Auckland to
Queenstown or Christchurch

Stay flexible! Your adventure begins in Auckland and can finish in either Queenstown, the adventure capital, or Christchurch, the garden city, giving you the freedom to continue your travels your way. This tour is the perfect mix of epic group activities and the personal space to make the adventure your own. All of this is made even better with the support of your fun and knowledgeable Chilli Tours guide, who will be with you every step of the way, sharing local insights and ensuring you have the time of your life.

From the golden sands of the North Island's Coromandel Peninsula to the majestic fiords and mountains of the South, this tour is packed with some of the best highlights New Zealand has to offer. We'll take care of your accommodation and transport, leaving you free to choose your own optional activities and spend your free time however you want.

Private Transport

Private Guide

15 Breakfasts & 3 Dinners

Accommodation

Ferry & Water Taxi

Sailing

Kayaking

Cultural Experience

Inclusions & Highlights

Fully Guided Tour
Support and local knowledge every step of the way.

Meals
15 breakfasts and 3 dinners are included.

Accommodation
All accommodation is covered.

Transport
All transport is covered, including ferry.

Sea Kayaking to Cathedral Cove
Paddle to this iconic cove.

Māori Cultural Experience
Traditional feast and show in Rotorua.

Lake Taupō Sunset Cruise
Sunset sailing to Māori carvings.

Abel Tasman Water Taxi
Scenic water taxi along the coast.

Queenstown Skyline & Luge
Thrilling luge ride in the adventure capital.

Roy's Peak
Epic hike with famous panoramic views.

Hot Water Beach
Dig your own personal hot tub.

Kerosene Creek
Relax in a natural hot spring.

Abel Tasman National Park
See seals, Split Apple Rock, and the famous Anchorage Beach.

Hokitika Gorge
Marvel at the electric blue waters.

Mount Cook National Park
Stand in the shadow of NZ's tallest mountain.

Optional Extras: Book additional activities like a Milford Sound day trip, bungee jumping, skydiving, and more!

Day 1: Auckland

Your Kiwi adventure begins in Auckland, the City of Sails. Settle into your accommodation and then you have the afternoon to explore this vibrant city at your leisure. In the evening, you'll meet your tour guide and the rest of your travel crew for an introduction to the journey ahead. It's the perfect time to get to know your fellow travellers before you head out to grab some dinner.

Itinerary overview

Day 2: Hahei (Coromandel)

Today we say goodbye to the big city and head to the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Our destination is Hahei, a beautiful beach town that will capture your heart. We'll stop at the famous Hot Water Beach, where you can feel the unique geothermal experience of digging your own hot pool right in the sand. This evening, enjoy a classic group Kiwi BBQ dinner with your new friends.

Day 3: Hahei (Coromandel)

You have a full day to explore the paradise of Hahei. Your included activity is a scenic kayak trip to the iconic Cathedral Cove. Go paddling through sea caves and the pristine marine reserve, with spectacular photo opportunities along the way. For most, this is an unforgettable experience! You can also spend your free time chilling on the beach, snorkelling at Stingray Bay, or just exploring the area.

Day 4: Rotorua

This morning, we head to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland. Before arriving, we'll stop to tour the famous Hobbiton movie set, where you'll have the option to see the real-life home of Bilbo Baggins. Once in Rotorua, you'll have the chance to see bubbling mud pools and geysers. We've also included a traditional Māori cultural experience with a hangi feast for dinner, to give you a taste of New Zealand's rich culture.

Day 5: Taupo

Start your day with a choice of epic Rotorua experiences: from ziplining in an ancient forest or rafting a 7m waterfall. Afterward, we'll guide you to Kerosene Creek, a natural hot spring for a relaxing soak. Next, visit the mighty Huka Falls, where a quarter of a million litres of water thunder over an 11-meter drop every second. From there, a sunset sailing trip on Lake Taupō will take you to see incredible Māori rock carvings.

Day 6: National Park

Limber up for a big day! Today you get the chance to take on one of New Zealand's most famous day hikes: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This challenging but rewarding walk takes you through a dramatic volcanic landscape with incredible views. For those who don't want to do the full crossing, there are other awesome short walks in the area, including trails to waterfalls and locations used as filming spots for The Lord of the Rings.

Day 7: Wellington

On to Wellington, New Zealand's "coolest little capital". This city packs a lot of character into its downtown district, with a lively arts and cafe scene. You have the afternoon to explore the city's unique laneways, check out Te Papa National Museum, or take the iconic cable car for views over the city.

Day 8: Abel Tasman

Today we take a scenic voyage to the top of the South Island, catching a ferry across the Cook Strait. On the way, we'll journey through the stunning Marlborough region, with photo stops at places like Pelorus Bridge, a filming location for The Hobbit. We may even enjoy some optional wine tasting in this renowned wine region. We'll arrive at our accommodation on the edge of Abel Tasman National Park and enjoy a group dinner together around a fire.

Day 9: Abel Tasman

You have a full day to explore New Zealand's most popular national park. Our included activity is a scenic water taxi ride to Anchorage Beach. Along the way you'll see Split Apple Rock and the seal colony, with a chance to spot dolphins. For an extra dose of adventure, you can upgrade to a kayaking or canyoning tour in the summer or choose to go skydiving for a sunset view you'll never forget.

Day 10: Hokitika

We journey down the stunning wild West Coast today, an area known for its rugged beaches and rainforest. We'll make a stop to see the surreal blue waters of Hokitika Gorge. The colour of the water is truly mesmerising and makes for some great photos.

Day 12: Wanaka

Enjoy the scenic drive today as we make our way to Wanaka. On the way, we'll visit Mount Cook National Park, where you can stand in the shadow of New Zealand's tallest mountain and see Tasman Glacier. We'll arrive in the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka in the afternoon, where you can relax by the lake or explore the town's charming streets.

Day 13: Queenstown

This morning is your chance to conquer Roy's Peak, an iconic trek with some of the world's most famous panoramic views. For those looking for a more relaxed day, there are many other great short walks and optional activities, or you can simply enjoy the town's cafes and shops. In the afternoon, It's time to head to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown! It's a place buzzing with energy and beautiful scenery, with a nightlife that's second to none.

Day 14: Queenstown

Enjoy a full free day in Queenstown. This is your chance to tick off any optional activities you've been dreaming of, from bungee jumping and jet boating to skydiving. Another popular optional extra is a day trip to the stunning Milford Sound - an epic journey through Fiordland National Park, often called the "8th Wonder of the World"!

Day 15: Queenstown

Today we'll get an adrenaline fix with an included Skyline Luge ride, a thrilling gravity-fuelled downhill ride. This evening, we will have our final group dinner and drinks together to celebrate our epic journey. We'll share stories and farewell those ending their tour in Queenstown.

Day 16: Queenstown / Christchurch

This is the final day of our tour for the remaining crew. We'll take a comfortable ride to Christchurch, a cool city with a beautiful river, lush parks, and creative street art. Your guide will be on hand to point out great spots and give recommendations for those wanting to explore, before taking you to your chosen accommodation and bidding you a fond farewell.

Day 11: Lake Tekapo

We'll arrive in Lake Tekapo in the afternoon, where you'll find a stunning turquoise lake and the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. You can hike the Mount John Summit Track for breathtaking panoramic views of the area. In the evening, choose to soak in the local hot pools, or you can opt for an incredible stargazing experience, as the town lies within one of the world's few International Dark Sky Reserves.