New Zealand
1. Fiordland and Southland Explorer - 8 Days
$189/Person
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Te Anau, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Invercargill, Stewart Island
Ideal for: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, adventure seekers
Tour Description
The Fiordland and Southland Explorer tour is your gateway to New Zealand’s most dramatic and pristine wilderness. Over 8 days, journey through the heart of Fiordland National Park, cruise the iconic Milford and Doubtful Sounds, and discover the wildlife haven of Stewart Island. With its spectacular landscapes, native wildlife, and peaceful remoteness, this itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive nature escape in one of the world’s last great frontiers.
Highlights
- Cruise the world-famous Milford Sound and serene Doubtful Sound
- Hike in Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Discover native birds and glowworms in Te Anau
- Visit Invercargill and the windswept beauty of Bluff
- Explore the untouched wilderness of Stewart Island and Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown - Transfer to Te Anau
Upon arrival in Queenstown, transfer to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Enjoy a scenic drive along Lake Wakatipu and check in to your lakeside accommodation. Spend the evening exploring the lakefront or catch the glowworm cave tour.
Day 2: Milford Sound Full-Day Cruise
Travel through the Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel en route to Milford Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise through this majestic fiord, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls like Stirling Falls. Spot dolphins, seals, and penguins. Return to Te Anau for the night.
Day 3: Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Depart for a full-day trip to the more remote and tranquil Doubtful Sound. Journey across Lake Manapouri, then board a cruise through New Zealand’s deepest and most mysterious fiord. Experience true silence in the “Sound of Silence” moment. Return in the evening.
Day 4: Scenic Drive to Invercargill via Riverton
Head south along the Southern Scenic Route, stopping in Riverton, one of New Zealand’s oldest settlements. Arrive in Invercargill, known for its Victorian architecture and motoring history. Visit E Hayes Motorworks Collection or relax at Queens Park.
Day 5: Bluff and Ferry to Stewart Island
Travel to Bluff, the southernmost town on the mainland, and catch the ferry to Stewart Island. Check into your accommodation in Oban, then explore this remote paradise on foot. Optional guided kiwi-spotting tour at night.
Day 6: Ulva Island Nature Tour
Take a guided eco-tour of Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary teeming with native birds like the tui, kaka, and saddleback. Enjoy a peaceful bush walk with insights into New Zealand’s conservation efforts. Afternoon at leisure - go kayaking, beachcombing, or birdwatching.
Day 7: Return to Invercargill - Free Evening
Take the morning ferry back to Bluff and transfer to Invercargill. Enjoy your final evening in the Southland region. Consider visiting a local museum or savoring a seafood dinner featuring the famous Bluff oysters.
Day 8: Depart via Queenstown
After breakfast, transfer back to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey, reflecting on the epic landscapes and serenity of New Zealand’s southern frontier.
Must-Do Activities
- Cruise Milford Sound under cascading waterfalls
- Experience total silence in Doubtful Sound’s untouched fjords
- Walk through ancient forests on Ulva Island
- Spot a kiwi bird in its natural habitat on Stewart Island
- Explore local life and cuisine in Invercargill and Bluff
Accommodation Options
- Te Anau: Fiordland Lodge (luxury), Distinction Luxmore Hotel (mid-range)
- Invercargill: The Lodges at Transport World (premium), Ascot Park Hotel (family-friendly)
- Stewart Island: Stewart Island Lodge (boutique), Bay Motel (comfortable and central)
Why Choose This Tour?
This carefully curated itinerary goes beyond the tourist trail to showcase New Zealand’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions. It combines world-famous icons like Milford Sound with lesser-visited gems like Stewart Island, offering a true escape into wilderness. Perfect for travelers seeking rich biodiversity, rugged landscapes, and an unforgettable connection with nature.
2. Southern Alps Ski and Snow Adventure - 7 Days
$185/Person
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Destinations: Queenstown, Wanaka, Mt. Hutt
Ideal for: Skiers and snowboarders (beginner to advanced), winter enthusiasts, couples, adventure seekers
Tour Description
The Southern Alps Ski and Snow Adventure is the ultimate winter getaway for those who crave alpine thrills, world-class ski slopes, and stunning mountain scenery. Spanning Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt. Hutt, this 7-day itinerary is perfect for all levels - from first-timers to seasoned pros. Whether you want to ski down the powdery slopes, try snowboarding, or just enjoy the winter charm of New Zealand's alpine towns, this adventure offers the perfect blend of action and relaxation.
