We can customise this tour suggestion to suit you perfectly. If you're interested, you can add more time to your favourite locations, stay in different accommodations, and try more activities. We can arrange it all. Just get in touch with us to get a Tailor-Made itinerary.
If you only have a short time to explore New Zealand's largest island, this tour is for you. Prepare for ten days of spectacular scenery and adventure opportunities with this New Zealand South and North Island holiday package.
If you're a budget traveller and want fewer activities, we can tailor the itinerary to suit your preferences.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast and want to explore adventure without the stress of logistics, this package suits all fitness levels.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
Package Tour Includes:
Airport transfers and Luxury Ground Transportation with a guided Chauffeur
Passionate and knowledgeable local Kiwi-guided driver
Comfortable and air-conditioned bus/Van transport
Small groups of a maximum of 15 people
Stay 9 nights in twin-share 3-4* hotel accommodation (private room upgrade available)
Daily hearty breakfasts
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Airport return transfer
Admission fees for the activities as per the itinerary
Package Excludes:
International and domestic flights
Personal expenses
Personal charges at the hotel (phone calls, mini bar, laundry and others)
Airport Taxes & international and domestic Airfare (flight tickets)
Optional extra activity fees
Others not mentioned include
Tours and sightseeing fees are mentioned and included in each itinerary.
The Activity Includes:
Auckland city tour, Harbour Bridge, Mission Bay Beach, Mount Eden Volcanic Crater
Waitomo Black Abyss Black Water Rafting experience, 5-hour activity
Rotorua Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Redwood Forest Tree Walk, Mitai Maori Cultural Experience
TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
The tour price options:
Minimum 2 people required to run these tours
Group of 2 people: NZ$17,704 Per Person
Group of 3-5 people: NZ$14,454 Per Person
Group of 6-10 people: NZ$9,676 per person
Group of 11-15 people: NZ$7,641 Per Person
** Send us an enquiry to get a quote if your group has more than 15 pax
*** Terms & Conditions apply, and this is a private tour that operates on demand.
Exclusive Halal Tour Options Available
Halal Tours Included:
Muslim Driver Guide
Prayer mats are available onboard
Vehicles are to be stopped at the safest place during prayer time
Guide to Halal Restaurants
Guide to the Mosque for prayer
As our tours combine multiple tours, your group composition may change throughout your trip (Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are the hubs where the group may change).
We'll fill your days with the best things to see and do on the North and South Islands, giving you great insight into New Zealand life and culture. Relax in comfortable 3–4-star accommodation to ensure a great night’s sleep and be ready for the following day’s activities.
Terms & Conditions apply, and this is a private tour that operates on demand.
Itinerary: 10 Days, 9 Nights
Day 1: Airport Arrival - City Hotel accommodation, Sightseeing, or visit Viaduct Harbour night view Day 2: Auckland city and countryside tours, including Mount Eden Volcanic Crater walk
Day 3: Auckland - Rotorua: Waitomo Black Abyss Black Water Rafting experience, Rotorua Hotel Day 4: Rotorua - Waimangu Volcanic Valley Full experience, Redwood Forest Tree Walk, Mitai Maori Cultural Experience Day 5: Rotorua - Taupo and return to Auckland - Huka Falls, Maori Rock Carvings Cruise ride Day 6: Auckland - Queenstown - Flight Auckland to Queenstown, Skyline Gondola + Luge ride, TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise
Day 7: Queenstown - Milford Sound Tour - Milford Sound Cruise Tour, return to Queenstown Day 8: Queenstown - Franz Josef - Lake Wanaka view, optional Scenic helicopter flight for Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers Day 9: Franz Josef - Christchurch - From Greymouth, TranzAlpine Scenic Train journey to Christchurch
Day 10: Christchurch: If there is enough time, a city tram ride, sightseeing, before going to the airport
The above itinerary is a suggestion and may change.
Day 1: Auckland Airport Arrival
Private Transfer Auckland Airport to Auckland Accommodation
The driver will meet you at Auckland Airport and transfer you to your accommodation in Auckland.
Welcome to Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails”, is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests, and abundant beaches, Auckland is a playground for city-savvy locals and adventure seekers alike. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or head out onto the water for the city's best views.
Suggested Activity Today: Harbour Sailing Dinner Cruise with Explore, City Walk
Night Stay at Auckland Hotel
Included: Auckland Airport meet and greet and transfers to the hotel accommodation
Tour: Day 2- Auckland Tours
After Breakfast, the tours start at 9 am.
