Auckland To Christchurch Tour

When you touch down in the city of Auckland, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, choose from a range of activities and start exploring the city.

Leave Auckland behind this morning as you cross the city’s Harbour Bridge and make your way along the Hibiscus Coast. Visit the Kauri Museum in the village of Matakohe and learn about the pioneering history of the region. 

Afterwards, continue your journey to the Bay of Islands, with one last stop to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which once saw the signing of the treaty between the British and Māori people. Explore the Waitangi Treaty House, Māori Meeting House and War Canoe, then continue onwards to Copthorne Hotel, your base for the next two nights. 

Today is all about discovering the stunning Bay of Islands. Get a taste of some of its 144 islands as you choose how you want to experience the region. Set out of a Cape Reinga Day tour and travel along the Ninety Mile Beach, or perhaps take to the water aboard the R. Tucker Thompson, a traditional gaff-rigged schooner. 

Spend your morning aboard a cruise boat exploring Cape Brett and the iconic Hole in the Rock. When you reach solid ground again, leave the Bay of Islands behind and enjoy the coach journey back to Auckland. 

Settle back into Auckland’s Grand Millennium Hotel, where you’ll spend the night, and enjoy a special dinner. 

Head to the village of Waitomo this morning for a guided tour of its underground limestone cave system and awe-inspiring Glowworm Caves, lit up by enchanting glowworms.  

Journey onwards to the town of Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal activity, and get ready to immerse yourself in authentic Māori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hangi feast, accompanied by song and dance performances. 

After a delicious dinner, spend tonight at Rotorua’s Millennium Hotel. 

Today, experience the best of the city as you make your choice of activities. Take the weight off your feet and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in mud from the geothermal region that surrounds the city, or explore the Te Puia Thermal Reserve. 

Spend another night at Millennium Hotel or opt for a Country Home stay tonight.

Set out on the journey from Rotorua to the city of Wellington today. Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway, gazing out of your window at the passing magnificent views of Wairakei Steam Valley. Visit the stunning Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before reaching Wellington.

Settle in and spend the night at Wellington’s Intercontinental Hotel.

Once again, today you’ll have the choice of how to spend your day. Explore the city of Wellington on a highlights tour, or discover some of the iconic places behind the Lord of the Rings films on a wonderful Lord of the Rings tour.

This evening is yours to sample some of Wellington’s best restaurants, before resting your head at the Intercontinental Hotel once more.

Today, you’ll leave New Zealand’s North Island behind as you step aboard the Interislander ferry. Take in the majestic views as the ferry crosses the Cook Strait and cruises through the Marlborough Sounds, arriving on the South Island at Picton.

Your first stop on the stunning South Island is Kaikoura, a fishing town famous for its whale watching. Continue your journey and arrive at Christchurch, before spending the night at the Commodore Hotel.

As you leave Christchurch, get ready to embark on one of the world’s most incredible rail journeys. Board the TranzAlpine train, sit back and enjoy the spectacular vistas that pass you by; gorges, rivers, valleys and the peaks of the breath-taking Southern Alps.

When you reach Arthurs Pass, leave the train behind and continue the journey to Franz Josef by coach, then spend your night at the wonderful, eco-hotel of Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

Today, you’ll travel from Franz Josef to Queenstown. Follow along the Hasst River and soak up the views of the Haast River Valley. Formed by glaciers, the valley boast vistas of breath-taking peaks, tumbling waterfalls and verdant rainforest.

When you arrive in Queenstown, choose from a variety of incredible dining experiences for dinner, then spend the first of two nights at Novotel Lakeside.

Choose how you want to experience this exciting city today. You might like to take a Shotover Jet Boat ride across river canyons, or indulge in a winery sightseeing experience and try some of Central Otago’s finest wines.

As evening sets in, take your pick from Queenstown’s culinary scene with a delicious dinner in the city.

Experience the wonder of Milford Sound today. Enjoy the journey from Queenstown, soaking up the stunning views as the drive takes you down Eglinton Valley and Hollyford Valley and through the Homer Tunnel, with the sight of the mighty Mitre Peak awaiting you.

When you reach Milford Sound, experience this magnificent fjord in all its glory as you cruise across its waters.

Afterwards, take to the road once more and enjoy the drive to Te Anau and check into your hotel, Distinction Te Anau, your home for the night.

Say goodbye to the stunning Fiordland region this morning and journey to Dunedin. Pass by the South Island’s beautiful rolling countryside, and arrive on the east coast in the city of Dunedin.

When you reach Dunedin, choose how you wish to spend your afternoon. You might like to visit New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, or journey along the Taieri Gorge Railway into rugged countryside.

This evening, relax as you spend your night at Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.

Take to the road this morning and travel along the coast. Make a stop to marvel at the Moeraki Boulders, impressive large spheres boulders that lay along Koekohe Beach, then carry on to Mount Cook National Park.

Home to Mount Cook, the tallest mountain in Australasia, this national park is yours to explore how you wish today. You might like to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or set out on a guided nature walk and take in the majesty of the mountain.

After a day of exploring, spend tonight at Hermitage Hotel.

Leave the towering Mount Cook behind today and make the journey to the beautiful Lake Tekapo. Stop off at the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, which sits on the lakeshores and is built from locally-gathered stone as a tribute to the region’s early pioneers.

After exploring the church and taking in the stunning views across the lake, board your coach once again and continue onto New Zealand’s Canterbury region. Spend the last night of your New Zealand adventure in Christchurch’s Rydges Latimer hotel. Rest up and reflect on this incredible journey.

Spend one last morning relaxing or exploring at your leisure before being driven to the airport to catch your flight home. Alternatively, you may wish to continue your adventure. Your Hayes & Jarvis Destination Specialist will be able to help guide you.