13 Days/10 Nights - Discover the highlights of New Zealand on this expertly crafted self-drive itinerary spanning both the South and North Islands. Beginning in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the country, and ending in the bustling harbor city of Auckland, this journey blends dramatic landscapes with cultural wonders.

Start in Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and make your way through ancient beech forests and along the rugged West Coast. Here, rainforests, limestone formations, and the majestic Southern Alps—with their snow-capped peaks and stunning glaciers—set the scene for an unforgettable drive.

Travel onward to the sunny top of the South Island and the coastal paradise of Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. From nearby Nelson, take a short flight to Rotorua, located in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal and cultural landscape. Here, experience bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and rich Maori heritage.

Continue your North Island adventure with a visit to the magical glowworm caves of Waitomo before reaching Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, where your incredible journey concludes.

Day 1 -  Depart New York JFK, Houston, San Francisco, or Los Angeles with Air New Zealand non-stop to Auckland
Air New Zealand is the number one way to travel to New Zealand, and your vacation begins the second you step onboard your overnight flight. Air New Zealand offers direct service from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and New York JFK, and add-on fares with United Airlines are available from other cities.

The Air New Zealand onboard experience has a travel option for every passenger from Business Premier, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins, with the option to add the innovative Skycouch.

Day 2 - Cross International Date Line

Day 3 - Arrive Auckland & continue to Queenstown
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival in Auckland, connect with your short flight to Queenstown to commence your journey to New Zealand in the South Island. On arrival into Queenstown, collect your rental car and drive the short distance to your hotel for your 3 nights stay.

Queenstown, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Whakatipu, offers diverse, world-class experiences, a warm welcome, and a cosmopolitan vibe. Queenstown has fueled imaginations and inspired many to explore. Queenstown sets the stage for adventure, whether you are chasing the snow, exploring the trails, indulging in food and wine, discovering stunning fairways, or seeking adrenaline thrills.

Days 4 & 5 - Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Wilderness Jet Safari
  A scenic drive takes you along the edge of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, where you will board a Dart River jet boat for a 1-and-a-1/2-hour journey through the Dart River's ever-changing braided river system. You will be thrilled by the jet boat's capabilities and awed by your surroundings of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forests, waterfalls, and glacier valleys frozen in time. The jet boat ride is followed by an easy 30-minute guided walk through an ancient native Beech forest. The tour finishes with a journey by 4WD safari vehicle along a back-road route while hearing stories about the surrounding countryside and stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including 'The Lord of the Rings.'
• Discover Milford Sound Nature Cruise
  Depart Queenstown and travel alongside Lake Wakatipu and then through the farming countryside to Te Anau; from here the overland journey to Milford Sound showcases the sheer mountains towering cliffs, rugged valleys, and native rainforest surrounded by teeming waterfalls and glacial lakes. Enjoy short walks and photo opportunities along the way. On arrival, board a vessel for an extended and leisurely cruise on board a small catamaran with a two-hour duration. Cruise the entire length of the fiord in comfort on a modern, spacious vessel with comfortable indoor seating and large, tall windows for a panoramic viewing of spectacular Milford Sound. With a flexible and relaxed itinerary, enjoy a large and wide open outdoor, upper-level deck for excellent wildlife viewing, including seals, dolphins, and penguins when in season.
• Central Otago Wine Tours
  Guided tours showcasing Central Otago's fine wine and cuisine. These tours venture into the heartland of Central Otago, visiting vineyards in Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell. Small groups and custom-fit minibuses ensure a relaxed and interactive day out from Queenstown and a great way to experience Central Otago.
• Nomad Safari - Skippers Canyon
  The Nomad Safari is a half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road—hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. Navigate this awe-inspiring canyon and visit many historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge, the township of Skippers, and the restored schoolhouse - gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and life histories in this tough environment.
• Zipline Ecotour
  Commence an ecotour on Queenstown's original zipline course and the perfect starter to your adventure experience. Comprised of four ziplines, starting and finishing at the top of the Skyline gondola, the tour is designed to start low and slow and gradually build your confidence as it gets progressively longer, higher, and faster. All ages love the interaction this guided aerial tour has to offer.

Day 6 - Queenstown to Franz Josef
Depart Queenstown and self-drive north along the scenic West Coast towards Franz Josef Glacier. Check into your hotel for your overnight stay.

Queenstown to Wanaka  103 km (64 miles) Approximately 1.25 hours The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you’ll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River.

Wanaka to Haast 139 km (87 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours Enjoy waterfalls and river scenery as you leave the coast and climb up the Haast river valley to Haast Pass. The road snakes through the Aspiring National Park, and the vegetation becomes more sparse as you travel inland. Lakes Wanaka and Hawea make the last part of your trip beautifully scenic.

