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New Zealand North and South Island Discovery Tour (11D9N)

New Zealand
Duration
11D
Tour Type
Private Tour
Group Size
2–16

Tour Description

✨ New Zealand 11D9N North and South Island Discovery Tour 
Experience the full breadth of New Zealand in one seamless 11-day group journey, connecting the alpine grandeur of the South Island with the geothermal wonders and cultural heartland of the North Island. From the glacial lakes of the Mackenzie Basin and the wildlife-rich Otago Peninsula to the cinematic magic of Hobbiton and the Māori traditions of Rotorua, this tour is a perfect blend of natural discovery, cultural immersion, and adventure for the whole group.

💎 Tour Highlights
✅ Christchurch Botanic Gardens & Cardboard Cathedral
✅ Oamaru Victorian Historic Precinct
✅ Arrowtown historic gold-mining settlement
✅ Mona Vale Garden
✅ Mount Eden — 360° panoramic views of Auckland
✅ Akaroa Harbour Cruise — Hector's Dolphin, fur seals & seabirds
✅ Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach
✅ Hooker Valley Track — close-up views of Aoraki/Mount Cook
✅ Lake Pukaki & High Country Salmon Farm
✅ Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo dark sky reserve
✅ #ThatWanakaTree & Puzzling World
✅ Glenorchy Scenic Drive — Lord of the Rings filming location
✅ Royal Albatross Colony & Yellow-eyed Penguin — Otago Peninsula
✅ Kiwi birds at Te Puia nocturnal conservation area
✅ TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu
✅ Walter Peak High Country Farm — sheep-shearing and farm animals
✅ Hobbiton Movie Set — hobbit holes & Green Dragon Inn
✅ Te Puia — Pōhutu Geyser, mud pools & authentic Māori cultural demonstrations
✅ Redwoods Forest & Redwoods Treewalk, Rotorua

🧭 Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Depart Singapore for a direct flight to Christchurch

Day 2: Explore Christchurch — Botanic Gardens, Mona Vale, Cardboard Cathedral, and Riverside Market

Day 3: Day trip to Akaroa — cruise for Hector's Dolphin, fur seals, and dramatic harbour views

Day 4: Southern Alps and glacial lakes — Hooker Valley Track, Lake Pukaki, Salmon Farm, and Lake Tekapo

Day 5: Coastal wonders and Dunedin — Moeraki Boulders, Oamaru, University of Otago, and the Otago Peninsula wildlife

Day 6: Wanaka and Arrowtown — ThatWanakaTree, Puzzling World, and the gold-rush streets of Arrowtown

Day 7: Scenic drive to Glenorchy — the "Gateway to Paradise" and Middle-earth landscapes

Day 8: Queenstown to Auckland — TSS Earnslaw cruise, Walter Peak Farm, and domestic flight north

Day 9: Rotorua — Te Puia geothermal wonders, Māori culture, Redwoods Forest, and Rotorua Lake

Day 10: Hobbiton Movie Set tour, then return to Auckland for Queen Street and city exploration

Day 11: Mount Eden and Auckland Chinatown before transferring to the airport for the flight home

🌟 Why Choose Our New Zealand 11D9N North and South Island Discovery Tour Group Tour?
1. Dedicated Coach & Direct Transfers: Your group travels together in a dedicated, air-conditioned coach exclusively for your party — no mixing with other tour groups, no shared transportation. Just your group, your pace, and the open road from Christchurch all the way to Auckland.

2. Dedicated Guide Attention: With an English-speaking guide focused solely on your group, you'll receive personalised explanations, cultural insights, and the freedom to ask questions at any moment. From sharing the history of Māori culture at Te Puia to pointing out the best angles for photographing #ThatWanakaTree, your guide brings every destination to life.

3. Minimal Waiting Time: Since your group sets the pace, there's no waiting for other tour groups or coordinating with strangers. You move smoothly and efficiently from one experience to the next, making the most of every moment.

4. Space, Comfort & Personal Freedom: A group tour gives you the freedom to relax fully — whether that's lingering at the serene shores of Lake Tekapo, taking an extra moment at the Hooker Valley Track, or soaking in the dramatic views from Mount Eden. There's no pressure, no rushing, just the journey unfolding at your group's own rhythm.

5. Safe & Stress-Free Touring: New Zealand's South Island roads wind through mountain passes and rural landscapes that can be challenging to navigate independently. With a dedicated guide and exclusive group transport, every transfer — from Christchurch to Queenstown and across to Auckland — is expertly managed so your group can simply enjoy the scenery.

6. Photo-Friendly Moments: You'll never feel rushed at a scenic stop. Linger as long as you like, and your guide will happily assist with photos. From the hobbit holes of Hobbiton to the iconic TSS Earnslaw steaming across Lake Wakatipu, every moment is yours to capture at your group's own pace.

