Aotearoa

New Zealand Experience

10-Day Adventure Across North & South Islands

Your Journey

Discover Aotearoa - New Zealand

Experience the dramatic landscapes, Māori culture, and adventure spirit of the South Pacific. From geothermal wonders and movie magic to fjord cruises and glacier exploration, this 10-day journey captures the raw beauty and vibrant culture of New Zealand's North and South Islands.

Two Islands

North Island culture and geothermal wonders, South Island dramatic landscapes and fjords

10 Days / 9 Nights

Perfect balance of activities, scenic drives, and cultural immersion

Flexible Options

Budget-friendly to luxury stays, self-drive or guided tours available

Iconic Experiences

Hobbiton, Milford Sound, geothermal parks, Māori culture, and adventure activities

Day by Day

Your Complete Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Auckland

📍 Auckland - City of Sails

Activities:

  • Airport transfer to accommodation
  • Viaduct Harbour walk & waterfront exploration
  • Optional: Sky Tower observation deck (~£35)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in CBD (e.g., Ramada, M Social, or similar)

Meals: Dinner included

🛏️ Overnight • 🍽️ Dinner

Day 2

Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton Movie Set

📍 Waitomo & Hobbiton

Transport: Rental car pickup (daily rate: £54 - £92 + fuel)

Activities:

  • Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour (~£62 - £85)
  • Hobbiton Movie Set experience (~£69 - £92)
  • Drive to Rotorua (2 hours)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in Rotorua

🛏️ Overnight • 🍽️ Meals

Day 3

Rotorua Geothermal & Māori Culture

📍 Rotorua - Thermal Capital

Activities:

  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (~£35 - £50)
  • Te Puia Geothermal Reserve & Māori Arts Institute (~£40 - £58)
  • Māori cultural performance & hangi feast dinner (~£50 - £77)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in Rotorua

🛏️ Overnight • 🍽️ Hangi dinner included

Day 4

Flight to Christchurch

📍 Christchurch - Garden City

Transport:

  • Domestic flight Rotorua → Christchurch (~£77 - £154)
  • Airport transfer to hotel

Activities:

  • Christchurch city exploration
  • Botanic Gardens walk
  • Optional: Gondola ride up Cavendish Heights (~£31)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in city centre

🛏️ Overnight • 🍽️ Meals

Day 5

Lake Tekapo & Mt. Cook Region

📍 Lake Tekapo - Turquoise Paradise

Transport: Scenic drive Christchurch → Lake Tekapo (3.5 hours)

Activities:

  • Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Optional: Mt. John Observatory stargazing (~£31 - £46)
  • Scenic alpine views & photography stops

Accommodation: Lake Tekapo or Mt. Cook village lodge

🛏️ Overnight • 🍽️ Meals

Day 6

Queenstown - Adventure Capital

📍 Queenstown - The Adventure Hub

Transport: Scenic drive Tekapo → Queenstown (4 hours) - iconic route with photo stops

Activities:

  • Queenstown Gardens & lakefront walk
  • Optional: Skyline Gondola & Luge rides (~£35 - £50)
  • Ben Lomond scenic walk (optional)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel with lake views

🛏️ Overnight • 🍽️ Meals

Day 7

Milford Sound Fjord Cruise

📍 Milford Sound - UNESCO World Heritage

Activities:

  • Full-day Milford Sound fjord cruise (~£92 - £138)
  • Spectacular waterfall views, glacier viewpoints
  • Wildlife spotting (seals, dolphins, penguins)
  • Scenic drive Queenstown → Milford Sound (5 hours each way)

Accommodation: Return to Queenstown or stay in Te Anau

Meals: Lunch included on cruise

🛏️ Overnight • 🍽️ Cruise lunch

Day 8

West Coast Glacier Region

📍 Franz Josef or Fox Glacier

Transport: Drive from Queenstown to glacier region (6-7 hours)

Activities:

  • Glacier walks & scenic viewpoints
  • Optional: Heli-hike or scenic flight (~£308 - £462)
  • Rainforest exploration
  • Lake Matheson walk (mirror-like reflections)

Accommodation: Mid-range hotel in glacier region

🛏️ Overnight • 🍽️ Meals

Day 9

West Coast to Christchurch

📍 South Island Scenic Route

Transport: Drive glacier region back toward Christchurch (6-7 hours)

Activities:

  • Scenic stops along West Coast Highway
  • Optional coastal or lake exploration
  • Punachipu blowholes or scenic reserves (weather dependent)

Accommodation: Christchurch hotel or en route

🛏️ Overnight • 🍽️ Meals

Day 10

Departure

📍 Christchurch International Airport

Activities:

  • Return rental car
  • Airport transfer
  • Final coffee in Christchurch (optional)

Flight: Return international flight home

✈️ Departure

Package Details

What's Included

Accommodation

9 nights in 3★ mid-range hotels across Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Tekapo & Queenstown

Rental Car

10-day rental car for self-drive exploration plus fuel allowance

Domestic Flight

Rotorua to Christchurch domestic flight included

Key Activities

Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua geothermal parks, Milford Sound cruise, Māori cultural experience

Māori Culture

Authentic cultural performances, hangi feast, and indigenous heritage insights

Flexible Dining

Mix of included meals (hangi dinners) plus dining allowance for other meals & experiences

Experience

Journey Highlights

01

Hobbiton Movie Set Magic

Step into Middle-earth at the real Hobbiton film location. Walk through the Shire, enter actual hobbit homes, enjoy Southfarthing ale, and experience the enchantment of LOTR magic firsthand.