Highlights
- Carve the slopes at Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
- Spot Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and more
- Enjoy thrilling runs at Cardrona Alpine Resort
- Take in panoramic views from Mt. Hutt, New Zealand’s ski capital
- Experience après-ski vibes, local dining, and geothermal hot pools
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Queenstown - Alpine Welcome
Arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Transfer to your centrally located alpine lodge or hotel. Spend your first day exploring the charming lakeside town - stroll around Lake Wakatipu, browse ski shops, and enjoy a fireside dinner at one of the many mountain lodges.
Day 2: Skiing at Coronet Peak
Head to Coronet Peak, New Zealand’s oldest commercial ski field, just 20 minutes from town. The resort offers a variety of runs for all skill levels, plus night skiing (available on select days). Beginners can take group lessons while seasoned skiers tackle black runs with stunning mountain views. Après-ski at a cozy Queenstown pub.
Day 3: The Remarkables Ski Field
Today’s destination is The Remarkables, known for wide-open bowls, freestyle terrain parks, and spectacular alpine vistas. A great choice for families and freestyle skiers alike. Non-skiers can snowshoe, build snowmen, or relax in the café with panoramic views. Optional: take a heli-skiing adventure for a bucket-list experience.
Day 4: Drive to Wanaka - Cardrona Ski Field
Take a scenic 1-hour drive to Wanaka, nestled at the base of the Southern Alps. On the way, stop at Cardrona Alpine Resort, famous for its reliable snow, gentle slopes for learners, and fun parks for advanced riders. After skiing, continue to Wanaka and check in. Enjoy the peaceful alpine vibe and dine at a lakefront bistro.
Day 5: Explore Wanaka or Additional Ski Day
Today is flexible - return to Cardrona for another snow day, or enjoy a break and explore Wanaka’s winter attractions. Visit Puzzling World, take a jet boat ride, or relax in a lakeside café. For thrill-seekers, options include skydiving over snow-capped peaks or a scenic helicopter flight.
Day 6: Transfer to Mt. Hutt - Final Snow Adventure
Travel north to Methven, the gateway to Mt. Hutt, often voted New Zealand’s best ski resort. After checking into your ski lodge or chalet, head up the mountain for an afternoon of skiing or snowboarding. Mt. Hutt offers varied terrain and breathtaking views over the Canterbury Plains.
Day 7: Morning Ski and Departure from Christchurch
Squeeze in one last morning of skiing at Mt. Hutt before transferring to Christchurch Airport (approximately 2 hours). Depart New Zealand filled with adrenaline, memories, and snowy snapshots of the stunning Southern Alps.
Must-Do Activities
- Ski or snowboard Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
- Try heli-skiing for an unforgettable aerial adventure
- Relax in Onsen Hot Pools overlooking Queenstown's alpine landscape
- Ride the Cardrona Mountain Quad for epic summit views
- Capture sunrise or sunset over Lake Wanaka’s iconic tree
Accommodation Options
- Queenstown: The Rees Hotel (luxury), Kamana Lakehouse (stylish mid-range), YHA Queenstown Lakefront (budget-friendly)
- Wanaka: Edgewater Hotel (lakefront luxury), Wanaka View Motel (family and budget)
- Methven (Mt. Hutt): Ski Time Lodge (alpine lodge charm), Brinkley Resort (self-contained units), Mt. Hutt Bunkhouse (budget and social)
Why Choose This Tour?
The Southern Alps Ski and Snow Adventure is a curated winter experience offering the best of New Zealand’s snow season across three top destinations. It balances top-tier ski opportunities with the charm of alpine villages and natural beauty. Whether you're carving down powdery runs, soaking in mountain hot tubs, or enjoying scenic drives through snowy landscapes, this tour delivers all the excitement and comfort of a world-class winter holiday.
3. Family-Friendly Exploration - 10 Days
$276/Person
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Dunedin
Ideal for: Families with children, multi-generational groups, first-time visitors
Tour Description
The Family-Friendly Exploration tour offers a perfect blend of education, fun, and natural beauty across New Zealand's North and South Islands. Designed with families in mind, this 10-day journey includes interactive cultural experiences, fascinating wildlife encounters, thermal wonders, and scenic train rides. Visit bustling cities like Auckland and Wellington, discover geothermal marvels in Rotorua, and meet penguins in the charming southern town of Dunedin. It’s a trip that creates unforgettable memories for both kids and adults.
