Destinations

New Zealand's largest city combines harbour scenery, volcanic landscapes, Māori and Pacific culture, and some of the country's best-known urban attractions.

• Sky Tower

  Auckland's most recognisable landmark, offering panoramic views across the city, Waitemata Harbour and surrounding volcanic landscape.

  Approx. Adult NZ$47 · Child NZ$32 Official Website ↗
• Maungawhau / Mount Eden

  A culturally significant volcanic cone with a large crater and one of the best panoramic viewpoints over Auckland.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Waiheke Island

  A popular island escape from Downtown Auckland, known for beaches, coastal scenery, vineyards and a relaxed village atmosphere.

  Approx. Adult NZ$62 · Child NZ$28 Official Website ↗
• Auckland War Memorial Museum

  A major museum showcasing Māori and Pacific collections, New Zealand natural history, social history and military heritage.

  Approx. Adult NZ$32 · Child NZ$16 Official Website ↗
• Auckland Harbour Bridge

  One of Auckland's most recognisable harbour landmarks, linking the central city with the North Shore.

Auckland -> Hobbiton -> Rotorua

Rotorua is one of the North Island's most important visitor destinations, combining geothermal landscapes, Māori culture, adventure activities and family attractions.

• Skyline Rotorua

  Ride the gondola above Rotorua for panoramic views, then enjoy luge tracks, dining and adventure activities.

  Official Website ↗
• Te Puia

  A major geothermal and Māori cultural destination featuring Pohutu Geyser, cultural performances, traditional carving and kiwi conservation.

  Approx. Adult NZ$95 · Child NZ$47.5 Official Website ↗
• Mitai Māori Village

  An immersive Māori cultural experience featuring traditional performance, forest surroundings and hangi dining.

  Approx. Adult NZ$169 · Child NZ$100 Official Website ↗
• Polynesian Spa

  A famous lakeside geothermal spa offering mineral hot pools, private bathing areas and relaxing spa experiences.

  Approx. Adult NZ$32.95 · Child NZ$14.95 Official Website ↗
• Agrodome

  A family-friendly farm attraction featuring live farm shows, animal encounters and tractor tours.

  Official Website ↗
• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

  A colourful geothermal park famous for steaming craters, volcanic landscapes, Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser.

  Official Website ↗

Auckland -> Hobbiton -> Rotorua -> Taupo

Taupo is a scenic lakeside destination that works especially well as part of a Rotorua journey, with waterfalls, geothermal landscapes and lake experiences.

• Huka Falls

  A powerful natural attraction where the Waikato River is forced through a narrow rocky channel before plunging into a turbulent pool.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Lake Taupo Māori Rock Carvings Cruise

  A scenic lake cruise to the Ngatoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay.

  Approx. Adult NZ$55 · Child NZ$15 Official Website ↗
• Craters of the Moon

  An easy geothermal walk through steaming vents, bubbling craters and unusual volcanic terrain.

  Approx. Adult NZ$10.2 · Child NZ$5.1 Official Website ↗

Rotorua -> Taupo -> Auckland

Matamata is a peaceful Waikato countryside destination best known as the home of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

• Hobbiton Movie Set

  A fully guided journey through the famous movie set used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, including Hobbit Holes, Bagshot Row and The Green Dragon Inn.

  Approx. Adult NZ$130 Official Website ↗

Auckland -> Hobbiton -> Rotorua

Waitomo is famous for its underground limestone cave system and magical glowworm experiences.

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves

  A guided journey through impressive limestone chambers, finishing with a quiet boat ride beneath thousands of glowworms.

  Approx. Adult NZ$81 · Child NZ$37 Official Website ↗

Rotorua -> Waitomo -> Auckland

New Zealand's capital combines national history, politics, museums, creative industries and spectacular harbour viewpoints in a compact city.

• Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

  New Zealand's national museum, presenting Māori and Pacific treasures, national history, natural science, art and major exhibitions.

  Official Website ↗
• New Zealand Parliament

  Visit New Zealand's working Parliament and the iconic Beehive while learning about the country's political system, history and architecture.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Wellington Cable Car

  A short historic cable-car journey from central Wellington to Kelburn, with views over the city and harbour.

