Holiday Overview
If you are looking to travel through New Zealand from the South Island to the North Island, then this is a perfect way to explore this dramatic country. This trip starts in Queenstown and moves through the lakes and mountains of the Southern Alps to arrive in the wine regions of the Marlborough Sounds. It’s just a short hop on the ferry for you to arrive in the bustling city of Wellington. You are then welcomed with dramatic vistas of Tongariro National Park with its active volcanos before eventually finishing in the “City of Sails”, Auckland.
Start Queenstown - End Auckland
12 nights / 13 days
Islands visited: South & North Island
Highlights;
Queenstown views across the lakes to the Southern Alps
Wine-growing Marlborough Sounds region
Tongariro National Park
Visit the impressive Huka Falls, Taupo
South Island to North Island Adventure includes:
- 2 nights accommodation Queenstown
- 1 night accommodation Lake Tekapo
- 1 night accommodation Christchurch
- 1 night accommodation Blenheim
- 1 night accommodation Wellington
- 2 nights accommodation Tongariro
- 1 night accommodation Taupo
- 1 night accommodation Rotorua
- 2 nights accommodation Auckland
- Compact car hire
Day 1 - Queenstown
Arrive in Queenstown, check into your chosen hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure.
Featured accommodation
Heritage Queenstown
Day 2 - Queenstown
A full day to explore this beautiful region at leisure. Ask your consultant for information on the many optional tours and excursions available.
Featured accommodation
Heritage Queenstown
Day 3 - Queenstown – Tekapo
Depart Queenstown for Tekapo, with its stunning views across the lake to the Southern Alps. Tekapo is also home to the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd.
Featured accommodation
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Day 4 - Tekapo – Christchurch
Continue to Christchurch and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps take the Gondola to take in the magnificent view across the city, over the Canterbury Plains and on to the Southern Alps
Featured accommodation
BreakFree on Cashel
Day 5 - Christchurch – Blenheim
Head North to Blenheim, situated in the heart of wine-growing Marlborough, famous for its fine Sauvignon Blanc.
Featured accommodation
Chateau Marlborough
Day 6 - Blenheim – Wellington
Take the scenic ferry crossing to Wellington. Perhaps take the cable car to the Mount Victoria lookout for a panoramic view of the city.
Day 7 - Wellington – Tongariro
Continue Northwards to Tongariro National Park, the park has 3 active volcanoes and was the filming scene for Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings films.
Featured accommodation
The Powderhorn Chateau
Day 8 - Tongariro
Enjoy a full day exploring this beautiful volcanic region at leisure. Ask your consultant for information regarding the optional guided walking tours available.
Featured accommodation
The Powderhorn Chateau
Day 9 - Tongariro – Taupo
Take the short drive along the shores of Lake Taupo to Taupo. Taupo is a great base from which to visit the impressive Huka Falls.
Featured accommodation
Millennium Hotel and Resort Taupo
Day 10 - Taupo – Rotorua
Continue to Rotorua, famed for its Maori heritage and geothermal areas.
Day 11 - Rotorua – Auckland
Last stop on the itinerary is Auckland, movie buffs may wish to break the journey in Matamata for a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Featured accommodation
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Day 12 - Auckland
Enjoy a full day at leisure to enjoy the charming city of Auckland.
Featured accommodation
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Day 13 - Auckland
Today your itinerary concludes in Auckland
Why not extend your New Zealand trip with an 'unmissable experience' to the Bay of Islands at the end of this itinerary?
Featured accommodation
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Unmissable Experiences
Bay of Islands Extension
Heritage Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Peppers Bluewater Resort is set amongst the purest natural landscape. Romantic and secluded, your accommodation in Lake Tekapo reflects the beautiful landscape surrounding you.
BreakFree on Cashel
Christchurch has evolved as a true cultural hub, embracing its chance to become a city re-imagined. This Christchurch accommodation is located in the heart of the CBD near Manchester and Hereford Streets, from BreakFree on Cashel, you’re in the perfect location to stroll to trendy cafes, restaurants or bars on offer.
Chateau Marlborough
Chateau Marlborough offers luxury 5 star Blenheim hotel accommodation in the heart of one of New Zealand's most famous wine regions.
Millennium Hotel and Resort Taupo
Set on the shores of the country’s largest lake, this is one of Taupo luxury hotels with uninterrupted views of the magnificent lake and mountains. Many of Taupo’s famous attractions are just minutes away, including Huka Falls, water and snow skiing, hot mineral pools, golf courses, and lake cruises. The charming Edgewater Restaurant is a superb choice for savouring award-winning cuisine as swans gracefully swim by.
Copthorne Hotel Rotorua
Copthorne Hotel Rotorua is located midway between central Rotorua and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Facilities include a heated outdoor pool and a fitness centre. Guests enjoy free WiFi throughout.
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Simple, sophisticated, and designed for comfort. Copthorne Hotel Auckland City is centrally located, making it the perfect base to explore the city or attend conferences. Nearby you’ll find Queen Street shopping, the Central Business District, and University of Auckland. This hotel is just a 10-minute walk away from the Viaduct Basin and Spark Arena.
Image Gallery
South Island Mountain Road
View over Wellington
River Clutha - Southern Alps
Tongariro National Park
Bridel Veil Falls
Marlborough Sounds
Lake Tekapo
Road into Queenstown
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2024, 2025 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 270 0009 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
New Zealand’s Movies, Mountains & Maori
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Christchurch
- Hokitika
- Fox Glacier
- Queenstown
- Lake Tekapo
- Visit Hobbiton
- Travel on the TranzAlpine train
- Climb the Fox Glacier
- Ride the Skyline Gondola
12 Nights from £3805pp
Natural Wonders of Australia & New Zealand
- Christchurch
- Lake Tekapo
- Queenstown
- Sydney
- Cairns
- Melbourne
- Stunning Mountain Scenery in New Zealand
- See Sydney and the Blue Mountains
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical Rainforest
- Get up close to Koala's and Penguins on Phillip Island
14 Nights from £4430pp
New Zealand’s Islands, Geysers & Glaciers
- Auckland
- Bay of Islands
- Rotorua
- Napier
- Wellington
- Marlborough Sounds
- Kaikoura
- Christchurch
- Franz Josef
- Wanaka
- Queenstown
- Hibiscus Coast
- Maori cultural experience
- Wellington cable car
- Cruise Milford Sound
21 Nights from £5475pp
Golf New Zealand
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Taupo
- Christchurch
- Hokitika
- Franz Josef
- Queenstown
- Jacks Point Queenstown
- Millbrook Resort Queenstown
- The Kinloch Club Taupo
- Explore Rotorua and its volcanic plateau
14 Nights from £1300pp
Snapshot of North Island
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Taupo
- Tongariro National Park
- Martinborough
- Wellington
- Matamata for Hobbiton Movie Set
- Mount Victoria lookout
- Rotorua’s geothermal parks
- Tongariro National Park
9 Nights from £1385pp
South Island’s Mountain Explorer
- Christchurch
- Franz Josef
- Queenstown
- Mount Cook
- Lake Tekapo
- Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
- Spectacular rail journey through the Southern Alps
- Mount Cook National Park
- Coloured Lake Tekapo
9 Nights from £1630pp
