Discover the best of both the North and South Islands on this boutique journey through New Zealand. From Queenstown’s alpine splendor to the glaciers of the wild West Coast, the golden beaches of Abel Tasman, and the vineyards of Marlborough, every stop blends breathtaking scenery with authentic Kiwi charm. Conclude your adventure in the harbour cities of Wellington and Auckland, where culture and cosmopolitan flair meet the sea.

• Roundtrip International Flights
• Economy Class from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston or New York JFK
• Domestic USA airport add-ons and upgrades to Premium Economy or Business Class available
• Domestic New Zealand Flights
• Auckland → Queenstown
• Wellington → Auckland
• Accommodations (11 Nights)
• 3 nights Queenstown – 4.5* The Rees Hotel (Lake View Room)
• 1 night Fox Glacier – 4.5* Distinction Te Weheka (Standard Room, breakfast included)
• 1 night Punakaiki – 4* Scenic Hotel Punakaiki (Beachview Studio)
• 2 nights Nelson – 4* The Sails Motel Nelson (One Bedroom)
• 2 night Wellington – 4.5* QT Museum (Gallery Room)
• 2 nights Auckland – 5* InterContinental Auckland (King Room)
• 6 days medium automatic rental car with insurance (Queenstown → Picton)
• Interislander Ferry crossing Picton → Wellington
• Private airport transfers as listed
• All taxes & fuel surcharges included

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 offers a travel option for every passenger, ranging from Business Premier and Premium Economy to Economy cabins, with the option to add the innovative Skycouch.

Day 2 - Cross International Date 

Day 3 - Arrive New Zealand, continue on to Queenstown
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival in Auckland, connect with your short flight to Queenstown to commence your journey of New Zealand in the South Island.

On arrival in Queenstown, you will be transferred to your accommodation. 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. Whether you are chasing the snow, exploring the trails, indulging in food and wine, discovering stunning fairways or seeking adrenaline thrills, Queenstown sets the stage for adventur

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy 4 nights at 4.5* The Rees Hotel Queenstown. Showcasing breathtaking panoramic lake and mountain views, this sophisticated property is conveniently located just a gentle lakeside walk from Queenstown’s town center. Boasting luxurious accommodation options including hotel rooms, apartments, and 5 Lake Front Residences, all offer full service, complimentary Wi-Fi, free movies, a fine dining onsite restaurant, an extensive wine cellar, purpose-built gymnasium, complimentary ski lockers, spa treatment services, library, and private jetty.

Day 4 - Explore Queenstown
Discover the very best of Queenstown and its surrounds on this scenic half-day experience. Begin with a panoramic lookout, capturing breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Pause at the dramatic Shotover River before continuing to historic Arrowtown — a charming gold rush village where you can stroll the main street, enjoy a coffee, or even try your hand at gold panning.

Travel through the spectacular Gibbston Valley, home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump and renowned Pinot Noir vineyards. Visit a local winery for a tasting (non-alcoholic options available), paired with a shared cheeseboard overlooking stunning alpine scenery. Conclude your tour in style, trading land for lake with a scenic 30-minute cruise on Lake Wakatipu, returning to the wharf in the heart of Queenstown.

This afternoon, feel the thrill of Queenstown’s ultimate adrenaline experience on the Shotover Jet. Departing from Shotover Beach, glide along the iconic Shotover River, carved over millennia by glacial waters from the Southern Alps. Hold on tight as your jet boat twists, turns, and skims past rugged canyon walls at exhilarating speeds, culminating in the world-famous 360° spin — an unforgettable rush through one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural playgrounds.

Day 5 - Milford Sound Scenic Flight & Nature Cruise
Begin with a private pick-up from your Queenstown accommodation and a pre-flight briefing from your expert pilot. Soar over the rugged beauty of Skippers Canyon, the cinematic Paradise region (featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit), and the majestic Donne Glacier before arriving at the world-famous Milford Sound.

Touch down in the fiord and board the intimate Spirit of Milford catamaran for a nature cruise with a maximum of 150 passengers. Glide into secluded coves, marvel at sheer rock faces, and discover native flora and wildlife with insights from knowledgeable guides.

Your return flight offers sweeping vistas of Fiordland’s alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and the awe-inspiring 580m (1,900ft) Sutherland Falls before landing back in Queenstown, completing a truly unforgettable journey.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 6 - Queenstown - Fox Glacier
Collect your rental car and set off along one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives, past Lake Wanaka, through the Haast Pass, and lush West Coast rainforest. Arrive in the small alpine village of Fox Glacier, where you’ll spend the night.

