10 Days: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Glacier Region, Christchurch

Tour overview:

Start your New Zealand sojourn in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Travel south and explore the incredible nature in Rotorua. Fly to the South Island and visit Queenstown, Milford Sound and the Glacier Region before ending this self-drive adventure in Christchurch.

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland

On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, collect your rental vehicle and self drive to your accommodations.

Day 2 - Auckland / Rotorua

There are a number of different routes to take on the journey to Rotorua. You might like to add one or two optional tours on your way to geothermal Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else. (B)

Day 3 - Rotorua

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. Today you’ll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest. (B)

Day 4 - Rotorua / Queenstown

Transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Rotorua to Queenstown (airfare additional). Arrive and transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 5 - Queenstown

A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. (B)

Day 6 - Queenstown – Milford Sound

Travel through Lumsden and Te Anau to the Fiordland National Park. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the man made Homer Tunnel to arrive in Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the fiord before returning to Queenstown. (B)

Day 7 - Queenstown / Glacier Region

Journey past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before turning into the Haast Past and the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue north to arrive in Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. (B)

Day 8 - Glacier Region

A temperate climate at a low altitude make Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world. Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway. Today is a free day to add your preferred activity. Make a visit to Punakaki’s Pancake Rocks or, for an absolute bucket list experience, take to the air on a scenic flight with a glacier landing and a thrilling hike across the icy wonderland. (B)

Day 9 - Glacier Region / Christchurch

Travel from coast to coast through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park and across the Canterbury Plains, a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, to the Garden City of Christchurch. Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. (B)

Day 10 - Depart Christchurch

Return rental vehicle to the airport depot. (B)