New Zealand North and South 10N covers both islands in ten nights, starting in Auckland and ending in Queenstown. It brings together the geothermal north, the volcanic centre around Taupō, the cities of Wellington and Christchurch, and the alpine and fjord country of the South Island. It suits families, friends and travellers who want variety in one trip.
The route alternates city nights with scenic travel. Rotorua and Taupō offer geothermal sights and lake views. Wellington and Christchurch add city life and museums. Aoraki/Mount Cook, Te Anau and Milford Sound bring alpine and fjord scenery, and Queenstown closes the trip with lake activities. Longer drives are built in, so each day has a clear focus.
Travel between the islands is by the transport your planner confirms, and domestic flights are quoted separately. The package is land-only on a comfort-category stay with daily breakfast, private transfers and visa assistance. Read the New Zealand travel guide and places to visit before you choose. Our trip cost guide explains what changes the price.
Your trip expert can stretch, shorten or swap any day.
Land at Auckland Airport and transfer to your hotel by private vehicle. Rest after the long journey from India, then take an easy walk along the harbour. Auckland is more than an arrival stop, so use any spare energy for the waterfront. Keep the evening light, because Rotorua follows the next morning.
Drive to Rotorua and explore its geothermal landscapes, where steam and hot springs shape the terrain. Enjoy a Māori cultural evening, which should be booked in advance. In the late afternoon, visit a spa for a relaxed soak before dinner. Rotorua suits a full day of sightseeing and a relaxed evening.
Travel to Taupō, a volcanic lake town. Visit Huka Falls, a short walk from the lake, and spend the afternoon at the lakefront. If Tongariro track conditions allow, you can add a walk, but confirm the plan with your planner first. Taupō makes a useful midway stop between the North Island cities and the mountains.
Travel to Wellington, the compact waterfront capital, using the transport your planner confirms. Visit Te Papa museum and walk along the waterfront. Wind can disrupt outdoor plans and ferry services, so keep the afternoon flexible. Use the evening for a relaxed dinner in the city. Plan a relaxed dinner on the waterfront, since the evening is the easiest time to enjoy the city.
Travel to Christchurch, the South Island gateway. Explore the city's gardens and central area at an easy pace. Christchurch works as a transport hub, so use the evening to plan the alpine leg ahead. Keep the first South Island night relaxed. Check your room and transfer times with the planner the day before.
Take a day trip toward Arthur's Pass for alpine scenery and mountain views. Mountain weather and road conditions can change quickly, so allow extra time for the return. Keep the evening free for a relaxed dinner back in Christchurch. Pack layers and waterproof clothing. Check road conditions before you set off.
Travel to Aoraki/Mount Cook, the alpine heart of the Southern Alps. Take a valley walk with views of the peaks. The region sits within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, so the night sky is a highlight after dark. Pack warm layers for the evening. Keep one evening free to look at the sky.
Drive south-west towards Te Anau, with a stop at Lake Tekapo for lake views. Road distances are longer than they appear on a map, so leave early. Arrive in Te Anau in time to rest before the Milford Sound day. Stop for photos at the lake, and allow time for weather delays.
Take a full-day trip to Milford Sound for a fjord cruise, with waterfalls and seals along the way. Start early, because the road is long. In the evening, drive on to Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu for your overnight stay. Weather can change the views, so keep your camera ready for clear moments.
Spend the day around Lake Wakatipu, with a visit to Arrowtown or a drive to Wānaka, which sits beside its own lake. Book adventure activities such as jet boating now if you want them, because they fill early. Keep the evening relaxed, because the departure day starts early. Confirm bookings with your planner before the trip.
Enjoy breakfast and check out. Your driver takes you to the airport for your onward flight, leaving time for check-in. Domestic and international flights are not included, so confirm all flight timings with your planner before you travel. Your planner will confirm your departure transfer time, and check that the bags are ready the evening before.
Flights are not included.
Ten nights and eleven days across both islands, with Auckland as the arrival city.
Flights are not included. International and domestic flights are quoted separately.
Wellington and Taupō are overnight stops, so some days are longer travel days.
Milford Sound is a full day from Te Anau, with an overnight in Queenstown afterwards.
Mountain roads and weather can change plans, so the schedule keeps some flexible time.
Breakfast is included daily; other meals are extra.
Reserve Milford Sound and Queenstown activities early, because they sell out first.
Entry fees, the New Zealand visa fee and levy, and travel insurance are extra.
FAQs
What travellers ask about this trip. Your trip expert can answer anything else.
It is enough for a focused tour, with one or two nights in each main area. It does not allow long stays in any one place. Ten to fourteen nights suits both islands more comfortably, so choose a longer trip if you want a slower pace.
Wellington adds a compact waterfront capital with the Te Papa museum between Taupō and Christchurch. It breaks up the long central drive and adds city culture. Your planner can adjust the stop if you prefer more time in Rotorua or Queenstown.
Travel between Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown can use domestic flights, which are quoted separately. Sightseeing and transfers within the itinerary are by private vehicle. Ask your planner which option suits your budget and timing. Your planner can show the domestic flight costs as a separate line.
Yes, for alpine walks and mountain views. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve adds a night-sky experience. The package gives one night there, and weather can limit the views, so keep some flexibility in your plans. Plan a full day for the visit, and keep the schedule flexible.
Yes, on request. Glacier access changes with weather and conditions, so we pre-book only flexible activities. Franz Josef is a West Coast detour, and your planner can quote it as a change to this route. Our planners can confirm the cost and timing before you decide.
March to May and September to November balance weather, crowds and cost well. December to February is warmest but busiest. June to August suits snow sports on the South Island. Book early for summer and school holidays. Ask your planner for dates that suit your school holidays.
More ideas
Auckland 1N · Taupō 2N · Queenstown 4N · Te Anau 1N · Queenstown 1N
Sydney 3N · Auckland 2N · Rotorua 2N · Taupō 1N · Wellington 1N · Christchurch 2N · Aoraki/Mount Cook 1N · Te Anau 1N · Queenstown 2N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
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