New Zealand 11D9N North & South Island Discovery (Group Tour)

New Zealand is a land where dramatic mountains, crystal‑clear lakes, charming towns, and vibrant cities come together to create a journey full of variety and wonder. From your first welcome in Christchurch, your route traces the very best of the South and North Islands, travelling through Akaroa, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Dunedin, Wanaka, and Queenstown before flying north to the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua and ending in lively Auckland. Along the way, you will enjoy colourful botanical gardens, coastal marvels, serene lakes, Māori culture, and world‑famous filming locations that showcase the country’s most iconic scenery.​

Designed for group travellers, this 11‑day itinerary balances inspiring sightseeing, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences with comfortable pacing and plenty of photo stops. Cruise an extinct volcanic harbour in Akaroa in search of rare Hector’s dolphins, admire the alpine grandeur of Mount Cook, wander among the mysterious Moeraki Boulders, and spot Yellow‑eyed Penguins on the Otago Peninsula. In the high‑country heartland and lakeside towns, sample fresh salmon, enjoy the relaxed charm of Wanaka and Arrowtown, feel the excitement of Queenstown, walk among towering redwoods in Rotorua, and step into the storybook world of Hobbiton.​

Choose this 11D8N New Zealand Group Tour for a seamlessly organised holiday where all the key arrangements are taken care of. Private coach transfers, carefully selected hotels, and professional local guides ensure comfort, safety, and expert commentary throughout, while a thoughtfully curated program mixes must‑see highlights with authentic local gems. With logistics handled and a clear daily program, your group is free to relax, connect, and simply enjoy every moment in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

💎 Tour Highlights

✅ Punting on Christchurch’s Avon River
✅ Cardboard Cathedral visit
✅ Riverside Market exploration
✅ Akaroa cruise to see rare Hector’s dolphins
✅ Mount Cook family-friendly hike
✅ Turquoise views of Lake Pukaki & Lake Tekapo
✅ High Country Salmon Farm visit
✅ Moeraki Boulders sightseeing
✅ Oamaru Historic Precinct tour
✅ University of Otago visit & Dunedin city tour
✅ Yellow-eyed Penguin viewing
✅ Wanaka’s #ThatWanakaTree & Puzzling World
✅ Arrowtown gold-mining heritage
✅ Glenorchy Science Drive & Exploration
✅ TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise & Walter Peak Farm show
✅ Rotorua Māori culture, geysers & Kiwi bird encounter at Te Puia
✅ Rotorua’s Redwood Forest, Lake Rotorua, Government Gardens
✅ Hobbiton Movie Set tour (via Matamata)
✅ Auckland city tour: Mt Eden, Auckland Domain Park, Viaduct Harbour, Harbour Bridge

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Itinerary Overview

Day 1 – Depart from Singapore to Christchurch

Board your flight from Singapore to Christchurch, New Zealand. Sit back and relax as you journey across the ocean to the breathtaking South Island, ready to begin your Garden City adventure.

Day 2 – Arrival in Christchurch (Garden City Exploration)

Welcome to the Garden City! After hotel check-in, immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with its stunning floral displays and towering exotic trees. Continue to the historic Mona Vale Garden for riverside photo opportunities, then visit the innovative Cardboard Cathedral—a powerful symbol of resilience. End your day at the vibrant Riverside Market, filled with local flavors and artisan treats.

Day 3 – Christchurch → Akaroa Day Trip

Journey across the dramatic volcanic Banks Peninsula to the charming French-influenced town of Akaroa. Stop at Hilltop Lookout for panoramic harbour views, then embark on a cruise to spot the world's smallest dolphin—the rare Hector's Dolphin—along with fur seals, seabirds, and towering sea cliffs. Return to Christchurch in the evening.

Day 4 – Christchurch → Aoraki/Mt Cook → Lake Tekapo

Travel into the heart of the Southern Alps for the spectacular Hooker Valley Track—a 10km family-friendly walk crossing swing bridges to pristine Hooker Lake with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Admire the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki, sample fresh salmon at the High Country Salmon Farm, and arrive at Lake Tekapo to visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd beneath the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 5 – Lake Tekapo → Moeraki Boulders → Oamaru → Dunedin

Discover the mysterious spherical Moeraki Boulders scattered along the beach, then step back in time at Oamaru's beautifully preserved Victorian Precinct with its white stone buildings and Steampunk charm. Continue to Dunedin to explore the historic University of Otago, then venture to Taiaroa Head to visit the world's only mainland Royal Albatross colony and spot the rare Yellow-eyed Penguin at the Otago Peninsula.

Day 6 – Dunedin → Wanaka → Arrowtown → Queenstown

Begin at Lake Wanaka's iconic #ThatWanakaTree, perfectly framed by the Southern Alps. Challenge your mind at Puzzling World with its illusion rooms and famous Great Maze. Step into history at Arrowtown, a beautifully preserved 1860s gold-rush village with charming tree-lined streets, the Chinese Settlement, and boutique shops. Arrive in Queenstown by evening.

Day 7 – Glenorchy Scenic Drive & Exploration

Take one of the world's most stunning drives along Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, the "Gateway to Paradise." Explore the dramatic Lord of the Rings filming locations, enjoy wilderness walks, horse riding, or simply soak in the raw, untouched beauty of this remote alpine paradise.

Day 8 – Queenstown → TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Farm → Auckland

Board the historic TSS Earnslaw, a century-old coal-fired steamship, and cruise across Lake Wakatipu with views of The Remarkables. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a lively farm show featuring sheepdog demonstrations and traditional sheep-shearing, paired with morning tea or BBQ lunch. Fly to Auckland in the afternoon.

Day 9 – Auckland → Rotorua (Geothermal & Cultural Wonderland)

Travel to Rotorua and immerse yourself in Māori culture at Te Puia, witnessing the powerful Pōhutu Geyser and spotting endangered Kiwi birds. Walk among the towering Californian Redwoods or take the famous Treewalk on suspended bridges. Explore the elegant Government Gardens and enjoy views of Rotorua Lake with its characteristic geothermal aroma.

Day 10 – Rotorua → Hobbiton Movie Set → Auckland

Enter the magical world of Middle-earth at Hobbiton. Your guided tour takes you past charming hobbit holes, the iconic Party Tree, and ends with a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Journey through the scenic Waikato farmlands back to Auckland for an afternoon exploring vibrant Queen Street and the city center.

Day 11 – Auckland City Highlights & Departure

Start at Mount Eden, Auckland's highest natural point, for spectacular 360-degree views of the "City of Sails." Visit Auckland Domain Park—800 hectares of expansive lawns, conservatory gardens, and the Auckland Museum showcasing Māori culture. Explore the lively Viaduct Harbour with its luxury yachts and waterfront dining, capturing views of the iconic Harbour Bridge. Transfer to Auckland International Airport for your flight home to Singapore.

End of Trip – Safe Travels Home with Memories of Middle-earth Magic!