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9 Day South to North Island New Zealand Tour from Queenstown
9 Day South to North Island New Zealand Tour from Queenstown
9 Day South to North Island New Zealand Tour from Queenstown
9 Day South to North Island New Zealand Tour from Queenstown
9 Day South to North Island New Zealand Tour from Queenstown

9 Day South to North Island New Zealand Tour from Queenstown

By Waimate Journeys
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$17,169 per adult* *Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 9d
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
Overview

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering the majority of top attractions in both South Island (Milford Sound to Christchurch) and North Island (Rotorua to Auckland). The tour includes convenient transfer flight ticket, and optional must-do activities & luxury accommodation, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in New Zealand without the hassles of planning endless things and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of New Zealand in a relaxed style within an ideal number of days.

Besides visiting and experiencing many of the top attractions in New Zealand, you may also opt for an unbelievably long list of renowned and carefully selected 14-16 activities, ensuring a diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for you. Start at Queenstown and finish at Auckland.

Activity location

  • Queenstown
    • Queenstown, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Queenstown
    • 9300, Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand

Check availability


Without Hotels & Entry Tickets
  • Activity duration is 9 days9d
    9d
  • English

Without Accommodation: This option excludes accommodation. Travellers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.
Without Entry Tickets: This options excludes entry tickets for activities. Travellers book their own desired activities. Timeslot guidance provided.
Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 7:30 am
Price details
AU$17,168.70 x 1 AdultAU$17,168.70

Total
Price is AU$17,168.70
Until Fri, 16 May
Without Hotels & With Tickets
  • Activity duration is 9 days9d
    9d
  • English

Without Accommodation: This option excludes accommodation. Travellers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.
With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry Tickets for mentioned 14-16 activities.
Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 7:30 am
Price details
AU$19,490.04 x 1 AdultAU$19,490.04

Total
Price is AU$19,490.04
Until Fri, 16 May
With Hotels & Entry Tickets
  • Activity duration is 9 days9d
    9d
  • English

With Accommodation: Includes accommodation for 8 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season.
With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry tickets for mentioned 14-16 activities.
Pickup included

Language options: English
Starting time: 7:30 am
Price details
AU$25,189.96 x 1 AdultAU$25,189.96

Total
Price is AU$25,189.96
Until Fri, 16 May

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
  • What's includedWhat's includedGuide-driver exclusively for your group
  • What's includedWhat's includedPrivate transport
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Gondola with luge rides & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
  • What's includedWhat's includedIf any optional activity is cancelled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives provided
  • What's includedWhat's includedUse of charging cables & emergency rain gear
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: TranzAlpine Train Ticket - Arthur's Pass to Christchurch
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner Buffet Ticket at Rotorua
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: International Antarctic Centre OR Punting on Avon OR Christchurch Tram Ticket
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
  • What's includedWhat's includedWiFi on board
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket at Auckland
  • What's includedWhat's includedPackaged snacks & chocolates
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Guided Kayaking or Whale Watching Cruise Ticket at Kaikōura
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Redwoods Treewalk Daytime Ticket at Rotorua
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional: Accommodation for 8 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Farm Experience & Hot Tub Ticket OR River Rafting Ticket at Rotorua
  • What's includedWhat's includedOptional Entry Ticket: Hobbiton Film Set Tour Ticket
  • What's includedWhat's includedStandard Economy Transfer Flight Ticket from Christchurch to Auckland
  • What's includedWhat's includedPackaged water bottles
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedFood & Drinks (except 8 x breakfast with "With Hotels & Departure Flight" option)
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedTravel Insurance
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedAnything not mentioned in the inclusions

Know before you book

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Specialised infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Travellers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance

Activity itinerary

Day 1: Queenstown – Milford Sound - Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Te Anau
  • 3 stops
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Queenstown
  • 15m
Start this multi-day tour in delightful style! Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Queenstown.
Milford Sound
  • 5h
  • Admission ticket included
Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic stops and nature walks along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home. After the cruise, make your way back to Te Anau, enjoying the scenic drive through the rugged landscapes of Fiordland National Park.
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
  • 2h 15m
  • Admission ticket included
After returning to Te Anau, refresh and prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country's caves. They create a mesmerising display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience. Finish this day full of beautiful memories by checking in at your Te Anau hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures.
Day 2: Te Anau - Queenstown City Explore (Queenstown Gardens, Lake Wakatipu, Central Streets, River & Skyline Queenstown)
  • 2 stops
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Queenstown
  • 3h
Start your beautiful day in Te Anau with a pickup from your hotel. Enjoy the scenic drive towards Queenstown. Visit the famous Queenstown Gardens, located on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. These gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views. After exploring the gardens, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of central Queenstown to experience the city's cheerful vibes. Relax by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake. After this moment of calmness, prepare yourself to experience the power of twin V8 engines as you jet boat down the Kawarau or Shotover River. Reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph, enjoy the adrenaline rush with multiple 360-degree spins.
Skyline Queenstown
  • 4h
  • Admission ticket included
After jet boating, there's more to enjoy. Take a ride on the Queenstown Gondola, which is believed to be the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon reaching the top, you'll be treated to spectacular views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown itself. Spend quality time at the top exploring the area, or engaging in fun activities like thrilling luge rides and open-air chairlifts. Watch the sunset from this vantage point. Afterwards, take a return ride on the Gondola back down, where you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel to relax and recharge for another epic day, exploring Mount Cook.
Day 3: Queenstown-Lindis Pass-Lake Pukaki-Aoraki Mount Cook (Hooker Valley and/or Tasman Glacier View Track)-Lake Tekapo
  • 5 stops
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Lindis Pass Summit Scenic Lookout
  • 15m
Start another beautiful day with a pickup from your hotel in Queenstown. Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Mount Cook. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains.
Lake Pukaki
  • 30m
Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerising turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.
Aoraki/Mt. Cook
  • 3h 15m
The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerising scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world's only alpine parrot.
Mount Cook Airport
  • 30m
  • Admission ticket included
It's time to embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Soar above the stunning valleys and peaks of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park in one of the modern helicopters. Experience breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding snow-capped ranges as you fly. Relax and enjoy this unique experience with onboard commentary from pilot.
Tekapo Chinese Stargazing
  • 1h 15m
  • Admission ticket included
Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.
Day 4: Lake Tekapo-Castle Hill-Arthur’s Pass National Park-Otira Viaduct-TranzAlpine Train-Christchurch
  • 5 stops
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Lake Tekapo
  • 30m
Start your day by being picked up from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo. Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Arthur's Pass.
Castle Hill
  • 1h
Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood films, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk.
Arthur's Pass National Park
  • 2h
Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
Otira Viaduct Lookout
  • 15m
Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
TranzAlpine Train
  • 2h 30m
  • Admission ticket included
Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train at Arthur’s Pass Station for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Christchurch Railway Station, where you will be picked up. You will be transferred to your Christchurch hotel.
Day 5: Christchurch-Kaikōura or Akaroa-Christchurch
  • 4 stops
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Christchurch
  • 15m
Start your day by being picked up from your accommodation in Christchurch. Choose between a full-day tour to Kaikoura or Akaroa, each offering a unique experience based on your preferred activities.
Kaikoura
  • 5h
Kaikōura, famed for its stunning coastal scenery where rugged mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, lies near a unique underwater canyon system that draws abundant marine life, including whales. Opt for a guided kayaking adventure alongside seals, sea birds, and possibly dolphins, or a whale-watching cruise to spot majestic sperm whales, humpbacks, or orcas while learning about their habitat.
Akaroa
  • 5h
Akaroa, a charming French-inspired village, invites you to explore its beauty with a 2-hour nature cruise, uncovering its rich history and unique wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world. Follow this with a visit to a charming alpaca farm for cuddly encounters with these adorable animals.
