12 Day North to South Island NZ Ultimate Private Tour from Auckland
(incl. Hotels, Activities & Flight) (Customizable*)
Product Code: WJM17
This ultimate 12-day, 11-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering majority of top attractions in both North Island (Auckland to Wellington) and South Island (Kaikōura to Stewart Island). It includes a transfer flight, handpicked activities and luxury hotels, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in NZ without the hassles of planning, coordinating endless details, and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of NZ in an ultimate style for a lifetime memorable trip.
Besides visiting many of the top attractions in NZ, enjoy flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a curated mixture of 19–21 activities, ensuring an ultimate and diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group throughout the tour. Start in Auckland and finish in Queenstown, both cities with international airports.
Key Info:
- Price: Varies based on group size and any needed customization.
- Duration: 12 Days & 11 Nights
- Group Type & Size: Private tour exclusively for your group of 1 to 10 travelers
- Pickup from: From Auckland
- Pickup Time: Flexible, but the recommended start time is 8:30 AM.
- Finish Tour at: Queenstown
- Booking Cut-Off Time: To ensure your trip the next day, please book by 11 AM two days before at the latest.
- Tour language: English. Other language options are subject to the availability of a tour guide.
Features:
- Discover many of the top attractions of New Zealand’s North and South Islands in a relaxed style over 12 days
- Start your tour with visits to iconic highlights of Auckland from dormant volcano to popular beach
- Discover the magic of Hobbiton, then immerse in a Māori cultural experience, ending with a Hangi Feast
- Explore Rotorua with unique activities like the Redwoods Treewalk, river rafting or a visit to Agrodome and Polynesian spa
- Enjoy a scenic 8-hour ride on the Northern Explorer Scenic train from Hamilton to Wellington
- Fly from Wellington to Christchurch and experience one of Christchurch’s top attractions
- Choose to visit either Kaikōura for guided kayaking or whale watching, or Akaroa for a nature cruise and an alpaca farm visit
- Enjoy TranzAlpine Scenic Train ride to Arthur’s Pass & return through Castle Hill
- Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of alpine flora and fauna, and glacial waters
- Engage in stargazing activity at night in Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
- Experience 360-degree spins while jet boating and enjoy panoramic views from Skyline at Queenstown
- Admire the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and venture to the sparkling waters of Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
- Sail to the wild beauty of Stewart Island by ferry and return by scenic flight for breathtaking aerial views
- Discover the wilderness of Stewart Island on a guided tour through its pristine forests, beaches, and birdlife havens.
- A private vehicle experience with a knowledgeable guide-driver exclusively for your group
- Enjoy complimentary water bottles, packaged snacks and WiFi on board
- Leave behind the stress of planning destinations, duration, routes, hotels, activities, flights, and driving long distances yourself
Description:
Day 1: Auckland Explore (Auckland Museum, Buddhist Temple, CBD, Mount Eden, One Tree Hill & Muriwai / Piha / Long Bay Beach)
Included Activity Tickets:
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry at Auckland
Night Stay Location: Auckland
Description (Click here to expand)
Start this multi-day tour in relaxed and delightful style! Your tour begins with a pickup from your preferred location in Auckland, where your guide will greet you.
First, we’ll head to the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits.
Next, we’ll visit a beautiful Buddhist temple, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. After your enriching experience, you’ll head to a popular dining food complex in the heart of the city for lunch, offering a variety of delicious options in a lively setting.
Later, we will visit Mount Eden, the highest natural point in Auckland city and a dormant volcano offering panoramic views of the city. After that, we’ll head to One Tree Hill, a scenic volcanic peak with cultural significance and great views. Lastly, we’ll visit one of Auckland’s scenic beaches: Muriwai Beach, famous for its gannet colony; Piha Beach, known for its rugged coastline and black sand; or Long Bay Beach, a perfect spot for a relaxing walk along the shore. In the evening, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel to relax and unwind.
Day 2: Auckland – Hobbiton – Rotorua (Redwoods Treewalk, Eat Street)
Included Activity Tickets:
- Redwoods Treewalk at Rotorua
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Night Stay Location: Rotorua
Description (Click here to expand)
Start your second day of the tour with a pickup and a scenic drive towards the Hobbiton Movie Set. This enchanting village is set in the heart of the lush Waikato region, and the movie set is a meticulous recreation of the Shire from J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved books. As you wander through Hobbiton on a fully guided tour, you’ll discover charming hobbit holes, the iconic Green Dragon Inn, and stunning landscapes.
