8-Nights Essential New Zealand from $2,625

This 9-day trip invites you to see the best of both worlds, taking in New Zealand’s North Island followed by a day in the fjords of the south.

Land in Auckland and take an easy first day to acclimate and shake off any jetlag. Then explore all that makes Auckland one of the world’s most liveable cities on a full-day tour through the city. Built on 52 dormant volcanic cones and set between two harbours, Auckland is all about combining the best indoor and outdoor experiences and perfecting life’s balance. Visit a nearby rainforest, see the rugged west coast, and explore the City of Sails.

Head south to Rotorua via a quick stop in Hobbiton, which preserves New Zealand’s most famous cinematic identity, as ‘Middle Earth’ in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Then discover New Zealand’s real stories on a full-day tour of Rotorua. See the famous mud pools and geysers, and explore M?ori culture in detail at Te Puia. The day draws to a close at Tamaki M?ori Village with a traditional hakari 4-course meal prepared by award-winning M?ori chefs.

Fly to Queenstown, arguably New Zealand’s most stunning city, and its undisputed capital for adventure sports. Take an all-day trip into Fiordland National Park and cruise Piopiotahi/Milford Sound, the largest and most impressive of New Zealand’s fjords. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including dolphins, seals, and even the occasional whale, in between staring at Mitre Peak and the cliffs surrounding you. The following day is at leisure in Queenstown. Walk or bike along Lake Wakatipu, go zip-lining through the forest canopy, ride the Shotover jet boat, climb aboard the famous Skyline Queenstown cable car to the top of Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve, or try bungee jumping in the town where it was invented. Your options are limitless in Queenstown.

Get a scenic taste of the South Island as you weave through the mountains toward Christchurch. You might even catch a glimpse of Aoraki/Mount Cook! When you reach Christchurch, you might have time to visit the Antarctic Centre, Hagley Park, and the Canterbury Museum or explore Quake City to learn about how the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes devastated the city… and how it rebuilt! In the evening, enjoy one of the many restaurants, bars, or live music venues that have popped up in the reinvigorated Christchurch.

Transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.