Private Tours - New Zealand Luxury Travel
14 Day New Zealand Exclusive Private Tour: South Island Highlights & North Island Culture
price from
NZ$ 8490
per person (twin share)
New Zealand - Both Islands 
Exclusive Private Tour 
14 days 
Christchurch 
Auckland 14‑Day South Island Highlights & North Island Culture Tour with an English‑Speaking Driver‑Guide
If you only have one trip to New Zealand, this New Zealand travel itinerary covers the best of it. The 14 day route starts in Christchurch and moves through the Southern Alps, the West Coast glaciers, and the Mackenzie Basin. It continues to Queenstown, flies north to Rotorua, and finishes in Auckland. Every day mixes nature, culture, and a few of the country’s most photographed landmarks, including Milford Sound and Hobbiton.
This itinerary moves at a comfortable pace. Most days include one or two main activities. That leaves room for small detours that often become the best part of a trip, like a cellar door in Gibbston Valley or a stroll along the Hokitika Gorge swing bridge. Along the way, you will cruise Akaroa Harbour in search of Hector’s dolphins. You will ride the TranzAlpine across the Canterbury Plains. You will also hike part of the Hooker Valley Track beneath Mt Cook. In Fiordland, cruise beneath Mitre Peak. In the North Island, the focus shifts to Maori culture and geothermal wonder in Rotorua, glowworms at Waitomo, and the Shire at Hobbiton.
Whether you are planning your first trip or comparing routes before you book, this New Zealand travel itinerary gives a realistic sense of pacing and what each region offers. As a private tour, every stop can be adjusted. Want more time at a winery, a longer stay in Queenstown, or a scenic flight over the glaciers? Just ask your guide to rework the day. Drawn to the film locations here? Our dedicated 15 Day Lord of the Rings Tour goes deeper into Middle-earth country. Looking for something different for your group? Our Luxury Private Tours can be tailored to any interest or pace. They include a dedicated driver-guide and exclusive access you won’t find on a standard itinerary.
Tour Photo Gallery
Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Coach
Tour Departures
- Daily
Airport Transfers
- Included
Pricing
-
From NZD 8,490 per person, based on a minimum of 16 travelers.
Meals
- 12 Breakfast
- 10 Lunch
- 11 Dinner
Accommodation
- Superior Hotels
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Christchurch – Akaroa – West Coast (Franz Josef/Fox Glacier) – Haast Pass – Lake Wanaka – Mt Cook/Twizel – Queenstown – Glenorchy – Milford Sound – Matamata – Rotorua – Waitomo Caves – Auckland
Group Size
- no minimum number
Tour Code
- GTNZ072026
Pre & Post Accommodation
- Available
14 Day New Zealand Exclusive Private Tour: South Island Highlights & North Island Culture Days
Fly into Christchurch and settle in for the start of your South Island adventure. Depending on your arrival time, the rest of the day is free to rest after the journey.
Accommodation: Novotel Hotel Christchurch City or similar
Spend the day exploring the Garden City at an easy pace. Highlights include a punting trip along the Avon River, a walk through Hagley Park, a lookout stop at the Cashmere Hills, and time in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens.
Meals: Dinner (Lone Star 2-course dinner)
Accommodation: Novotel Hotel Christchurch City or similar
Take a scenic drive to Akaroa, a charming former French settlement on Banks Peninsula. Board a harbour cruise to watch crayfish and paua pots being hauled up while keeping an eye out for Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin species, along with fur seals. Other options along the way include Onuku Church, Pohatu Penguins, and a visit to Shamarra Alpacas.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Thai or Western), Dinner (Fresh Catch Seafood Dinner featuring Crayfish)
Accommodation: Novotel Hotel Christchurch City or similar
Board the world renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Railway (08:15 AM – 13:10 PM) for a one-way journey from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and over the Southern Alps to Greymouth. From there, a coach continues south along the West Coast, stopping at Hokitika Gorge to cross the swing bridge and take in the turquoise glacial waters on a short riverside walk. The day ends in the glacier region of Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (En route), Dinner (Western 2-course)
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar
Begin with a visit to Lake Matheson, famous for its mirror reflections of Mt Cook on a calm morning. From there, the scenic highway through Haast Pass offers a string of waterfall and forest stops, followed by a photo stop at Lake Wanaka to see the iconic Wanaka Tree. The day continues past Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd on the way to Mt Cook village or Twizel.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Buffet), Dinner (Buffet)
Accommodation: The Hermitage Hotel or similar
Start the morning with a walk along the Hooker Valley Track, crossing swing bridges with views of the Mueller Glacier and Hooker Lake, or take an optional scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers instead. In the afternoon, pass the Kawarau Bungee Bridge and stop for wine tasting at Gibbston Valley Winery before arriving in Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Stoaker Cromwell BBQ), Dinner (Shelter Bar & Kitchen)
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown or similar
Drive one of the world’s most scenic alpine lake roads along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy. From here, explore Paradise Valley and the Dart River area, both well known as filming locations for The Lord of the Rings. Travelers with a strong interest in Middle-earth can extend this day with a dedicated guided tour of the film locations. Other stops include the Red Boat Shed and Mrs Woolly’s General Store for local coffee and goods.