Continue your journey to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. Check in to your hotel, and get ready for the famous Redwoods Treewalk — a must-do experience in Rotorua. This walk features swing bridges and platforms, offering stunning views of towering trees and the lush forest floor.
In the evening, enjoy dinner time at Eat Street, Rotorua’s vibrant dining precinct, offering a range of delicious cuisine options.
Day 3: Rotorua Explore (Agrodome & Polynesian Spa OR River Rafting, Geothermally Active Place & Māori Culture Experience)
Included Activity Tickets:
- Agrodome & Private Hot Pool OR Kaituna River Rafting at Rotorua
- Geothermal Valley, Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner at Rotorua
Night Stay Location: Rotorua
Description (Click here to expand)
Welcome the morning with adventure ahead. Based on your appetite for adventure, choose between two unique experiences:
For a relaxed afternoon, opt for the farm experience followed by a hot tub session. Enjoy a farm show with sheep shearing & a dog show, and tour the 350-acre property to meet and hand-feed animals. Later, unwind in a soothing hot tub nestled in a serene forest.
Alternatively, if you’re seeking thrills, go for Grade 5 river rafting on the Kaituna River, navigating challenging rapids and a 7-meter waterfall, one of the highest commercially rafted waterfalls in the world.
In the late afternoon, get ready for an unforgettable experience at a place known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. Enjoy a guided walk to witness the power of active geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents. Enjoy a delicious Hangi feast, where your food is cooked in the ground using traditional methods, adding a unique and authentic touch to your dining experience. Later, experience a traditional Māori welcome ceremony, including the powerful haka (war dance), along with engaging cultural performances that showcase the history and traditions of the Māori people.
Day 4: Rotorua – Hamilton – Northern Explorer Scenic Train – Wellington
Included Activity Tickets:
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train Ride- Hamilton to Wellington
Night Stay Location: Wellington
Description (Click here to expand)
Greet the day with excitement. Check out from your hotel in Rotorua and enjoy a comfortable transfer to Hamilton Railway Station, where you’ll board the Northern Explorer Scenic Train for a full-day journey to Wellington. This scenic rail experience spans nearly eight hours and takes you through the heart of the North Island’s diverse landscapes. Sit back and relax in your spacious seat as you glide past rolling farmland, native forests, mountain ranges, and dramatic river gorges. The route features several engineering highlights, including crossings over tall viaducts and the remarkable Raurimu Spiral—a clever railway design that allows the train to climb steep terrain. One of the most scenic parts of the trip is the section through Tongariro National Park, offering panoramic views of its volcanic peaks, including Mt Ruapehu. Onboard commentary shares stories and history of the regions you pass, while an open viewing carriage and café add to the comfort.
Arrive in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, in the evening and check in to your hotel for a restful and comfortable night.
Day 5: Wellington – Flight to Christchurch – Christchurch (International Antarctic Centre or Punting on Avon or Christchurch Tram)
Included Activity Tickets:
- International Antarctic Centre OR Punting on Avon OR Tram City Sightseeing at Christchurch
Night Stay Location: Christchurch
Description (Click here to expand)
Wake up to another beautiful day in New Zealand’s vibrant capital. Enjoy some free time in Wellington to explore at your own pace, if you wish. It’s time to say goodbye to the North Island and begin your South Island adventure. After checking out from your hotel, you’ll be picked up and taken to Wellington Airport for your flight to Christchurch.
Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. After settling in and refreshing, choose one of three activities: visit the International Antarctic Centre, go punting on the Avon River, or ride the famous Christchurch Tram.
The International Antarctic Centre offers interactive exhibits, a simulated storm, a ride on an all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle, and a penguin encounter.
Punting on the Avon River provides a peaceful glide through the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park.
The Christchurch Tram offers a unique perspective on Christchurch’s history and landmarks, with knowledgeable drivers providing commentary and stops at key attractions.
Due to travel between the North and South Islands, and the need to rest for the next leg of your journey, it is recommended you enjoy the rest of your day in Christchurch, relaxing and recharging for the epic South Island journey that begins the next day.
