Travel to New Zealand
with Travelmarvel
Auckland → Rotorua → Wellington | 15 Days of Culture, Coastlines & Natural Wonders
New Zealand Getaway
Discover the magic of New Zealand’s North Island on this fully guided journey designed for travellers who love stunning scenery, rich culture, and effortless comfort. From geothermal valleys and glowing limestone caves to sparkling coastal cruises and world-famous film locations, every day reveals a new side of Aotearoa’s natural beauty and cultural depth.
Wander through vibrant harbour cities, explore dramatic volcanic landscapes, and connect with Māori heritage through authentic, unforgettable experiences that bring the destination to life. This is a journey where iconic highlights and hidden gems come together seamlessly, offering the perfect balance of adventure, discovery, and relaxation.
With everything taken care of, from premium accommodation and comfortable transport to thoughtfully curated experiences, you can simply sit back, relax, and take it all in. Every detail is designed to ensure a smooth, enriching travel experience, so all you need to do is enjoy the moment and create memories that last a lifetime.
Why You’ll Love This Journey
This is more than a holiday, it’s a deep dive into the heart of New Zealand.
- Cruise through the iconic Bay of Islands
- Witness the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves
- Immerse yourself in Māori culture in Rotorua
- Explore volcanic landscapes and lush national parks
- Travel in comfort with a dedicated
- Tour Director and expert driver
- Enjoy premium hotels, scenic rail, ferry crossings & handpicked dining experiences
Every day brings a new highlight—carefully designed so you don’t miss a thing.
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1 | Arrive in Auckland
- Day 2 | Auckland, Bay of Island
- Day 3 | Bay of Islands
- Day 4 | Bay of Islands, Auckland
- Day 5 | Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua
- Day 6 | Rotorua
- Day 7 | Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington
- Day 8 | Wellington, Interislander Ferry, Christchurch
- Day 9 | Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Fox Glacier
- Day 10 | Fox Glacier, Queenstown
- Day 11 | Queenstown
- Day 12 | Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau
- Day 13 | Te Anau, Dunedin
- Day 14 | Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo/Takapō
- Day 15 | Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Depart Christchurch
Quick Facts
- Start/End Place: Auckland, New Zealand
- Country Visited: New Zealand
- Duration: 15 Days
- Start Date: Flexible
- Travel Style: Independent
- Suitability: Independent holiday with moderately active activities and no luggage handling included
New Zealand Getaway Trip Details
Inclusions
- 14 nights in premium accommodation
- Premium climate-controlled coach travel
- Special Welcome and Farewell Dinners
- Ride the iconic TranzAlpine Train across the Southern Alps
- Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced driver
- 22 delicious meals – 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
- Immerse yourself in an evening of Māori Culture and Cuisine
- Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls
Not Included
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners not detailed in the program
- Items of personal nature
Itinerary
- Day 1 | Arrive Auckland
Your unforgettable adventure begins the moment you arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant cultural and economic hub. On arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to your premium hotel, where comfort and relaxation await after your journey.
Take time to settle in or step out and explore the city at your own pace. From lively dining precincts and stylish cafés to waterfront walks and boutique shopping, Auckland offers the perfect introduction to Aotearoa. Your first day is all about easing into the rhythm of New Zealand and enjoying it your way.
Stay: Sudima Auckland City
- Day 2 | Auckland, Bay of Islands
Journey north through lush New Zealand landscapes, taking time to marvel at the incredible kauri tree, an ancient natural wonder that embodies the spirit of the land. Continue on to the picturesque Bay of Islands, where coastal beauty and tranquil waters set the tone for relaxation and discovery. Upon arrival, enjoy a special Insider Experience before gathering for a thoughtfully curated Welcome Dinner, highlighting fresh local ingredients and the rich flavours of the region.
Insider Experience | Take a cruise to Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands
Set out from Paihia and enjoy a breathtaking cruise through the Bay of Islands, where sparkling waters and coastal landscapes create an unforgettable setting. Keep your eyes open for marine life as you sail past the Cape Brett Peninsula and its dramatic rock formations. Weather permitting, you’ll navigate through the world-renowned Hole in the Rock for a truly memorable experience.
Stay: Two Nights, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 3 | Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands, a stunning archipelago of 144 islands, offers a true slice of coastal paradise on New Zealand’s north-eastern shores. Spend the day at leisure, taking in the subtropical landscapes and relaxed seaside atmosphere at your own pace. With your Tour Director close by, you’ll have access to thoughtful recommendations to help you make the most of this beautiful region.
Daily:· Breakfast
- Day 4 | Bay of Islands, Auckland
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the Bay of Islands before making your way back to Auckland by coach. On arrival, the afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure, offering time to relax or discover more of the city. You may also choose to enrich your day with a Select Experience at your own expense, such as The All Blacks Experience or Wētā Workshop Unleashed.
Enhance Your Journey | All Blacks Experience
Join a guided experience that uncovers the fascinating history and cultural significance of one of the world’s most celebrated sports teams. Learn about the people, moments, and milestones that have established the All Blacks as a defining part of New Zealand’s national identity.