The afternoon is free to relax back in Queenstown by the lake or browse the boutique shops.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Glenorchy Cafe / Western), Dinner (Local Queenstown Restaurant)
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown or similar
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a sheepdog demonstration, farm tour, and barbecue lunch. In the afternoon, visit historic Arrowtown and try your hand at gold panning along the Shotover River. In the evening, ride the gondola up to Bob’s Peak for dinner with panoramic views over Queenstown, with an optional luge ride for anyone keen to try it.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Walter Peak Buffet), Dinner (Skyline Buffet)
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown or similar
Drive through Fiordland National Park, passing Mirror Lakes, the Eglinton Valley, and the Homer Tunnel. Board a full cruise through Milford Sound beneath the towering Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed landmarks in New Zealand.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Cruise Buffet), Dinner (Chinese 8-course)
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown or similar
Take a morning domestic flight from Queenstown to Auckland, then drive through the rural Waikato region to Matamata, home of the Hobbiton Movie Set. A guided tour through the film set brings the Shire to life, with a stop at the Green Dragon Inn included. Continue on to Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal heartland, for the evening.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Western Light Meal), Dinner (Aorangi Peak 3-course)
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua or similar
Spend the day exploring Rotorua’s natural and cultural highlights, including the Whakarewarewa Redwoods Forest and Te Puia Geothermal Valley, home to the Pohutu Geyser and bubbling mud pools. The evening includes a traditional hangi feast paired with a Māori cultural performance.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Korean BBQ Buffet), Dinner (Te Puia Hāngī Buffet)
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua or similar
Take a guided boat tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves before heading north to Auckland. On arrival, drive up to the Mount Eden summit for 360 degree views over the city skyline and harbour.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Waitomo Buffet), Dinner (SkyCity Buffet)
Accommodation: Horizon Hotel by SkyCity Auckland or similar
Take an early morning ferry across to Devonport, a historic seaside village with heritage shopfronts, waterfront walks, and harbour views back toward the Auckland CBD. The rest of the day and evening are free for shopping around Commercial Bay and Queen Street or dining at Viaduct Harbour.
Meals: Breakfast (Hotel), Lunch (Own Arrangement), Dinner (Own Arrangement)
Accommodation: Horizon Hotel by SkyCity Auckland or similar
Transfer to Auckland International Airport for your onward flight home, bringing your 14 day New Zealand itinerary to a close.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Highlights
- Private touring throughout, tailored to your group
- Twin share accommodation for 13 nights
- TranzAlpine Scenic Railway journey, Christchurch to Greymouth
- Akaroa Harbour cruise with dolphin and seal spotting
- Hooker Valley Track walk beneath Mt Cook
- TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise and Walter Peak farm show
- Full Milford Sound scenic cruise
- Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour
- Te Puia Geothermal Valley tour with hangi dinner and cultural performance
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided boat tour
- Daily breakfast plus most lunches and dinners as noted above
Tour Departure Dates
Daily departures
Accommodation
- Christchurch: Novotel Hotel Christchurch City or similar, 3 nights
- West Coast Glaciers: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar, 1 night
- Mt Cook or Twizel: The Hermitage Hotel or similar, 1 night
- Queenstown: DoubleTree by Hilton Queenstown or similar, 4 nights
- Rotorua: Millennium Hotel Rotorua or similar, 2 nights
- Auckland: Horizon Hotel by SkyCity Auckland or similar, 2 nights
For your 14 Day New Zealand Private Tour, you can select from a variety of accommodation styles, including Standard, Superior, First‑Class Hotels, Boutique Hotels, Boutique B&Bs, and Luxury Lodges.
Included activities
Optional Activities
Accommodation
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