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 a holiday Down Under with the perfect mix of luxury and nature? This trip is perfect for you. New Zealand is a natural wonderland, filled with an assortment of native wildlife and pristine wilderness. Have close encounters with unique flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. And stay at luxurious accommodations that blend in with nature.
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 2-4 nights at each location
- The average drive between each accommodation is 2.5 to 5 hours
- Stay with locals at 13 locations, away from the crowds
- Choose from a diverse mix of small-group/exclusive 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)
![Cycle through New Zealand's spectacular landscapes](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/3101_Arrowtown_House24.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=b7190103802af9620b37dc53861df620 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/3101_Arrowtown_House24.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=9ff6e742173e62bbafbf68f563c920a6 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/3101_Arrowtown_House24.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9c1734fc06e1a50ef3d549569af5165e 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/3101_Arrowtown_House24.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=0dae644396a20afd06356b3a6ba5b176 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)
![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)
![Hike the Queen Charlotte Track](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-queen-charlotte-sounds-viewpoint-3-iphone-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=0d95c74620c35dd466fbf153a3f7e95a 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-queen-charlotte-sounds-viewpoint-3-iphone-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=bddd7a23b9406f4a0ec8cfad05185c17 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-queen-charlotte-sounds-viewpoint-3-iphone-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=823a95485870f0b808e59c1c18585849 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-queen-charlotte-sounds-viewpoint-3-iphone-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d51650dcc962d5366c0fb9bc5ac90c6b 400w)
![Visit the Nelson markets and find the local gems](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nelson-markets.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=a06e6abf87e4da45522066fb8960f14c 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nelson-markets.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=3da08f11b2e762794c81f73ef21567b7 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nelson-markets.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=177f0004f82b98c655e8fe2a116cb07f 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nelson-markets.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=dca993196c6d245d0cac36604cd23d19 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)
![Catch the sunrise on Ohope Beach](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-ohope-whakatane-example-trip.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=06c93a5eb2ce1c01361cbbf63af5c7f6 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-ohope-whakatane-example-trip.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=5ad75edd4c451f4e9349eddd93289df4 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-ohope-whakatane-example-trip.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=12e6e0145c6e8dc55bee760dcc0f039b 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-ohope-whakatane-example-trip.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=b1a520cea62be20b9011e48e5c8a505e 400w)
![Swim with majestic dolphins](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/3985_Dolphin_Seafaris1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=ac3babd05e3182ab6673bca326862ce9 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/3985_Dolphin_Seafaris1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=a9da80b15067d7ec42a7a0943d6a6bc3 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/3985_Dolphin_Seafaris1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9e57fd79ff015f3b80231595d1e43163 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/3985_Dolphin_Seafaris1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=4936a2f1a391913204326aa4a461d02f 400w)
![Rangitoto Island is a 25-minute ferry ride from Auckland City or Devonport](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-rangitoto-island.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=cb1fe46d228d2a09b6e6a7816dcd0bdf 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-rangitoto-island.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=8aa21ee21c2ec00becb8dd66dc6ce408 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-rangitoto-island.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=769c2c320452edd2537db70f1c0fd843 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-rangitoto-island.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=38886edaff52f853d75f5c86eb0ffbfe 400w)
![Experience the magic of the Bay of Islands](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-hone-bay-of-islands-boats-water-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=5907b7fe8a03af93fde919ccb1280396 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-hone-bay-of-islands-boats-water-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=29115d02ec97416af06ec04e82d36bda 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-hone-bay-of-islands-boats-water-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=f8253bbc2cfdced02e25fe76ea238748 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-hone-bay-of-islands-boats-water-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=096ce89278e1a6f060e754d4708791bd 400w)
![Discover a variety of walking tracks in the Mahurangi Regional Park](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-beach-884-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=0ffed63b5d684003f9c60a5d6f37fc91 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-beach-884-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=e431bb7f18c9f60d2404bcba98936b36 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-beach-884-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=443c7b2579450d97651a45c97dd9c8af 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-beach-884-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d4f3ab6412ef3fa5a453e79694158517 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.