Itineraries

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1. For the Outdoor Adventurer: South Island’s Alpine Thrills (10 Days)

Route: Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Aoraki/Mount Cook - Wanaka - Queenstown - Fiordland

If you crave wide-open spaces, mountain trails, and adrenaline highs, the South Island is your playground. Begin in Christchurch and head inland to Lake Tekapo for stargazing and lakefront serenity. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for glacier hikes and alpine views that stop you in your tracks.

Make your way to Wanaka for offbeat hikes and skydiving, then dive into Queenstown - the adventure capital of the world - for bungee jumps, jet boats, and epic landscapes. Wrap up in Fiordland, where Milford Sound delivers the kind of scenery that feels cinematic.

Highlights:

  • Hooker Valley Track hike under Aoraki

  • Jet boating in Shotover River

  • Skydiving over Lake Wanaka

  • Cruise or kayak in Milford Sound

2. For the Urban Explorer: Cities with Soul & Style (7 Days)

Route: Auckland - Wellington - Christchurch - Dunedin

Urban vibes in New Zealand are as laid-back as they are dynamic. Start in Auckland, where rooftop bars and harbourfront eats meet cultural hubs like the Auckland Art Gallery and nearby Waiheke Island vineyards.

Fly south to Wellington - New Zealand’s creative capital - for indie cafés, film culture, and the national museum, Te Papa. Then explore Christchurch’s post-quake transformation, filled with innovative design, laneway art, and riverside dining. End in Dunedin for a touch of old-world charm, gothic architecture, and a buzzing student scene.

Highlights:

  • Wine tasting on Waiheke Island

  • Street art and craft beer in Wellington

  • Punting on the Avon River in Christchurch

  • Exploring Victorian architecture in Dunedin

3. For the Soul Seeker: North Island Retreat & Rejuvenation (6 Days)

Route: Rotorua - Taupō - Coromandel - Waihi Beach

In need of a deep breath and a fresh start? The North Island’s natural hot springs, forest walks, and coastal calm offer the perfect reset. Begin in Rotorua, where geothermal wonders meet Māori culture. Soothe yourself in hot pools and learn about indigenous traditions through storytelling and hangi feasts.

Next, soak in the views of Lake Taupō or unwind beside its waterfalls. Then drive to the Coromandel Peninsula for soft beaches, ocean breezes, and one of the country’s most famous wellness spots - Hot Water Beach.

Highlights:

  • Polynesian Spa in Rotorua

  • Huka Falls and spa pools in Taupō

  • Digging your hot pool at Hot Water Beach

  • Forest walks in the Karangahake Gorge

4. For the History & Heritage Enthusiast: Cultural Pathways & Storytelling (9 Days)

Route: Auckland - Waitangi - Rotorua - Napier - Wellington

New Zealand’s cultural landscape runs deep, from Māori history to colonial architecture. Start in Auckland and head north to Waitangi, the birthplace of the nation. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and learn the stories that shaped modern Aotearoa.

Head back through Rotorua to experience immersive Māori performances and living villages. Then, take a detour to Napier to soak up Art Deco streets and local wine. Finish in Wellington at Te Papa, where interactive exhibits bring centuries of history to life.

Highlights:

  • Māori cultural experience at Te Puia

  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds guided tour

  • Art Deco walking tour in Napier

  • Archives and exhibitions at Te Papa Museum

5. For the Wildlife Lover: Marine & Mountain Encounters (8 Days)

Route: Kaikōura - Akaroa - Oamaru - Stewart Island

If your dream itinerary includes whales, penguins, and rare birds, this southern wildlife trail delivers. Start in Kaikōura for whale watching and dusky dolphin swims, then drive to Akaroa, where French charm and Hector’s dolphins await.

In Oamaru, catch a glimpse of blue penguins returning to shore at dusk. Wrap up in remote Stewart Island, a haven for native species and one of the best places to spot the elusive kiwi bird in the wild.

Highlights:

  • Whale watching in Kaikōura

  • Swimming with dolphins in Akaroa

  • Blue Penguin colony experience in Oamaru

  • Guided kiwi night walk on Stewart Island

6. For the Family Traveller: Nature, Fun & Hands-on Adventures (7 Days)

Route: Auckland - Hobbiton - Rotorua - Waitomo - Taupō

Travelling with kids? This North Island route is packed with hands-on fun and unforgettable moments. Begin in Auckland with its Sky Tower views and ferry rides to kid-friendly beaches. Take a magical side trip to Hobbiton for a taste of Middle-earth.

Rotorua offers geothermal parks, interactive Māori experiences, and luge rides for thrill-seekers. Visit the Waitomo Caves for glowworms, then end in Taupō, where lakefront walks, trout fishing, and hot pools are perfect for all ages.

Highlights:

  • Hobbiton Movie Set tour

  • Rotorua Skyline gondola & luge

  • Glowworm caves boat ride

  • Huka Falls jet boating or kayaking

Final Thoughts

New Zealand is more than a place you visit - it’s a land that speaks to you through its silence, stories, and scenery. These curated itineraries are starting points for something deeper: a connection. Whether you’re hiking alpine passes, soaking in geothermal springs, or hearing a haka echo through a meeting house, New Zealand invites you to experience more than travel - it invites you to feel.