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 Shotover River, Lake Dunstan and the Clutha River. The lakeside resort town of Wanaka can provide you with an appealing mix of fine living, family fun and adventure. It has a high concentration of cafes, restaurants and interesting shops.

Wanaka to Haast 139 km (87 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours Lake Hawea is the first scenic highlight of your journey, followed closely by the northern end of Lake Wanaka. The famous "bra fence" is impossible to miss, it started as a joke, but it's become a local legend. At the wilderness town of Makarora you can fuel up and refresh before you take on the dramatic twists and turns of the Haast Pass. Enjoy waterfalls and river scenery as you arrive in rainforest country. The settlement of Haast was once a construction camp for the Ministry of Works (the government department responsible for road and bridge building).

Haast to Fox Glacier 122 km (76 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours Just north of Haast is Lake Moeraki, a peaceful forest lake with good fishing, a 40 minute walk takes you to the penguin colony at Monro Beach. Just before Fox Glacier is the western end of the Copland track. The terminal face of Fox Glacier is just 5 kilometres from the township that serves it. The road to the walking track crosses ancient moraine from earlier advances and retreats. Fox Glacier was named after an early New Zealand Prime Minister, William Fox.

ACCOMMODATION - Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s West Coast, Te Weheka Hotel offers a serene retreat with a sense of privacy, yet is just a short stroll from the charming Fox Glacier Village. Each room is elegantly appointed with a private balcony, spacious bedroom, ensuite bathroom, and a comfortable lounge area. Unwind in the inviting lounge by the fireplace, browse the library, or sip a glass of wine while taking in sweeping views of the township and river valley — the perfect alpine escape.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 7 - Fox Glacier - Punakaiki
This morning, explore Fox Glacier at your leisure or consider adding (additional cost applies):

• Flying Fox Helihike
  The fly-in, fly-out helihike combines the excitement of walking on the Fox Glacier with the thrill of helicopter flights. By flying in you are able to access and explore a part of the glacier where its forces work hardest and often create spectacular ice caves and arches. Equipped with leather boots and other equipment, you board the helicopter for your first flight over the pinnacles of the lower icefall. Here, the ice is in constant motion. Take in views of the dramatic upper icefall and Victoria Falls, which is the melt river of the hidden Victoria glacier, before landing. Your landing site on the ice is a remote and exceptionally beautiful part of the glacier. At this stage, your guide outfits you with crampons, specially designed for these ice conditions and you follow the ice steps cut by your guide as you explore the amazing formations and ice caves which are only seen here.

Fox Glacier to Franz Josef 23 km (14 miles) Approximately 0.25 hour The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are unique relics of the last ice age. Mighty rivers of solid white, tumbling down ice-hewn rock valleys, they are classically beautiful in the glacial sense. Nowhere else in the world have glaciers advanced so close to the sea at this latitude. While in the area, you can choose from a wide range of adventure activities.

Hokitika to Greymouth 40 km (25 miles) Approximately 0.5 hour The road between Hokitika and 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. Greymouth has a long gold mining history. It's the largest town on the west coast and is known for its awesome seascapes. The local brewery runs tours or you can catch up with west coast history at the museum. White water rafting, sea kayaking and gold panning are other things to do.

Greymouth to Punakaiki 45 km (28 miles) Approximately 0.5 hour The road to Punakaiki is breathtaking. White capped breakers and rugged rocks on one side, bush-clad mountains on the other side. Punakaiki is famous for its pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes. There are many excellent coastal and inland walks in this area. The pancake rock formations date back about 30 million years. When the tide is right, Punakaiki's blow holes are spectacular.

ACCOMMODATION - Perched on Punakaiki Beach, just steps from the iconic Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki offers a modern retreat amid the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast. Designed to showcase the surrounding ocean and rainforest vistas of Paparoa National Park, each room features warm décor, expansive windows, a refrigerator, tea and coffee facilities, and satellite TV. Relax in the on-site restaurant and bar, taking in the dramatic natural scenery that surrounds this unforgettable coastal escape.

Day 8 - Punakaiki - Nelson
Travel north along the West Coast, through Buller Gorge and past dramatic river valleys, before arriving in Nelson. Known for its sunshine, local artisans, and boutique wineries, Nelson is also the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.

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.