Highlights
- Experience Maori culture and geothermal wonders in Rotorua
- Visit the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves
- Discover the Wellington Cable Car and Te Papa Museum
- Take the scenic Northern Explorer Train
- Spot yellow-eyed penguins and albatrosses in Dunedin
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland - Welcome to New Zealand
Touch down in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Settle into your family-friendly accommodation and explore the Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Domain, or visit Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at the Sky Tower’s family viewing deck restaurant, offering panoramic views.
Day 2: Day Trip to Waitomo Caves
Take a full-day tour to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Float through limestone caverns illuminated by thousands of glowworms - an enchanting sight for children and adults alike. Return to Auckland in the evening and enjoy a casual dinner on the waterfront.
Day 3: Transfer to Rotorua - Cultural and Geothermal Wonders
Drive or take a short flight to Rotorua, New Zealand’s cultural heart and geothermal wonderland. Visit Te Puia to see erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, and traditional Maori carving schools. In the evening, enjoy a hangi dinner and cultural performance, introducing your family to indigenous customs and stories.
Day 4: Rotorua Family Fun Day
Start your day at the Agrodome, where kids can bottle-feed lambs and see a sheep-shearing demo. Then, head to Rainbow Springs Nature Park to spot kiwis and ride the Big Splash water ride. Wind down at Polynesian Spa’s Family Pools, where everyone can enjoy a geothermal soak.
Day 5: Rotorua to Wellington via Northern Explorer Train
Take a scenic rail journey aboard the Northern Explorer, New Zealand’s most scenic long-distance train. Travel through rolling hills, farmlands, and the famous Raurimu Spiral. Arrive in Wellington, the nation’s capital, in the evening. Check in to a city-center hotel with family suites.
Day 6: Explore Wellington’s Museums and Funiculars
Ride the Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens, then visit Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum. Kids will love the interactive science and Maori culture exhibits. Stroll the Wellington Waterfront, grab some gelato, and enjoy street performances.
Day 7: Fly to Dunedin - Wildlife Capital
Fly south to Dunedin, a quaint heritage city with Scottish roots. Visit the grand Larnach Castle or take a wildlife boat tour to Otago Peninsula, home to royal albatrosses and yellow-eyed penguins. Relax in a cozy lodge or heritage-style hotel.
Day 8: Nature and Animal Encounters
Visit the Otago Museum’s Discovery World and the Butterfly House, followed by a visit to Penguin Place for a guided tour of the endangered yellow-eyed penguins' conservation reserve. End the day at Tunnel Beach, which is perfect for photos and gentle hikes.
Day 9: Dunedin Family Day or Optional Trip to Moeraki Boulders
Enjoy a flexible day - explore the Dunedin Railway Station, take the Taieri Gorge Railway ride, or drive north to see the mysterious Moeraki Boulders. For older children, try a beginner’s surfing lesson at St. Clair Beach.
Day 10: Departure from Dunedin or Return to Auckland
Transfer to Dunedin Airport or return to Auckland for your international departure. Take with you a treasure trove of fun-filled memories from New Zealand’s family-friendly landscapes and cultural gems.
Must-Do Activities
- Visit Te Papa Museum for hands-on learning
- Take the kids to see glowworms in Waitomo
- Relax in family-friendly hot pools in Rotorua
- Ride the Wellington Cable Car and enjoy picnic views
- Meet real kiwis and penguins in Rotorua and Dunedin
Accommodation Options
- Auckland: Nesuto Stadium Hotel (family apartments), Novotel Auckland Central (kid-friendly amenities)
- Rotorua: Holiday Inn Rotorua (great for families), Princes Gate Hotel (historic charm with modern comforts)
- Wellington: QT Wellington (fun artistic vibe), Copthorne Oriental Bay (spacious family rooms)
- Dunedin: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Distinction Dunedin Hotel (family rooms with kitchenettes)
Why Choose This Tour?
The Family-Friendly Exploration is thoughtfully planned to keep children entertained and adults engaged. With a mix of wildlife, culture, nature, and hands-on experiences, this itinerary showcases the best of New Zealand in a relaxed pace that works for families. There’s no better way to introduce your kids to the wonders of Aotearoa than through geysers, glowworms, penguins, and train rides through breathtaking landscapes.