  Approx. Adult NZ$7 · Child NZ$3.5 Official Website ↗
• Mount Victoria / Matairangi Lookout

  One of Wellington's best viewpoints, overlooking the city, harbour and surrounding hills.

  FREE Official Website ↗

Rotorua -> Taupo -> Wellington

Hamilton is a convenient Waikato stop centred around its internationally recognised gardens and relaxed riverside setting.

• Hamilton Gardens

  A collection of themed enclosed gardens exploring garden design, history and culture through different landscapes and architectural styles.

  Approx. Adult NZ$20 Official Website ↗

Auckland -> Hamilton -> Waitomo or Rotorua

Christchurch is the main South Island gateway and a comfortable starting point for alpine lakes, Kaikōura and east coast journeys.

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens

  A peaceful garden setting beside the Avon River, known for mature trees, seasonal displays and easy walking paths. It is one of the city's most relaxing central stops.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• International Antarctic Centre

  An interactive attraction introducing Antarctica through exhibits, storm experiences and wildlife encounters. It is especially popular with families and first-time South Island visitors.

  Approx. Adult NZ$74 · Child NZ$49 Official Website ↗
• Punting on the Avon

  A gentle guided punt along the Avon River through leafy central Christchurch. It offers a calm, scenic way to experience the city's garden character.

  Approx. Adult NZ$45 · Child NZ$30 Official Website ↗
• Christchurch Tram

  A heritage tram loop connecting key central-city sights and restored streets. It is a convenient introduction to Christchurch's architecture and city centre.

  Approx. Adult NZ$42 · Child NZ$10 Official Website ↗
• Canterbury Museum

  A long-standing museum sharing Canterbury's natural, cultural and Antarctic stories. It helps visitors understand the region before travelling deeper into the South Island.

Christchurch -> Lake Tekapo -> Aoraki / Mount Cook

Lake Tekapo is a classic South Island scenic stop between Christchurch and Mount Cook, especially loved for lake views and night skies.

• Church of the Good Shepherd

  A small stone church set beside Lake Tekapo with mountain and lake views. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Mackenzie region.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Lake Tekapo Foreshore

  A scenic lakeside area known for turquoise water, open mountain views and easy photo stops. It is ideal for a relaxed walk or short break between drives.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Mount John Observatory

  A hilltop viewpoint and observatory area overlooking Lake Tekapo and the surrounding basin. On clear days it offers wide alpine views across the Mackenzie Country.

  Approx. NZ$14 per vehicle Official Website ↗
• Dark Sky Stargazing

  Lake Tekapo sits within an internationally recognised dark-sky reserve. Evening stargazing experiences showcase the clear southern night sky when conditions are suitable.

  Approx. Adult NZ$219 · Child NZ$169 Official Website ↗

Christchurch -> Lake Tekapo -> Aoraki / Mount Cook

Aoraki / Mount Cook brings travellers into the heart of the Southern Alps with short walks, glacier viewpoints and unforgettable mountain scenery.

• Hooker Valley Track

  A famous alpine walking track with swing bridges, glacier views and a final viewpoint toward Aoraki / Mount Cook. It is one of the most rewarding walks in the region.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Tasman Glacier View Track

  A short climb to viewpoints over the Tasman Glacier area and surrounding mountains. It works well for travellers wanting dramatic scenery without a long walk.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Tasman Lake

  A glacial lake where icebergs may be visible depending on conditions. The landscape feels remote and powerful, with views shaped by the retreating Tasman Glacier.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Glacier Explorers -Tasman Glacier Boat Tour

  A seasonal boat tour on Tasman Lake that brings visitors closer to glacial scenery and floating ice. It adds a memorable guided experience to a Mount Cook stay.

  Approx. Adult NZ$209 · Child NZ$95 Official Website ↗
• Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

  A premium adventure combining helicopter access with a guided glacier walk. It suits travellers looking for a more active and weather-dependent alpine experience.

  Approx. NZ$945 Official Website ↗
• Scenic Flights / Helicopters

  Flightseeing options reveal the Southern Alps, glaciers and high mountain terrain from above. They are a special way to experience the scale of Aoraki / Mount Cook.

  Approx. NZ$385 Official Website ↗

Lake Tekapo -> Aoraki / Mount Cook -> Wanaka

Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most famous visitor bases, combining dramatic lake scenery, premium stays, activities and access to Milford Sound.

