12-Nights New Zealand: Two Island Snapshot with Airfare - Most Popular Vacations from $4,499

Itinerary Details

Day 1: North America to Auckland

Begin your adventure as you depart North America, embarking on an exciting journey across the Pacific to the dynamic city of Auckland, New Zealand. Prepare to explore a land of stunning natural wonders, iconic landmarks, and rich cultural experiences as you settle in for your international flight to this vibrant destination.

Crossing the International Dateline en route to New Zealand, you’ll lose a calendar day - a unique quirk of intercontinental travel that brings you closer to the adventure awaiting on the other side of the world.

Upon your arrival at Auckland International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel to begin your New Zealand adventure. Once settled in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure — take some time to relax, explore Auckland’s bustling waterfront and vibrant city streets, or sample the local culinary scene at your own pace.

Hotel: Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart (4 Star Rating)

Located just a stone’s throw away from the serene waterfront in the Quay Park precinct, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart is in prime position for both leisure and corporate guests. Situated in Auckland’s CBD, dine at one of Britomart’s many eateries. Explore Britomart’s best designer boutiques, browse High Street’s quaint cobbled alley ways, or be entertained by the activities at Queen’s Wharf.

The ideal location for business or pleasure, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart offers you a choice of 160 large contemporary accommodations. The choice of modern open studio rooms, stylish one, two or three-bedroom apartments or lavish Penthouse suites, is yours.

Let Bush and Beach take you on a day tour to experience the best of Auckland sightseeing. We combine an Auckland city tour in the morning with an afternoon nature tour to the black sand beach and rainforest at Piha - a day of variety and a great introduction to Auckland and New Zealand.

Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Maori history of the city and as see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitmata harbour and it is known as the "City of Sails". This city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as The Auckland Domain, Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities all day.

Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland's two harbours. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Maori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns.

Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand of Piha beach beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. The perfect Auckland day trip. During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including biscuits and tea and coffee or juice.

Hotel: Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart (4 Star Rating)

Located just a stone’s throw away from the serene waterfront in the Quay Park precinct, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart is in prime position for both leisure and corporate guests. Situated in Auckland’s CBD, dine at one of Britomart’s many eateries. Explore Britomart’s best designer boutiques, browse High Street’s quaint cobbled alley ways, or be entertained by the activities at Queen’s Wharf.

The ideal location for business or pleasure, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart offers you a choice of 160 large contemporary accommodations. The choice of modern open studio rooms, stylish one, two or three-bedroom apartments or lavish Penthouse suites, is yours.

Be introduced to Waiheke on the Fullers Explorer Tour, a picturesque 35-minute boat trip followed by 1.5-hour scenic highlight tour of Waiheke's stunning locations. Cruise to Waiheke through the glorious Hauraki Gulf, on arrival you will be met by an experienced guide who will give you a taste of the views, culture and history that make up the diverse Island of Waiheke.

On conclusion of the tour, take advantage of the complimentary All Day Bus Pass allowing you to either return to a destination on the tour or discover the island further on the Waiheke Island scheduled bus services.

Hotel: Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart (4 Star Rating)

Located just a stone’s throw away from the serene waterfront in the Quay Park precinct, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart is in prime position for both leisure and corporate guests. Situated in Auckland’s CBD, dine at one of Britomart’s many eateries. Explore Britomart’s best designer boutiques, browse High Street’s quaint cobbled alley ways, or be entertained by the activities at Queen’s Wharf.

The ideal location for business or pleasure, Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart offers you a choice of 160 large contemporary accommodations. The choice of modern open studio rooms, stylish one, two or three-bedroom apartments or lavish Penthouse suites, is yours.

Take a journey into the heart of the Central North Island, taking in Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day sightseeing tour. Setting off from Auckland, you will travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions, enjoying your driver guide’s entertaining and informative commentary. Upon arrival at Hobbiton you will enjoy a guided tour of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located inside a picturesque 1,250-acre sheep and beef farm near Matamata. Here, the village of Hobbiton was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. During your guided tour of this amazing location, you’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch at The Green Dragon Inn. Then finish the tour with a coach ride onto Rotorua.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Rotorua (2 Star Rating)

Located near the city center and surrounded by natural wonders, Copthorne Hotel Rotorua gives you the best of both worlds. Our Rotorua hotel offers 58 spacious rooms and suites; leisure facilities including a gym, heated outdoor pool, and 2 outdoor spas.

Relish traditional Maori feasts and authentic cuisine in our plethora of dining options. Rejuvenate your senses at the internationally acclaimed Polynesian Spa overlooking the Picturesque Lake Rotorua—local Maori hail the therapeutic benefits of the mineral pools. Explore the ancient forest and experience authentic indigenous culture in Tamaki Maori Village, located near the sacred lakes of Tarawera, Tkitapu, and Rotokakahi.

Today, enjoy a half-day introduction to the geothermal wonders and rich cultural heritage of Rotorua. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you'll discover why this remarkable region is one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations.

Travel through landscapes shaped by powerful volcanic forces and witness some of Rotorua's most famous geothermal features, including steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vibrant thermal activity. Along the way, learn about the region's fascinating geology, history, and deep connections to Maori culture.

This evening, immerse yourself in New Zealand's rich Maori culture during the acclaimed Te Po Indigenous Experience at Te Puia. Begin with a guided tour through the geothermal valley, where steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and the impressive Pohutu Geyser showcase the powerful forces that have shaped Rotorua's landscape for centuries. Along the way, learn about the deep connection between the Maori people and this unique environment.