7. Rich Cultural Appreciation: With a guide focused entirely on your group, you'll gain thoughtful perspectives on New Zealand's Māori heritage, colonial history, and unique natural environment. At Te Puia you'll witness living traditions of carving and weaving, and in Arrowtown you'll walk through the preserved story of the gold-rush era — deeper understanding, not just surface-level sightseeing.

8. Exclusively Yours, No Planning Needed: Everything is arranged in advance. Simply book, arrive, and enjoy together. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance iconic highlights with lesser-known gems, so your group can focus entirely on experiencing New Zealand rather than managing it.

9. Flexible Pace Within a Set Route: Even with a fixed schedule, your group can move at a comfortable rhythm. The Glenorchy day offers a relaxed, self-directed exploration, and the optional free time in Queenstown allows your group to explore the adventure capital at their own pace.

10. Easy & Pleasant Communication: With a guide dedicated entirely to your group, communication is natural, comfortable, and unhurried. Ask questions freely, share your interests, and enjoy a tour that feels friendly and conversational from the very first day.

Itinerary

Singapore to Christchurch
Day 1

Singapore to Christchurch

Depart from Singapore for a direct flight to Christchurch International Airport. Transfer to hotel upon arrival. 

Christchurch — The Garden City
Day 2

Christchurch — The Garden City

Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens (150+ years of floral displays and native plants). Explore Mona Vale Garden, a historic riverside estate. See the Cardboard Cathedral, a symbol of earthquake resilience. End at Riverside Market for local artisan foods and craft beer. 

Akaroa Day Trip
Day 3

Akaroa Day Trip

Drive across the volcanic landscape of Banks Peninsula to Akaroa. Cruise the harbour to spot the rare Hector's Dolphin (world's smallest), fur seals, and seabirds. Return to Christchurch. 

Southern Alps & Glacial Lakes
Day 4

Southern Alps & Glacial Lakes

Hike the Hooker Valley Track (10km return) for views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. Admire the turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. Stop at the High Country Salmon Farm near Twizel. End at Lake Tekapo — visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the dark sky reserve. 

Coastal Wonders & Dunedin
Day 5

Coastal Wonders & Dunedin

Visit Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Explore the Victorian architecture of Oamaru Historic Precinct. See the University of Otago campus in Dunedin. Tour the Otago Peninsula to see the Royal Albatross colony and rare Yellow-eyed Penguin. 

Wanaka to Arrowtown
Day 6

Wanaka to Arrowtown

Photograph #ThatWanakaTree against the Southern Alps. Visit Puzzling World for illusion rooms and the Great Maze. Explore the historic gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown. Overnight in Queenstown. 

Glenorchy Exploration
Day 7

Glenorchy Exploration

Scenic drive to Glenorchy — the "Gateway to Paradise" and a Lord of the Rings filming location. Time for walks, horse riding, or relaxed exploration. 

Queenstown to Auckland
Day 8

Queenstown to Auckland

Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw coal-fired steamship. Tour Walter Peak High Country Farm — sheep-shearing display and farm animal encounters. Fly from Queenstown to Auckland. 

Rotorua Geothermal Wonders
Day 9

Rotorua Geothermal Wonders

Drive to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia for the Pōhutu Geyser, mud pools, and Māori carving/weaving demonstrations. Walk through Redwoods Forest or take the Redwoods Treewalk. Explore Government Gardens. Visit Rotorua Lake waterfront. 

Hobbiton & Auckland City
Day 10

Hobbiton & Auckland City

Guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set including hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn. Return to Auckland via Matamata. Afternoon free for souvenir shopping and exploring Queen Street. 

Auckland to Singapore
Day 11

Auckland to Singapore

Ascend Mount Eden for 360-degree panoramic views of Auckland. Brief visit to Auckland's Chinatown for last-minute shopping. Transfer to Auckland International Airport for return flight to Singapore. 

Tour Attributes

Activity Level

Moderate Walking

Good for

Solo Travelers
Couples
Families
Photography Lovers

Travel Theme

Cultural & Heritage
Active & Adventure
Nature & Scenic

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

  • Domestic flight fare
  • Private transportation (airport pickup/drop-off and point-to-point transfers)
  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Admission fees for paid attractions listed in the itinerary
  • Accommodation for 9 nights in 4-star hotels (hotel in Tekapo may be 3-star), including hotel breakfast

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities (recommended: NZD 6 per person per day)
  • Travel and accident insurance
  • Others not specified in inclusions
  • Entry visa fees, if required
  • Breakfast is not included for children under 12 not occupying their own bed
  • If a travel adjustment is required, the resulting single room supplement must be covered by the guest

Tour Starting Point

Christchurch, New Zealand
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