Holiday Overview
If you are looking to travel through New Zealand from the South Island to the North Island, then this is a perfect way to explore this dramatic country. This trip starts in Queenstown and moves through the lakes and mountains of the Southern Alps to arrive in the wine regions of the Marlborough Sounds. It’s just a short hop on the ferry for you to arrive in the bustling city of Wellington. You are then welcomed with dramatic vistas of Tongariro National Park with its active volcanos before eventually finishing in the “City of Sails”, Auckland.
Start Queenstown - End Auckland
12 nights / 13 days
Islands visited: South & North Island
Highlights;
Queenstown views across the lakes to the Southern Alps
Wine-growing Marlborough Sounds region
Tongariro National Park
Visit the impressive Huka Falls, Taupo
South Island to North Island Adventure includes:
- 2 nights accommodation Queenstown
- 1 night accommodation Lake Tekapo
- 1 night accommodation Christchurch
- 1 night accommodation Blenheim
- 1 night accommodation Wellington
- 2 nights accommodation Tongariro
- 1 night accommodation Taupo
- 1 night accommodation Rotorua
- 2 nights accommodation Auckland
- Compact car hire
Day 1 - Queenstown
Arrive in Queenstown, check into your chosen hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at leisure.
Day 2 - Queenstown
A full day to explore this beautiful region at leisure. Ask your consultant for information on the many optional tours and excursions available.
Staying at Heritage Queenstown
Day 3 - Queenstown – Tekapo
Depart Queenstown for Tekapo, with its stunning views across the lake to the Southern Alps. Tekapo is also home to the much-photographed Church of the Good Shepherd.
Day 4 - Tekapo – Christchurch
Continue to Christchurch and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps take the Gondola to take in the magnificent view across the city, over the Canterbury Plains and on to the Southern Alps
Day 5 - Christchurch – Blenheim
Head North to Blenheim, situated in the heart of wine-growing Marlborough, famous for its fine Sauvignon Blanc.
Day 6 - Blenheim – Wellington
Take the scenic ferry crossing to Wellington. Perhaps take the cable car to the Mount Victoria lookout for a panoramic view of the city.
Day 7 - Wellington – Tongariro
Continue Northwards to Tongariro National Park, the park has 3 active volcanoes and was the filming scene for Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings films.
Day 8 - Tongariro
Enjoy a full day exploring this beautiful volcanic region at leisure. Ask your consultant for information regarding the optional guided walking tours available.
Staying at The Powderhorn Chateau
Day 9 - Tongariro – Taupo
Take the short drive along the shores of Lake Taupo to Taupo. Taupo is a great base from which to visit the impressive Huka Falls.
Day 10 - Taupo – Rotorua
Continue to Rotorua, famed for its Maori heritage and geothermal areas.
Day 11 - Rotorua – Auckland
Last stop on the itinerary is Auckland, movie buffs may wish to break the journey in Matamata for a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Day 12 - Auckland
Enjoy a full day at leisure to enjoy the charming city of Auckland.
Staying at Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
Day 13 - Auckland
Today your itinerary concludes in Auckland
Why not extend your New Zealand trip with an 'unmissable experience' to the Bay of Islands at the end of this itinerary?
Staying at Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
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Image Gallery
South Island Mountain Road
View over Wellington
River Clutha - Southern Alps
Tongariro National Park
Bridel Veil Falls
Marlborough Sounds
Lake Tekapo
Road into Queenstown
Alternative Holidays That May Interest You
Below you will find a small selection of 2026, 2027 holidays that may interest you. Remember, we tailor-make each holiday to your exact needs, so please call us on 0800 917 5742 and let one of our Holiday experts design the perfect trip for you
New Zealand’s Movies, Mountains & Maori
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Christchurch
- Hokitika
- Fox Glacier
- Queenstown
- Lake Tekapo
- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £300 per booking book by 31 October
- Visit Hobbiton
- Travel on the TranzAlpine train
- Climb the Fox Glacier
- Ride the Skyline Gondola
12 Nights from £3740pp
Natural Wonders of Australia & New Zealand
- Christchurch
- Lake Tekapo
- Queenstown
- Sydney
- Cairns
- Melbourne
- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £300 per booking book by 31 October
- Stunning Mountain Scenery in New Zealand
- See Sydney and the Blue Mountains
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical Rainforest
- Get up close to Koala's and Penguins on Phillip Island
14 Nights from £4500pp
New Zealand’s Islands, Geysers & Glaciers
- Auckland
- Bay of Islands
- Rotorua
- Napier
- Wellington
- Marlborough Sounds
- Kaikoura
- Christchurch
- Franz Josef
- Wanaka
- Queenstown
- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £300 per booking book by 31 October
- Hibiscus Coast
- Maori cultural experience
- Wellington cable car
- Cruise Milford Sound
21 Nights from £5680pp
New Zealand in Style
- Auckland
- Bay of Islands
- Rotorua
- Christchurch
- Twizel
- Queenstown
- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £300 per booking book by 31 October
- Boutique Accommodation
- Heli Hiking Tour
- Scenic Milford Flight
- Māori culture
15 Nights from £6795pp
Snapshot of North Island
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Taupo
- Tongariro National Park
- Martinborough
- Wellington
- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £300 per booking book by 31 October
- Matamata for Hobbiton Movie Set
- Mount Victoria lookout
- Rotorua’s geothermal parks
- Tongariro National Park
9 Nights from £1300pp
Golf New Zealand
- Auckland
- Rotorua
- Taupo
- Christchurch
- Hokitika
- Franz Josef
- Queenstown
- Receive a free case of wine
- Save £300 per booking book by 31 October
- Jacks Point Queenstown
- Millbrook Resort Queenstown
- The Kinloch Club Taupo
- Explore Rotorua and its volcanic plateau
14 Nights from £1300pp