Auckland sightseeing and activities:
Mission Bay Beach, Wynyard Quarter, Harbour Bridge view before heading to Devonport village visit
The Sky Tower - Admire the Auckland city view, from the Sky Tower deck
Highlights of Day Tours:
The Auckland Domain, Auckland Art Gallery, and Victoria Park Market are great for bargain hunters, and Mount Eden offers great views of the volcanic crater.
Devonport Village visit: volcanic cone, North Head, then wander down the steps to the famous Cheltenham Beach.
Optional: Auckland Winery Tours, Piha and Muriwai Beach
Night Stay in Auckland Hotel
Included Activities: The Sky Tower - Admire the Auckland city view
Optional Activity with additional cost: Skycity bungy jump from the Sky Tower
Day 3 - Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo
Waitomo Black Abyss Black Water Rafting experience, Rotorua Hotel
After breakfast, from Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo
Departing from Auckland, you'll enjoy a beautiful, magical journey to Rotorua. For a galaxy of glowworms, this Waitomo Caves tour offers a unique experience. Thrill seekers will love this underground caving adventure through the iconic Waitomo Caves. Discover a unique underground river network through the caves. Journey by abseiling, tubing, caving, rafting, and flying fox- a true adrenaline-filled adventure. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new; this black water rafting tour welcomes all skill levels. Explore the beautiful, atmospheric caves lit by hundreds of glowworms.
After the tour and lunch in Waitomo town, drive to Rotorua to take a rest for the night
Night Stay in Rotorua Hotel
Included Activities: Waitomo Black Abyss, Black Water Rafting experience
Day 4 Rotorua Tour
After breakfast, the Rotorua day tour starts at 9 am.
Explore Rotorua
Rotorua sits in one of the world's most active volcanic regions, peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers. Beyond its geothermal landmarks, this sulphur-scented city has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to a Maori village should be on your agenda, as should an excursion to the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs.
Velocity Valley Adventure Park offers stomach-dropping attractions such as static skydiving or a giant swing reaching 130 km per hour. Alternatively, take the Rotorua Gondola up for soaring lake views, then ride the luge at night for an extra thrill. Other activities of the original Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Prepare for a day of wonder, fascination, and discovery as you immerse yourself in the unique environment of Waimangu Volcanic Valley on this luxury private day tour and get ready to witness stunning geothermal activities, see rare native birdlife, explore the raw beauty of the World’s Youngest Geothermal Valley on foot and on the waters of Lake Rotomahana, the final resting place and home of the lost Pink and White Terraces, also known as the eighth wonder of the world.
After the full experience, visit the Rotorua Redwood Forest walk, then enjoy the Mitai Maori Village cultural night experience with a hangi dinner in the evening.
Optional Visit: Velocity Valley Adventure Park, Rotorua Gondola, Agrodome Farm Experience, Volcanic Air Safaris, Ziplining Experience with Rotorua Canopy Tours
Night Stay in Rotorua Hotel
Included Activities: Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Redwood Forest Tree Walk, and Mitai Maori Village cultural night experience with a hangi dinner.
Day 5 Rotorua to Taupo
The tour starts from Rotorua to Taupo after breakfast
Visit Huka Falls in Taupo, experience a jet boat ride (optional), take a Maori rock carvings cruise on Lake Taupo, and return to Auckland.
Night stay in the Auckland Hotel
Included Activities: Maori Rock Carvings Cruise Ride, Huka Falls view
Optional Activity with additional cost: Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride
Day 6 Auckland to Queenstown Flight - Flight tickets are not included.
Check out of the Auckland Hotel after breakfast. The luxury transport will take you to Auckland Domestic Airport.
Flight from Auckland to Queenstown
Our driver will meet you at Queenstown Airport and take you to your accommodation.
Queenstown Airport to the accommodation, then begin the adventure. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by towering mountains, Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s ultimate holiday destinations.
Queenstown offers authentic luxury experiences in beautiful natural settings, hosted by our warm, welcoming people. It may be the world's adventure capital, but it’s also home to an excellent food and wine scene, great shopping, hiking, and endless opportunities for relaxation. Queenstown is a brilliant destination to visit year-round.
Enjoy spectacular views as you relax on the Skyline Queenstown Gondola. It is the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere and a must-do activity in Queenstown.
