If you only have ten days, this is the route we recommend. Two nights in Rotorua, a domestic flight south and three nights based in Queenstown, with Milford Sound and Mount Cook woven in.
Family · 10 days
Best of Both Islands
Ten days linking Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Milford — the classic first-time New Zealand itinerary.
10 days Both islands
Trip highlights
Hobbiton and Rotorua
Domestic flight to the South Island
Milford Sound
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Day by day
10 days- 1
Arrive Auckland
Transfer and harbour dinner.
- 2
Auckland → Rotorua
Hobbiton en route, evening at leisure.
- 3
Rotorua
Geothermal and Māori cultural day.
- 4
Fly to Queenstown
Afternoon on the lake.
- 5
Milford Sound
Full-day cruise in Fiordland.
- 6
Queenstown
Free day for adventure or wine.
- 7
Queenstown → Mount Cook
Through the Lindis Pass and Lake Pūkaki.
- 8
Mount Cook → Tekapo
Hooker Valley, then stargazing at Tekapo.
- 9
Tekapo → Christchurch
Canterbury plains and city time.
- 10
Depart Christchurch
Airport transfer.
What's included
- 4-star accommodation
- Domestic flight
- Airport transfers
- Selected activities
- 24/7 local WhatsApp support
Not included
- International flights and visas
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities and personal spending
Make it yours
Enquire about Best of Both Islands
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will come back with a tailored version of this itinerary and an itemised quote within one business day.
+64 27 436 8265
Glen Eden, Auckland
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