Enhance Your Journey | Wētā Workshop Unleashed
Go behind the scenes with the Academy Award-winning team at Wētā Workshop and learn how blockbuster films like The Hobbit are created.
Stay: Sudima Auckland City
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 5 | Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua
Journey to Waitomo for a memorable Insider Experience before making your way to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia, home to an immersive Māori cultural centre that showcases rich traditions and history. Explore the geothermal landscapes of Whakarewarewa Valley, where geysers, hot pools, and steaming mud create a dramatic natural display. Later, enjoy another exclusive Insider Experience in the evening.
Insider Experience | Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Descend into the Waitomo Caves and marvel at a magical underground world illuminated by thousands of glowworms, a unique natural wonder found only in New Zealand.
Insider Experience | Rotorua Māori Culture & Geothermal Experience
Immerse yourself in Māori culture at Te Puia with a guided tour through a geothermal valley of geysers, mud pools, and native bush. Witness the power of Pōhutu Geyser before experiencing a traditional cultural performance, Haka pōwhiri, and a Hāngī feast of slow-cooked local cuisine.
Stay: Two Nights, Sudima Lake Rotorua
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 6 | Rotorua
Discover Rotorua, where geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and deep heritage come together to define the spirit of New Zealand. Visit the Agrodome for a hands-on introduction to rural life, meeting farm animals and learning about local farming traditions. You may also opt to elevate your experience with one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences.
Enhance Your Journey | Hobbiton movie set and farm tour
Explore the iconic set from The Lord of the Rings films, featuring charming Hobbit Hole doors and the home of Frodo Baggins nestled in the hillsides. (own expense)
Daily:· Breakfast
- Day 7 | Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway as you visit Lake Taupō and the spectacular Huka Falls before heading south to Wellington. New Zealand’s capital delights with the charm of its waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, and hillside homes in every shade.
Stay: Novotel Wellington
Daily:· Breakfast
- Day 8 | Wellington, Interislander Ferry, Christchurch
Begin the day with an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue your journey onwards to Christchurch.
Insider Experience | Cruise the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry
Set sail on the iconic Interislander ferry and experience one of the world’s great scenic voyages. Cross the breathtaking Cook Strait from the North Island to the South Island, soaking in unforgettable coastal views along the way.
Stay: Hotel Elms Christchurch
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 9 | Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Fox Glacier
Start your day with a memorable Insider Experience before travelling along the spectacular West Coast. This breathtaking region features the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as pristine lakes, lush rainforests, and striking alpine scenery.
Insider Experience | TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey
Step aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train and travel through the heart of the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Marvel at sweeping alpine views, deep gorges, and native beech forests along one of New Zealand’s most scenic rail routes.
Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 10 | Fox Glacier, Queenstown
Travel through the breathtaking Haast Pass as you make your way to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital, for an unforgettable Insider Experience.
Insider Experience | Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Enjoy spectacular lake and mountain views from your accommodation, perfectly positioned just moments from Queenstown’s lively centre. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, dining, or adventure, everything is right at your doorstep.
Stay: Two Nights, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Daily:· Breakfast
- Day 11 | Queenstown
Begin your day with an Insider Experience, followed by lunch at Queenstown’s world-famous Fergburger. The rest of the day is free for you to explore or choose from a selection of Enhance Your Journey experiences.
Insider Experience | Ride by Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak in Queenstown
Travel by Skyline gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak, 480 metres above sea level, and enjoy unforgettable views of Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Queenstown below.
Enhance Your Journey | Million Dollar Cruise
Drift across Lake Wakatipu’s stunning waters, keeping an eye out for birdlife and the lake’s resident giant trout.
Enhance Your Journey | Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Experience the rush of a jet boat ride through narrow canyons, skimming past sheer rock walls at thrilling speed.
Enhance Your Journey | TSS Earnslaw Cruise
Cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station and discover life on a traditional New Zealand high-country farm.
- Day 12 | Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau
Journey past The Remarkables and along the edge of Lake Wakatipu as you head toward the spectacular Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Your day concludes in the serene lakeside town of Te Anau.
Travel through the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park to reach Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Board your cruise and glide the full length of the fjord, taking in spectacular scenery at every turn.
Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 13 | Te Anau, Dunedin
Journey across Southland’s rugged countryside as you make your way to Dunedin for a guided city tour. Known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, the city is home to sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins, and the world’s only mainland albatross colony. Established by Scottish settlers in 1848, Dunedin proudly preserves its Gaelic heritage through architecture, cultural traditions, and fine whisky.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Daily:· Breakfast
- Day 14 | Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo/Takapō
Insider Experience – Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Views
Travel through the spectacular alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and pause to take in breathtaking views of New Zealand’s highest peak.
Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at Lake Tekapo/Takapō
Say ka kite anō (see you again) to New Zealand and your fellow travellers at a special Farewell Dinner at Rakinui Restaurant, Peppers Bluewater Resort. Set on the shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapō, enjoy exquisite locally inspired cuisine as you celebrate the end of your Kiwi journey.
Stay: Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Peppers Bluewater Resort
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 15 | Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Depart Christchurch
Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking lake views of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Then continue on to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.
Daily:· Breakfast
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