New Zealand: 9-Day Private Tour with 14-16 Activities
MacKenzie District, Queenstown
Activity
Official tickets via GetYourGuide
Embark on this 9 day tour offering perfect blend of daily travel to many of top attractions in New Zealand, with included transfer flight, optional must-do activities, and hotels. Finish at Auckland.
This 9-day, 8-night private tour begins in Queenstown and finishes in Auckland, ideal for travelers seeking a relaxed yet comprehensive New Zealand itinerary.
Highlights
- Discover many of New Zealand's top attractions at a relaxed pace over nine days
- Explore Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set, a Māori village, Rotorua, and Christchurch
- Visit Kaikōura or Akaroa, Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook, and Queenstown
- Experience Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, then visit Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- Avoid the stress of long drives and complex planning
Description
This signature tour offers a well-balanced schedule covering key attractions on both New Zealand’s South and North Islands. It includes a transfer flight ticket and optional activities with luxury accommodation choices. The itinerary is designed to maximize experience without the need to plan or drive extensively.
You will enjoy the flexibility to select from numerous renowned activities, ensuring a varied experience. The tour is conducted in a private vehicle with an expert guide-driver dedicated to your group.
The journey begins in Queenstown and ends in Auckland, covering iconic locations across the country.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Queenstown - Cruise Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound - Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour - Overnight in Te Anau
- Day 2: Te Anau - Explore Queenstown City: Queenstown Gardens, Lake Wakatipu, central streets, jet boating, Queenstown Gondola with luge rides
- Day 3: Queenstown - Lindis Pass - Lake Pukaki - Aoraki Mount Cook (Hooker Valley and/or Tasman Glacier View Track) - Scenic Helicopter Ride - Lake Tekapo - Stargazing at Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
- Day 4: Lake Tekapo - Castle Hill - Arthur's Pass National Park - Otira Viaduct - TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch - Overnight in Christchurch
- Day 5: Christchurch - Choose between Kaikōura (guided kayaking or whale watching) or Akaroa (nature cruise and alpaca farm visit) - Return to Christchurch
- Day 6: Optional visit to International Antarctic Centre, punting on Avon River near Christchurch Botanical Garden, or tram sightseeing - Transfer flight to Auckland - Drive to Rotorua - Explore Eat Street
- Day 7: Rotorua: Agrodome and Polynesian Spa or river rafting, geothermal sites and Māori cultural experience with traditional Hangi feast
- Day 8: Redwoods Treewalk - Hobbiton Movie Set tour - Travel to Auckland
- Day 9: Auckland: Mount Eden, Auckland Museum, CBD, Buddhist Temple, One Tree Hill, and choice of Muriwai, Piha, or Long Bay Beach - Tour concludes in Auckland
Includes
- Private transportation with WiFi on board
- Packaged water bottles, snacks, and chocolates
- Use of charging cables and rain gear
- Guide-driver exclusively for your group
- Standard economy transfer flight ticket from Christchurch to Auckland
- Optional entry tickets to 14-16 attractions, including:
- Auckland Museum
- Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Māori Cultural Experience at Rotorua
- Redwoods Treewalk
- Farm experience and hot tub or river rafting in Rotorua
- International Antarctic Centre or punting/tram sightseeing in Christchurch
- Alpaca Farm Tour and nature cruise at Akaroa
- Guided kayaking or whale watching in Kaikōura
- TranzAlpine train ride
- Stargazing at Lake Tekapo
- Scenic helicopter ride at Mount Cook National Park
- Milford Sound cruise
- Glowworm Caves tour at Te Anau
- Gondola with luge and jet boating ticket at Queenstown
- Alternatives offered if activity is canceled or unavailable
- Optional accommodation for eight nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast, subject to availability and season
Excludes
- Meals and drinks, except for eight breakfasts if accommodation is booked
- Travel insurance
- Anything not listed in the inclusions
Important Information
- Travelers should arrange comprehensive travel insurance
- After booking, the supplier will contact you to confirm preferences
- With the ticket option, activities can be swapped for alternatives such as skydiving, wine tasting, golf, horse trekking, scenic flights, swimming with dolphins, glacier hiking, spa treatments, or ziplining, subject to availability and route feasibility
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book early and bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any personal essentials for outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes Queenstown, Christchurch, Rotorua, and Auckland, covering both South and North Islands.
You will have a private guide-driver who provides transportation and commentary throughout the itinerary.
Yes, the itinerary includes a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata.
Private transportation with a guide-driver is included, eliminating the need to self-drive.
Yes, the tour features a cruise on Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound as one of its activities.
Yes, a guided tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves is included in the itinerary.
Check the official tour website for the most up-to-date hours and activity availability.
You will explore Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook, and either Kaikōura or Akaroa.
Yes, the private guided tour offers all transportation, so no self-driving is required.
The tour operates year-round, but check the website for seasonal details and availability.
