It was a trip of a lifetime!! (…) Every thing was working like clockwork. (…) Thanks Dianne and it was a pleasure meeting you and you taking the time to meet us in Sydney.
Combo of Self-Drive & Small Group Tours
Visit 6 Different Towns in New Zealand
Perfect for LOTR fans
Let Us Organize the New Zealand Adventure of Your Dreams
We designed this 16-day New Zealand Tour for a North Carolina couple, but keep in mind this is an example itinerary – there are no prices listed on these tours because just like every lid does not fit every pot, the same goes for the trip that is designed for you. We tailor-make tours to suit your own needs and the below is an example of what a couple on a trip from Canada or the USA might experience with the same amount of time to see New Zealand.
We look forward to designing an amazing vacation to New Zealand for you!
Why take this tour?
Visit multiple Lord of the Rings filming locations including Isengard, Ithilien Camp as well as beech forests near those used for Lothlorien
Take a wine tour in Queenstown and enjoy tastings at 5 different vineyards
Spend a day on a small group tour with a local Maori guide in Auckland followed by a dinner cruise on the Auckland Harbour
What To Expect
This Queenstown to Auckland tour layout was handcrafted for a couple from Raleigh, North Carolina. The couple requested a mix of small group touring in New Zealand and self driving in New Zealand. We started them in Queenstown due to being an event in Auckland and had them do their Queenstown to Auckland tour in reverse.
The couple from Raleigh were avid Lord of the Rings fans so this was a must on their agenda. Along with visiting the beautiful Milford Sound and of course some delicious New Zealand wine(opens in a new tab).
No prices are attached to the tour itinerary. It is just a guide for you to see what you can fit in with a set amount of days when visiting New Zealand. We can customize a tour that suits your own wants and needs and budget.
We look forward to sending you on an amazing journey to New Zealand.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 - Departure Day
Canada or the USA to Queenstown, New Zealand.
Day 1 - Departure Day
Canada or the USA to Queenstown, New Zealand.
Day 2 - Travel Day
Travel day due to time zones.
Day 3 - Arrive Queenstown, New Zealand
After clearing customs and immigration formalities in Auckland you will need to make your way over to the Domestic Terminal for your connecting flight to Queenstown.
Upon arrival into Queenstown you will be met by a driver who will be holding a sign with your name at the arrivals hall and will transfer you to your accommodation.
Day 4 - Queenstown
Today you will be taken on a scenic tour that offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and on into Paradise. This tour includes the film locations of Isengard and Ithilien Camp, plus beech forests near those used for Lothlorien (Lord of the Rings).
Day 5 - Queenstown
Today enjoy a day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound where you will board a boat and enjoy some world-class scenery.
Day 6 - Queenstown
Today you will enjoy a relaxed day of fine cuisine, good company, sampling local cheeses and tasting premium cool-climate wines. Your tour will consist of tasting at 5 vineyards.
Day 7 - Queenstown To Lake Moeraki
Today please make your way to the car rental office. A car has been reserved for you until drop off at Greymouth Railway Station. Please commence your drive to Lake Moeraki, this is a journey of approximately three hours and 20 minutes (243kms/151 Miles).
Day 8 - Lake Moeraki
Day at your leisure.
Day 9 - Lake Moeraki
Day at your leisure.
Day 10 - Lake Moeraki To Christchurch
Today make your way to Greymouth, a journey of approximately 4 hours (286 km/178 miles). On your arrival into Greymouth, return your Rental Car to the Greymouth Railway Station in the allocated car park.
Depart Greymouth on-board the Tranzalpine train, arrive in Christchurch. Upon arrival at Christchurch Railway Station, you will be met & transferred to your accommodation by private vehicle.
Day 11 - Christchurch To Rotorua
This morning, take the courtesy airport shuttle to the Christchurch Airport to connect with your domestic flight to Rotorua. Upon arrival collect your car for the hire car counter.
An evening at Mitai will give you an authentic introduction to Maori culture leaving you amazed and in awe. Be enthralled by the natural bush setting, see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream, and don’t miss your only opportunity in the Rotorua area to see glow worms in their natural habitat. Marvel at the crystal clear water full of eels and trout, flowing directly from the earth at the sacred Fairy Spring. See your traditionally cooked hangi meal being lifted from the ground.
Day 12 - Rotorua
Today enjoy your time utilizing your entry passes into different attractions in Rotorua and make the drive out to the Polynesian Spa to enjoy some relaxation time.
Day 13 - Rotorua To Waitomo
Today make your way to Waitomo, a journey of approximately two and a half hours (148 kms/92 miles). Explore the Glowworm Caves with a guide this afternoon.
Overnight with a local family at their farm.
Day 14 - Waitomo To Auckland
Today make your way to Auckland, a journey of approximately two and a half hours (193 kms/120 miles). Return your hire car this afternoon.
Day 15 - Auckland
Enjoy a full day small group tour of Auckland and the surrounding areas with a local Maori guide.
This evening enjoy dinner whilst sailing on the Auckland Harbour.
Day 16 - Depart Auckland
You will be met & transferred by private vehicle to the Auckland International Airport to connect with your onward flight to Canada and/or the USA.
What Our Past Travelers Have to Say
We had a GREAT experience working with Dianne and her firm GoWalkAbout Travel. (…) She has deep knowledge of the accommodations, sights and adventures, earned over many years of experience, but happily finds the new and innovative.