Christchurch
  • 15m
After your chosen day tour, we’ll return to Christchurch and drop you off at your hotel.
Day 6: Christchurch (International Antarctic Centre or Punting on Avon or Christchurch Tram)-Flight to Auckland-Rotorua
  • 4 stops
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Christchurch
  • 15m
Get picked up from your hotel. Based on transfer flight time, choose one of three activities: visit the International Antarctic Centre, go punting on the Avon River, or ride the famous Christchurch Tram.
International Antarctic Centre
  • 2h
  • Admission ticket included
The International Antarctic Centre offers interactive exhibits, a simulated storm, a ride on an all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle, and a penguin encounter. Punting on the Avon River provides a peaceful glide through the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park. The Christchurch Tram offers a unique perspective on Christchurch's history and landmarks, with knowledgeable drivers providing commentary and stops at key attractions.
Christchurch Airport
  • 3h
It's time to say goodbye to the South Island and start your North Island adventure. You'll be taken to Christchurch Airport for your flight to Auckland.
Rotorua
  • 3h
Upon arrival in Auckland, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Rotorua. Due to travel between the South and North Islands, and the need to rest for the next leg of your journey, it is recommended you enjoy the rest of your day in Rotorua, relaxing and recharging for the epic North Island journey that begins the next day. In the evening, enjoy dinner time at Eat Street, Rotorua's vibrant dining precinct, offering a range of delicious cuisine options.
Day 7: Rotorua Explore (Farm Tour & Hot Tub OR River Rafting, Tour of a Geothermally Active Place & Māori Cultural Experience)
  • 2 stops
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Rotorua
  • 3h
On another beautiful day, choose between two unique experiences based on your appetite for adventure. For a relaxed noon, opt for the farm experience followed by a hot tub session. Enjoy a farm show featuring sheep shearing and a dog show, and tour the 350-acre property to meet and hand-feed animals. Later, unwind in a soothing hot tub nestled in a serene forest. Alternatively, if you're seeking thrills, go for Grade 5 river rafting on the Kaituna River, navigating challenging rapids and a 7-meter waterfall—one of the highest commercially rafted waterfalls in the world.
Geothermal Valley Te Puia
  • 4h
  • Admission ticket included
In the evening, get ready for an unforgettable experience at a place known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. Witness the power of active geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents. Enjoy a delicious Hangi feast, where your food is cooked in the ground using traditional methods, adding a unique and authentic touch to your dining experience. Later, experience a traditional Māori welcome ceremony, including the powerful haka (war dance), along with engaging cultural performances that showcase the history and traditions of the Māori people.
Day 8: Rotorua-Hobbiton-Auckland
  • 3 stops
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.
Redwoods Treewalk
  • 1h
  • Admission ticket included
Start the day with a visit to the famous Redwoods Treewalk, a must-do experience in Rotorua. The walk features swing bridges and platforms, offering stunning views of the tall trees and lush forest floor.
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours
  • 4h
  • Admission ticket included
Enjoy a scenic drive towards the Hobbiton Film Set. This enchanting village is set in the heart of the lush Waikato region, and the film set is a meticulous recreation of the Shire from J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved books. As you wander through Hobbiton on a fully guided tour, you'll discover charming hobbit holes, the iconic Green Dragon Inn, and stunning landscapes.
Auckland
  • 3h
Continue your journey to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city — a vibrant harbour destination where urban sophistication meets natural beauty, featuring stunning beaches, volcanic cones, and a melting pot of cultures. Check-in at your hotel in Auckland.
Day 9: Auckland Explore (Mount Eden, Auckland Museum, Auckland CBD, Buddhist Temple & Muriwai/Piha/Long Bay Beach)
  • 1 stop
  • Meals: Not included
  • Accommodation: Not included
Auckland
  • 8h
End this multi-day tour with a delightful last day! First, we'll head to Mount Eden, the highest natural point in Auckland city and a dormant volcano offering panoramic views of the city. Next, we'll visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain, which houses an impressive collection of artefacts and exhibits to learn more about New Zealand. After your enriching experience at the museum, you'll take a brief leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of Auckland’s CBD before heading to lunch. Later, we will visit a beautiful Buddhist temple, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Lastly, we'll visit one of Auckland's scenic beaches: Muriwai Beach, famous for its gannet colony; Piha Beach, known for its rugged coastline and black sand; or Long Bay Beach, a perfect spot for a relaxing walk along the shore. It's time to say goodbye as we drop you off at your preferred location in Auckland. May these memories stay with you forever.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESQueenstown
    • Queenstown, New Zealand

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEQueenstown
    • 9300, Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand

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Experience the wonders of the world up close with great deals on things to do near and far. We offer one-of-a-kind activities that allow you to explore Queenstown your way. Whether you love nature, culture, food or a bit of adventure, we have the perfect activity for you.