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Road Trip: South to North Island

15 Days from $5,290 USD / person

Experience a stunning natural playground on your custom New Zealand road trip! Starting from vibrant Christchurch, explore glaciers, fjords, and towering mountains at scenic South Island. Drive on to the sunny North Island for wildlife adventures, Maori cultural excursions, relaxation, and world-class wines!

Do you wish to add more exclusive experiences, unique accommodations, or destinations to this tour? Our experts are happy to customize this sample itinerary to your tastes. Get in touch with us to start planning!

Your Vacation. Your Way.

This itinerary can be customized for you. Get in touch with our experts for your personalized vacation plan.

Ideal For

Nature & Landscapes

Wildlife & Safaris

Sample Itinerary

Day

Place

Hotel Opts

1 – 2

Christchurch
Highlights: English Heritage, Maori Art & Culture, Southern Alps

The Classic Villa
The George

2 – 3

Greymouth
Highlights: Diverse Landscapes, Paparua National Park, Shantytown

Kingsgate Greymouth
The Ashley Hotel

3 – 4

Franz Josef Glacier
Highlights: Natural Wonders, Outdoor Activities, Heli-hiking & Glacier Flights

Holly Homestead (B & B)
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

4 – 6

Queenstown
Highlights: Dramatic Landscapes, Adventure Sports, Milford Sound Fjord

Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown

6 – 7

Mount Cook
Highlights: Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mount Cook Mountain, Hiking and Mountaineering

Mt Cook Lodge and Motels
The Hermitage Hotel

7 – 8

Christchurch
Highlights: English Heritage, Maori Art & Culture, Southern Alps

The Classic Villa
The George

8 – 9

Kaikoura
Highlights: Marine Life & Birds, Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, Crayfish & Seafood

Lobster Inn Motor Lodge
Lemon Tree Lodge

9 – 11

Wellington
Highlights: Art & Culture, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, Mount Victoria

Travelodge Wellington
Sofitel Wellington

11 – 12

Napier
Highlights: Art Deco Buildings, Wine & Food, National Aquarium

Art Deco Masonic Hotel
McHardy Lodge

12 – 14

Rotorua
Highlights: Wellness & Relaxation, Adventure Sports, Te Wairoa Village

Robertson House (B & B)
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

14 – 15

Auckland
Highlights: Volcanic Peaks & Black Sand Beaches, Maori Culture, Food & Wine

Auckland City Hotel
M Social Auckland

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Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 2

1 Night

Christchurch

Christchurch is a vibrant city with a rich English heritage nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordered by the Waimakariri River and the Pegasus Bay. With innovative architecture, public installations such as the 185 Chairs, and international street art, Christchurch is undergoing an extraordinary urban regeneration. Explore Quake City, a space that showcases the aftermath of Canterbury’s recent earthquakes, Māori galleries that contain some beautiful pounamu (greenstone) pieces, and the International Antarctic Center with its interactive and educational exhibits. Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer delightful green spaces within the city. Not to be missed is the hop-on-hop-off loop tram, a fun ride infused with commentary, to navigate the city’s highlights. For a more leisurely experience, go punting on the Avon River, passing through the heart of Christchurch, and sit back and relax on a gondola ride that offers stunning vantages of the Canterbury Plains, the Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps beyond!

Hotel options

The Classic Villa – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

The George – Opt 2

Room Executive Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 2 – 3

1 Night

Greymouth

The stretch of land comprising Greymouth, Punakaiki, and Westport, situated along the West Coast of South Island, is a treasure trove of natural resources. Explore the diverse geographical features of this region, from snow-capped mountains to rainforests and from beaches to rivers to limestone formations. Visit the Paparua National Park near Punakaiki and the famous pancake rocks with winding walkways and “blowholes”. Greymouth is the largest town on the West Coast with spellbinding views of the Southern Alps. Visit Monteith’s Brewery here, one of New Zealand’s oldest, and Shantytown, a recreated 1900s gold mining town. Among places of interest at Westport are the coal museum, Hawk’s Crag canyon and cliff and Lake Rochfort.

