You are here
New Zealand Explorer
Why Not Tailor-Make it Easy
- We'll adapt this itinerary to suit you
- Add local experiences
- Choose accommodation
- Designed to your budget
- Flexible payments
Here’s What Your Amazing Holiday Could Look Like...
We’ll Help you Find your Way

Planning your holiday
Hi I'm Chloe and as a Travel Consultant I'm here to make sure you find the exact holiday you want. This Journey itinerary is just one example for what's possible when you travel with us. Get in touch ...
Your Example Itinerary
Days 1-2
Fly from the UK to Auckland
Days 3-4
Auckland
Soak up the sights of New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, a blend of modern life and traditional Polynesian heritage. Stroll around the numerous museums and galleries, then explore the heritage houses and sample one or two of the excellent eateries, perhaps ascending the 192m Sky Tower. Later, get away from all the hustle and bustle as you sail out on to the Hauraki Gulf to the golden beaches of Waiheke Island and hang out with the artists and millionaires who inhabit them.
Days 5-6
Rotorua
Hit the Thermal Explorer Highway to Rotorua, popping in to the mesmerising Waitomo Glowworm Caves, lit by the glowworm’s unmistakable luminescence, along the way. Explore the erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools of this geothermically active town and enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot spring mineral pools at the Polynesian Spa. See Rotorua from a different perspective as you head up Mount Ngongotaha on the Skyline Gondola – at the summit you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the town and its surrounding lakes and forests.
Day 7
Napier
Head to the lush wine-producing region of Hawke's Bay where you can and take a stroll through charismatic Napier, admiring the Art Deco architecture and palm-lined streets. The whole city was redesigned and rebuilt following the 1931 earthquake, and the buildings, including the classic Daily Telegraph office, have remained ever since. Afterwards, head out to the wineries and indulge in a glass or two of New Zealand’s finest wines. For further scenic vistas drive up Te Mata Peak to the south of town and admire the amazing panorama from the top.
Day 8
Wellington
Stop off in Wellington, the lively harbourside Kiwi capital, with its flourishing café culture, tasty local cuisine and eye-catching scenery. Among the craft-beer pubs, cocktail bars and boutique souvenir shops, National Museum Te Papa is an informative and enjoyable interactive experience of New Zealand’s history. Take a guided tour of the museum and learn more about the country’s unique wildlife and culture. Afterwards, perhaps take the cable car up to Wellington’s excellent Botanic Gardens. Not only will you be rewarded with pretty views, but there are native forests, rose gardens and a duck pond to boot.
Day 9
Blenheim
Fly from Wellington to sunny Blenheim, in the heart of the country’s premier wine-growing region. Head straight for the vineyards and taste some of the delicious wines or take a cruise or a kayak on the blue waters of the peaceful Marlborough Sounds, exploring the beautiful remote coastlines and homes of the people who live here. If you fancy a bit of culture and history, try the Millennium Art Gallery or the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Day 10
Christchurch
Take to the seas as you search for sperm whales, dusky dolphins and New Zealand fur seals in Kaikoura (seasonal) before continuing on to pretty Christchurch with its extensive parks and botanical gardens, giving it the nickname the ‘Garden City’. This charming metropolis feels like a little piece of England, especially as it is best viewed on a relaxing punting trip down the Avon River. As the landscape is relatively flat, Christchurch is easy to cycle around, taking in such sights as the Botanic Gardens and Riccarton Bush.
Day 11
Lake Tekapo
Heading south from Christchurch, perhaps stop to enjoy the stunning views of Aoraki Mount Cook, then continue on to gorgeous Lake Tekapo. Here, a shimmering turquoise lake surrounded by a ring of snow-capped peaks gives the town its name. Do not forget your camera as you take a stroll along the lakeshore to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd for stunning views and picture-postcard vistas. For a slightly different perspective, hike up neighbouring Mount John, which is also the location for a fascinating observatory. Come in the evening to take a look through the telescopes.
Days 12-15
Queenstown
Finish your Journey on a high in the adrenaline junkie paradise of Queenstown, chock-a-block with thrilling outdoor activities and white-knuckle challenges. There’s everything from bungee jumping and jet boating, to skiing and river rafting, all topped off with a pulsating nightlife. The town has a stunning setting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains which are best appreciated from the Skyline Gondola. While you’re here, spend the day cruising the waters of stunning Milford Sound, observing all the glacially-carved cracks and crevices. Your day will start with a drive through the beautiful valleys of the Southern Alps, past mirror lakes, to Milford Sound. On board your boat you’ll see the scars left by the glacier that formed this beautiful fjord, dotted with waterfalls and covered in dramatic rock formations.
Days 16-17
Depart Queenstown and return to the UK
Chat to Us About Tailor-Making Your Trip!
Flight Centre’s Travel Consultants really know their stuff when it comes to creating bespoke itineraries. Get in touch below, and let us tailor-make it easy
Your holiday
We know our stuff when it comes to holidays all around the world and – most importantly – with a little bit of information, our Travel Experts can tailor make a trip to suit you. So what are you waiting for?