The Tōtara Tour offers a vibrant introduction to both New Zealand’s North and South Islands, blending cultural encounters with natural wonders across 12 days. Starting in Auckland, guests enjoy panoramic city views and a guided visit to the Auckland Museum, where Māori heritage and Pacific stories are vividly presented. Travelling south, Rotorua brings geothermal marvels, steaming valleys, and a memorable cultural evening at a Māori village. Visits to Te Puia and the Redwood Forest add depth to the journey, combining geothermal landscapes with elevated forest walkways.
Flying to the South Island, the experience continues in Christchurch with a leisurely punt along the Avon River and a heritage tram ride through the city centre. From here, the famous TranzAlpine rail journey carries travellers across the Southern Alps before reaching Fox Glacier on the wild West Coast. Lake Matheson and Mt Aspiring National Park lead the way to Wānaka, where optional adventures range from an eco-island walk to a high country farm experience.
The itinerary then unfolds through Arrowtown and Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland. A jet boat ride on the Waiau River, followed by a scenic cruise on Milford Sound, highlight the South Island’s grandeur. Queenstown allows time for exploration before the tour concludes in the Mackenzie Basin and Lake Tekapo, where guests are welcomed into a local home for pavlova making. Ending in Christchurch, the journey balances culture, history, and landscapes, leaving travellers with a rich and lasting impression of Aotearoa.
Arrive in Auckland where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the City of Sails at leisure before meeting your group for introductions.
Overnight in Auckland
Tour Auckland’s highlights, including Bastion Point and the Auckland Museum. Travel south to Rotorua, the heart of Māori culture and geothermal activity. This evening enjoy a feast and performance at a Māori village.
Overnight in Rotorua
Visit Te Puia’s geothermal wonders and learn about Māori arts and conservation. Walk the Redwood Treewalk before flying to Christchurch. Explore the city by punt on the Avon River and tram ride.
Overnight in Christchurch
Ride the TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Continue by coach to Hokitika and on to the glacier village of Fox, framed by forests and towering peaks.
Overnight in Fox Glacier
Visit Lake Matheson, famed for its reflections of Mount Cook. Journey over Haast Pass through Mt Aspiring National Park before arriving in Wānaka, a welcoming alpine town beside the lake.
Overnight in Wānaka
Choose between a lake cruise and eco-island walk alive with birdlife, or a high country farm adventure with history and sweeping views. The afternoon is free to relax.
Overnight in Wānaka
Travel via Cardrona Pub and historic Arrowtown before following Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Discover Fiordland by jet boat on the Waiau River and enjoy a farm visit with local hosts.
Overnight in Te Anau
Drive through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound for a cruise past Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Return via the Homer Tunnel to Queenstown, surrounded by alpine scenery.
Overnight in Queenstown
A free day to enjoy Queenstown. Options include jet boating, gondola rides, winery visits, or a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw. Relax amid the region’s mountains and lakes.
Overnight in Queenstown
Travel north through Kawarau Gorge and Central Otago before crossing Lindis Pass. Continue into the Mackenzie Basin, with views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, before staying in Twizel.
Overnight in Twizel
Stop at Lake Tekapo for pavlova making at a local home and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. Cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Christchurch
After breakfast, transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward journey. Take with you treasured memories of Māori culture, alpine wonders, and the warm hospitality of New Zealand.
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.