Hotel options

Kingsgate Greymouth – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

The Ashley Hotel – Opt 2

Room Superior Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 3 – 4

1 Night

Franz Josef Glacier

Welcome to glacier country! Explore Franz Josef (also Waiau), a small township perched alongside the Waiho river that serves as a gateway to the majestic Franz Josef Glacier. Surrounded by dense rainforests, secret waterfalls, suspension bridges, and tartare tunnels with glow worms, Franz Josef is a treasure trove of natural wonders, making it an ideal base to enjoy numerous outdoor activities. The area’s stunning beauty can be enjoyed through a number of ways – Scenic flights and heli-hikes over the West Coast glaciers, kayak tours on Lake Mapourika, glacier valley walks and more. Unwind at the natural hot pools found around the region. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the West Coast Wildlife Center which prides itself on its conservation efforts of the Rowi and the Haast tokoeka, two of the most endangered Kiwi species in the world.

Hotel options

Holly Homestead (B & B) – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier – Opt 2

Room Standard Room -Graham Wing

Meals Breakfast

Style Lodge

Day 4 – 6

2 Nights

Queenstown

Queenstown is where adventure seekers head out to for a shot of adrenalin! The region’s dramatic landscape is wrapped around the scenic lakes, velvety mountains and valleys of the Southern Alps. Summer or winter, there’s always plenty to do along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and the slopes of the Coronet Peak. Arguably the bungee jumping and skydiving capital of the world, get ready to plunge down bridges, planes and hill tops. The fiord of Milford Sound, home to the rare black coral, seal colonies, penguins, dolphins and the Mitre Peak, is not too far away. Kayaking along Lake Wakatipu, camping at the Routeburn Track, jet-boating down the Shotover and Dart rivers, and skiing down Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are some of the city’s popular pastimes. Queenstown also forms a base for exploring South Island’s other adventure destinations, charming vineyards and old mining settlements around Wanaka, Glenorchy and Arrowtown.

Included activities

Group Milford Sound Nature Tour by Coach and Boat

Soak in the natural beauty of the Milford Sound area with this coach tour and cruise. Set off from Queenstown in a comfortable glass-roofed coach, passing along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to move past the southern farmlands toward Lake Te Anau. Stretch your legs with a morning tea break before journeying on to Fiordland National Park. Make use of the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the panoramic landscape along Milford Road. Enjoy splendid views as you go across the main divide of the Southern Alps through the Homer Tunnel, a passage carved into solid rock, which lets you pass under the mountains. Step aboard a cruise boat in Milford to savor superb views of the spectacular mountain range from the water. Cruise along passing by forested cliffs where majestic waterfalls gush down hundreds of meters into the fiord. Watch out for seals, penguins, and dolphins frolicking in the calm waters of the fiord. Relish a delicious boxed lunch as the boat sails past the magnificent scenery before disembarking to board the coach for your journey back to your hotel. (Time of Day: 0645/0720 hrs; Duration: 12 hrs; Box Lunch included; Shared Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Hotel options

Heartland Hotel Queenstown – Opt 1

Room Standard Room with A/C

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Hotel St Moritz Queenstown – Opt 2

Room Alpine Suite Garden View

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 6 – 7

1 Night

Mount Cook

Explore Mount Cook, a picturesque village tucked at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. This dramatic alpine landscape is bestowed with spectacular glacier lakes, rivers, meadows, and valleys that entertain horse treks, dinghy cruises, fishing trips, 4×4 drives, and scenic flights with glacier landings. The numerous trails, from the Hooker Valley track to the Tasman Valley lookout and the trek to Mueller Hut are a treat for both beginner hikers and seasoned mountaineers. Accessible via the scenic State Highway 80, majestic snow capped mountain vistas of the Southern Alps beckon. The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center offers a glimpse into the region while the historic Old Mountaineers Lodge provides locally sourced, organic, and free-range produce. As part of the Aoraki International Dark Sky Reserve, Mount Cook also offers wonderful opportunities to marvel at the constellations!

