch on a small-group journey across the Canterbury Plains and into the Mackenzie Country.
Stop at Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd before travelling beside the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki to Aoraki/Mt Cook Village.
Your itinerary also includes the Glacier Explorers experience, taking you onto the Tasman Glacier terminal lake to see icebergs and alpine scenery up close.
Included today: Small-group Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt Cook tour, picnic lunch and Glacier Explorers
Accommodation: Mt Cook Motel. -
Enjoy some more time in Aoraki/Mt Cook before travelling south to Queenstown.
The journey follows Lake Pukaki before continuing through the Mackenzie Basin, across the Lindis Pass and through Central Otago. Stops along the way may include High Country Salmon, the Lindis Pass lookout and Cromwell before descending through the Kawarau Gorge into Queenstown.
Included today: Small-group Aoraki/Mt Cook to Queenstown tour
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Suggested experience: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. -
Today is free for you to experience Queenstown at your own pace.
Walk the lakefront, explore the Queenstown Gardens, browse the shops and cafés or choose from the many scenic and adventure experiences available around the region.
Suggested options include the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views or the famous Shotover Jet through the Shotover River canyons.
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Suggested experiences: Skyline Gondola or Shotover Jet. -
Spend the day exploring Central Otago’s renowned wine region on a small-group boutique wine tour.
Travel through the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell subregions, visiting four boutique vineyards and sampling a selection of local wines. Enjoy a gourmet platter-style lunch featuring locally sourced produce, with scenic stops around Bannockburn Inlet, Lake Dunstan and historic Old Cromwell Town.
Included today: Small-group Central Otago wine tour, tastings and lunch
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge. -
Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound on a premium small-group journey through Fiordland.
Enjoy scenic stops and commentary along the way before boarding your Milford Sound cruise. Relax onboard while taking in the towering cliffs, waterfalls and dramatic landscapes of the fiord, with refreshments and canapés included as part of the experience.
Return to Queenstown after your day in Fiordland.
Included today: Premium Milford Sound road journey and cruise,
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge. -
Travel towards Glenorchy for the Dart River Wilderness Jet experience, journeying deep into the spectacular landscapes around Mount Aspiring National Park.
Later, return to Queenstown and board the historic TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy a gourmet BBQ dinner followed by a farm demonstration before cruising back to Queenstown.
Included today: Dart River Wilderness Jet, TSS Earnslaw cruise, Walter Peak BBQ dinner and farm experience
Accommodation: Blue Peaks Lodge
Meals: Dinner. -
Leave Queenstown and travel north towards the West Coast.
Pass mountain peaks and clear alpine lakes before crossing the Haast Pass, where the landscape changes dramatically from dry alpine country to dense rainforest, rivers and waterfalls.
Continue along the wild West Coast before arriving in Franz Josef, your base for the night.
Included today: Queenstown to Franz Josef scheduled transfer
Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel & Suites. -
Travel north from Franz Josef to Greymouth before boarding the famous TranzAlpine scenic train.
The rail journey crosses the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass National Park, passing native forest, deep river valleys and dramatic mountain scenery before descending across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
On arrival at Christchurch Railway Station, you will be transferred to your accommodation for your final night.
Included today: Franz Josef–Greymouth transfer, TranzAlpine scenic train and Christchurch transfer
Accommodation: Bella Vista Christchurch. -
Your New Zealand journey comes to an end today.
A private driver will collect you from your Christchurch accommodation and transfer you directly to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.
Included today: Private airport transfer.
What’s Included
Your 18-day journey brings together accommodation, transport and key experiences across both islands, with the main travel arrangements organised before you arrive.
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17 nights of comfortable, well-located accommodation
Accommodation in Auckland, Paihia, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Queenstown and Franz Jose
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Scheduled coach travel between selected destinations
Private and local transfers where specified
Domestic flight from Rotorua to Wellington
Domestic flight from Wellington to Christchurch
Small-group Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt Cook journey
Small-group Aoraki/Mt Cook to Queenstown journey
Queenstown to Franz Josef transfer
Franz Josef to Greymouth transfer
TranzAlpine scenic train to Christchurch
Arrival and departure airport transfers
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Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock cruise
Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach tour
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Te Puia geothermal and cultural experience
Hobbiton Movie Set
Te Pā Tū Māori cultural evening
Private Lord of the Rings tour in Wellington
Glacier Explorers at Aoraki/Mt Cook
Central Otago boutique wine tour
Milford Sound premium tour and cruise
Dart River Wilderness Jet
TSS Earnslaw cruise and Walter Peak BBQ dinner
TranzAlpine scenic rail journey
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Lunch on the Cape Reinga tour
Lunch with the Waitomo/Rotorua experience
Hobbiton lunch
Te Pā Tū dinner
Aoraki/Mt Cook picnic lunch
Central Otago wine-tour lunch
Milford Sound refreshments/canapés and listed lunch
Walter Peak gourmet BBQ dinner
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Coordinated independent travel itinerary
Pick-ups and drop-offs at destinations as specified
After-hours emergency support while travelling
Itinerary can be customised to suit your dates and interests
Not Included
International flights, travel insurance, meals not specified, optional activities and personal expenses are not included unless stated otherwise.
Where You’ll Stay
Stay in comfortable, well-located accommodation throughout your journey, selected to work conveniently with your transport and touring arrangements.
Auckland — Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Bay of Islands — Admirals View Lodge & Motel
Rotorua — Silver Fern Suites & Spa
Wellington — Adina CityLife Wellington
Christchurch — Bella Vista Christchurch
Aoraki/Mt Cook — Mt Cook Motel
Queenstown — Blue Peaks Lodge
Franz Josef — Punga Grove Motel & Suites
Accommodation may vary depending on availability. If a listed hotel is unavailable, we will use a similar standard and location.
Make This New Zealand Journey Your Own
Use this 18 - day itinerary as your starting point, then we can adjust the route, accommodation and experiences to suit your travel dates, interests and budget.
We’ll bring the transport, accommodation and touring together into one carefully planned New Zealand holiday.