Haast to Fox Glacier  122 km (76 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours Not far from Fox Glacier is the western end of the Copland track. Lake Moeraki is another peaceful forest lake with good fishing – a 40 minute walk takes you to the penguin colony at Monro Beach. The long one-lane bridge over the Haast River leads you into the settlement of Haast, once a construction camp for the Ministry of Works. It’s a town with a touch of the wild west.

Fox Glacier to Franz Josef 23 km (14 miles) Approximately 0.25 hour After a short drive south, you’ll arrive at Franz Josef. The glacier’s terminal face is just 5 kilometers from the township, and the road to the walking track crosses ancient moraine from earlier advances and retreats. First explored in 1865, the Franz Josef Glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about 1 metre a day since 1985.

Day 7 - Franz Josef - Punakaiki
This morning explore the Glaciers, consider adding one of our tour options (additional cost applies):

• Heli Hike
  Combine an extraordinary scenic helicopter flight over the glacier with a unique guided walk amongst this pristine, alpine environment's ice caves, pinnacles, and seracs. You'll see the striking colors of the ice flow from above and then up close on an unforgettable guided walk.
• Franz Josef Nature Tour
  Explore the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest as you approach the towering Franz Josef Glacier - one of the world's lowest-lying and most unusual glaciers. At your own pace, wander past gorgeous glacial rivers, streams, and beautiful podocarp forests; discover hidden natural treasures such as native snails, wild mushrooms, and dozens of species of orchids. Relish the sound of the native bird songs and waterfalls.

Franz Josef to Hokitika 133 km (83 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours The road to Hokitika is rural, but with a wild streak. The farmland is trying to turn back into forest, and the beauty of the rivers is raw and primeval. Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It still has the feel of a ‘frontier town’, and there are some lovely old buildings to admire. Greenstone (NZ jade) is the town’s treasure these days – you can see it being polished and sculpted. You might also want to pan for gold, investigate the museum and do the historical walk.

Hokitika to Punakaiki 83 km (51 miles) Approximately 1.5 hour The road between Hokitika to Punakaiki via Greymouth provides great views of the wild west coast. Detour to the beach and breathe the salt spray air. Driftwood is the ornamentation of choice for west coast beaches – every shape, size and colour.  Punakaiki is famous for its ancient pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes.

This afternoon, continue your drive North towards Punakaiki and stop for an overnight stay by the Pancake Rocks.

Day 8 - Punakaiki to Nelson
This morning depart Punakaiki early for your drive to Nelson - consider breaking your journey enroute in Charleston and joining an optional guided Glowworm cave tour (additional cost applies). On arrival into Nelson, check into your hotel for your 2 nights stay.

Punakaiki to Westport 57 km (36 miles) Approximately 0.75 hour The road to Westport hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it's also a base for outdoor adventures.

Westport to Nelson 226 km (141 miles) Approximately 3 hours The road to Nelson is scenic and interesting, beginning with the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag you'll drive under a dramatic rock overhang. When you reach Lyell you can pan for gold or walk to a pioneer cemetery. The museum at Murchison will tell you all about the massive earthquake that shook the region in 1929. The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture. Every year the city hosts the Montana New Zealand Wearable Art Awards.

Day 9  -  Abel Tasman National Park
Explore the Abel Tasman National Park at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Abel Tasman - Kayak, Seals & Walk day tour
  Morning 'Split Apple Paddle' guided half-day kayak trip, explore the spectacular Kaiteriteri coastline. Stop on a golden sand beach for a short break. In the afternoon, swap the kayak for walking shoes and cruise to the golden sands of Onetahuti, visiting the fascinating seal colony at Tonga Island on the way.
• Wilsons Abel Tasman - Great Day Out Cruise & self-guided Walk
  Transfer from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park. From Kaiteriteri, cruise past the golden coves, sculpted granite headlands, and forested islands of the Astrolabe Roadstead. After a short stop at Anchorage Beach and Torrent Bay, pause to view the antics of the seal colony in Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Continue along the remote northern beaches where nikau palms and native Rata (the South Island Christmas Tree) feature in the rainforest fringing the long golden beaches. Turn around at Totaranui and return to historic Tonga Quarry Cove for a self-guided walk 2-2.5 hours (4.1km) over a forested saddle and around the spectacular Bark Bay estuary with cascading waterfalls. Rejoin the Vista Cruise at sheltered Medlands Beach for the return cruise to Kaiteriteri and coach transfer back to Nelson.
• Wilsons Abel Tasman - multi day walking breaks or kayak & walk breaks
  Consider extending your stay in the Nelson region and join one of the multi-day walking breaks or kayak & walk breaks within the National Park. Ask your Aspire expert for full details.

