Highlights of New Zealand: A Tale of Two Islands

Independent/Tailor-Made / New Zealand

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Amazing Experience

Overview

Special Offer Details

Experience the Essence of New Zealand—highlighting both the North and South Islands - when booked with international airfare. Book by November 30, 2025

Combining the best of north and south, this 9-day trip is the perfect introduction to picturesque New Zealand.

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland seduces visitors with its laid-back pace, world class museums, galleries and gardens. Enjoy spectacular city views from your included visit to Mt Eden, as well as historic Parnell Village. You’ll also explore some of the surrounding rainforest, including the black sand beach where ‘The Piano’ was filmed.

The North Island of New Zealand is a geology geek’s paradise. Believed to be over two million years old, the Waitomo Caves are a major draw for visitors fascinated by their large population of glowworms and beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. You’ll have the chance to explore them on your way to Rotorua, where spouting geysers and boiling mud pool showcase geothermal New Zealand at its best. An included tour of this area includes Rainbow Springs, Te Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and Te Puia Rotorua. Cap off your sightseeing with a traditional Maori concert and Hangi (feast) for a taste of New Zealand’s indigenous culture.

Queenstown puts you in the heart of the South Island’s Mountain landscape. Travelers can enjoy an optional scenic helicopter flight, jetboat trip or Gondola ride to take in the sights. An included day trip takes you to Milford Sound, a breathtaking, 16km long fjord carved by glaciers out to the Tasman Sea. Your onward journey to Christchurch also passes Lake Wanaka and includes a stop at majestic Mount Cook, known to the Maori people as ‘Cloud Piercer’.

Finish off your vacation in Christchurch, known as the Garden City.  The Air Force Museum will thrill military history buffs, while the Canterbury Museum provides a fascinating look at New Zealand history

Highlights

Christchurch – Queenstown – Milford Sound - Auckland

Explore rainforests, glowworm caves and glacier-carved fjords on this independent journey through New Zealand’s diverse North and South Islands

 

Auckland Airport to Auckland - City Centre

 

Auckland City Hotel - Hobson Street

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

The Auckland City Hotel is a peaceful sanctuary ideally located in the heart of Auckland’s entertainment and business district, with easy access to motorways. An effortless five-minute walk takes you to the Sky Tower, Aotea Square, and the centre of town, Queen Street. With 150 modern guest rooms and suites, every room is perfectly appointed with the modern traveller in mind, offering eco-friendly products, satellite LED TV, free wifi (limited capacity per day), in-room safe, and kitchenette in all rooms except the Standard Room.

Auckland City Hotel - Hobson Street

Auckland Airport to Auckland - City Centre

 

Auckland City Hotel - Hobson Street

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

The Auckland City Hotel is a peaceful sanctuary ideally located in the heart of Auckland’s entertainment and business district, with easy access to motorways. An effortless five-minute walk takes you to the Sky Tower, Aotea Square, and the centre of town, Queen Street. With 150 modern guest rooms and suites, every room is perfectly appointed with the modern traveller in mind, offering eco-friendly products, satellite LED TV, free wifi (limited capacity per day), in-room safe, and kitchenette in all rooms except the Standard Room.

Auckland City Hotel - Hobson Street

Let Bush and Beach take you on a day tour to experience the best of Auckland sightseeing. We combine an Auckland city tour in the morning with an afternoon nature tour to the black sand beach and rainforest at Piha - a day of variety and a great introduction to Auckland and New Zealand. Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Maori history of the city and as see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitmata harbour and it is known as the "City of Sails". This city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as The Auckland Domain, Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities all day. Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland's two harbours. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Maori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns. Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand of Piha beach beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. The perfect Auckland day trip. During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including biscuits and tea and coffee or juice.

This trip from Auckland to Rotorua includes the Hobbiton movie set tour. Departing from Auckland this is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton movie set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching the Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way down with insights about the areas you are traveling through and insights to the backgrounds to the movies. On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee (which is included in the price) you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour you will travel on to Rotorua (drop off at selected inner city Rotorua accommodation included).

 

Regent of Rotorua

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

A gem that stands apart from the crowd as Rotorua's most stylish hotel, this luxury boutique hotel in Rotorua city center has been designed with the modern traveler in mind. Prepare to be wowed by an eclectic mix of stylish spaces. Refreshingly original, the Regent marks the epitome of chic, luxury accommodation in the city. Our welcoming team is on hand to ensure that whether you are staying for business or pleasure, overnight or longer, your stay will be memorable and enjoyable. Whether relaxing with a cocktail by our heated pool, soaking in our restorative mineral pool, or picking up a coffee and a muffin to-go, the Regent of Rotorua is the perfect venue.

Regent of Rotorua

Elite Rotorua Full Day Tour

This tour visits Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks: Wai O Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt and boiling mudfields. Our local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. Your clients will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moonlike landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Know geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.  Tour costs include entry to both thermal parks. In the afternoon visit Rotorua’s most popular attractions Te Puia and views of the our beautiful lakes including Tarawera, Okareka and the Blue/Green lake. Spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand’s Maori culture and nature. Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Includes visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and NZ’s largest geyser Pohutu. Includes entry to Te Puia.  Upon conclusion of your tour you will be transferred back to your accommodation.

 

Evening Experience - Winter Matakiri at Te Pa Tu The Gathering Place

Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting.  These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.    Winter: Tu Te Ihi includes the time in the earth’s cycle when Matariki stars are high and bright in winter skies.  Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald.    These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.   Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style. Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques. Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Rotorua - City Centre to Rotorua Airport

 

Queenstown Airport to Queenstown - City Centre

 

Scenic Suites Queenstown

3 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

Scenic Suites Queenstown provides one of the most sought-after locations for Queenstown hotels. The hotel’s elevated position gives fantastic views of the Southern Alps and over Lake Wakatipu. It’s hard to go past Scenic Suites Queenstown with its convenience and quality of four-star apartment-style accommodation. At the foot of the Southern Alps Queenstown offers adrenalin-packed adventure activities and other year-round attractions. This inspiring resort town attracts thrill-seekers, romantics, families, young travelers, wine-lovers, and anyone looking for an unforgettable getaway.

Scenic Suites Queenstown

This Milford Sound day tour was established in 1994 and is a top-rated small group Milford Experience. It allows guests to escape the crowds and offer a truly unique day, showcasing this world famous region. On this full-day tour to Milford Sound enjoy guided commentary touring to and from Milford Sound with our experienced guides. These small group tours give guests the ability to get to know the driver and each other, creating a more personal and memorable experience. Once in Milford Sound, join a stunning 1-hr 45-min small boat nature cruise on the fiord - see waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy fun and informative commentary from your nature guide, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds. Enjoy custom made, 16 seat, glass roof Mercedes touring vehicles. This is business class travel with extended legroom, leather interior and panoramic windows for the best views. Travelling to Milford is a 12-13 hour day from Queenstown. The smaller vehicles give the opportunity to stay away from the crowds as well as more flexibility with where we stop on the journey.

Today, transfer from Queenstown to Christchurch while exploring some of New Zealand's most spellbinding landscapes. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the region, including the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park, Lindis Pass, and the Church of the Good Shepard making it the ultimate way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch. Your tour is led by passionate tour guides notorious for bringing the journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge.

 

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Room Only

The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Christchurch - City Centre to Christchurch Airport

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