Day 6: Christchurch – Kaikōura or Akaroa (Whale Watching/Kayaking/Nature Cruise & Alpaca Farm) – Christchurch
Included Activity Tickets:
- Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa OR Guided Kayaking or Whale watching cruise at Kaikōura
Night Stay Location: Christchurch
Description (Click here to expand)
Start this beautiful day by being picked up from your hotel. Choose between a full-day tour to Kaikoura or Akaroa, each offering a unique experience based on your preferred activities.
Kaikōura, famed for its stunning coastal scenery where rugged mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, lies near a unique underwater canyon system that draws abundant marine life, including whales. Opt for a guided kayaking adventure alongside seals, sea birds, and possibly dolphins, or a whale-watching cruise to spot majestic sperm whales, humpbacks, or orcas while learning about their habitat.
Akaroa, a charming French-inspired village, invites you to explore its beauty with a 2-hour nature cruise, uncovering its rich history and unique wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world. Follow this with a visit to a charming alpaca farm for cuddly encounters with these adorable animals.
After your chosen day tour, we’ll return to Christchurch and drop you off at your hotel.
Day 7: Christchurch – TranzAlpine Scenic Train – Arthur’s Pass National Park – Castle Hill – Lake Tekapo – Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve
Included Activity Tickets:
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ride
- Guided Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve
Night Stay Location: Lake Tekapo
Description (Click here to expand)
Start your day by being picked up from your accommodation in Christchurch. Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Railway Station, where you will be greeted and taken to your next destination.
Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood movies, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk. Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Lake Tekapo.
Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.
Day 8: Lake Tekapo – Lake Pukaki – Aoraki Mount Cook – Scenic Helicopter Ride – Lindis Pass – Queenstown
Included Activity Tickets:
- Scenic Helicopter Ride at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Night Stay Location: Queenstown
Description (Click here to expand)
Get ready for today’s journey with a pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.
Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges, and catch a glimpse of ice at Hooker Lake. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world’s only alpine parrot.
It’s time to embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Soar above the stunning valleys and peaks of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park in one of the modern helicopters. Experience breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding snow-capped ranges as you fly. Relax and enjoy this unique experience with onboard commentary from pilot.
Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Queenstown. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains. Upon arrival in Queenstown, check in to your accommodation and prepare for the adventures that await in this vibrant lakeside city.
Day 9: Queenstown Explore (Queenstown Gardens, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Wharf, Jet Boating & Skyline Gondola with Luge Rides)
Included Activity Tickets:
- Jet Boating at Queenstown
- Skyline Gondola with Luge rides at Queenstown
Night Stay Location: Queenstown
Description (Click here to expand)
Begin your day with new energy in Queenstown with a pickup from your hotel. Visit the famous Queenstown Gardens, located on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. These gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views. After exploring the gardens, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of central Queenstown to experience the city’s cheerful vibes. Relax by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s longest lake. After this moment of calmness, prepare yourself to experience the power of twin V8 engines as you jet boat down the Kawarau or Shotover River. Reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph, enjoy the adrenaline rush with multiple 360-degree spins.
After jet boating, there’s more to enjoy. Take a ride on the Queenstown Gondola, which is believed to be the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown itself. Spend quality time at the top exploring the area, or engaging in fun activities like thrilling luge rides and open-air chairlifts. Watch the sunset from this vantage point. Afterwards, take a return ride on the Gondola back down, where you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel to relax and recharge for another epic day, exploring Fiordland National Park.
Day 10: Queenstown – Milford Sound Cruise or Doubtful Sound Cruise- Te Anau
Included Activity Tickets:
- Cruise at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Night Stay Location: Te Anau
Description (Click here to expand)
Start this unforgettable day with a pickup from your Queenstown hotel. Choose between a full-day tour to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, both located in Fiordland National Park, each showcasing the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s fiords in their own distinct way.
Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic stops and nature walks along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home.
Begin your journey with a peaceful cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a scenic coach ride over Wilmot Pass, offering spectacular views of untouched rainforest and alpine scenery. Upon arrival at Doubtful Sound, board a cruise to explore the vast, remote fiord known for its deep stillness and dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by towering peaks, hidden waterfalls, and native wildlife, the experience feels truly immersive and untouched.
Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau and end the day filled with beautiful memories as you check in to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Day 11: Te Anau – Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Invercargill – Bill Richardson Transport World – Bluff
Included Activity Tickets:
- Glowworm Caves Tour at Te Anau
- Bill Richardson Transport World at Invercargill
Night Stay Location: Invercargill or Bluff
Description (Click here to expand)
Set off on another day of discovery in Te Anau with a pickup from your hotel. Prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country’s caves. They create a mesmerizing display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience.
