Comfortable lodge with amazing views | New Zealand holiday
Comfortable lodge with amazing views | New Zealand holiday
A luxurious road trip of New Zealand

5 weeks from Queenstown to Auckland

Would you like to visit some of New Zealand’s most spectacular sights and hidden gems? Starting in Queenstown, you will visit Lake Wakatipu, Fiordland National Park, the charming town of Wanaka, see whales in Kaikoura and the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook. Be enchanted by golden beaches, subtropical forests, sapphire lakes and rolling vineyards.

Quick facts about this sample itinerary

Below, you can discover our suggested locations. Feel free to adjust your comfort level, add activity packages along the route, and indicate whether you would like us to arrange your flights. The price indication is based on travel in high season, so shoulder season travel will often give you a price advantage.

Route and Impressions

new-zealand
Enjoy a day trip to the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu by jet boat
Enjoy a day trip to the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu by jet boat
Spot dolphins in Doubtful Sound
Spot dolphins in Doubtful Sound
Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park
Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park
Don't miss out on a picture-perfect moment at The Church of the Good Shepherd
Don't miss out on a picture-perfect moment at The Church of the Good Shepherd
Soak up the fresh rural air with views of the snow-capped Southern Alps
Soak up the fresh rural air with views of the snow-capped Southern Alps
Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura
Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura
Soak up the views over Blenheim
Soak up the views over Blenheim
Savour Wellington city's assortment of culinary delights
Savour Wellington city's assortment of culinary delights
Visit the impressive gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers
Visit the impressive gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers
Get a bird's eye view of Taupo in a float plane
Get a bird's eye view of Taupo in a float plane
Dig your own natural bath on Hot Water Beach
Dig your own natural bath on Hot Water Beach
For 360 degree views of Auckland City, walk to the summit of Mount Eden
For 360 degree views of Auckland City, walk to the summit of Mount Eden

Queenstown

3 nights

New Zealand's adventure capital is centred around the crystal waters of Lake Wakatipu and nestled between dramatic mountain ranges.

Te Anau & Manapouri

3 nights

The perfect base to visit Doubtful and Milford Sounds. Adventure lovers can also kayak, take a scenic flight, go jet boat fishing or sailing on the lake. Driving along the Milford Road is simply breathtaking.

Wanaka

3 nights

An ultimate outdoor base to explore the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park. The crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka are ideal for fly fishing, boat cruises, jet boating, kayaking and swimming.

Tekapo

3 nights

Gleaming with bright turquoise waters and surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps. It’s the best place to stargaze in New Zealand, with its clear nights and lack of light pollution.

Canterbury High Country

3 nights

It’s all about adventure, farms and relaxing amongst nature in the highlands. Go hiking through the mountains, kayaking on Lake Heron or mountain biking on the remote Bridge to Nowhere Cycle Trail.

Kaikoura

3 nights

Kaikoura lies between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular views. The nutrient-rich water attracts whales, seals, albatross and dolphins.

Blenheim & Marlborough

3 nights

Spend your days vineyard-hopping and tasting world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, among other delicious wines, fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Wellington City

3 nights

A vibrant and compact city, bursting with an array of things to see and do. Dive into the coffee culture, visit Te Papa Museum and soak up the views from Mount Victoria.

Hawkes Bay & Napier

3 nights

Renowned for sunshine, fruitful vineyards and award-winning wineries. Go back in time to the 1930s, with a visit to the Art Deco-styled, Napier.

Taupo

3 nights

A thermal wonderland of active volcanoes, trout-filled rivers, alpine tussock and ancient forests. As you make your way around the lake, you will discover an array of different landscapes.

Coromandel

3 nights

Where pristine beaches meet misty forests. Hike the Pinnacles, explore Cathedral Cove or spend your days on the glistening water - kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and fishing.

Auckland City

3 nights

The ‘City of Sails’ is surrounded by diverse landscapes. From the rugged coastline at Piha and Bethells Beach to the calm, sheltered and golden sand at Mission Bay.

Price From

£9,000 Per person
What's included?
  • 36 nights staying at luxury small-scale accommodations
  • Relaxed travel pace with 3 nights at each location
  • Stay at 12 different locations
  • Types of accommodations include luxury lodges, cottages and beach villas
  • Your holiday is CO2 compensated
  • Most breakfasts and several dinners
  • Fully insured large SUV
  • Return business class flights - option to upgrade to First Class
  • Choose from a diverse mix of activities in nature with locals
  • We can alter this itinerary to suit your needs and interests

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At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.