9 Days 2692 km

Highlights

  • Stunning alpine scenery
  • Magical glowworm caves
  • Milford Sound cruise

Proximity

CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS

One domestic flight Rotorua to Queenstown

Bond and relax with your loved one on this 9-day journey through New Zealand's most beautiful places.

Marvel at perfect beaches, twinkling glowworms and geothermal wonders from Auckland to Rotorua. In the South Island, enjoy perfect alpine scenery in Queenstown and beautiful glaciers on the West Coast, before you travel over the Southern Alps to Christchurch via the stunning TranzAlpine Railway.

Day 1: Spend a day in Auckland

Auckland
Auckland Harbour, Auckland
coromandel

AUCKLAND

Vibrant city style and spectacular landscapes

Highlights

  • Auckland Harbour cruise
  • Waiheke Island wineries and beaches
  • Sunset kayak to Rangitoto

AUCKLAND FOOD & WINE

Home to award-winning wineries, delicious local produce and buzzing restaurants.

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Arrive in beautiful Auckland, a harbourside city known as the 'City of Sails'.

Take a boat cruise and head out on the harbour - see if you can spot dolphins and whales frolicking in the water. Head up the iconic Skytower for huge views of the city and beyond. At 328 metres high, it's the tallest structure in New Zealand. In the evening, enjoy a romantic dining experience in the Viaduct, Wynyard Quarter or Britomart, where you'll find a large selection of delicious eateries.

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo

Waikato
See Glow Worms, Waikato

Highlights

  • Caves alight with glowworms
  • Geothermal attractions in Rotorua
  • Maori cultural experiences

Proximity

WAITOMO CAVES

Learn more about this labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers.

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This morning, drive south towards the magical Waitomo Caves. Here, take a guided tour through the huge chambers of the fascinating caves. Enjoy the magic of thousands of twinkling glowworms above you as you float by boat through the underground waterways. Have lunch in Waitomo and then continue to Rotorua, where you'll spend the night.

Day 3: Spend the day in Rotorua

Rotorua
Relax in the Polynesian Spa, Rotorua
rotorua

ROTORUA

Mud pools, adventure and unique Maori culture

Highlights

  • Hot pools and spas
  • Redwood Forest canopy walk
  • Walking and cycling trails

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES IN ROTORUA

Nowhere in New Zealand does the earth feel more alive than it does in Rotorua.

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Enjoy a day exploring the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Begin your day with a visit to Te Puia to see boiling mud pools and roaring geysers. In Rainbow Springs Nature Park, you'll meet some of New Zealand unique wildlife - including the endangered Kiwi bird. Visit Agrodome for an entertaining New Zealand farm show, featuring talented sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking and plenty of sheep. The Agrodome offers a fascinating insight into the farming lifestyle - as well as the laughs that go along with it.

End your day relaxing with your loved one in the Polynesian Spa's naturally heated mineral pools, before enjoying the restaurants and nightlife of Rotorua.

Day 4: Rotorua to Queenstown

Rest Stop, Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
queenstown

QUEENSTOWN

Stunning landscapes, luxury and adventure

Highlights

  • Winery tours and marquee golf courses
  • Spectacular hiking & cycling trails
  • Relaxation and luxury

Proximity

This morning, catch a flight from Rotorua to Queenstown

Sitting on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and nestled under a towering mountain range, Queenstown is simply breathtaking. Enjoy a romantic walk around the lakefront and explore the many restaurants on offer. This region has a reputation for award-winning Pinot Noir and is the perfect place to take a winery tour.

Day 5: Spend a day in Queenstown

Queenstown
Glenorchy, Queenstown

Highlights

  • Visit nearby Glenorchy
  • Discover the gold rush in Arrowtown
  • Soak in Onsen Hot Pools

Proximity

TOP EXPERIENCES IN QUEENSTOWN

Explore wineries, epic film locations and adventure activities.

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Explore the beauty of Queenstown at your leisure today.

Take the Skyline Gondola up Bob's Peak and enjoy the vista that extends to Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range. Then, head out to Glenorchy - one of many filming locations for The Lord of the Rings. Here you can take a short stroll with spectacular views around every corner. Just up the road is an area known as Paradise. 

Or indulge in a scenic flight over the region - viewing the lakes, mountains and rivers from the sky is a beautiful memory to share with your loved one.

Day 6: Milford Sound day trip

Fiordland
Milford Sound Cruise, Fiordland

Highlights

  • Boat cruises day and night
  • Picturesque waterfalls
  • Seals, penguins and cheeky kea

Proximity

  • by car:

    3 h 45 min | 287 km (one way) via SH6 & SH94

  • Driving times may vary during winter

  • by bus:

    Visit the local iSITE for scenic tour options

EXPLORE MILFORD SOUND

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world'.

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Today you'll visit the world-famous Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world'. You can choose to either self-drive or go by coach to Milford Sound.

Here, glacier-carved cliffs soar out of inky black waters and waterfalls tumble down rocks hundreds of metres high. Take a boat cruise for the best experience. Don't forget your camera, and make sure to look out for the pods of dolphins that frequent the waters of the fiord. After your cruise, return to Queenstown or spend a night in Te Anau.

Caution: If you choose to self-drive, be sure to give yourself plenty of time as conditions can vary greatly on this route, particularly in winter.

Day 7: Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

West Coast
Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast
west-coast

WEST COAST

Rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures

Highlights

  • Ancient West Coast glaciers
  • Gold mining history
  • Secluded West Coast beaches

Proximity

Today you'll travel north to New Zealand's famous glacier region. From the Franz Josef carpark, it's a short walk to the glacier terminal. Here, you'll find impressive views and be able to gain an idea of the huge size of this ancient piece of ice. Choose to take a glacier tour or scenic flight to get even closer to the glacier itself. Enjoy a night in the township of Franz Josef.

Day 8: Franz Josef to Christchurch

Christchurch - Canterbury
TranzAlpine, Christchurch - Canterbury
christchurch-canterbury

CANTERBURY

Stretching from the ocean to the Southern Alps

Highlights

  • Stunning TranzAlpine Rail journey
  • Arthur's Pass National Park
  • Christchurch Botanical Gardens

Proximity

Today you'll head east, over the Southern Alps towards Christchurch. You can choose to drive the route yourself or take the stunning TranzAlpine Railway from Greymouth. Travelling up through Arthur's Pass, the TranzAlpine is considered one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world.

Day 9: Spend the day in Christchurch

Christchurch - Canterbury
Punting on the Avon River., Christchurch - Canterbury

Highlights

  • Punting on the Avon River
  • Hot air balloon ride
  • Explore Akaroa & Banks Peninsula

Proximity

TOP EXPERIENCES IN CHRISTCHURCH

Relaxing natural environment and thrilling adventure activities.

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Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and home to English heritage and architecture. Spend your final day exploring the willow and oak tree-lined river Avon, as well as the boutique cafes. If it's sunny, take a punt boat down the river - it doesn't get much more relaxing and romantic than that.

View the route below

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