Northbound Must See Tour

This 14 day tour starts in Christchurch and finishes in Auckland.

**Please be advised that certain aspects of this tour may operate on specific days of the week during the winter months. We recommend contacting one of our travel specialists to identify a departure date that suits your schedule.

Adventure from Christchurch to Auckland that showcases New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes and cultural treasures. Begin with the breathtaking TranzAlpine train journey across the Southern Alps to Greymouth, then explore the glacial wonders of Franz Josef, including a guided eco-tour and a relaxing soak in a private hot tub. Experience the majestic Piopiotahi - Milford Sound with a scenic flight and cruise, and indulge in Queenstown’s renowned food and wine scene. Traverse the picturesque Mackenzie Country to Aoraki - Mount Cook for a unique Glacier Explorers tour. In Kaikōura, take to the skies for a whale-watching flight, then cross the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry, enjoying exclusive access to the Premium Plus Lounge. Discover Wellington’s vibrant culture with a guided tour of Te Papa Museum, and immerse yourself in Māori traditions at Rotorua’s Te Pā Tū and Te Puia. Conclude your journey with a visit to the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set before arriving in Auckland.

Accommodation type on this tour is: Boutique Lodges & Hotels.

This tour also features:

Included activity: Electronic Travel Guide and In-Country Support App

Included activity: Private Transfer Christchurch International Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

Included activity: Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington with exclusive access to the Premium Plus Lounge

Included activity: Restorative Journey with Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa

Included activity: Guided Tour of Te Papa The Museum of New Zealand

Included activity: Te Pā Tū Evening Māori Cultural Experience - Dinner Included

Included activity: Te Ra Daytime Experience at Te Puia

Included activity: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Shires Rest

Included activity: Shared Transfer from Christchurch CBD Accommodation to Christchurch Train Station with Christchurch Touring Company

Included activity: TranzAlpine Scenic Train: Christchurch to Greymouth

Included activity: Franz Josef Nature Tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours

Included activity: One Hour Private Tub with Waiho Hot Tubs

Included activity: Milford Sound Flight and Cruise with Return Flight

Included activity: Appellation Gourmet Food & Wine Tour

Included activity: Glacier Explorers

Included activity: Kai Bites Share with Amiki Cultural Food Tours

Included activity: Ocean Safari Whale Watching Flight with South Pacific Helicopters

13 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Itinerary summary for: Northbound Must See Tour

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch
Accommodation: The Observatory Hotel

Day 2: Cross the Southern Alps on board the iconic TranzAlpine scenic train, then its a beautiful drive to Franz Josef
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 3: Explore Franz Josef and Westland National Park
Accommodation: Westwood Lodge

Day 4: Get your camera ready for the spectacular scenery of the Haast Pass, then over the Crown Range to Queenstown
Accommodation: Kamana Lakehouse

Day 5: Fly to Milford Sound for a remarkable cruise on the fiord
Accommodation: Kamana Lakehouse

Day 6: Relax and taste delicious local wines and food
Accommodation: Kamana Lakehouse

Day 7: Follow the Kawarau Gorge to Central Otago, then over the Lindis Pass towards Mt Cook and your iceberg adventure
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Wing Premium

Day 8: Today it's a lovely drive through rolling Canterbury farmland to Christchurch
Accommodation: The Observatory Hotel

Day 9: Head north via the coastal road to the beautiful seaside town of Kaikoura
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Kaikōura

Day 10: Drive to Picton and then cross the Cook Strait on Interislander ferry to Wellington
Accommodation: Naumi Hotel Wellington

Day 11: Today is filled with fantastic scenery as you leave Wellington to Rotorua
Accommodation: On the Point

Day 12: Explore the geothermal and cultural wonders of Rotorua
Accommodation: On the Point

Day 13: Rotorua to Auckland stopping at Hobbiton Village on the way
Accommodation: M Social Hotel Auckland

Day 14: Farewell Auckland