Day 1 – Arrival Christchurch

Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative in the Arrival Hall. Transfer to hotel.

Day 2 – Christchurch – International Antarctic Centre

After breakfast, visit the International Antarctic Centre. The ethos ‘See it. Love it. Save it.’ reflects a bold vision to make a difference and share the spirit of Antarctic adventure with the world.

Day 3 – Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

After breakfast, drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo.

Day 4 – Alpine Stargazing – Lake Tekapo to Wanaka

After breakfast, enjoy a 75-minute Alpine Stargazing Experience with a maximum of 10 guests, featuring 14-inch telescopes, digital group photography, an in-depth walkthrough of the Southern night sky, and time for questions. After checkout, travel from Lake Tekapo to Wanaka.

Day 5 – Wanaka Day Tour & Puzzling World

After breakfast, explore Wanaka – a charming town on the shores of Lake Wanaka offering outdoor adventure and relaxation. Must-visit spots include Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, and the Wanaka River. Visit Puzzling World, an award-winning attraction since 1973 featuring the world’s first 3D maze, a Puzzle Café, and six incredible Illusion Rooms.

Day 6 – Wanaka to Franz Josef

After breakfast, drive from Wanaka to Franz Josef.

Day 7 – Franz Josef

After breakfast, day free for leisure.

Day 8 – Twin Glacier Helicopter – Franz Josef to Queenstown

After breakfast, take a helicopter flight over both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Then drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown.

Day 9 – Shotover Jet Boat

After breakfast, enjoy the world’s most exciting jet boat ride through the spectacular Shotover River Canyons – the only company permitted to operate there – with famous full 360-degree spins.

Day 10 – Glenorchy Half-Day Tour & Gondola Ride

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline complex, followed by three luge rides with twists, turns and tunnels. You can also take a half-day self-drive trip to Glenorchy, approximately 45 km from Queenstown.

Day 11 – Queenstown – Milford Sound Nature Cruise

After breakfast, enjoy the popular Milford Sound two-hour cruise with panoramic viewing of the spectacular fiord, wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins, and an onboard licensed bar and dining menu.

Day 12 – Queenstown – Auckland – Rotorua

After breakfast, check out and fly from Queenstown to Auckland, then continue to Rotorua by road. Check in and spend the evening at leisure enjoying the geothermal atmosphere.

Day 13 – Rotorua Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed to Te Puia for a guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pa, Kiwi Conservation Centre, and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley including the Pohutu Geyser (minimum 90 minutes). Later, visit Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa for a five-step cultural wellness journey: waterfall showers, Tongariro Fire & Ice Caves, geothermal pools, geothermal mud lounge, and a steam room. In the evening, experience the Redwoods Nightlights.

Day 14 – Hobbiton Movie Set

After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set from Matamata i-Site. Stroll through the charming Shire, explore iconic hobbit holes, enjoy a drink at the famous Green Dragon Inn, and hear behind-the-scenes stories from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Day 15 – Rotorua to Auckland via Waitomo

After breakfast, depart Rotorua and drive through the Waikato countryside to Waitomo. Enjoy a guided experience inside the famous Glowworm Caves, including a serene boat ride through the illuminated Glowworm Grotto. Continue to Auckland and check in.

Day 16 – Auckland Sky Tower

After breakfast, visit the Sky Tower in Auckland for panoramic views from the observation decks and glass-bottomed viewing platform. Take a short walk to Viaduct Harbour.

Day 17 – Hole in the Rock Cruise – Bay of Islands

After breakfast, board the Explore Group catamaran for a half-day Discover the Bay Cruise. Cruise among 144 islands with skipper commentary, visit the iconic Hole in the Rock (travel through it when conditions permit), view dolphins (over 70% success rate), and stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Approximately 4.5 hours.

Day 18 – Auckland Airport

After breakfast, drive to Auckland Airport for your flight back home.