Hotel options

Mt Cook Lodge and Motels – Opt 1

Room Motel Studio

Meals Breakfast

Style Lodge

The Hermitage Hotel – Opt 2

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 7 – 8

1 Night

Christchurch

Christchurch is a vibrant city with a rich English heritage nestled on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, bordered by the Waimakariri River and the Pegasus Bay. With innovative architecture, public installations such as the 185 Chairs, and international street art, Christchurch is undergoing an extraordinary urban regeneration. Explore Quake City, a space that showcases the aftermath of Canterbury’s recent earthquakes, Māori galleries that contain some beautiful pounamu (greenstone) pieces, and the International Antarctic Center with its interactive and educational exhibits. Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer delightful green spaces within the city. Not to be missed is the hop-on-hop-off loop tram, a fun ride infused with commentary, to navigate the city’s highlights. For a more leisurely experience, go punting on the Avon River, passing through the heart of Christchurch, and sit back and relax on a gondola ride that offers stunning vantages of the Canterbury Plains, the Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Alps beyond!

Hotel options

The Classic Villa – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

The George – Opt 2

Room Executive Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 8 – 9

1 Night

Kaikoura

Enjoy delightful wildlife encounters, and crayfish delicacies at the dreamy coastal city of Kaikōura. Sitting on a dramatic peninsula, Kaikōura boasts a superb location between the snow capped Kaikōura mountain range and the Pacific Ocean. The Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, dotted with whaling sites and historic pā (Māori defensive terrace), offers stunning cliff top vistas from various viewpoints. Get up close to whales, fur seals, and dolphins in the coastal waters, or enjoy birdwatching tours and sheep shearing shows. The state-of-the-art Kaikōura Museum showcases the region’s diverse culture and is a hub of events and exhibitions. Located on the city’s outskirts is the Lavender Farm that cultivates over 50 varieties of lavender! One can experience the region’s pioneering whaling history at the pink Fyffe House, Kaikōura’s oldest surviving building!

Included activities

Group Aerial Whale Watching Tour

Fasten your seatbelt as you take off from Kaikoura airfield on this half hour flight over the Pacific Ocean to spot marine creatures in their natural habitat. Get a bird’s eye view of giant sperm whales diving into the depths of the ocean before surfacing again above the water. Watch from your vantage spot in the air as hundreds of dolphins frolic playfully in the vast sea. Enjoy panoramic views of the expansive ocean and the majestic mountains from the window seat in a four-seater Cessna 172 or an eight-seater Gippsland Aeronautics Airvan. If you are lucky, you may be able to catch a glimpse of some of the less frequent visitors to the area such as humpback, blue whales, orca, and southern bottlenose whales, as well southern right whale dolphins and other similar species. (Duration: 30-minute flight; Fitness Level: Easy; Shared Activity; Please note that all whale watching flights are dependent on weather conditions and there may be cancellations in the event of inclement weather, maintenance requirements, or any other safety concerns. Whale sightings are not guaranteed and refunds will not be issued if there is no sighting made. The maximum weight limit per passenger is 297 pounds (135 kg) and check-in is 15 minutes prior to the scheduled flight time.)

Hotel options

Lobster Inn Motor Lodge – Opt 1

Room Deluxe Studio

Meals Breakfast

Style Guest house

Lemon Tree Lodge – Opt 2

Room Garden View Suite

Meals Breakfast

Style Homestay

Day 9 – 11

2 Nights

Wellington

Discover Wellington, a cosmopolitan harbor city brimming with art, culture, entertainment, and natural wonders. Wellington is also home to the protected Matiu/Somes Island reserve, and the Zealandia Ecosanctuary that conserves rare native flora and fauna including the ancient-looking tuatara! Explore the city’s wooded hillsides, swanky bays, and golden sand beaches that provide for great watersports adventures and leisure activities. As the country’s moviemaking hub, Wellington offers exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, theater shows, workshops, studio visits, and screening of old-time classics at restored cinemas. World-class coffee and craft beer dominate the food culture at bohemian markets, gourmet streets, and waterfront neighborhoods. A variety of interactive exhibits and immersive museums showcase contemporary Māori and Pasifika art experiences. Take a ride up Wellington’s historic cable car to Kelburn and stroll down the Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway that affords panoramic vistas of the city.

