Relax and rejuvenate from Auckland to Christchurch

Day 1 - 2: Auckland

Take advantage of everything Auckland has to offer. Take a leisurely boat trip around the beautiful harbour, or go for a fast-paced jet boat excursion. Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales while out on the ocean. Discover a winter wonderland of snow, ice, and stunning aquatic creatures at Kelly Tarlton Sea Life Aquarium. Don't miss a journey to the Sky Tower, New Zealand's tallest artificial building at 328 meters, which provides stunning 360-degree views of Auckland and beyond.

Day 3 - 4: Auckland - Rotorua via Waitomo

Travel to Waitomo by automobile. Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Glowworm Caves, which includes a stunning subterranean boat ride to observe the cavern's millions of shimmering glowworms. To get to Rotorua's "Thermal City," keep driving through the forested Mamaku Ranges.

Day 5 - 6: Rotorua - Wellington

Explore Rotorua's geothermal wonderland before heading south to Taupo, a renowned lake resort. Travel along the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi before continuing on the Desert Road, which is framed by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro in the distance. Continue driving across the North Island's lush farmland to Wellington, New Zealand's dynamic capital city, which is home to the Parliament, Te Papa, the New Zealand Museum, and a strong film industry.

Day 7 - 8: Wellington - Marlborough via Picton

Drop off your rental car and check in for your Interislander Ferry to Picton at the ferry port on the Wellington waterfront. Before arriving in Picton, travel through Cook Strait, which separates New Zealand's North and South Islands, and into the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Visit the neighboring wineries or take a cruise through the Sounds to see the marine life up close.

Day 9 - 10: Marlborough - Christchurch

From Marlborough, travel south via Nelson Lakes National Park, which is home to magnificent alpine scenery, woodlands, and stunning glacial lakes. Before heading to Christchurch, take a short walk along the lake. Visit Christchurch's creative mood by visiting modern art galleries, boutique boutiques, and open-air markets.

Day 11 - 12: Dunedin - Milford Sound via Te Anau

There are numerous possibilities for an entertaining day of touring in Dunedin. The Otago Museum houses significant artifacts as well as the Tropical Forest, a lush, living tropical habitat filled with gorgeous butterflies flying free. Admire Baldwin Street, the world's steepest street, and take on the task of climbing it.

Don't miss visiting Larnach Castle, New Zealand's lone castle, on the picturesque Otago Peninsula. While you're there, take a guided tour of the Royal Albatross Colony to discover more about these massive, intriguing endangered birds. Travel to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, from here. Enjoy a scenic cruise on Milford Sound, which is dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls.

Day 13 - 14: Milford Sound - Queenstown

Make your journey to Queenstown, a lovely alpine resort town, from Milford Sound. Queenstown is located on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by stunning alpine peaks, and it is said that gold prospectors were drawn to the majestic majesty of the surrounding mountains and rivers, giving the town its name. Enjoy exquisite local wines or take a ride on the Skyline Gondola for spectacular views.

Day 15: Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier

Depart Queenstown through Lake Wanaka and the famous Haast Pass, which serves as the entrance to Westland National Park. Continue along the West Coast, passing through stunning mountain ranges, native forests, and lakes on your way to Fox Glacier, a glacier village where you'll spend the night. You may take a guided hike to both the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers from here.

Day 16: Fox Glacier - Christchurch via Greymouth

Continue north along the west coast to Greymouth after exploring the beautiful Fox Glacier. Drop off your rental car and board the Tranz-Alpine train, which is famous all over the world. Before entering the beautiful Southern Alps, ascend through thick beech forests past the mountain town of Arthur's Pass. Travel to Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains. Transfer to your accommodation for your final night in New Zealand after arriving at Christchurch Railway Station.

Day 17: Depart Christchurch

Enjoy breakfast in Christchurch today before making your way to the airport to catch your flight home.