New Zealand’s Big Three Itinerary

Booking Code: AA-41219

If this is your first time visiting New Zealand, this is the perfect itinerary to experience the best of this stunning destination. With all flights, hotels, and tours included, this hands-off trip package allows you to enjoy New Zealand your way. We highly recommend this trip for travelers who enjoy quiet exploration of serene nature and have an interest in local indigenous culture.

11-Day New Zealand’s Big 3 Trip

Day 1: International Flight to Auckland
Days 2 to 5: Auckland
Days 5 to 7: Rotorua
Days 7 to 11: Queenstown
Day 11: International Flight from Queenstown (via Auckland)

All Taxes and
Fuel Levies

Itinerary is
flexible

DAYS 2 – 5

Nestled between two harbors, the Waitematā and the Manukau, Auckland is famously dubbed the “City of Sails” due to the numerous yachts that grace its waters. The city is a sprawling urban center, yet it is surrounded by stunning landscapes, including volcanic cones, lush rainforests, and beautiful beaches.

Auckland’s Black Sand Beaches and Rainforest

On your second day in Auckland, you’ll explore this surrounding wilderness on a half-day nature tour to Piha beach and the rainforest, perfect for discovering New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery. Just a short drive from Auckland, you’ll enjoy easy walks on tracks amidst dramatic coastlines. Start at the Arataki Visitors Centre with panoramic views and Māori carvings. Explore the native rainforest, learning about iconic New Zealand plants like the silver fern and manuka. Visit a stunning west coast viewpoint before strolling Piha’s awe-inspiring black sand beach. A New Zealand-style tea with biscuits and manuka honey is included.

Free Day

Your third day in Auckland is free to explore on your own. Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and it’s buzzing with a mix of cultures that light up the arts, food, and nightlife scenes. Must-see spots include the Sky Tower for epic views, the massive Auckland War Memorial Museum, and lively areas like Ponsonby, Mount Eden, and Parnell, filled with quirky shops and cafes. If you love nature, Waiheke Island is calling your name with its awesome vineyards and beautiful beaches. And don’t forget the buzzing waterfront spots like Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter, which are just the best for grabbing a bite or hitting the town.

DAYS 7 – 11

Queenstown, nestled on the shores of the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand’s South Island, is a picturesque resort town renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and adventure tourism. The town serves as a gateway to exploring the region’s breathtaking landscapes, including nearby locations like the Remarkables mountain range and Fiordland National Park.

See the town from above with a scenic Gondola ride on the iconic Skyline Queenstown. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the soaring peaks of the Remarkables. This trip package includes passes to enjoy the Gondola on your first day in Queenstown.

Doubtful Sound Journey

Then, get an early start on your second day in Queenstown for your journey to Fiordland National Park, where a nature cruise along Doubtful Sound awaits. Your tour coach will pick you up from your hotel and make the drive to Fiordland. Doubtful Sound, a hidden gem among New Zealand’s remote fiords, presents a wilderness adventure few have the chance to experience. Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a journey over the impressive Wilmot Pass amidst lush Fiordland rainforest. Then relax with a scenic 3-hour exploration of Doubtful Sound’s stunning waterways. Converse with our knowledgeable nature guides as they share fascinating insights about the sound and its unique inhabitants. Keep an eye out for extraordinary wildlife like dolphins, fur seals, and penguins.

Queenstown Free Days

The next two days in Queenstown are free for you to do as you like.

Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers a wide array of adrenaline-pumping activities. You can go bungee jumping at the iconic Kawarau Bridge, try skydiving for panoramic views of the Southern Alps, or take a jet boat ride on the Shotover and Dart Rivers.

In the winter months, Queenstown becomes a hub for snow sports enthusiasts. The region is home to several popular ski fields, including Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, offering slopes suitable for all skill levels.

For those seeking more tranquil experiences, the town offers serene hiking trails, such as the Ben Lomond Track, which provide breathtaking panoramic views.

The Central Otago region, where Queenstown is located, is renowned for its wine, particularly Pinot Noir. Join an optional wine tour to explore local vineyards and taste some of the region’s best wines.