Leave Te Anau at noon and head south along the Southern Scenic Route, a peaceful drive through rolling farmland, forested areas, and occasional coastal landscapes. Enjoy the changing views as you travel toward Invercargill, the southern hub of Southland. Stop here to explore Bill Richardson Transport World—an impressive and unique attraction showcasing one of the largest private transport museums in the world, featuring classic trucks and cars.
After your visit, continue to Bluff, known as New Zealand’s southernmost town and the gateway to Stewart Island. If you’re visiting between March and August, don’t miss the chance to try fresh Bluff oysters—a local delicacy prized for their rich flavour. As evening sets in, take a short walk to Stirling Point, where the famous signpost shows distances to cities around the world and offers stunning views over Foveaux Strait. Depending on the season and availability, stay overnight either in Bluff for a quiet coastal experience or in Invercargill for more options and convenience.
Day 12: Bluff – Ferry – Stewart Island – Scenic Flight – Bluff – Queenstown
Included Activity Tickets:
- One-way Ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island
- One-way Scenic Flight from Stewart Island to Bluff
- Guided Exploration in Stewart Island
Night Stay Location: No accommodation provided
Description (Click here to expand)
Check out from your accommodation and be dropped off at the ferry terminal in Bluff for your journey to Stewart Island.
Enjoy the scenic one-hour ferry ride across Foveaux Strait, often accompanied by seabird sightings and fresh ocean air. After reaching Stewart Island, begin with a short cruise through Paterson Inlet, where you’ll hear fascinating cultural and historical stories about the area. You’ll then arrive at Ulva Island, a predator-free nature sanctuary with no permanent human settlement, allowing native wildlife and forest to thrive. During your guided walk, you’ll explore peaceful forest tracks and learn about the island’s rich biodiversity. Your guide will help you spot native birds such as the South Island robin, saddleback, tūī, and others. Seeing a wild kiwi is possible, but it depends on luck, as they are shy. After your Ulva Island experience, return to Oban and take a scenic flight back to Bluff. This day trip lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—sailing to Stewart Island by ferry and flying back with stunning aerial views over Foveaux Strait.
Enjoy the drive back to Queenstown, passing through the quiet Southland landscape as the day winds down. It’s time to say goodbye as we drop you off to your preferred location in Queenstown. May these memories stay with you forever.
Includes:
- Private transportation
- Guide-driver exclusively for your group
- WiFi on board
- Packaged water bottles
- Packaged snacks & chocolates
- Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket at Auckland
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Ticket
- Geothermal Valley, Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner at Rotorua
- Redwoods Treewalk Ticket at Rotorua
- Agrodome & Private Hot Pool OR River Rafting Ticket at Rotorua
- International Antarctic Centre OR Punting on Avon River OR Christchurch Tram Ticket at Christchurch
- Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa OR Guided Kayaking or Whale watching cruise at Kaikōura
- Northern Explorer Scenic Train – Hamilton to Wellington
- TranzAlpine Train Scenic Ticket – Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
- Guided Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
- Helicopter Ride Ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park
- Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
- Gondola ride with Luge rides & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
- Bill Richardson Transport World Ticket at Invercargill
- One-way Ferry Ticket from Bluff to Stewart Island
- One-way Scenic Flight Ticket from Stewart Island to Bluff
- Guided Exploration Ticket in Stewart Island
- Accommodation for 11 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast based on availability and season
- Standard Economy Transfer Flight Ticket from Wellington to Christchurch
Excludes:
- Meals and Drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not described in the inclusions
Customizable: Yes
*Any customizations, such as swapping or removing any included activity, or adding an activity of interest such as skydiving, wine tasting, golf, horse trekking, scenic flight, swimming with dolphins, glacier hiking, relaxing spa treatment, ziplining, etc., are subject to availability, any cost differences (plus or minus), and route or schedule feasibility.
Additional Information:
- Most travelers with a general level of fitness can participate, except those who are pregnant, have mobility impairments, or serious medical conditions.
- Upon booking, you will receive a comprehensive list of items to bring, relevant to your itinerary and selected activities.
- Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance.
- If an activity is canceled by provider or unavailable, alternatives will be provided.


















































