A complete first taste of Aotearoa. You will travel from Auckland's harbours to Rotorua's geothermal valleys, fly south to Queenstown, wake up beside Lake Wānaka and finish in the garden city of Christchurch. Every transfer, stay and signature experience is arranged for you, with a local team on WhatsApp the whole way.
Family · 12 days
New Zealand Best Heaven
Our signature 12-day journey through both islands — geothermal Rotorua, the Southern Alps, Wānaka and Queenstown, finishing in Christchurch.
12 days Both islandsSignature journey
Trip highlights
Auckland city and harbour introduction
Rotorua geothermal valleys and Māori culture
Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu
Wānaka and the Southern Alps
Christchurch and the Canterbury plains
Domestic flight between islands included
Day by day
12 days- 1
Arrive Auckland
Private transfer, harbour-side welcome dinner and a gentle first evening.
- 2
Auckland → Rotorua
Drive south through the Waikato, with a stop at Hobbiton on the way.
- 3
Rotorua
Geothermal park, a Māori cultural evening and a hāngī dinner.
- 4
Rotorua → Taupō
Huka Falls, lake time and an optional soak in the hot pools.
- 5
Fly to Queenstown
Domestic flight south, then an easy afternoon on Lake Wakatipu.
- 6
Queenstown
Free day for jet boating, the gondola or a winery lunch.
- 7
Milford Sound
Full-day journey into Fiordland with a nature cruise.
- 8
Queenstown → Wānaka
Drive over the Crown Range, stopping at the Cardrona Valley.
- 9
Wānaka
Lake walks, the famous lone tree and optional scenic flight.
- 10
Wānaka → Aoraki / Mount Cook
Past Lake Pūkaki to the Hooker Valley and a dark-sky evening.
- 11
Mount Cook → Christchurch
Through Lake Tekapo and the Canterbury plains to the city.
- 12
Depart Christchurch
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
What's included
- 4-star accommodation
- Domestic flight between islands
- Airport transfers
- Sightseeing and activities as listed
- All meals
- 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 New Zealand Best Heaven
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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