13 Days in New Zealand: Ultimate Cross-Country Adventure
Experience the essence of New Zealand's North and South islands on this epic 13-day adventure with national parks, sightseeing planes, and coastal thrills.
New Zealand
13 days / 12 nights
$5,940 /person
$5,940 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Soaring over Rotorua's thermal lakes and geothermal gems on an electrifying floatplane
Whale watching and fur seal-spotting from up above on a Kaikōura sightseeing flight
Inhabiting the fantastical fiction of Middle Earth with a Hobbiton set visit
Zooming down Queenstown’s panoramic luge track on an exhilarating gondola and luge circuit
Harvesting seasonal ingredients and cooking traditional recipes in the home of a Kiwi chef
Haere Mai to New Zealand!
Wonders of Waiheke Island and Flavors of Auckland
Land of "The Hobbit" and Road to Rotorua
Soaring Over Orakei Korako and Spa Wellness
Onward to Nelson's Land of Art and Nature
Show All 13 days
Seal Colonies and Bay Scenery of Abel Tasman National Park
Fresh Fish, Water Wildlife, and Kayaking Kaikōura
Whale Sightings From the Sky and Cooking Workshop
Christchurch by Villages and Vineyards
Queenstown Adventures: Gondola and Luge Tracks
Milford Sound Sightseeing Flight and Wildlife Cruise
Jet Boating, Mount Aspiring National Park, and a Cruise-Led Feast
Haere Rā, Goodbye!
Land of "The Hobbit" and Road to Rotorua
Overview
After breakfast, you’ll pick up your rental car and set off on a thrilling road trip. As for the day’s direction? You’ll head south over the Bombay Hills, passing verdant farmlands and the winding Waikato River. If you have time, consider stopping in Hamilton, where you can explore the peaceful Hamilton Gardens. Your first scheduled stop arises about two hours from Auckland, where Hobbiton preserves the set of J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic Middle Earth. This morning, you’ll explore the whimsical setting of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” franchises on an expert guide-led tour through the intricate sets that have brought fiction to life. Alternatively, you can tack on an optional Waitomo glowworm activitiy, during which an expert rafting guide will lead you through a scenic back country farm to see an enchanting glowworm cave. After your activity of choice, continue driving to Rotorua. As you approach the city, you’ll notice steam rising from the earth — a hallmark of the region’s famous geothermal activity. Check in to your accommodation, then head out for another optional adventure. Tonight, you’ll have the opportunity to take a guided tree walk through the Rotorua Redwood Forest. Though you’ll walk in the dark cloak of nighttime, artist-designed lanterns and installations of color will illuminate the trees, creating a captivating and bespoke environment in which nature meets art. (Breakfast)
Highlights
Hobbiton Tour
If you’re a fan of fantasy — or just looking for a dose of whimsy — you’ll be utterly transfixed by today’s movie magic tour. During your guided visit to Hobbiton Movie Set, you’ll immerse yourself in the picturesque Hobbiton village, which was famously used as the setting throughout “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movies. Spanning 12 acres, this location lets you experience Middle Earth like never before, ushering you into a world that, until now, has only existed on the screen and in your imagination.
Essential Glowworm Tour in Waitomo (optional)
During this optional glowworm tour, you’ll glide gently downstream on an inflatable raft as thousands of glowworms sparkle overhead. Alongside your expert cave guide, you’ll also enjoy easy walks through stunning limestone caves and intricate landscapes. It takes around 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the light of the glowworms, but, as soon as they do, you're in for a show that spotlights the wonders of nature at their most iridescent.
Rotorua
Rotorua, on New Zealand's North Island, is a geothermal wonderland renowned for its bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and steaming volcanic landscapes. As you arrive here today, you'll discover a unique blend of natural gems, cultural experiences, and adrenaline-pumping activities.
Rotorua Redwood Forest (optional)
End your first night in Rotorua in nature on this optional tree walk tour through the majestic redwood forest. As the night sky settles in, you’ll traverse tree-suspended pathways and platforms — which extend roughly 12 meters over the forest floor — and admire the complementary art installations that provide just enough light to illuminate the redwoods and Douglas firs. Designer David Trubridge created some 30 lanterns for this specific environment, and these lanterns, combined with other light and color installations, enhance the natural beauty of the forest.
Accommodations
The Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel and Spa (or similar)
The Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel and Spa redefines modern hospitality with a visionary blend of modern designs, luxurious facilities, and bespoke services. Located in the heart of Rotorua, within walking distance of the lakefront and eating precinct, the Regent of Rotorua is the perfect hotel for business and pleasure alike. Both the rooms and suites exude style, blending contemporary decor with hints of glamour.
Location:
1191 Pukaki Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
Phone:
+6473484079
Transportation
Collect your rental vehicle today and begin your journey to Rotorua. The drive from Auckland to Hobbiton takes a little more than two hours, while Hobbiton to Rotorua takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
Auckland
Rotorua, The Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel and Spa (or similar)
How it works
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Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.
Book your trip
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Take-off
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- Entry and exit information and assistance
- Twelve nights of accommodation, with daily breakfast included
- All meals and culinary experiences mentioned in the itinerary
- All activities, tours, and guided experiences mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- Car rental for days mentioned in the itinerary
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not mentioned or included as optional in the itinerary