The Journey
Auckland to Wanaka via Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch and Tekapo
NEW ZEALAND GRAND CIRCUIT CIRCUIT
Auckland → Rotorua → Wellington → Christchurch → Tekapo → Queenstown → Wanaka
Duration
The complete North & South Island circuit
Cities
Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Tekapo, Queenstown, Wanaka
Best Time
-
For
2 Adults, Twin Sharing
What's Included
Land-only package, twin sharing; excludes international/domestic flights unless noted
13 nights accommodation across 7 New Zealand destinations
Daily breakfast; select lunches and dinners as per itinerary
Waiheke Island vineyard visit and Rotorua geothermal + Māori hangi experience
Te Papa museum visit in Wellington
Lake Tekapo stargazing and Church of the Good Shepherd
Milford Sound cruise and Central Otago wine-country excursion
Domestic flights Auckland–Wellington–Christchurch (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 and Waiheke
Ferry to Waiheke Island for a vineyard visit amid coastal scenery.
Activities
Waiheke Island Vineyard Tour
6 hr · From NZD 149 adult (Fullers360 Vineyard Explorer, 3-vineyard half-day tour)
Day 3
Rotorua
Scenic drive to Rotorua, with a leisurely walk along the lakefront.
Day 4
Rotorua geothermal and cultural day
Geysers and thermal terraces by day, a traditional Māori cultural experience and hangi dinner by night.
Activities
Te Puia
2 hr 30 min · NZD 105 adult (Te Ra + Haka Combo, official seasonal rate)
Tamaki Maori Village Hangi Experience
3 hr 30 min · NZD 280 adult (Te Pa Tu, Winter Matariki Celebration, runs May-Sept)
Day 5
Wellington
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
Christchurch
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
Lake Tekapo
Scenic drive to Lake Tekapo, visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd before evening stargazing.
Activities
Church of the Good Shepherd
20 min · Free
Mount John Observatory
1 hr 45 min · From NZD 219 adult (Dark Sky Project Summit Experience guided stargazing tour) · separate self-drive summit-road access fee applies for daytime visits
Day 8
Queenstown
Scenic drive through Mackenzie Country and Lindis Pass into Queenstown.
Day 9
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 10
Adventure/free day
A free day in Queenstown for optional bungy, jet boating or hiking.
Day 11
Central Otago wine and scenery
Scenic drive into Central Otago wine country with tastings at Gibbston Valley vineyards.
Activities
Gibbston Valley Wines
1 hr 30 min
Day 12
Wanaka
Scenic Crown Range road to Wanaka, with time to explore the town and lakefront.
Activities
Lake Wanaka
1 hr · Free
Puzzling World
2 hr · From NZD 32.50 adult combo (Illusion Rooms + Great Maze) · NZD 26.50 Illusion Rooms only
Day 13
Wanaka scenic day; return to Queenstown
Morning views of Lake Wanaka, then a scenic Crown Range drive back to Queenstown for a farewell dinner.
Day 14
Departure
Free time until check-out, then transfer to Queenstown Airport for the departure flight.
Where You'll Stay
13 nights across 7 cities.
2 nightsAuckland
2 nightsRotorua
1 nightWellington
1 nightChristchurch
1 nightTekapo
4 nightsQueenstown
2 nightsWanaka
