New Zealand touring ideas

This 14 day itinerary ensures you get to experience the essential must see destinations of each island. From the City of Sails to the golden sand beaches of the Coromandel and the adventure and culture of Rotorua, the wine regions of Napier and the capital of Wellington. Cross to the South Island and its rugged mountains, glaciers and lakes. A true classic driving tour, perfect to customise to your ideal holiday.

This 9 day scenic route will give you a wonderful introduction to the natural wonders of the South Island. Visit its two largest cities of Christchurch and Dunedin, Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook National Park and Milford Sound. Then Queenstown's excitement and adventure before heading north to the unique West Coast Glacier region. Finally cross the Southern Alps on board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train back to Christchurch. A fitting end to your  South Island holiday.

Explore the cities and scenery of both the North and South Islands on this extensive 21 day tour.  In the North Island you’ll travel to the Maori cultural centre of Rotorua, pass the volcanic World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park and visit our two largest cities.  After crossing to the South Island on the scenic Interisland Ferry, your itinerary takes you on a circuit of spectacular scenery.  Highlights include the wildlife mecca of Kaikoura, Mt Cook National Park, the West Coast glaciers and a cruise on the pristine Milford Sound, just to name a few of the destinations you have to look forward to.

Travel through the heart of the North Island on this short 'highlights' New Zealand self-drive tour. From Auckland journey south through the Waikato countryside to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand. It’s then on to the Art Deco city of Napier in the Hawkes Bay, home to New Zealand’s oldest vineyards.  The final leg of your whirlwind tour of the North Island takes you past sheep farms and wineries as you travel through the Wairarapa region to your final destination, the capital city of Wellington.

From Christchurch this tour takes you along the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park. It’s then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.  Continue south to Te Anau and Milford Sound for you Real Journeys Nature Cruise, then to the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown where you have time to enjoy the countless activities on offer here and explore the natural beauty of the region. On your return to Christchurch you journey up the West Coast, with the highlight being the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers which you can experience during a heli-hike or scenic flight if you choose.  You’ll return to Christchurch aboard the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train.

Explore the highlights of Middle Earth and the spectacular scenery made famous in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. You’ll enjoy visiting some of the filming locations for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings movies. See Hobbiton Village. Drive through the Canterbury high country around Mt. Potts and Mt. Sunday, also known as Edoras. Driving through the Mackenzie country, near Mt Cook National Park, you’ll recognise many of the scenes and backdrops from the movies. And in Queenstown you’ll experience a half day Nomad Safari of the Scenes tour, visiting remarkable locations such as Forest of Lothlorien and the Ithilien Camp.  

From Wellington take the stunning journey on the Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton where you’ll follow the Pacific Ocean coast south through the marine wildlife mecca of Kaikoura to Christchurch.  After 2 nights in Christchurch you’ll cross the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps and Mt. Cook National Park.  The final leg of your travels takes you to the alpine resort of Queenstown.

Travelling through the heart of the country you’ll journey past an incredible diversity of New Zealand landscapes and scenery.  From the North Island’s rich Maori culture and modern cosmopolitan cities you’ll venture south crossing the Cook Strait to the mountains, alpine lakes and glaciers of the South Island.  This tour is also flexible enough to add additional days onto if you have extra time.

Embark on a journey of Middle Earth and New Zealand. Visit official sites used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, whilst visiting some of New Zealand's most stunning attractions including glowworm caves, active geysers, dramatic mountains and deep fiords.

Explore the North Island's major visitor cities from Auckland, City of Sails, to Rotorua, the art deco city of Napier and the coolest little capital in the world, Wellington City. Return to Auckland on board the Northern Explorer scenic train. A great value tour with plenty of time to self explore the regions.