7 - Day North to South Island Grand Tour - Auckland to Queenstown
Explore More in This Location
About This Tour in Auckland
Why Visit Auckland?
Auckland, New Zealand offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Auckland provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Auckland
The easiest way to reach Auckland is by flying into Auckland Airport (AKL). From the airport, you can take airport shuttles, taxis, rideshare services, or public transportation to reach the city center. Rental cars are also popular for exploring the surrounding areas.
What's Included
- All transport listed (Note that the train is not available from May through to September)
- Commentary by local guides
- Admission fees and all transport/tour fees listed in itinerary
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Four star accommodation in Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura & Christchurch
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off for all destinations listed in itinerary
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Commentary - The travel from Rotorua to Wellington is by Intercity Coach, this is a full service coach, however, with limited or no commentary.
- Coastal Pacific Train - This service is only available from October through April annually. When travelling May though September this service is by coach.
Photo Gallery
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.
Itinerary
Auckland – Waitomo Caves – Rotorua
Today you will travel by road from Auckland...
Today you will travel by road from Auckland to Rotorua with a stop on route at Waitomo Caves for a guided tour. Your morning will start with collection from your accommodation and then travelling through the city south to Waitomo.
Mid morning arrive Waitomo Caves where a guided... 2 hours
Mid morning arrive Waitomo Caves where a guided tour has been arranged for your enjoyment. There will be time in Waitomo to get some lunch, by own arrangements.
From Waitomo you will continue by road to Rotorua arriving mid afternoon 36 hours
From Waitomo you will continue by road to Rotorua arriving mid afternoon. Rotorua is the destination for today and where you will spend two nights of your seven day tour.
Rotorua
This morning collected from your accommodation and transferred... 3 hours
This morning collected from your accommodation and transferred to Whakarewarewa Geothermal Reserve and Maori Living Village, where a guided tour has been arranged for your enjoyment, together with a Maori Cultural Performance.
Rotorua – Wellington
This morning you will depart Rotorua and travel to Wellington by road by coach 15 minutes
This morning you will depart Rotorua and travel to Wellington by road by coach. Your first stop will be the township of Taupo nestled on the shores of Lake Taupo.
From Taupo you will travel initially along the... 15 minutes
From Taupo you will travel initially along the shoreline of Lake Taupo and through the central plateau with wonderful views of volcanic peaks with are snow capped for much of the year. Through the rolling hill country of the central North Island to Palmerston North.
From Palmerston North the coach will continue south...
From Palmerston North the coach will continue south along the Kapiti Coast with views of Kapiti Island and Cooks Straight with the Southern alps of the South Island visible on a clear day. And then through to the city of Wellington
Your day will end in Wellington, the capital... 15 hours
Your day will end in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand where you will be transferred to your central city hotel for your evenings accommodation. You have the evening at leisure to explore the central city on foot.
Wellington – Picton – Kaikoura
This morning you will depart Wellington by the... 3 hours
This morning you will depart Wellington by the Inter-Islander Cook Strait Ferry for the 3 hour ferry crossing to Picton in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.
On your arrival into Picton, you will board... 1 hour
On your arrival into Picton, you will board the TransCoastal train and travel to Kaikoura via some spectacular scenic coast line. (Please note that the train is not available through May - September. If you have booked for this period, your train will be replaced by coach) Providing the ferry service is running to schedule you will have some time to explore the Picton township, after you have checked in for your train journey to Kaikoura.
From Picton you will travel south by the...
From Picton you will travel south by the Coastal Pacific Train or by coach during the winter months, initially to the township of Blenheim and then through to Kaikoura, following the Pacific Coastline for much of the route.
Kaikoura a township nested between a high mountain... 15 hours
Kaikoura a township nested between a high mountain range and the Pacific Ocean which is famous for both its abundance of sea food and marine life. Kaikoura is your destination for today and where you will spend this evening.
Kaikoura – Christchurch
This morning you will join a whale watch... 3 hours
This morning you will join a whale watch tour, with Whale Watching Kaikoura, where you will see the giant sperm whales, which reside in the deep waters just off the coast of Kaikoura year round. In the afternoon, following the whale watching you will visit a seal colony where New Zealand fur seals may be viewed at close quarters and provide fantastic photo opportunities.
Time permitting, a stop will be made at... 30 minutes
Time permitting, a stop will be made at a winery in Waipara - one of the larger wine regions of New Zealand. Here you will have the opportunity to taste some of New Zealand’s delightful wines. From Waipara the coach continues south to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand.
Todays destination Christchurch, New Zealand's second largest city... 15 hours
Todays destination Christchurch, New Zealand's second largest city and your destination for todays journey. Tonight you will stay in a central city Christchurch Hotel. Evening at leisure to explore this city rebuilt following the devastating 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
Christchurch
This morning you will be collected from your... 3 hours
This morning you will be collected from your hotel for a morning sightseeing tour of this beautiful city. Severely damaged by a series of earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, the city center was almost completely destroyed. The morning tour will show you much of the remaining earthquake damage to the city and the rebuild that is taking place. The tour will also highlight some of the most beautiful features of this charming city. This will include Mona Vale Homestead and gardens, Sign of the Takahe, Lyttelton Harbour, Evans Pass and the beach suburb of Sumner.
The remainder of the day is at leisure... 18 hours
The remainder of the day is at leisure to continue your exploration of Christchurch. Your evening accommodation is again in Christchurch City
Christchurch – Mount Cook – Queenstown
Travel by road through the rich pastoral farmland... 30 minutes
Travel by road through the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains and the ever-changing spectacular scenery of the foothills of the Southern Alps. Continue travelling across Burkes Pass before descending to the stunning glacial-fed Lake Tekapo and visiting the “Church of the Good Shepherd” which stands on the foreshore.
From Lake Tekapo travel up the western side... 1 hour
From Lake Tekapo travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to arrive at Mt Cook – New Zealand’s highest mountain. Here there will be time for lunch, (own arrangements) and time to have a look around the village. The Department of Conservation's information centre is well worth sending some time in.
Departing Mount Cook early afternoon the tour then...
Departing Mount Cook early afternoon the tour then travels along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Twizel and then through the Lindis Pass and leave the McKenzie Country to travel along the shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell, the fruit growing capital of New Zealand.
From Cronwell follow the Kawarau River Gorge
From Cronwell follow the Kawarau River Gorge. On route passing the old suspension bridge and now the city of the famous A J Hacketts Bunny Jump, prior to arriving in Queenstown renown as the adventure capital of the world.
You will arrive in Queenstown early evening and... 12 hours
You will arrive in Queenstown early evening and will be dropped at your evenings accommodation, ( own arrangements) where your tour concludes.
Explore More
Discover more tours and activities in Auckland, New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure…
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.