Continue with an engaging cultural performance featuring traditional waiata (songs), haka, and storytelling that provide insight into Maori customs, history, and values. Your evening concludes with a delicious buffet dinner inspired by traditional hangi cuisine, showcasing fresh local ingredients and authentic flavours. Following dinner, take in the magical atmosphere of the illuminated geothermal valley before returning to your accommodation with a deeper appreciation of New Zealand's indigenous culture and heritage.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Rotorua (2 Star Rating)

Located near the city center and surrounded by natural wonders, Copthorne Hotel Rotorua gives you the best of both worlds. Our Rotorua hotel offers 58 spacious rooms and suites; leisure facilities including a gym, heated outdoor pool, and 2 outdoor spas.

Relish traditional Maori feasts and authentic cuisine in our plethora of dining options. Rejuvenate your senses at the internationally acclaimed Polynesian Spa overlooking the Picturesque Lake Rotorua—local Maori hail the therapeutic benefits of the mineral pools. Explore the ancient forest and experience authentic indigenous culture in Tamaki Maori Village, located near the sacred lakes of Tarawera, Tkitapu, and Rotokakahi.

Meal(s): Dinner

Travel from Rotorua to Christchurch, with convenient transfers provided to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Whether you choose to relax or begin exploring the city’s charming streets, gardens, and landmarks, your time in Christchurch is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Cotswold (3 Star Rating)

Formerly known as Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch has undergone a refurbishment over the past year. We’ve retained the distinctive Tudor-style architecture that the hotel is well-known for, reflecting Christchurch’s image as the most English of cities outside England. Many of the guest rooms have been refurbished to an executive level, offering style and comfort discerning travelers will appreciate.

See the central city highlights including the botanical gardens, Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, Bridge of Remembrance, the cities new pop up container mall and many other CBD highlights. On leaving the inner city, travel to Mona Vale a historic homestead and gardens, then up to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Travel over the Port Hills to the Port of Lyttleton, through the harbor tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and cave rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude.

This tour explores 3 of North Canterbury’s boutique vineyards. From Christchurch drive north through the New Zealand countryside to the Waipara Valley, well known for its warm, dry climate and rich alluvial soils, ideal for superior wine production. Over 40 vineyards and wineries pepper the landscape of the valley, with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominating local plantings. Stops for tastings may include Pegasus Bay, Waipara Springs, Torlesse, Georges Road and Waipara Hills Winery. Should any of these be unavailable on the day, an alternative winery will be included.

This tour includes lunch at Waipara Springs Winery. The platter lunch includes tastes of both a regional and New Zealand flavor and is the perfect accompaniment to some of this wineries fine wines.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Cotswold (3 Star Rating)

Formerly known as Heartland Hotel Cotswold, Scenic Hotel Cotswold Christchurch has undergone a refurbishment over the past year. We’ve retained the distinctive Tudor-style architecture that the hotel is well-known for, reflecting Christchurch’s image as the most English of cities outside England. Many of the guest rooms have been refurbished to an executive level, offering style and comfort discerning travelers will appreciate.

Today, transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown while exploring some of New Zealand's most spellbinding landscapes. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the region, including the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park and Tasman Glacier, making it the ultimate way to get from Christchurch to Queenstown. Your tour is led by passionate tour guides notorious for bringing the journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (4 Star Rating)

Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away.

Our accommodation in Queenstown is nestled within our garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Select rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimise impact on the environment.

Leaving Queenstown, travel in comfort along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and into southern farmland to Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island. After a morning tea stop (own expense), travel along the lake and into Fiordland National Park. Enter the picturesque Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls and one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand, and take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer along the Milford Road, like the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters, and Knobs Flat, where glaciers have carved their mark on the terrain.

Your glass-roof coach will provide amazing views of the dramatic skyline as you cross the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, with stunning mountain peaks all around. Stop at Monkey Creek and sample some of the purest water in the world (but watch out for cheeky kea – native mountain parrots!). Travel under the mountains through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km passageway drilled into solid rock, and descend through native forest into Milford Sound.

At Milford Sound, board your 1hr 45min scenic cruise, and set off to explore the region that Rudyard Kipling called the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. On your cruise you travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble into the sea. Lush native rainforest clings to steep cliffs, while wildlife including seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters. Mountain ranges surround the fiord, including Mitre Peak which rises dramatically from the depths to a height of 1,692 metres above sea level.

Your catamaran has extensive outdoor decks so you can get up close to nature. Inside you’ll find comfortable seating as well as unobstructed views through full-height windows, so you won’t miss a thing. Along the way your captain will provide lively and informative commentary. After your cruise, return to Queenstown by coach.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (4 Star Rating)

Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away.

Our accommodation in Queenstown is nestled within our garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Select rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimise impact on the environment.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Spend the day exploring at your own pace—wander the lakeside, browse local boutiques, or simply relax and soak in the stunning alpine scenery.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (4 Star Rating)

Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away.

Our accommodation in Queenstown is nestled within our garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Select rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimise impact on the environment.

Today, transfer to Queenstown Airport, where you’ll be prepared for your onward journey. Take a moment to reflect on your unforgettable time in this stunning alpine town before continuing on to your next exciting destination.