New Zealand highlights | round trips New Zealand

Discover the highlights of New Zealand through this roundtrip. You'll start on Waiheke Island, where the sea, vineyards and local specialties come together. Then drive on to rugged Coromandel, learn about Māori culture in Rotorua and discover iconic glaciers on the west coast. Along the way, experience the silence of secluded beaches, the grandeur of mountain landscapes and the hospitality of small-scale lodges.

With a rental car and a well-planned itinerary, you'll explore hidden gems like Abel Tasman National Park and the wine valleys of Cromwell. You'll dine at renowned wineries, sail through the fjords of Milford Sound and sip your morning coffee with views of snow-capped peaks.

Day 1: Departure to Auckland

You arrive at Auckland Airport where a private driver will pick you up and take you to the ferry terminal. The ferry takes you to Waiheke Island in about 45 minutes. You will stay three nights at The Boatshed, a small luxury hotel located by the sea. From your suite, you will therefore enjoy stunning panoramic views.

Day 2: Waiheke Island

Today you will visit three vineyards where you will do a wine tasting combined with local delicacies such as oysters from Te Matuku Bay, olive oil and Waiheke honey. In the afternoon you will enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the vineyards. Then you explore Oneroa and some local shops.

Day 3: Waiheke Island

Today you will explore Waiheje Island with your rental car. Go for a day at the beach to relax, hike or go kayaking in the Gulf of Hauraki. You can take beautiful walks on the east side of the island. Between the east and west is Whakanewha National Park where you hike past waterfalls.

Day 4: Auckland to Whitianga

You take the ferry to Auckland where a private transfer takes you to the rental car pick-up location. You then drive towards Coromandel where you stay two nights at Mercury Ridge, one of New Zealand's newest luxury stays. You'll enjoy stunning views of Mercury Bay from your hotel located on a hilltop.

Day 5: Coromandel Peninsula

Today you explore Hahei Marine Reserve by kayak along with a private guide. In Cathedral Cove, enjoy the famous cappuccino and hot chocolate on the beach.

Day 6: Whitianga to Rotorua

You continue your drive for four hours to Rotorua. Here you will stay at On The Point located on the shores of Lake Rotorua. Here you'll enjoy fine dining at Peppers restaurant, enjoy virtuous massages or go fly-fishing or water sports at the private beach.

Day 7: Rotorua

Your day starts with exploring the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pā, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the Pōhutu geyser. Next, you'll visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park. On this unique tour of take a behind-the-scenes look at the world-famous kiwi hatchery program. Learn from experts about the incubation and care of chicks in an exclusive staff room.

Day 8: Rotorua to Napier

You continue to Napier where you stay for two nights. From your luxury stay you can explore the city on foot.

Day 9: Napier and Hawke's Bay

Today you will enjoy delicious food, wine, Māori culture and art in rural Hawke's Bay. You'll explore Napier's art deco buildings, taste award-winning wines at top wineries and visit local producers for unique taste experiences.

Day 10: Napier to Wellington

Today you drive on to Wellington. Here you will spend the night at a hotel in Oriental Bay, on the harbor. It is a good base to get to know the city.

Day 11: Wellington

Today explore Wellington on a private tour with a local guide. Explore on foot the harbor, cultural sites and unique public spaces through the eyes of an insider.

Day 12: Wellington to Nelson

A ferry takes you from Wellington to Picton while you enjoy a hot buffet, snacks and beverages in the Premium Lounge. While you have stunning views of the city surrounded by green hills. Along the way you pass Soames Island and Ward Island. Near the harbor entrance is Pencarrow Head with New Zealand's oldest lighthouse and along the west side you will see the volcanic "Red Rocks Area" and a seal colony. After arrival, you will drive about two hours to Nelson, Abel Tasman. There you will stay three nights in a beautiful five-star hotel surrounded by three national parks.

Day 13: Private charter cruise

Today you will spend the day on a private cruise where you will have the opportunity to kayak, swim, hike and visit Tonga Island Marine Reserve.

Day 14: Nelson and Abel Tasman region

Today you have a free day that you can spend however you want. You can go shopping in Nelson, explore the city and eat out. If you prefer to spend the day actively, you can explore the Abel Tasman region by bicycle past vineyards, breweries, gardens, art galleries and stores.

Day 15: Nelson to Hokitika

You drive on to Hokitika where you stay one night in a luxury boutique lodge, located on the Hokitika River and ten minutes from downtown. It is very quiet here and you will have a beautiful view of the river, snow-capped peaks and forest.

Day 16: Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier

Today you will fly by helicopter to Franz Josef glacier where you will hike for two hours on the ice with equipped equipment. You will stay this night in a five-star lodge located in the rainforest on the west coast of New Zealand.

Day 17: Frans Josef Glacier to Wanaka

You will drive from Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka in about four hours. Just minutes from Wanaka, you will stay at Tin Tub Luxury Lodge with views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The hotel offers several facilities including a pool, tennis court, sauna, jacuzzi, bicycles and a fitness center.

Day 18: Wanaka

Cruise across Lake Wanaka to the enchanting, predator-free Mou Waho Island, home to the rare Buff Weka. Accompanied by an ecoguide, discover a hidden lake atop the island. Enjoy "high tea" overlooking both lakes and plant a native tree as a contribution to New Zealand's wildlife.

Day 19: Wanaka to Milford Sound

Today you will go on an overnight cruise through Milford Sound, New Zealand's most spectacular fjord. The cruise begins along the south side of the fjord, passing Bowen Falls, Sinbad Gully, the world-famous Mitre Peak, Mt Pembroke, Bridal Veil Falls and Fairy Falls. Weather permitting, sail to the mouth of the fjord at Anita Bay and further into the Tasman Sea for a glimpse of the West Coast. Then cruise along the north side of the fjord, passing Dale Point, the Piopiotahi Marine Reserve, Seal Rock, Stirling Falls, The Lion and the Cascade Range. At the end of the cruise you will anchor for the night at Harrison's Cove or Deepwater Cove. Here you will have the opportunity to explore the area with the kayaks on board, after which you will return to the ship for drinks and dinner. During the cruise you will spot seals, dolphins and penguins, and thanks to an underwater camera you will discover rare black coral, lobsters and numerous fish.

Day 20: Milford Sound

In the morning, enjoy the sunrise over breakfast before returning to the terminal. You will then drive to Queenstown, where you will stay for three nights. From your hotel you'll have unlimited views of the mountains and lake, and it's only a five-minute drive from Queenstown.

Day 21: Queenstown boat ride

Today a unique jet boat ride is on the program. You'll cruise the branched waters of the Dart River, through iconic landscapes, imposing mountain ranges and ancient forests, deep into Mount Aspiring National Park and the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Site. Expert guides on board share stories about the history of the area, the Greenstone Trail and the legends of the Māori.

Day 22: Queenstown wine tour

Today you will taste award-winning wines at four exclusive boutique wineries. This tour takes you through three different wine regions: Gibbston, Cromwell and the Bannockburn Valley. Relax in a luxury vehicle while a specialist wine guide takes you through beautiful scenery. Enjoy lunch at a renowned winery restaurant, including a delicious antipasti platter with fresh, local produce and a glass of premium wine of your choice. You can also explore the old town of Cromwell.