New Zealand: 9-Day Private Tour with 14-16 Activities

MacKenzie District, Rotorua



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 guided tour through New Zealand covers top attractions on both South and North Islands, ideal for travelers seeking stress-free comprehensive exploration.

Highlights

  • Explore Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set, a Māori village, Rotorua, and Christchurch
  • Visit Kaikōura or Akaroa, Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook, Queenstown
  • Cruise Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound and tour Te Anau Glowworm Caves
  • Experience top attractions without planning stress or long-distance driving

Tour Description

This signature 9-day, 8-night tour combines daily travel with top South and North Island attractions. It includes a transfer flight ticket from Christchurch to Auckland and optional luxury accommodations and activities. The itinerary is designed for relaxed travel, allowing you to explore diverse landscapes and cultural sites without logistical hassles.

You will have a private guide-driver and exclusive vehicle, starting in Queenstown and ending in Auckland. Optional activities include scenic helicopter rides, stargazing at Lake Tekapo, Māori cultural experiences, and various nature tours. The schedule balances iconic sites with free choice in adventure levels.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Queenstown – Cruise Milford or Doubtful Sound – Te Anau Glowworm Caves – Overnight in Te Anau
  • Day 2: Te Anau – Explore Queenstown (gardens, lake, jet boating, gondola with luge rides)
  • Day 3: Queenstown – Lindis Pass – Lake Pukaki – Aoraki Mount Cook (hiking and scenic helicopter) – Lake Tekapo – Stargazing
  • Day 4: Lake Tekapo – Castle Hill – Arthur's Pass – TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
  • Day 5: Christchurch – Choose Kaikōura (kayaking/whale watching) or Akaroa (nature cruise, alpaca farm) – Return to Christchurch
  • Day 6: Christchurch – Choose International Antarctic Centre, Avon River punting, or tram sightseeing – Flight to Auckland – Drive to Rotorua
  • Day 7: Rotorua – Agrodome & Polynesian Spa or River Rafting – Geothermal tour – Māori cultural experience with traditional hangi feast
  • Day 8: Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk – Hobbiton Movie Set tour – Transfer to Auckland
  • Day 9: Auckland – Mount Eden, Auckland Museum, CBD, Buddhist Temple, One Tree Hill, and a choice of Muriwai, Piha, or Long Bay Beach – Tour concludes in Auckland

Includes

  • Private transportation with onboard WiFi
  • 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 14-16 entry tickets for various activities, including Auckland Museum, Hobbiton, Māori cultural experiences, scenic rides, cruises, and more. Alternatives provided if unavailable.
  • Optional 8-night accommodation in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast, subject to availability and season

Excludes

  • Meals and drinks (except breakfasts with accommodation option)
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not stated under inclusions

Important Information

  • Travelers must have comprehensive travel insurance.
  • After booking, the supplier will contact you to confirm preferences.
  • With the ticket-inclusive option, you can swap included activities for alternatives such as skydiving, wine tasting, golf, horse trekking, scenic flights, dolphin swimming, glacier hiking, spa treatments, and ziplining, subject to availability and costs.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for optional activities and accommodations during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour covers Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set, a Māori village, Rotorua, Christchurch, Kaikōura or Akaroa, Arthur's Pass, Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook, and Queenstown.
Yes, the itinerary includes a cruise on either Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound as part of the sightseeing experience.
The tour features between 14 and 16 activities spread over 9 days.
Yes, the tour is designed to provide a stress-free experience without customers needing to do long-distance driving.
You will visit a Māori village near Rotorua to learn about the local culture and traditions.
No, all entry fees and tickets for included activities such as Hobbiton and Te Anau Glowworm Caves are arranged as part of the tour.
Yes, the tour includes 8 nights of accommodation across various locations on both the North and South Islands.
The tour operates year-round, but visiting Rotorua in spring or autumn offers mild weather; check the website for current availability.
A professional private guide leads the entire 9-day tour to provide expert insights and smooth logistics.
Yes, dietary needs can usually be accommodated if you inform the tour operator before departure.

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