Day 10 -  Nelson to Rotorua
Drive to Nelson Airport, return your rental car, and fly to Rotorua. Collect rental car and check into to your hotel for a two night stay.

Day 11 - Rotorua

Explore Rotorua at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Eco Thermal Park Tour
  Visit Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks, Wai O Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Your local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moon like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley, learn about the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 188
• Evening Maori cultural Experience
  Te Puia's world-famous 3 hour hangi buffet dinner and cultural performance will take place a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pohiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), moteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and steamed pudding surrounded by steam and the geyser terrace bathed in colored light.
• Hobbiton
  Your guide will escort you through the ten-acre site where the Lord of the Rings movie set used to be. Your guide will explain what was needed to create the Hobbiton set and tell stories about what went on during filming. Check out the Hobbit holes from the film set. After viewing the Bag End, you can pet and feed the hand-reared sheep and hand bottle-feed lambs.
• Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk
  Walk high amongst Rotorua’s gentle giants! The Redwoods Treewalk is an over half a kilometer long walkway comprising a series of 21 suspension bridges traversing the gaps between 22 majestic 110 year old Redwood trees. This night-time experience allows visitors to explore Rotorua’s majestic Redwood forest under the shroud of darkness, illuminated bespoke creations to create an immersive and captivating environmen

Day 12 - Rotorua to Auckland via Waitomo Caves
Depart Rotorua for your drive to Auckland via the Waitomo Caves

Rotorua to Waitomo Caves 136 km (85 miles) Approximately 1.5 hours Your journey to Waitomo will take you through a mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest. The Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Some caves open to the public, and are easy to walk through, others require specialised caving equipment

Explore Waitomo at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Glowworm Caves
  Inside the ancient limestone caves live tiny insects whose iridescent light has amazed visitors of the Glowworm Grotto for over 100 years. Guided walks lead visitors through the fantastic Cathedral, a high-ceiling cave with acoustics to rival the most modern arena, to a small boat. From here, the ship is towed across the water to where hundreds of tiny lights flicker on the cave roof above.
• Black Water Rafting
  The Black Labyrinth is the original classic adventure. Tube down the 'hidden' waterfall, through rocky chutes and vaulted limestone galleries, and emerge in the Waitomo forest.
• Lost World - Abseiling
  Abseil 100m into this unique and spectacular chasm - the descent takes around 30 minutes and is followed by a dry caving trip exploring huge chambers en route to the surface. See giant speleotherms, including flowstone and spagatites, the famous glowworms, and all manner of weird and wonderful rock sculptures. There's a 30m ladder climb and walking along narrow ledges, always protected by specialist safety equipment and systems.

Waitomo Caves to Hamilton 71 km (44 miles) Approximately 1 hour The trip south takes you through prime Waikato farmland. The city of Hamilton is carved in two by the mighty Waikato River. Excellent restaurants and cafes can be found at the southern end of the city’s main street.

Hamilton to Auckland 127 km (79 miles) Approximately 1.5 hours The Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside. Don't think of Auckland as a city, even though it's New Zealand's largest. Think of it as half urban, half marine - a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world and surrounded by over 50 islands. Aucklanders enjoy a warm, humid climate and an outdoor lifestyle.

Upon arrival in Auckland, check into your hotel for your overnight stay

Day 13 - Depart Auckland back to the US or your onward destination
Enjoy the day at leisure in Auckland. This afternoon, drive to Auckland International Airport, return your rental car, and check in for your flight back to the US or your onward destination.

 

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Starting From Costing Per Person

Los Angeles	$3,899
San Francisco	$3,949
Houston	$4,199
New York	$4,399

 

*Addons from other cities available with United Airlines

Note: Daily departures, this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)

Single Supplement: From $1,999

 

New Zealand Entry Requirements

Before committing to a trip, please ensure you have a valid passport. New Zealand welcomes US travelers with an approved Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).

Read More about NZETA & IVL

Additional departure gateways & pricing

Add on airfares are available from most major airports – please ask an Aspire consultant for a quote

Upgrade Options

• Upgrade to premium economy from $1,150 per person each way
• Upgrade to business class from $3,500 per person each way*

Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket

* Upgrade from pricing based on Monday through Thursday departures from Los Angeles - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee from other departure points and travel Thursday through Saturday.

 

 

Terms & Conditions

The package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) for low-season stays for travel Mondays through Thursdays in both directions. A $60 air supplement applies each way for international travel from Friday to Sunday. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Specific blackout dates apply to the accommodation and tour value offers. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect a discount for purchases made by check/wire; please see terms and conditions for credit card payments. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply. The purchase of travel Insurance is highly recommended for travel to New Zealand.Aspire Down Under partners with CSA Travel Protection.

 

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