Day 1: Touchdown in Auckland – City Lights & Sky Heights Arrive on New Zealand’s North Island and settle into the lively city of Auckland. Shake off the jet lag with a visit to the iconic Sky Tower for sweeping views across the harbor and volcanic hills. Spend the evening exploring the buzzing waterfront and dining at one of the city’s top restaurants.
Day 2: Beneath the Waves – Snorkeling the Poor Knights This morning, drive north along the scenic Tutukaka Coast to one of the world’s best dive locations: the Poor Knights Islands. Spend the day snorkeling or diving among spectacular underwater caves, arches, and vibrant marine life in this protected marine reserve.
Day 3: Into the Earth – Waitomo’s Glow and Thrill Head south toward the legendary Waitomo Caves, where a true underground adventure awaits. Take on the Black Abyss tour, with abseiling, waterfall jumps, tubing through river caverns, and drifting beneath constellations of glowworms lighting up the dark.
Day 4: Ancient Echoes – Maori Legends and Hot Springs Continue the journey to Rotorua, the heart of Maori culture and geothermal wonders. Experience traditional performances, arts, and storytelling at Mitai Village, followed by a hangi feast cooked beneath the earth. Soak in natural hot pools to unwind afterward.
Day 5: Fire and Steam – The Geysers of Te Puia Spend another day in Rotorua exploring Te Puia’s dramatic geothermal valley, home to erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools. Watch master carvers and weavers at work before enjoying a steam-cooked lunch. As night falls, wander through the magical Redwood Forest lit up by lanterns.
Day 6: Ocean Dance – Swimming with Dolphins Drive out toward the Bay of Plenty coast near Tauranga, where you’ll board a small group ecocruise. Slip into the water to swim alongside wild dolphins in their natural habitat, a breathtaking and humbling encounter with New Zealand’s marine life.
Day 7: Capital Cool – Arts, Cafes, and City Vibes Catch a short domestic flight to Wellington, New Zealand’s creative capital. Spend the day exploring Cuba Street’s colorful cafes and boutiques, stroll along the harborfront, and take in sweeping views from Mount Victoria.
Day 8: Wild Coast – Pancake Rocks and Rainforest Drives Cross to the South Island by ferry through the stunning Cook Strait and pick up a car for a drive along the wild West Coast. Stop at Punakaiki to see the famous Pancake Rocks, bizarre limestone formations hammered by the Tasman Sea.
Day 9: Ice Kingdom – Helicopter Over Franz Josef Glacier Continue south along the coast to Franz Josef township. From here, lift off by helicopter onto the mighty glacier itself for an unforgettable guided hike through deep blue crevasses, sparkling ice caves, and frozen waterfalls. Relax afterward in the local glacier hot pools.
Day 10: Canyon Rush – Jet Boating in Queenstown Journey overland to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Speed down the narrow Shotover River canyons in a thrilling jet boat ride, then relax lakeside with breathtaking views of the Remarkables mountain range.
Day 11: Leap of Faith – Skydive Over Queenstown Today, take the ultimate leap with a tandem skydive high above Queenstown, free-falling over lakes and snow-capped peaks. Unwind afterward with a soak in a private hot pool perched on a hillside overlooking the river valley.
Day 12: Farewell to Paradise – Glenorchy and Queenstown Take a scenic drive to the charming village of Glenorchy and the ethereal landscapes of Paradise Valley, made famous by movie scenes. Celebrate the end of the journey with a farewell lakeside dinner, savoring the flavors and beauty of New Zealand one last time.
