Auckland, Wellington & Scenic South - 12 days
Auckland, Wellington & Scenic South - 12 days
12 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
18-
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes and vibrant cities with the "Auckland, Wellington & Scenic South" tour. Begin in Auckland, exploring its iconic sites before heading to Rotorua for a cultural evening at Tamaki Maori Village. Discover Wellington's architectural marvels and cross the Cook Strait to the South Island, where wine tasting in Marlborough and a cruise in Abel Tasman National Park await. Marvel at the Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki and the majestic glaciers in Franz Josef. Experience the serene beauty of Wanaka and the grandeur of Milford Sound. Conclude your adventure in the adventure capital, Queenstown, with memories of breathtaking vistas and unique experiences. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and a mix of included and optional activities, all while being escorted by expert local guides.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: M Social Hotel
Haere mai – Welcome! Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day and your first evening offer free time for you to explore the local area and find somewhere for dinner.
Day 2: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Auckland – Rotorua. This morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Auckland, taking in highlights including the Auckland Museum, quaint Parnell Village and the waterfront. We will also admire the panoramic views from Bastion Point. Then it's on to Rotorua, where we also enjoy a guided sightseeing tour.
This evening we visit Tamaki Maori Village to experience Te Pa Tu. An important date on the Maori lunar calendar, we will feast on local cuisine, sing Maori songs and experience this vibrant culture for ourselves.
Day 3: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree By Hilton Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rotorua – Wellington. Today we enjoy an included visit to Te Puia with a private local guide. This active geothermal site is also the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, as well as being a Kiwi conservation project. Catch a glimpse of New Zealand’s endangered but iconic national emblem.
Our next stop is Lake Tarawera, home to the buried Maori village of Te Wairoa that was devastated by a volcanic eruption in 1886. Now excavated, the village offers an insight into the chaos and destruction of that fateful day.
This afternoon we fly to New Zealand's capital, Wellington. The city clings to steep hillsides and has an iconic harbour at the southern tip of the North Island. We enjoy a city sightseeing tour, taking in the Parliament Building and the famous 'Beehive'.
Day 4: Nelson
Location: Nelson
Accommodation Name: Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wellington – Nelson. Today we embark on one of the world's most scenic ferry rides, as we say goodbye to the North Island and cross the Cook Strait. The boats are often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow wave, a joyful experience. Arriving in Picton on the South Island, we head to Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough wine country. There's included wine tasting at one of the area's best wineries before we complete our journey to the delightful town of Nelson.
Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park
Location: Abel Tasman National Park
Accommodation Name: Rutherford Hotel Nelson
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
We spend today soaking up the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden coves, turquoise lagoons and forest ranges. Since there are few roads in this national park we see the sights of it by boat instead. Boarding a small cruiser at Kaiteriteri we head out to enjoy the scenery with plenty of stops along the way for swimming and exploring on foot. Arriving back in Kaiteriteri after the cruise, you have three options.
Option 1 is to relax in the town of Kaiteriteri at leisure.
Option 2 is to join a shorter 7km (2.5 hour) self-guided walk to fabulous Anchorage Beach.
Option 3 is to join a longer 10.5km (4 hour) self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach including the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing-bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool.
After these activities are completed, we transfer back to Nelson for the evening.
Day 6: Punakaiki
Location: Punakaiki
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Meals Included: Breakfast
Nelson – Punakaiki. Travelling inland from Nelson we head through Nelson Lakes National Park. Take in the rugged peaks, forests and glacial lakes before we make a stop in the quaint village of St Arnaud on the edge of Lake Rotoiti. Heading inland, we follow the incredibly scenic Buller River Gorge to the rugged coast of Punakaiki. This small town is known for its incredible rock formations. Called 'Pancake Rocks, these limestone stacks are an impressive natural feature.
Day 7: Glacier Country
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Punakaiki – Franz Josef – Fox. Leaving Punakaiki behind, we journey along the Great Coast Road, recently voted one of the world's top 10 coastal roads by Lonely Planet. We pass through historic Hokitika and stop at the dramatic Hokitika Gorge to admire the view. Continuing through forests and farmland, passing mountains and the Tasman Sea, we reach the small town of Franz Josef, and finally arrive in the village of Fox.
The enormous Franz Josef and Fox glaciers have carved their way down the Southern Alps to sea level, and our accommodation is located near this incredible natural feature. Weather permitting, join an optional helicopter ride over the Fox glacier, a memorable experience (book and pay locally).
Day 8: Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fox – Wanaka. This morning we visit nearby Lake Matheson for a morning stroll. With Mount Cook as your backdrop and the early morning birds chirping, it's a peaceful and relaxing experience. It's then time to depart, as we make our way over the Haast Pass and into Mount Aspiring National Park. Reaching the pretty resort town of Wanaka, the evening is at leisure. Located on the shore of Lake Wanaka, the town is a delightful place to head out and explore.
Day 9: Wanaka
Location: Wanaka
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.
Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by boat and escape civilisation as we cruise to an island where we hike through vibrant native vegetation to find a hidden mountaintop lake surrounded by small islands. We trek on to reach the island's summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool. Look out for the rare Buff Weka, a flightless bird extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920, which often joins visitors.
Option 2 is a 4WD adventure. We will explore a perfect mix of stunning scenery, history, and farm life in New Zealand's High Country. We will traverse remote back roads on an authentic farm with Lake Wanaka as our backdrop, surrounded by nature's beauty. We get up close to farm animals and visit historical sites, all while enjoying optional hikes through alpine meadows and lakeside forests, offering a unique insight into Wanaka's history, heritage, modern farming, and breathtaking landscapes.
When we return to Wanaka we have the afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy the town.
Day 10: Te Anau
Location: Te Anau
Accommodation Name: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wanaka – Te Anau. It's time to say farewell to Wanaka as we head towards the most southern part of our trip. We stop for a photograph of the famous Cardrona Pub and visit the gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Continuing through the Remarkables mountains and past Lake Wakatipu, we eventually reach our destination. Te Anau is the largest freshwater lake on the South Island and our base for the evening.
Day 11: Milford Sound & Queenstown
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Te Anau – Milford Sound - Queenstown. Our journey to Milford Sound involves passing through Fiordland National Park, one of the most scenic drives of our trip. One of the greatest wildernesses in the Southern Hemisphere, the scenery is punctuated with lofty mountains and deep glacial valleys. We reach Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.
Boarding a comfortable cruiser, we head out onto the waters of Milford Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins, and admire Mitre Peak from the water. Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. Back on dry land, we complete our drive to Queenstown by retracing our steps to Te Anau and then heading north.
Day 12: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our tour ends today after breakfast at the hotel in Queenstown. An included transfer will take you to the airport for your onwards flight.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-star hotels -
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 1 dinner
Enjoy 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner during your tour.
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11 nights 4 star hotels
Stay in 4-star hotels for 11 nights throughout the tour.
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Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 12
Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.
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Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
The tour is escorted by an expert local guide/driver, with specialist local guides at certain sites.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
All transfers and transportation are provided in a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
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Economy class flight from Rotorua - Wellington
An economy class flight from Rotorua to Wellington is included.
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Ferry across the Cook Strait
Enjoy a ferry ride across the Cook Strait.
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Touring of Auckland, Rotorua & Wellington
Guided tours of Auckland, Rotorua, and Wellington are included.
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Te Pa Tu Maori experience
Experience the Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening.
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Te Puia & Lake Terawera visit
Visit Te Puia and Lake Terawera during the tour.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)
Personal items such as telephone calls, laundry, and travel insurance are not included.
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Optional activities
Optional activities are not included in the tour package.
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Tip for your tour guide / driver
Tips for your tour guide/driver are not included.
It is recommended to allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveler.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of modern design and comfort at the M Social Hotel in Auckland, with stunning city or harbour views. Enjoy luxurious stays at Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Regal Palms Resort, and DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington, each offering unique amenities and prime locations. Discover the charm of Rutherford Hotel Nelson, Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, and Distinction Fox Glacier Hotel, all providing modern comforts and breathtaking views. Relax at Edgewater Hotel in Wanaka and Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau, both offering serene retreats with excellent facilities. Finally, unwind at Scenic Suites Queenstown, ideally located for exploring the adventure capital.
Age Policy
18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with airport transfers on arrival and departure days, and enjoy all relevant transfers and transportation in a modern air-conditioned vehicle. Experience an economy class flight from Rotorua to Wellington and a scenic ferry ride across the Cook Strait. The tour includes guided city tours and a Milford Sound cruise, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey through New Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Tamaki Maori Village where you can experience Te Pa Tu, an important date on the Maori lunar calendar. You will feast on local cuisine, sing Maori songs, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Maori culture.
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Are there any wildlife viewing opportunities during the tour?
Yes, during the Milford Sound cruise, you can keep an eye out for seals and dolphins. Additionally, the ferry ride across the Cook Strait often features dolphins riding the bow wave.
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What are the options for activities in Abel Tasman National Park?
In Abel Tasman National Park, you can choose to relax in Kaiteriteri, take a shorter 7km self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach, or opt for a longer 10.5km walk that includes scenic highlights like the South Head lookout and Cleopatra’s Pool.
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What are the included excursions in Wanaka?
In Wanaka, you can choose between an eco tour that includes a boat trip to an island with a hike to a mountaintop lake, or a 4WD adventure exploring remote back roads, farm life, and historical sites with optional hikes.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 11 nights in 4-star hotels, such as the M Social Hotel in Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, and DoubleTree By Hilton Wellington, among others, offering modern amenities and comfortable stays.
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Is there a guided tour of any major cities included?
Yes, the tour includes guided sightseeing tours of Auckland, Rotorua, and Wellington, where you will visit key attractions such as the Auckland Museum, the Parliament Building, and the 'Beehive'.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.