Hotel options

Travelodge Wellington – Opt 1

Room Guest Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Sofitel Wellington – Opt 2

Room Classic Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

Day 11 – 12

1 Night

Napier

A peaceful seaside town, Napier stands on Hawke’s Bay by the coast of New Zealand’s North Island. This seaport is best known for its resilient comeback following a devastating earthquake in the 1930s. Redeveloped according to the design and architecture prevalent at the time, the city displays a number of iconic Art Deco building and structures. Savor the flavors offered by some of New Zealand’s best regional eateries and wineries, especially around the cliffs of Cape Kidnappers, which is also a destination for golfers. The National Aquarium of New Zealand with its marine exhibits and underwater tunnel is worth a visit, as is the statue of the Maori maiden by the waterfront.

Included activities

Group Food and Wine Experience in Napier

Get a firsthand look at the process involved in crafting the finest wines that Hawke’s Bay is renowned for. Listen to your wine specialist explain how the art of making wine is a science that begins right from nurturing the vines. Interact with winery owners and vintners to learn about their passion and dedication in producing award winning wines. Sample some excellent wine to discover the distinguishing features of each based on finer details such as aroma and flavor. Hawke’s Bay’s excellent soil and climatic conditions are perfect for the cultivation of various other produce such as vegetables, cheese, and bread. Gain insights into the techniques used to bring forth these epicurean delights by conversing with the enthusiastic people dedicated to the tasks. (Shared Activity; Half Day; Time of Day: 0930 hrs; Fitness Level: Easy)

Hotel options

Art Deco Masonic Hotel – Opt 1

Room Art Deco Studio

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

McHardy Lodge – Opt 2

Room Deluxe Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

Day 12 – 14

2 Nights

Rotorua

From geothermal wonders at Kuirau Park located within the city center, to fumaroles, bubbling mud pools, and the pastel silica terraces of the Wai o Tapu valley, Rotorua is a haven for wellness enthusiasts. This town, situated in North Island is an active lifestyle destination for outdoor adventures, holistic excursions, and cultural encounters, thanks to its fantastic surroundings around a natural crater lake. Whakarewarewa, a living geothermal village with hundreds of hot springs, and the famous Pōhutu geyser, also offers Māori cultural experiences including a traditional hāngi feast, Tā moko tattoo art, and local handicrafts. Enjoy loop walks around Lake Tikitapu, long hikes to the Rainbow Mountains, tree canopy boardwalks, ziplining, fantastic mountain biking trails in redwood forests, and rafting on the Class 5 rapids of Kaituna river, among others. Amid all the action, explore urban parks, working farms, native bird conservation centers, the historic buried village of Te Wairoa, and Mount Ngongotaha that affords a bird’s eye view of the Bay of Plenty in North Island!

Included activities

Group Maori Art and Culture Experience at Te Po

Witness indigenous art and craftwork up close on this evening tour in Rotorua. Start off from your hotel early in the evening with one of Te Puia’s best known local experts. Begin your tour at local weaving and carving schools where you can see pupils at work under the tutelage of master weavers and carvers. Afterwards you can visit some of regions award-winning galleries to see products on display and have each explained to you in as much detail as you wish. Also visit Kiwi House to view New Zealand’s famous flightless bird from up close! Next on your itinerary is a visit to unique natural wonders in the area, including geysers and mud pools. Relax for a while and then continue on to Te Keketanga-a-Rangi (Heavenly Origins), a beautiful space where twelve carved structures reach skyward. This is where you can truly experience Maori culture and traditions, listening to tales and legends of the past and then gathering at the gateway of the marae or sacred site. Be welcomed in traditional Maori style and witness typical ceremonies such as a warrior’s challenge and a ‘kapa haka’ artistic performance as well. (Half Day; Shared Activity; Time of Day: 1630 hrs; Travel time: 30 mins; )

Personalized Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Set off from The Shires Rest Café on this fascinating exploration of the magical movie set that has been immortalized in the blockbuster movies, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Drive across the sprawling sheep farm as you savor stunning views of the Kaimai Ranges that formed the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in the movie series. Accompany your guide in the footsteps of your favorite characters as you explore the Hobbit holes, the mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. Listen to the narration of how the scenic farmland was transformed into The Shire. Click plenty of photos of your memorable time spent in Middle Earth. As you wind up your tour, you could stop at the inn to refresh yourself with some of the specially brewed beverages on offer. Follow your guide back to the café from where you can head to The Shire Store and browse to your heart’s content through the collectibles on display. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Hotel options

