We designed this New Zealand Highlights Package for a father and daughter going on a special graduation trip. Going from the North Island to the South Island, this journey showed them the best of New Zealand’s incredibly diverse landscapes while also giving them some unforgettable adventures.
They started their New Zealand Highlights Package with a night in Auckland to explore and recharge after their flight. The next day, they picked up a rental car and drove to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Here, they were able to ride inner tubes through beautiful rock formations and see thousands of glowworms on the cave ceiling. Then, they continued on to Rotorua with its fascinating geothermal formations and Maori heritage. They had a full day exploring Rotorua’s volcanoes, geysers, mud pools, and hot springs before relaxing in natural mineral pools in the Polynesian Spa. And they had a scenic helicopter flight over the geo thermal sites before going to the South Island.
Continuing their New Zealand Highlights Package, they journeyed to the South Island and spent a night in Christchurch. They drove through the Southern Alps and breathtaking scenery to Fox Glacier on the west coast. The next day, they had a truly incredible adventure: a helicopter ride and hiking on Fox Glacier!
Next, they drove through more stunning landscapes, stopping for short hikes and small local food shops, to Queenstown. This charming alpine town is the adventure capital of New Zealand, if not the world. In Queenstown, they took an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride on Shotover River —truly an iconic New Zealand experience!
They had a final day in Queenstown to adventure on their own, going mountain biking in the Remarkables mountain range. Then, it was time to say goodbye to New Zealand and their fabulous vacation. They drove to the airport, caught a flight to Auckland, and continued their journey back home.
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Day 1
Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive into Auckland on the North Island. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of the Central Business District. Spend the afternoon enjoying the fashionable Viaduct and vibrant marina area. Perhaps go bungee jumping off the iconic Sky Tower or take a thrilling walk around the tower’s ledge.
QT Auckland
Day 2
This morning, your New Zealand holiday starts off early as you pick up your rental car and drive to Waitomo, where you will enjoy the thrill of black water rafting through the region’s famous glowworm caves with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. Afterwards, drive on to Rotorua, the geothermal wonderland and a sacred place for New Zealand’s Maori people.
Regent of Rotorua
Day 3
Embark on a full-day geothermal tour of Rotorua. Learn about volcanology, New Zealand’s flora and fauna, and Maori history in Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland. As you venture through the natural geothermal parks, you will see volcanoes, geysers, mud pools, and hot springs. Then, you will have the chance to see incredible hot water springs and hot lakes on a walking tour of Waimangu Valley. After your adventure, unwind at the world-renowned Polynesian Spa, where you can bathe in a hot mineral rock pool while looking out over the lake.
Regent of Rotorua
Day 4
Before saying goodbye to the North Island, you have a chance to see the beauty of the area from the air. Combine the thrill of landing on Mount Tarawera with a flight that includes spectacular aerial views of our stunning crater lakes, the renowned Tarawera Falls and the vibrant Waimangu and Wai-O-Tapu geothermal reserves. Leaving Wai-O-Tapu you will descend to follow the Waikato River to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako. Once landed, you will ferry across the river and begin your land based tour. Experience hot springs, gushing geysers and the natural beauty of this geothermal wonderland. Your return flight takes in views of farmland and the Paeroa mountain range before flying over Rotorua City and returning to our lakefront pier. Then take a short flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Upon arrival, have a walk around this fascinating place known as the Garden City.
The George
Day 5
This morning, begin your journey through the Canterbury Plains, through the Southern Alps, and on to the temperate rainforests of the west coast. Stop at Hokitika, famous for their jade shops, and discover unexpected delights in small roadside huts along the way. Continue south to Fox Glacier, your home for the next 2 nights.
Distinction Fox Glacier
Day 6
Today you will enjoy a rare treat—a guided walk on a glacier! Join The Helicopter Line on a heli ride up to the top of Franz Josef Glacier and hike its surface with the help of expert guides. From the crevasses and ice caves to the splendor of the clean blue ice, immerse yourself in the unique surroundings, breathe the fresh air, and enjoy one of the world’s most exhilarating experiences before another helicopter ride down. You will be amazed at the stunning beauty and diversity of this area.
Distinction Fox Glacier
Day 7
Drive down the west coast, through Haast Pass—stopping for some short hikes to Thunder Creek Falls, the Blue Pools, and more—and on to Queenstown. The drive is breathtaking, so take your time and enjoy the journey. Upon arrival into Queenstown, you’ll find majestic views of the Remarkables Ranges and Lake Wakatipu.
The Rees Hotel
Day 8
Time to get your adrenaline pumping with a jet boat excursions that is not for the faint of heart. At the world-famous Shotover River, you will experience an exhilarating ride on a jet boat. The rest of the day is yours to explore more adrenaline activities in Queenstown.
The Rees Hotel
Day 9
Today is yours to relax and explore Queenstown. Mountain biking, fishing, hiking, kayaking, shopping, and touring the wine country are all good ways to spend the day.
The Rees Hotel
Day 10
Time to say goodbye to this beautiful country! Drop off your rental car at the airport, catch your outbound flight, and begin your journey home.
