This 26 days journey captures the essence of New Zealand, blending cultural discovery, fine wine, and spectacular landscapes with the comfort of scenic train journeys and carefully selected local experiences. Beginning in Auckland, explore city highlights, sail to Waiheke Island for long lunches among vineyards, and journey to the Bay of Islands to learn the story of Waitangi and cruise through island-studded bays. Continue south on the Northern Explorer train to Wellington, where tours of the capital and nearby Martinborough vineyards showcase the country’s heritage and wine traditions.
Cross Cook Strait to Picton, gateway to Marlborough, where a full day tour introduces celebrated sauvignon blanc and boutique wineries. The Coastal Pacific train follows the Kaikōura Coast to Christchurch, where a Kai Bites food experience connects cuisine with Māori culture. A journey on the TranzAlpine leads to the West Coast glaciers for scenic flights and kayaking, before travelling through Wānaka to Queenstown. Here, time is balanced between wine tours, a Skyline gondola dinner, and free days at leisure.
The Southern Highlights tour completes the experience, with the Taieri Gorge Railway, the Catlins Coast, and a Milford Sound cruise. Concluding in Christchurch, the journey leaves lasting impressions of New Zealand’s icons, wines, and landscapes.
Arrive in Auckland and transfer to your hotel. Take time to settle in and enjoy New Zealand’s largest city, known for its harbours, vibrant dining scene, and relaxed atmosphere.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland, Sky City Auckland, Hotel Britomart or similar
Discover Auckland on a morning guided tour, taking in iconic landmarks and panoramic viewpoints. In the afternoon, visit Weta Workshop or the All Blacks Experience before ending the day with a harbour dinner cruise.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland, Sky City Auckland, Hotel Britomart or similar
Travel south from Auckland for the day to the world of Middle Earth with a tour of Hobbiton before continuing to Rotorua. Explore bubbling geothermal landscapes, Māori culture, and the natural beauty of this geothermal heartland. There you’ll enjoy a day in a historic Maori Village to learn about the way they used to live and watch them carve and weave. You’ll also see Mud Pools, The largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere The Pohuto Geyser and watch our Native Kiwi Birds.
After approximately two hours, we head back to Auckland CBD.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland, Sky City Auckland, Hotel Britomart or similar
Sail across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island for a day of wine and relaxation. Enjoy a long lunch at a vineyard and soak up the island’s peaceful coastal scenery and boutique charm.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: Sudima Auckland, Sky City Auckland, Hotel Britomart or similar
Collect your rental car and drive north to Paihia, stopping at Reed Memorial Park along the way. Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about the 1840 treaty before enjoying a Hāngi dinner on select evenings.
Overnight in Paihia
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Paihia or similar
Cruise the Bay of Islands, a region of sparkling waters and scattered islands. Enjoy commentary on history and wildlife while exploring hidden coves and watching for dolphins and seabirds along the way.
Overnight in Paihia
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Paihia or similar
Take a full day tour to New Zealand’s northernmost point at Cape Reinga. Travel along Ninety Mile Beach, visit ancient forests, and experience the spiritual significance of this remote and windswept region.
Overnight in Paihia
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Paihia or similar
Drive back to Auckland, returning your rental car downtown. The afternoon is free to relax, shop, or explore more of the city’s harbourfront and cultural attractions before your evening at leisure.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation: Sky City or similar
Board the Northern Explorer for a full day rail journey through volcanic landscapes, rugged gorges, and farmland en route to Wellington. This scenic trip offers a relaxing way to see the heart of the North Island.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: Sojourn Guznee, Hotel Grand Chancellor or similar
Spend the day exploring New Zealand’s capital with a guided city tour. Visit key landmarks, scenic lookouts, and cultural highlights while discovering why Wellington is celebrated for its arts and lifestyle.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: Sojourn Guznee, Hotel Grand Chancellor or similar
Journey into the Wairarapa for a day among Martinborough’s boutique vineyards. Enjoy tastings and meet winemakers in this charming wine region known for its excellent pinot noir and relaxed country atmosphere.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation: Sojourn Guznee, Hotel Grand Chancellor or similar
Sail across Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry, one of the most scenic ferry routes in the world. Arrive in Picton with the afternoon free to stroll along the waterfront or simply unwind.
Overnight in Picton
Accommodation: Beachcomber Inn or similar
Spend the day in Marlborough, New Zealand’s largest wine region. Visit renowned wineries, sample award winning sauvignon blanc, and enjoy the rolling vineyard scenery that makes this region so special.
Overnight in Picton
Accommodation: Beachcomber Inn or similar
Board the Coastal Pacific train for a breathtaking journey along the rugged east coast to Christchurch. Watch the scenery shift from vineyards to dramatic seascapes before arriving in the South Island’s largest city.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, Sudima Hotel or similar
Join a guided city tour to learn about Christchurch’s history and resilience. Enjoy a cultural food walk with Amiki Tours, sampling local flavours while exploring the heart of this vibrant South Island city.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, Sudima Hotel or similar
Travel to Franz Josef by train and coach, passing through the Southern Alps and lush rainforest. This journey combines alpine beauty with dramatic West Coast landscapes before arriving at the glacier town.
Overnight in Franz Josef
Accommodation: Te Waionui Forest Retreat or similar
Take a scenic helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers in the morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided kayak tour on a tranquil lake, surrounded by rainforest and reflecting alpine peaks.
Overnight in Franz Josef
Accommodation: Te Waionui Forest Retreat or similar
Travel south along the West Coast and over the Haast Pass to Wānaka, before continuing to Queenstown. This drive offers some of New Zealand’s most striking scenery, from alpine lakes to mountain vistas.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel or similar
Relax with a free day in Queenstown. Choose to stroll by the lake, take an optional adventure, or simply unwind before an evening gondola ride to Skyline for dinner with sweeping alpine views.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel or similar
Journey through Central Otago to board the Taieri Gorge Railway for a spectacular ride through rugged landscapes. Arrive in Dunedin, a city rich in Scottish heritage and striking Victorian architecture.
Overnight in Dunedin
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similar
Travel the Catlins Coast, a region of lighthouses, waterfalls, and wildlife rich bays. Visit Nugget Point Lighthouse, Purakaunui Falls, and Curio Bay before continuing inland to the lakeside town of Te Anau.
Overnight in Te Anau
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel or similar
Cruise the famous Milford Sound, surrounded by soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls. After lunch on board, travel back through Fiordland National Park to return to Queenstown in the evening.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel or similar
Spend the day exploring Central Otago’s vineyards with guided tastings at boutique wineries. Learn about the region’s unique climate and discover why it produces some of the world’s best pinot noir.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel or similar
Enjoy a relaxed day in Queenstown, perhaps taking a lake cruise, a short hike, or browsing local shops. The town offers a blend of alpine charm and cosmopolitan dining with stunning views.
Overnight in Queenstown
Accommodation: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel or similar
Travel via Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, with time to take in the alpine scenery. Continue across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, arriving in the evening for your final night in New Zealand.
Overnight in Christchurch
Accommodation: Christchurch Fable Hotel or similar
Transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight, taking with you memories of New Zealand’s natural wonders, fine wines, and warm hospitality.
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.