• Skyline Queenstown

  A gondola ride to one of Queenstown's best viewpoints above Lake Wakatipu. The summit area also offers dining, luge rides and wide mountain views.

  Approx. Adult NZ$69 · Child NZ$48 Official Website ↗
• Lake Wakatipu Waterfront

  Queenstown's lakefront is the town's scenic heart, with mountain views, cafes and easy walking areas. It is ideal for relaxed time between activities.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Shotover Jet

  A high-speed jet boat experience through the Shotover River canyons. It is one of Queenstown's signature adventure activities.

  Approx. Adult NZ$159 · Child NZ$89 Official Website ↗
• TSS Earnslaw / Walter Peak

  A classic steamship journey across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. It combines lake scenery with a relaxed heritage and farm experience.

  Approx. From NZ$175 Official Website ↗
• Kawarau Bungy Centre

  The historic home of commercial bungy jumping, set above the Kawarau River. Even non-jumpers often stop for the viewpoint and atmosphere.

  Approx. Adult NZ$320 · Child NZ$280 Official Website ↗
• Hydro Attack

  A high-speed semi-submersible shark-shaped watercraft experience on Lake Whakatipu.

  Approx. NZ$199 Official Website ↗
• Adventure Activities

  Queenstown offers a wide range of activities, from jet boating and bungy jumping to scenic cruises and soft adventure. Options can be matched to traveller comfort level.

Wanaka -> Queenstown -> Milford Sound / Piopiotahi

Wanaka offers a calmer alpine-lake atmosphere and works beautifully between Mount Cook and Queenstown.

• That Wanaka Tree

  A famous lone willow standing in the shallow water of Lake Wanaka. It is a simple but iconic photo stop with mountain scenery behind it.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Lake Wanaka

  A relaxed alpine lake setting with walking areas, mountain views and a calmer pace than Queenstown. It is ideal for scenic downtime on a South Island route.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Puzzling World

  A family-friendly attraction with optical illusions, puzzle rooms and an outdoor maze. It adds a playful indoor option to Wanaka itineraries.

  Approx. Adult NZ$32.5 · Child NZ$23.5 Official Website ↗
• U-FLY Wānaka Intro Flights

  Bookable instructor-led introductory flights from Wānaka Airport: 20-minute Lake Wānaka, 30-minute River Valley and 60-minute Glacier Ridge options.

  Official Website ↗

Aoraki / Mount Cook -> Wanaka -> Queenstown

Arrowtown is an easy and atmospheric stop near Queenstown, adding heritage, food and village charm to a South Island route.

• Historic Buckingham Street

  Arrowtown's main heritage street is lined with preserved buildings, cafes and boutique shops. It gives the village its distinctive gold-rush charm.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Gold Mining Heritage

  Arrowtown's history is closely tied to the Otago gold rush. Heritage sites and interpretation areas help visitors understand the town's early mining story.

  FREE
• Arrow River Area

  The Arrow River area offers gentle walks, autumn colour and peaceful scenery close to the village centre. It is a lovely short stop before continuing to Queenstown.

  FREE Official Website ↗

Wanaka -> Arrowtown -> Queenstown

Kaikōura combines marine wildlife, seafood stops and one of the South Island's most memorable coastal mountain settings.

• Whale Watch Kaikōura

  A signature marine wildlife experience focused on sperm whales and other ocean life. Sightings depend on conditions, but Kaikōura is one of New Zealand's best-known whale watching bases.

  Approx. Adult NZ$175 · Child NZ$60 Official Website ↗
• Kaikōura Crayfish / Seafood

  Kaikōura is famous for seafood, especially crayfish. A seafood stop adds local flavour to the coastal journey.

  Approx. NZ$130 Official Website ↗
• Kaikōura Seal Colony

  A popular coastal stop where seals can often be seen resting near the shoreline. Visitors should keep a respectful distance and follow local guidance.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway

  A scenic walking route with ocean views, cliffs and chances to see coastal wildlife. It is a flexible option for travellers who want fresh air and dramatic scenery.

  FREE Official Website ↗

Christchurch -> Kaikōura -> Christchurch

The West Coast adds wilder scenery to South Island trips, with rainforest roads, coastal viewpoints and access to glacier landscapes.

• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks

  A striking limestone formation on the West Coast, with layered rock shapes and blowholes when conditions are right. It is one of the region's most recognisable stops.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Greymouth

  The largest town on the West Coast and a practical base or transit stop. It connects coastal routes with inland journeys across the Southern Alps.

  Approx. Adult NZ$42.50 · Child NZ$20 · Senior/Student NZ$32.50 Official Website ↗
• Hokitika

  A small coastal town known for greenstone, craft shops and beach scenery. It works well as a characterful stop on West Coast drives.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Franz Josef Glacier Region

  A dramatic glacier and rainforest area offering viewpoints, walks and weather-dependent scenic activities. It is one of the West Coast's major natural highlights.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Fox Glacier Region

  A glacier region with mountain scenery, walking options and access to nearby viewpoints. It is often paired with Franz Josef on longer West Coast itineraries.

  FREE Official Website ↗

Christchurch -> Tekapo -> Mt Cook -> West Coast

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is one of New Zealand's signature scenic experiences and a major highlight from Queenstown or Te Anau.

• Milford Sound Cruise

  A cruise through the fjord is the classic way to experience Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. It passes waterfalls, steep cliffs and dramatic rainforest scenery.

  Approx. From NZ$175 Official Website ↗
• Mitre Peak Views

  Mitre Peak is the landmark mountain rising sharply from the fjord. Clear views of the peak are a highlight of the Milford Sound experience.

  Approx. From NZ$175 Official Website ↗
• Waterfalls & Fiord Scenery

  Milford Sound is known for waterfalls, sheer rock walls and changing weather that gives the landscape a powerful atmosphere. Rain often makes the waterfalls even more dramatic.

  Approx. From NZ$175 Official Website ↗
• Scenic Flight Options

  Weather-dependent scenic flights can connect Milford Sound with Queenstown or Te Anau. They offer a premium view of Fiordland's mountains, valleys and coastline.

  Approx. NZ$1350 Official Website ↗

Queenstown -> Milford Sound / Piopiotahi -> Te Anau

Te Anau is the most practical overnight base for Fiordland and helps make Milford Sound travel more comfortable.

• Lake Te Anau

  A large and peaceful lake beside the township, framed by Fiordland scenery. It is a calm place to unwind before or after Milford Sound travel.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Te Anau Glowworm Caves

  A guided cave experience reached by boat across Lake Te Anau. It combines lake scenery, underground streams and glowworm viewing.

  Approx. From NZ$145 Official Website ↗
• Fiordland National Park Access

  Te Anau is the main gateway to Fiordland National Park and the Milford Road. It makes long scenic days more practical and comfortable.

  FREE Official Website ↗

Milford Sound / Piopiotahi -> Te Anau -> Dunedin

Dunedin offers a different South Island rhythm, with historic architecture, university-town energy and access to coastal wildlife.

• Dunedin Railway Station

  A grand heritage building and one of Dunedin's most photographed landmarks. Its architecture reflects the city's historic wealth and character.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Larnach Castle

  A historic hilltop estate on the Otago Peninsula with gardens and harbour views. It offers a distinctive mix of architecture, stories and scenery.

  Approx. Adult NZ$51 · Child NZ$18 Official Website ↗
• City Heritage Precincts

  Dunedin's central streets include heritage buildings, university-town atmosphere and strong Scottish influence. Short city walks reveal the character of the place.

  FREE Official Website ↗
• Wildlife Experiences

  The Otago Peninsula is known for wildlife experiences including seabirds, seals and penguins. Sightings depend on season, timing and tour conditions.

  Approx. Adult NZ$68.39 · Child NZ$15.78 Official Website ↗

Te Anau -> Dunedin -> Oamaru

Oamaru is a rewarding east coast stop, pairing heritage streets with evening wildlife experiences and nearby coastal landmarks.

• Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

  An evening wildlife experience where little blue penguins return from the sea. It is one of Oamaru's most memorable visitor activities.

  Approx. Adult NZ$47 · Child NZ$29 Official Website ↗
• Victorian Precinct

  A preserved heritage area with limestone buildings, galleries, shops and old-world character. It gives Oamaru a distinctive east coast identity.

  FREE Official Website ↗

Dunedin -> Oamaru -> Christchurch