North South Discovery: Both Islands in 7 Days
Duration
7 Days 6 Nights
Destinations
New Zealand, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown
Seven days is a tight window for both islands, and this itinerary makes no pretence otherwise. The North Island gets two full days — Hobbiton on the drive from Auckland to Rotorua, then a full day at Te Puia covering both the daytime guided experience and the Te Po evening. The South Island gets four: Queenstown, Milford Sound, and the Mackenzie Basin on the return to Christchurch. The domestic flight from Rotorua to Queenstown on day four is not included and must be booked independently. At approximately three hours, it is the only practical way to make the crossing on a 7-day itinerary without losing a full day to ground transfers. Three activities are included: the Hobbiton Movie Set Signature Tour with lunch at the Green Dragon Inn, the Te Ra and Te Po combo at Te Puia — the daytime guided walk through the Arts and Crafts Institute and geothermal valley, followed by the evening hāngī dinner and cultural performance — and the Milford Sound fiord cruise with lunch. The return from Queenstown on day six covers the Lindis Pass, Aoraki Mt Cook Village, and the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo before Christchurch. This is a tour for you if time is the constraint and you want the key stops from both islands covered properly rather than skimmed.
- ◆Hobbiton Movie Set Signature Tour — The Shire with lunch at the Green Dragon Inn
- ◆Te Ra and Te Po at Te Puia — guided Rotorua day visit and Māori evening with dinner
- ◆Milford Sound — fiord cruise with lunch, 12-hour day from Queenstown
- ◆Aoraki Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo — the Mackenzie Basin on the return to Christchurch
- ◆Both islands in 7 days — North Island highlights and South Island scenery
Day-by-Day
Your arrival in Auckland is met with a private transfer to your hotel. The city sits on an isthmus between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, with volcanic cones visible across the skyline — remnants of 53 separate eruption points on a field that is dormant rather than extinct.
Auckland Waterfront — Viaduct Harbour and the Wynyard Quarter are within easy reach of most central hotels. The ferry terminal connects to Devonport and Waiheke Island for those arriving with time to spare.
Sky Tower — At 328 metres, the observation deck gives the clearest view of Auckland's two-harbour geography. Entry own expense.
Optional: Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise (own expense); Weta Workshop Unleashed Tour in the city (own expense).
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Independent.
Included
- check_boxMeet and greet arrival transfer in Auckland
- check_box6 nights accommodation
- check_boxAuckland to Rotorua guided coach tour via Hobbiton Movie Set
- check_boxHobbiton Movie Set Signature Tour with lunch at the Green Dragon Inn
- check_boxTe Ra guided daytime experience at Te Puia — Arts and Crafts Institute, Kiwi Conservation Centre, geothermal valley
- check_boxTe Po Indigenous Evening Experience at Te Puia — hāngī dinner and cultural performance
- check_boxMilford Sound day tour with fiord cruise and lunch
- check_boxQueenstown to Christchurch tour via Mt Cook Village and Lake Tekapo
- check_boxDeparture transfer to Christchurch Airport
Not Included
- disabled_by_defaultDomestic flight Rotorua to Queenstown (Day 4) — to be booked independently
- disabled_by_defaultInternational flights
- disabled_by_defaultTravel insurance
- disabled_by_defaultMeals not specified in the itinerary
- disabled_by_defaultOptional activities and entrance fees
- disabled_by_defaultPersonal expenses, laundry and minibar