02

Rotorua Geothermal Wonders

Experience Earth's raw power. Witness steaming hot springs, rainbow-coloured geothermal pools, boiling mud, and volcanic landscapes. Combine with authentic Māori cultural performances and traditional hangi feasts.

03

Milford Sound - Nature's Masterpiece

One of the world's top natural wonders. Cruise through towering fjords, past cascading waterfalls, alongside marine wildlife, in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Dramatic weather adds to the raw, untamed atmosphere.

04

South Island Scenic Routes

Experience some of Earth's most spectacular drive routes. Journey through mountain passes, pristine lakes, golden tussock landscapes, and picture-perfect viewpoints that define New Zealand's South Island.

05

West Coast Glaciers

Explore Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions. Walk alongside ancient ice formations, trek through pristine rainforests, witness the raw power of glacial valleys, and experience untamed Southern Hemisphere wilderness.

06

Queenstown Adventure Hub

Experience the world's adventure capital. With optional jet boating, skydiving, bungee jumping, gondola rides, and stunning lakefront scenery, Queenstown delivers adrenaline and beauty in equal measure.

07

Māori Cultural Immersion

Experience authentic indigenous traditions. Witness powerful cultural performances, share traditional hangi meals, learn Māori language basics, and gain deep insights into Aotearoa's indigenous heritage.

08

Natural New Zealand Diversity

From geothermal thermal parks and turquoise lakes to fjords, glaciers, and lush rainforests, experience the full spectrum of New Zealand's diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes in just 10 days.

Investment

Pricing Guide

Transparent pricing for your 10-day New Zealand adventure (per person, excl. int'l flights)

Budget Option

Self-Drive Budget

Hostels & budget accommodations

£1,846 - £2,692
  • Budget hostels & motels
  • Rental car included
  • Free attractions (hikes, lookouts)
  • Street food & self-catering
  • Limited paid activities
Mid-Range

Comfortable Mid-Range

3★ hotels & quality experiences

£3,077 - £4,615
  • 3★ hotel & motel stays
  • 10-day rental car
  • Key activity inclusions
  • Mix of dining experiences
  • Māori cultural experiences
  • Domestic flight included
Luxury

Premium Luxury

5★ accommodations & exclusive experiences

£6,154+
  • 4-5★ premium hotels
  • Private car & driver
  • Helicopter glacier tours
  • Premium fine dining
  • Private guided tours
  • Spa & wellness treatments
  • Adventure activity packages

Optional Activity Costs

Adventure Activities

  • Helicopter Glacier Tour: £308 - £462
  • Jet Boat Queenstown: £85 - £154
  • Skydiving: £154 - £246
  • Bungee Jump: £92 - £138

Scenic Experiences

  • Gondola & Luge: £35 - £50
  • Sky Tower Auckland: £35
  • Mt. John Observatory: £31 - £46
  • Thermal Parks: £35 - £58

Cultural & Tours

  • Hobbiton Tour: £69 - £92
  • Waitomo Caves: £62 - £85
  • Māori Cultural Show: £50 - £77
  • Milford Sound Cruise: £92 - £138

Wellness & Relaxation

  • Spa Treatments: £77 - £231
  • Thermal Pools: £15 - £35
  • Premium Dining: £50 - £154
  • Wine Tours: £77 - £154

Total Estimated Costs

Budget Package: £1,846 - £2,692
Mid-Range Package: £3,077 - £4,615
Luxury Package: £6,154+

10-day totals • Per person • Excludes international flights & optional activities

Important Notes:

  • Rental Car: Daily rates £54 - £92 depending on vehicle type and season
  • Seasonal Pricing: Peak season (Dec-Feb) prices higher by 15-30%
  • NZeTA Visa: Tourism Conservation Levy ~£23 per person (applied at border)
  • Solo Traveler: Add 25-40% for single room supplements
  • Fuel: Approximately £200 - £300 for full 10-day rental car journey

⚠️ Important: Prices shown are estimates only and are not official quotes. Actual costs may vary based on season, availability, currency fluctuations, accommodation choices, and specific preferences. Please contact us for a formal quote tailored to your dates and requirements.

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