Enjoy a scenic evening cruise across stunning Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
Night Stay in Queenstown Hotel/Motel
Included Activities: Skyline Gondola + Luge ride, TSS Earnslaw Lake Cruise
Please note: Book your domestic flight tickets earlier due to the high season.
Day 7 Queenstown to Milford Sound
After breakfast, travel to Milford Sound by Coach Bus
Milford Sound Cruise and coach tour from Queenstown
Milford Sound Day tour from Queenstown includes the Milford Sound Cruise with lunch
The coach bus can pick you up from the hotel and take you to Milford Sound Tours. Leaving Queenstown, travel in comfort along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and into southern farmland to Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest lake. After a morning tea stop, travel along the lake and into Fiordland National Park. Enter the picturesque Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls and one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand, and take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer along the Milford Road, like the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters, and Knobs Flat, where glaciers have carved their mark on the terrain.
At Milford Sound, board your 2-hour scenic cruise on The Gem of the Sound and explore the region Rudyard Kipling called the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. On your cruise, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch (optional extra) as you travel the length of Fiordland and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble into the sea. Lush native rainforest clings to the cliffs, while wildlife, including seals, penguins, and dolphins, regularly visits the icy waters. Mountain ranges surround the fiord, including Mitre Peak, which rises dramatically from its depths to 1,692 metres above sea level.
The cruise takes place on Milford Sound's newest and most luxurious cruise ship. This impressive three-level catamaran features extensive outdoor decks, allowing you to get up close to nature. Inside, you’ll find comfortable seating, unique glass roofs, and HD screens that project live outdoor footage so you won’t miss a thing. Along the way, your captain will provide lively and informative commentary.
After your cruise, return to Queenstown by coach. Alternatively, you can book a scenic return flight with True South Flights (at your expense) and fly back high over the South Island's mountains, lakes, and rivers.
Night Stay in Queenstown Hotel/Motel
Included Activity: Milford Sound Cruise Trip with Lunch
Day 8 Queenstown to Wanaka & Franz Josef
After breakfast, the Tour started.
Leave Queenstown and travel past picturesque scenery of massive mountain peaks and crystal-clear blue lakes. Cross the Haast Pass to the other side of the Southern Alps, where the landscape changes dramatically. Welcome to the wild and wonderful West Coast, a remote and unspoiled region. Wind your way past native rainforest, rocky coastlines and powerful waterfalls. Your journey concludes in the village of Franz Josef, your base for exploration of the area.
From Queenstown to Arrowtown via the Cardrona Valley route, stop for photos at the historic Cardrona Hotel Pub and world-renowned Cardrona Bra Fence and continue to Wanaka.
Wanaka must-visit places include the Wanaka tree at Lake Wanaka,Puzzling World, and other activities (Passenger option). The journey continues to Franz Josef Glacier for viewing.
Optional Activity with additional cost: Scenic helicopter flight landing on Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Night Stay at Franz Josef Hotel/Motel
Day 9 Franz Josef to Greymouth & Tranzalpine train Journey to Christchurch
Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station with Hokitika Scenic Tours
After breakfast, the tour starts.
Depart from Franz Josef to Greymouth. Travel along the West Coast through stunning scenery to the region's heart, such as the mining town of Greymouth.
Leave the glacier town of Franz Josef behind, travel past glacier lakes, head to the coast, and continue north through native rainforest and gold-mining towns, with a lunch break (at your own expense) in ‘wild foods capital’ Hokitika.
Arrive at Greymouth Transit Station at 1:30 pm for a 2:15 pm train to Christchurch.
TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Greymouth to Christchurch
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage, see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch.
Included Activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Night Stay in Christchurch Hotel
Day 10 - Christchurch City Tour and Airport Transfers
Check out of the hotel after breakfast, enjoy some city sightseeing, take a tram ride, and head to Christchurch Airport.
Paid entry activity fees are not included today.
End of Tours and Goodbye to Our Lovely Guests
The tour itinerary is subject to change due to factors such as the availability of entry tickets.
Please contact us if you have any questions or enquiries.
Booking must be made at least 12 weeks in advance of the date of your tour All Bookings must be paid in advance. A 20% deposit is required to confirm your booking, with the balance due at least 20 days prior to your tour date.
You may pay the advance amount here, then contact us by email at Info@brightlane.net or via the Contact Us page. Please provide full details, including the number of passengers, your preferred destination, and your arrival details in New Zealand.
