Rotorua
2 Nights

Steaming Geothermal Landscapes, nature walk at Redwood Forest & upscale Geothermal Spa experience
From Bay of Islands, you now drive to the Geothermal wonders of Rotuara through a 5-hour 50 mins journey by road. You leave in the morning to get in time for a scenic gondola ride at Skyline Rotorua for spectacular views of Lake Rotuara and steaming geothermal landscapes. You could also head out to witness stunning nature walks on the suspension bridges amidst the trees at the Redwood Forest just 5 mins from the downtown Rotorua. You will definitely not be disappointed.

Later in the afternoon you head out for a relaxing soak in the heated mineral water at the Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park, a geothermal reserve and mud spa offering a variety of mineral bathing options. These geothermal pools were used by the Maori community back in the day to cure their scarred bodies and heal arthritis.

Maori Culture & Bubbling mud and Boiling waters of Pohutu geyser at the Te Puia Geothermal Valley
The following day we start your day with the Te-Ra experience at Te Puia where you visit the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, visit New Zealand’s native kiwi birds, and learn about Maori history & culture. You will encounter bubbling mud, pools of boiling water still used for cooking and stunning Pohutu geyser, the largest active geyser in southern hemisphere that erupts once or twice every year! Followed by visit at the Kiwi house to admire New Zealand’s national bird. You then get a glimpse of Maori culture by visiting the Maori village that showcases how Maori’s lived before European settlement, traditional Maori weaving and carving and finally the Taonga art gallery where you can indulge in Maori authentic treasures, art and jewellery.

In the evening you continue for the Te Po experience indulging in traditional Maori cuisine with a choice of drinks alongside, enjoy the Maori cultural performances featuring traditional storytelling and entertainment. You end your evening as you disembark from the traditional Waka vehicle passing by magical evening sights of Te Puia’s geothermal valley and Pohutu geyser illuminated to its full glory beneath the starry sky.

Magical Waitomo Glow worm Caves
After a good night’s sleep you head back to Auckland taking pitstop onroute at Waitomo Caves 1 hour 30 mins from Rotorua. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves has magical views of cravens and glow worms in the dark caves.

You could even drop off your vehicle at the Rotorua Airport and fly directly to South Islands.

Christchurch
2 Nights

Indulge in Museums & Botanical Gardens
After arriving in Auckland late afternoon, we now head to South Island of New Zealand, starting our journey with Christchurch over a quick 1 hour 45 mins journey by air from Auckland or 1 hour 20 mins by air from Rotorua. Christchurch is home to a compelling mix of elegant historical buildings and contemporary culture. As you arrive in the city, spend your first day strolling around the gorgeous botanical gardens followed by a retail therapy session at the popular ReStart Mall or The Tannery. You could explore the Canterbury Museum just a little ahead of the Botanical Gardens to learn about the history of Christchurch.

Go back in time with a vintage boat ride over the Avon River
The following day after a hearty breakfast at your hotel, we take you for an iconic Christchurch activity where you glide gently along the Avon River in flat bottomed boats poled along by a skilled punter dressed in traditional Edwardian attire! Admire the beautiful Botanical Gardens of Christchurch and unwind in an eco-friendly way. Later in the afternoon simply savour the city’s many pop-up bars and restaurants. 

Whale watching in Kaikoura and picturesque Canterbury countryside
You can opt for an optional tour to picturesque Kaikoura town in the outskirts of North Canterbury’s countryside where you can spot sperm whales, dolphins and other marine life in a whale watching cruise or spend your day relaxing and wine tasting at the vineyards in North Canterbury region.

TransAlpine – One of the world’s most scenic train rides from Christchurch to Greymouth
Today morning you take the TranzAlpine train at 8:15 am from Christchurch arriving at Greymouth at 12:45 pm. On board, experience stunning views of the majestic Canterbury plains against the backdrop of the Southern Alps passing by edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River and miles of native beech forest. This is going to be a journey of a lifetime as TranzAlpine is often regarded as one of the world’s greatest train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. Upon reaching Greymouth, you pick up your rental car and drive to Franz Josef.

