Volcanoes, Glaciers, Glowworms, Stargazing & More
Explore the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty in just one unforgettable week.
Route: Auckland → Rotorua → Tongariro → Taupō → Tekapo → Aoraki Mt Cook → Queenstown → Fiordland
Arrive in Auckland
Explore Maungawhau / Mt Eden and One Tree Hill volcanic cones
Optional walk along the Waitematā Harbour or ferry to Devonport
Evening at leisure in the city
Drive south to Waitomo Glowworm Caves – guided boat tour beneath glowing ceilings
Continue to Rotorua
Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (bubbling mud pools, geysers)
Evening soak in Polynesian Spa or enjoy a cultural dinner & haka performance
Drive to Tongariro National Park
Hike a short scenic section of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (e.g., Soda Springs or Taranaki Falls)
View Mount Ngauruhoe (“Mount Doom”) and dramatic volcanic landscapes
Overnight in Taupō or National Park Village
Morning visit to Huka Falls
Domestic flight: Taupō or Rotorua → Christchurch (via Auckland)
Drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Visit the lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd
Stargazing at Mt John Observatory in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Scenic drive to Mount Cook Village
Walk the Hooker Valley Track or visit Tasman Glacier Viewpoint
Optional: Scenic flight or heli-hike on a glacier
Return to Tekapo or overnight in Mt Cook
Drive via Lindis Pass, passing Lake Pukaki, Lake Hawea & Lake Wanaka
Stop for a short walk at Blue Pools (Mt Aspiring National Park) near Makarora
Optional scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier (without detour)
Arrive in Queenstown – evening at leisure or optional Skyline Gondola ride
Day trip to Milford Sound (coach–cruise–coach, or fly-cruise-fly options)
Cruise past sheer cliffs, waterfalls, fur seals & lush rainforest
Return to Queenstown in the evening
World-Class Nature – Glowworms, geysers, glaciers, fjords, and volcanoes
UNESCO Sites – Tongariro, Te Wāhipounamu, and Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
Diverse Landscapes – Subtropical forests to alpine peaks
Efficient Travel – Includes a domestic flight to reduce drive times
Eco-Adventure Ready – Hikes, scenic cruises, stargazing, and geothermal wonders
Luxury upgrades (4-5 star stays)
Private guide and driver
Franz Josef Glacier or Doubtful Sound scenic flights
Waiheke Island wine tasting (pre- or post-tour extension from Auckland)
Prices start from ~$4,500 nzd / $2,700 usd p.p.
Book This 7-Day Scenic Highlights Tour Now and/or Request a Custom Itinerary or Upgrade to Luxury Accommodation