Robertson House (B & B) – Opt 1

Room Blue Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Homestay

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel – Opt 2

Room Pool View Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Boutique

Day 14 – 15

1 Night

Auckland

Experience Auckland, a stunning natural playground and melting pot of cultures with a strong Māori influence. Straddling natural harbors on the Hauraki Gulf and the Tasman Sea, Auckland sits on a volcanic isthmus flanked by contrasting coastlines. From volcanic peaks, lush native canopies and black sand beaches, to hip entertainment districts, contemporary art scenes and gourmet experiences, there’s something for everyone in this populous waterfront city, the largest in New Zealand! The city also entertains adrenaline seekers at the iconic sky tower while rugby fans can catch an All Blacks’ match the country’s biggest stadium, Eden Park. Relax in the laid-back neighborhoods or head out to explore the series of walking paths that present spectacular vantages of the Auckland region. Short ferry rides away, the nearby islands are home to boutique vineyards, wineries, olive groves, rainforests, and reserves. Enjoy tranquil island vistas with a plethora of sailboats on the east, and the Waitakere Ranges with rugged black sand beaches and farmlands on the west.

Hotel options

Auckland City Hotel – Opt 1

Room Standard Room

Meals Breakfast

Style Heritage

M Social Auckland – Opt 2

Room Social View Room

Meals Breakfast

Style International

What Our Guests Say

Our experience with enchanting travels was absolutely out of this world. We utilized their services to plan our honeymoon to New Zealand and boy, did they deliver!! Rebecca, went above and beyond to ensure we were truly happy with our itinerary and that It included a good balance of excursions as well as relaxing on our trip. She was receptive to any questions or feedback we had. Our travel liaison, Emma, was there every step of our trip to make sure we were comfortable, never lost, and always had the answers to any of our questions. This trip was truly the trip of a lifetime and a bucket list trip for my husband and I. We would not hesitate to utilize their services for another trip and we would definitely recommend them to any of our friends and family.

Nicole Rapp

USA

I have had experience planning group trips with dear friends and this was by far the most well planned trip I have had the pleasure of putting together. Kelly and Megan listened to all of our ideas and requests and followed through on every front. Knowing that our trip coordinator, Megan Cena was double checking all of our hotels and activities a couple of days before arrival made a huge difference. We were expected at all of the arranged accommodations, no surprises! The quality of the private small group tours we participated in was exceptional. The tour guides were top-notch. We traveled by bus, train,ferry, airplane and luxury van and every piece of our trip went beautifully. Also, one ferry was cancelled and Enchanting Travels was working right away to get us on the next ferry. Having contact with Megan throughout our trip was another plus- she would write every night to ask how that day had gone. A wonderful vacation!

Patty Molten

USA

Enchanting Travels has again organized and supported a fantastic trip for us. I highly recommend them, especially if you are venturing into unknown countries where English is not the primary language.

Jessica Anne Gourlay-Langlois

Canada

Enchanting Travels was awesome! They tailored the perfect trip for my husband and I. I highly recommend!

Sydney Cannon

USA

The one thing that has always stopped me from planning a trip was time! A massive thank you to Rose for being absolutely amazing, patient and flexible with my busy schedule! I had such an amazing time and Rose made sure all my requirements for a holiday was met! There was fun and adventure, and also relaxation and scenic. I will definitely be booking another trip through Enchanting Travels again!

Regina Hong

Australia

Enchanting Travels met or exceeded all our expectations.

Jack Brent Allen

USA

Road Trip: South to North Island

Your Vacation. Your Way.

Ideal For

Sample Itinerary

Thank You for Inquiring

Thank You for Inquiring

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – 2

Day 2 – 3

Day 3 – 4

Day 4 – 6

Day 6 – 7

Day 7 – 8

Day 8 – 9

Day 9 – 11

Day 11 – 12

Day 12 – 14

Day 14 – 15

Christchurch

Greymouth

Franz Josef Glacier

Queenstown

Mount Cook

Christchurch

Kaikoura

Wellington

Napier

Rotorua

Auckland

Price & Inclusions

Option 1

Option 2

Price Includes

Not Included

What Our Guests Say

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