The Journey
Both islands in depth, from geothermal Rotorua to the Franz Josef Glacier
NEW ZEALAND EXPLORER CIRCUIT
Auckland → Rotorua → Wellington → Christchurch → Queenstown → Franz Josef
Duration
Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Franz Josef
Cities
Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Franz Josef
Best Time
-
For
2 Adults, Twin Sharing
What's Included
Land-only package, twin sharing; excludes international/domestic flights unless noted
11 nights accommodation across 6 New Zealand destinations
Daily breakfast; select lunches and dinners as per itinerary
Rotorua geothermal attractions and Māori cultural experience with hangi dinner
Te Papa museum visit in Wellington
Milford Sound cruise from Queenstown
Franz Josef Glacier valley walk
Domestic flights Auckland–Wellington–Christchurch–Queenstown (economy class)
Private airport transfers and inter-city road transfers
Day-by-Day Plan
Every moment of your journey, planned to perfection.
Day 1
Arrive Auckland
International arrival into Auckland, transfer and check-in, welcome dinner near the waterfront.
Day 2
Auckland city and harbour
Sky Tower, Britomart precinct and harbour views from Mount Eden.
Activities
Sky Tower
1 hr 15 min · NZD 47 adult (single entry, all 3 observation levels)
Mount Eden
1 hr · Free
Day 3
Transfer to Rotorua; geothermal attractions
Scenic drive to Rotorua, with a stop at a geothermal attraction of mud pools and geysers.
Activities
Te Puia
2 hr 30 min · NZD 105 adult (Te Ra + Haka Combo, official seasonal rate)
Day 4
Māori cultural experience
Geysers and thermal terraces by day, a traditional Māori cultural experience and hangi dinner by night.
Activities
Tamaki Maori Village Hangi Experience
3 hr 30 min · NZD 280 adult (Te Pa Tu, Winter Matariki Celebration, runs May-Sept)
Day 5
Fly to Wellington; waterfront and Te Papa
Flight to Wellington to explore the waterfront and Te Papa museum.
Activities
Te Papa Museum
3 hr · Free to enter · NZD 35 for international visitors (16+)
Wellington Cable Car
30 min · NZD 13 adult return (NZD 7 one-way)
Day 6
Fly to Christchurch; city and gardens
Flight to Christchurch, exploring the city centre and Botanic Gardens.
Activities
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
1 hr 30 min · Free
Cathedral Square
30 min · Free
Day 7
Fly/transfer to Queenstown
Flight to Queenstown, with a Skyline Gondola ride and a lakefront stroll on arrival.
Activities
Skyline Gondola Queenstown
2 hr · From NZD 69 adult return
Day 8
Milford Sound
Full-day excursion through Fiordland to cruise the waterfalls and cliffs of Milford Sound.
Activities
Milford Sound Cruise
2 hr · From NZD 175 adult (RealNZ Signature Cruise, ex Milford)
Day 9
Queenstown free day
A free day for optional bungy, jet boating or hiking, plus leisure time in town.
Day 10
Drive to Franz Josef via scenic West Coast
Scenic drive via Haast Pass to the rainforest and coastline of the West Coast.
Day 11
Glacier experience; return toward Queenstown
Franz Josef Glacier valley walk, then a scenic drive back via Haast Pass and Wanaka to Queenstown.
Activities
Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk
30 min · Free
Day 12
Departure
Free time until check-out, then transfer to Queenstown Airport for the departure flight.
Where You'll Stay
11 nights across 6 cities.
2 nightsAuckland
2 nightsRotorua
1 nightWellington
1 nightChristchurch
4 nightsQueenstown
1 nightFranz Josef