ACCOMMODATION - Set in the heart of Nelson, The Sails Motel offers stylish, modern accommodation with floor-to-ceiling windows and private patios or balconies. Choose from self-contained Studio Suites or One-Bedroom Apartments, each featuring a fully equipped kitchen for ultimate convenience. Just 450 metres from Nelson’s vibrant shops and cafés, a short stroll to Nelson Cathedral, and only an 8-minute drive from the golden sands of Tahunanui Beach, it’s the perfect base for exploring this sunny, creative city.

Day 9 - Abel Tasman National Park Seals & Beach Walk
Set sail along Abel Tasman’s golden coastline, where turquoise waters meet pristine beaches. Spot the playful Tonga Island Seal Colony, then step ashore at Tonga Beach to wander through lush native forest, discover cascading waterfalls, and stroll the sun-drenched sands of Bark Bay. This exclusive journey blends scenic cruising with a private walking adventure, culminating in a return to Kaiteriteri for seamless transfers to Motueka or Nelson — an unforgettable encounter with one of New Zealand’s most enchanting coastal landscapes.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 10 - Nelson to Wellington
Drive east to Picton and return your car. Board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds before crossing Cook Strait to reach Wellington, New Zealand’s creative capital.

Nelson to Picton 145 km (91 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours The drive from Nelson first takes you to the town of Havelock, which is known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s. At Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve you can enjoy a bush walk or a swim, depending on the time of the year. And if you’d like a glimpse of local life in 1890, Rai Valley has a beautifully preserved cottage museum.

Picton to Wellington 8 km (61 miles) Approximately 3 hours The passage across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds is one of the most scenic ferry trips in the world. The fast ferry makes the trip in just over 2 hours, the cruise-style ferry takes 3 hours. Both types of vessel can transport vehicles. Highlights along the way include the Red Rocks seal colony, Tory Channel, Cook’s Lookout and the beautiful coves of the sounds.

ACCOMMODATION - Perched on Wellington’s vibrant waterfront, QT Wellington offers a sophisticated blend of style, art, and comfort. Just steps from Te Papa Museum and the city’s lively dining, shopping, and entertainment districts, the hotel is the perfect base to explore New Zealand’s capital. Inside, contemporary design meets quirky modern art, while elegantly appointed rooms, spacious studios, and suites provide a luxurious retreat after a day of city adventures.

This afternoon Wellington at your leisure or consider adding one of our half day tour options - some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

Day 11 - Half-Day Private Wellington Scenic Tour
Discover the highlights of New Zealand’s vibrant capital on this exclusive 4-hour private tour. Cruise along the waterfront and through Oriental Bay before ascending to Mt Victoria for panoramic city and harbour views. Step into the world of movie magic at the Weta Cave, then ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car. Admire architectural landmarks including The Beehive, Parliament House, and the historic Parliamentary Library, and explore the stunning Old St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival design.

This afternoon, step into New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, where culture, history, and innovation come alive. Discover immersive exhibits on M?ori heritage, natural history, and contemporary art, and experience interactive displays that bring New Zealand’s stories to life. From rare taonga (treasures) to cutting-edge installations, Te Papa offers a captivating journey for all ages, right in the heart of Wellington’s waterfront.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 12 - Wellington to Auckland
Enjoy a short domestic flight north to Auckland. Transfer to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the “City of Sails.”

ACCOMMODATION - Where city meets sea, InterContinental Auckland offers a luxurious harbourfront retreat with sweeping views of the Waitemat? Harbour. Explore the vibrant city centre, immerse yourself in local art, culture, and cuisine, or indulge in the boutiques and fine dining of Commercial Bay. Elegance, comfort, and a prime waterfront location make this the perfect base for discovering Auckland’s cosmopolitan charm.

Day 13 – Full-Day Gourmet Food & Wine Tour – Waiheke Island
Indulge in a full day of culinary delights on Waiheke Island, a paradise for food and wine lovers. Begin with a guided tasting at a boutique vineyard, paired with local treats such as Te Matuku Bay oysters and Waiheke honey. Continue to the award-winning Allpress Estate for an expert olive oil tasting and an introduction to the island’s renowned olive oil craft. Savor a wine and food pairing at a second vineyard before enjoying a relaxed, family-style lunch featuring seasonal flavors in a stunning vineyard setting. Conclude your day at The Heke Distillery, sampling small-batch craft whisky or a glass of local wine in a laid-back atmosphere. Return to Matiatia Wharf or linger in Oneroa Village to explore the island at your leisure.

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 14 - Depart New Zealand
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, regaining the day you lost on the way over.

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

Single Supplement: From $2,950

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

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

• Upgrade to premium economy from $1,250 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.