12 Day New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland to Queenstown
Active
12d
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This ultimate 12-day, 11-night tour offers a perfect blend of daily travel, covering majority of top attractions in both North Island (Auckland to Wellington) and South Island (Kaikōura to Stewart Island). It includes a transfer flight, and optional handpicked activities and luxury hotels, ensuring you experience the best itinerary within your limited time in NZ without the hassles of planning, coordinating endless details, and driving long distances on your own. The itinerary is crafted to showcase the beauty of NZ in an ultimate style for a lifetime memorable trip.
Besides visiting many of the top attractions in NZ, enjoy flexibility to choose your own desired activities or opt for a curated mixture of 19–21 optional activities, ensuring an ultimate and diverse experience. Enjoy the luxury of a private tour, with a knowledgeable guide-driver and a vehicle exclusively for you throughout the tour. Start in Auckland and finish in Queenstown, both cities with international airports.
Available options
Without Hotels & Entry Tickets
Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.<br/>Without Entry Tickets: This options excludes entry tickets for activities. Travelers book their own desired activities. Timeslot guidance provided.<br/>Pickup included
Without Hotels & With Tickets
Without Accommodations: This option excludes accommodations. Travelers must book their own accommodation. Date-specific location guidance provided.<br/>With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry Tickets for mentioned 19-21 activities.<br/>Pickup included
With Hotels & Entry Tickets
With Accommodations: Includes accommodation for 11 nights in 4 to 5-star handpicked hotels with breakfast based on availability and season.<br/>With Entry Tickets: Includes Entry tickets for mentioned 19-21 activities.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): International Antarctic Centre OR Punting OR Heritage Tram Ticket
Guide-driver exclusively for your group
Private transportation
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Auckland War Memorial Museum Entry Ticket at Auckland
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Bill Richardson Transport World Ticket at Invercargill
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Redwoods Treewalk Ticket at Rotorua
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): One-way Scenic Flight Ticket from Stewart Island to Bluff
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Ticket
Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Geothermal Valley, Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner at Rotorua
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): TranzAlpine Train Scenic Ticket from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
Standard Economy Transfer Flight Ticket from Wellington to Christchurch
WiFi on board
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Gondola with luge rides & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Guided Kayaking or Whale Watching Cruise Ticket at Kaikōura
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Guided Exploration Ticket in Stewart Island
Packaged water bottles
If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives are provided
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Scenic Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Northern Explorer Scenic Train Ticket from Hamilton to Wellington
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Agrodome & Private Hot Pool OR River Rafting Ticket at Rotorua
Optional ("With Tickets" Option): One-way Ferry Ticket from Bluff to Stewart Island
Packaged snacks & chocolates
Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 11 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast
What's not included
Food & Drinks (except 11 x breakfast with "With Hotels" option)
Travel Insurance
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
6 reviews
5★
6
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance
Following your booking, the operator will get in touch to confirm your preferences, as applicable
With the "With Tickets" option, traveler(s) may swap any of the included activities for alternatives of interest such as Skydiving, Wine Tasting, Golf, Horse Trekking, Scenic Flights, Swimming with Dolphins, Glacier hiking, Relaxing Spa Treatments, Ziplining, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility
About Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, known for its stunning harbor, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant multicultural scene. With over 50 trails and 22 islands, it's a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Top Attractions
Auckland Sky Tower
The Sky Tower is Auckland's tallest structure, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
Architecture
1-2 hours
NZD 39 for observation deck, NZD 189 for SkyJump
Auckland War Memorial Museum
This museum offers a comprehensive look at New Zealand's history, culture, and natural environment.
Museum
2-3 hours
NZD 25 for adults, free for children under 15
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves.
Nature
Full day
Ferry fare NZD 18-25 one way
Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Adventure
Half day
Ferry fare NZD 18-25 one way
Auckland Zoo
Auckland Zoo is home to over 1,400 animals and offers educational programs and conservation efforts.
Family
2-3 hours
NZD 30 for adults, NZD 18 for children
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hāngī
A traditional Maori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven. Meats and vegetables are cooked slowly in the earth oven, giving them a unique smoky flavor.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be vegetarian if requested
Pavlova
A meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, usually topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Dessert
Gluten-free, can be made vegan
Fish and Chips
A classic New Zealand takeaway food, featuring fresh fish (usually snapper or tarakihi) and chips, often served with tartare sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains fish, can be gluten-free if requested
Popular Activities
Hiking
Kayaking
Skydiving
Beach activities
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Maori cultural performances
Museum visits
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and numerous outdoor events. It's perfect for beach activities and hiking.
20-25°C
68-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Maori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Auckland is generally safe, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Auckland Airport • 21 km south of the city center
By train
Auckland Railway Station
By bus
Auckland Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport in Auckland. The network includes local, frequent, and express services.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Ola
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
CBD (Central Business District)
Ponsonby
Devonport
Mission Bay
Day trips
Waiheke Island
35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland • Full day
Waiheke Island is known for its beautiful beaches, vineyards, and olive groves. It offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Rangitoto Island
25 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland • Half day
Rangitoto Island is a volcanic island offering hiking trails and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Hobbiton Movie Set
2.5 hours by car from Auckland • Full day
The Hobbiton Movie Set is a popular tourist attraction featuring the filming locations from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies.
Festivals
Auckland Arts Festival • March
Auckland Diwali Festival • October/November
Auckland Pride Festival • February
Pro tips
- Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum on a weekday morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cultural performances.
- Take a ferry to Waiheke Island for a day trip, and book a wine tour in advance to ensure availability.
- Explore the city's vibrant food scene by visiting the La Cigale French Market or the Auckland Night Markets.
- Hike up to the summit of Rangitoto Island for stunning panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.
- Use the AT HOP card for easy and discounted public transport fares.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