Franz Josef
2 Nights

Scenic drive to Franz Josef with spectacular views of Mount Cook & Mount Tasman
Drive for about 2 hours 30 minutes through kilometers of stunning views on the Great West Coast road alongside the Tasman Sea on the popular State Highway 6 in New Zealand. After a long journey you arrive in the Glacier country Franz Josef. After checking in to your hotel, you straight head out to rejuvenate yourself at a private hot pool amidst rainforest in total seclusion. On route you could take a quick pitstop at the famous Jetty viewpoint with stunning views and mirror reflections of the snow-capped Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on the forested shores of Lake Matheson!

Heli Hike over the glaciers
After a good night’s rest, we take you for an ultimate Heli hike over the Fran Josef glaciers. You will take helicopter ride above the glacier to land between ice falls, from here you will hike through glacier terrains. You will be wowed by ice formations like ice caves, dramatic towering ice blue pinnacles and deep crevasses followed by a chopper ride down. Our Travel Engineer assures this one’s going to be one of your most memorable experience.

Scenic drive to Queenstown with magnificent views of Lake Wanaka en-route
The next morning you will embark on your journey to Queenstown about 4 hours and 40 mins from Franz Josef with an optional pit stop at one of New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Wanaka. The drive from Franz Josef to Wanaka is about 3 hours and 40 mins and is supposed to be one of the most scenic drives where you travel through the spectacular glacier region passes, two national parks and then cross lakes and mountains in Wanaka. This route showcases the best of South Island scenery all in one go! Crystal clear lakes are at the heart of Wanaka’s outdoor lifestyle, you could enjoy a relaxing boat cruise, kayak or just simply sit by the lake admiring magnificent views of the lake with soaring mountains in the backdrop! Later enjoy the simple town life and indulge in quality food and wine at a local café overlooking stunning views before you head for a 1 hour 15 mins journey ahead to Queenstown.

Queenstown
3 nights

Soak up the natural beauty of Alpine meadows & Lake Wakatipu
As you arrive in Queenstown, post a quick check in to your hotel, get yourself acquainted to the city nestled in the lap of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by Alpine trees and majestic mountains. Spend the rest of your evening unwinding at a chic café or a restaurant in the neighbourhood. Travel Engineers recommend not missing out the Fergburger, the finest burger joint! Grab your burger and have it on the lakeside.

Scenic drive with breath-taking views of wilderness and ocean to Milford Sound & Luxury Catamaran cruise
The following day you start early from Queenstown to embark a scenic journey to Milford sound cliffs carved by glaciers during ice ages,  rise vertically from the dark waters. Approximately 5 hours from Queenstown, you could take your first stop at Te Anau halfway point to the park for a quick coffee break The drive is beautiful and scenic with one road in the middle of wilderness headed towards the ocean! As you arrive you get on board a luxury catamaran for an up close and best experience of the breath-taking views of the steep cliffs rise out of deep blue water and waterfalls that cascade downwards like a giant shower from as high as 160 metres forming multiple rainbows with panoramic photo opportunities. You will get to spot fur seals sunbathing on rocks and other marine life. Grab a buffet brunch and head back to Queenstown. Our Travel Engineers recommend starting from Queenstown as early as possible to ensure you return to Queenstown in time before it gets dark. You also have an option of taking a 30 minute scenic flight over Queenstown, wilderness of Fiordland National Park to Milford followed by a cruise on Lake Tasman.

Indulge in a luxury spa with stunning views at Onsen Hotpools, Queenstown Gandola for spectacular views & Bungee Jump or Sky dive
Queenstown is known to be one of the best sky dive and bungee jump sites. Therefore on your last day in this magnificent city if you have sky dive or bungee jump on your bucket list, Sky Dive is an ideal place to do it over magnificent views of Lake Wakitapu. Other activities that you could plan is a scenic flight over dramatic mountains, lakes and glaciers with spectacular views of Queenstown or simply take a ride the Queenstown gondola to a skyline restaurant for a midday or evening meal, and enjoy scenic views over Lake Wakatipu and the remarkable range. If you are looking to relax on your last day, just head for an upscale sunset spa with cedar lined hot tubs overlooking Shotover River canyon at Onsen Hotpools!

Auckland
1 Night – Optional

Wine Tasting at Waiheke island, Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & Hobbit Movie set
The next morning drop off your vehicle at the Queenstown Airport to take your flight to Auckland from thereon you could head back to Delhi or arrive early morning in Auckland and head to Waiheke island from a great wine tasting experience at the popular estates of the island. For the Lord of the Rings fans take a day trip to Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and The Hobbit set.

It’s now time to pack up and head back with great memories from the best of two islands of New Zealand with you.