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.
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
- This itinerary will be customised to suit your individual wishes
- Best travel time is October - November and March - April
- Relaxed travel pace with 3 nights at each location
- The average drive between each accommodation is 3-4 hours
- Stay with locals at 12 locations, away from the crowds
- Choose from a diverse mix of activities with locals
- Domestic flight from Christchurch to Queenstown
- Collect your rental car in Queenstown and return in Auckland
- Ferry crossing - Picton to Wellington
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](/img/maps/map-new-zealand-fc.png)
![Enjoy a day trip to the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu by jet boat](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-queenstown-jet-boat-view-family-see-and-do-adventurous.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=b3914f2ff4ec544b97e18eaa21db90ed 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-queenstown-jet-boat-view-family-see-and-do-adventurous.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=4f577347b4bf14549ac69b355367fb64 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-queenstown-jet-boat-view-family-see-and-do-adventurous.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9e117cd2f1d94a215c1fd98c2d61dc60 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-queenstown-jet-boat-view-family-see-and-do-adventurous.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=85c483f5306a278c0779b73f230d90f7 400w)
![Spot dolphins in Doubtful Sound](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=8c55cb926055ab70583b2712b7e98228 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=133fcab8840c80151c4c9cd86c942ca1 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=e1b88046b80ab4b069951aa25acfdcfd 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-te-anau-accommodation-discoverpage-small-scale-stays.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=7aec9d88be1819f1f127a106aef79492 400w)
![Hiking enthusiasts will be in heaven in the Fiordland National Park](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-lake-marion-fiordland-national-park-2-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=6d9f2bbea3d591eaf9d77e1a367a918e 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-lake-marion-fiordland-national-park-2-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=a06f309121251fe4fbc2c84f2159c0d3 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-lake-marion-fiordland-national-park-2-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9e877c7f59d4160dba4e95e80e8de92e 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-lake-marion-fiordland-national-park-2-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d03507c0935d43d17bdb535ae2c56f5e 400w)
![Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=9fd2ce3449bcd5597b97ccdfeb3d9b62 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=85d9d4334349746e9376caa6d6f467f7 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9e53139cd88aecb182df580ab6df09a7 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d3172d49169fd252ab2d54cb2b0f6286 400w)
![Don't miss out on a picture-perfect moment at The Church of the Good Shepherd](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-tekapo-church-lake-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=f1cc1c859995c002a27e63c703ee293f 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-tekapo-church-lake-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=25b5550e1f183b8fc06e70f251de2e97 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-tekapo-church-lake-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=43b3c4220312eec4db5572c03b414e64 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-lake-tekapo-church-lake-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=55fe9610cd2d09621fac0f4945bd0b3b 400w)
![Soak up the fresh rural air with views of the snow-capped Southern Alps](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/1-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=3e81f64d7497e6f89412147439467a53 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/1-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=ea4cda1a0656485280228035e11e965d 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/1-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=b54ff549cc2d20d1869f8762c3ba1b3a 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/1-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=f773716f5e6b5ed1c1b1fc4cb7a5d68f 400w)
![Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=d25703b1198689da921c3b43e0b3fa8b 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=2cbc1cd2793c724169c82c831a202b7a 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=a32d58bb15b14e898e44a3230b73b2a2 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=90beb68a7cb3dcc9b8ac1511d5c1dd6f 400w)
![Savour Wellington city's assortment of culinary delights](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=25a30e8fc5ce26f1febeee345bec1b86 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=5b49b512d4196029a91f52023dc4e0b4 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=2829460728ee623e291b7b5ebdc27c2f 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=fe0b10c935bdfbdd66246c955da63a21 400w)
![Visit the impressive gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/detailed-discoverpage/nz-cape-kidnappers-hawkes-bay-discoverpage-detailed-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=500d583ee971f003dca26b2b391f932c 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/detailed-discoverpage/nz-cape-kidnappers-hawkes-bay-discoverpage-detailed-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=55ce8e4ac9b3cf19c3925b729efd443a 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/detailed-discoverpage/nz-cape-kidnappers-hawkes-bay-discoverpage-detailed-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=257db55f59c491c58f1c8ec04173baa9 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/detailed-discoverpage/nz-cape-kidnappers-hawkes-bay-discoverpage-detailed-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=b167fbdbe5f3b68a4e68a33e1bf3c67b 400w)
![Get a bird's eye view of Taupo in a float plane](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=dfe5eaec9985005552f088ce1730ed24 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=9532b9a91bbe76b3c5d50117f3129cf9 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=6e3bf8729862e12859a98661b1f63ef5 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=16e3977e732b75cae2474866edb86c4c 400w)
![Dig your own natural bath on Hot Water Beach](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/22-Hot-Water-Beach-Coromandel-Graeme-Murray-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=7a2e97d8372f3c97aa69123d01e5e574 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/22-Hot-Water-Beach-Coromandel-Graeme-Murray-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=2843dc0d4bbdaef963bd3039e1eaafdc 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/22-Hot-Water-Beach-Coromandel-Graeme-Murray-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=459e1c8edb332a76d8461486b6a78d10 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/22-Hot-Water-Beach-Coromandel-Graeme-Murray-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=3f0346a84a72f575155613efcc75e0a7 400w)
![For 360 degree views of Auckland City, walk to the summit of Mount Eden](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=4d7136b93a0a9ce5add01d0349864393 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=503c12a0723e8ce6e1db7f72175e12b9 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=c8b4931c586320afd776d6ee4670ca08 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=a55a524ad006b5b66d9790d8d63056b9 400w)
Price guide per person
and car change
During shoulder season you can enjoy significant price savings. Talk to a specialist now on 020 36 95 95 69
More sample itineraries
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
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.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.