Comfortable lodge with amazing views | New Zealand holiday
Comfortable lodge with amazing views | New Zealand holiday
A luxurious road trip of New Zealand

5 weeks from Queenstown to Auckland

Would you like to visit some of New Zealand’s most spectacular sights and hidden gems? Starting in Queenstown, you will visit Lake Wakatipu, Fiordland National Park, the charming town of Wanaka, see whales in Kaikoura and the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook. Be enchanted by golden beaches, subtropical forests, sapphire lakes and rolling vineyards.

Quick facts about this sample itinerary

Below, you can discover our suggested locations. Feel free to adjust your comfort level, add activity packages along the route, and indicate whether you would like us to arrange your flights. The price indication is based on travel in high season, so shoulder season travel will often give you a price advantage.

Route and Impressions

new-zealand
Enjoy a day trip to the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu by jet boat
Enjoy a day trip to the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu by jet boat
Spot dolphins in Doubtful Sound
Spot dolphins in Doubtful Sound
Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park
Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park
Don't miss out on a picture-perfect moment at The Church of the Good Shepherd
Don't miss out on a picture-perfect moment at The Church of the Good Shepherd
Soak up the fresh rural air with views of the snow-capped Southern Alps
Soak up the fresh rural air with views of the snow-capped Southern Alps
Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura
Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura
Soak up the views over Blenheim
Soak up the views over Blenheim
Savour Wellington city's assortment of culinary delights
Savour Wellington city's assortment of culinary delights
Visit the impressive gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers
Visit the impressive gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers
Get a bird's eye view of Taupo in a float plane
Get a bird's eye view of Taupo in a float plane
Dig your own natural bath on Hot Water Beach
Dig your own natural bath on Hot Water Beach
For 360 degree views of Auckland City, walk to the summit of Mount Eden
For 360 degree views of Auckland City, walk to the summit of Mount Eden

Queenstown

3 nights

New Zealand's adventure capital is centred around the crystal waters of Lake Wakatipu and nestled between dramatic mountain ranges.

Te Anau & Manapouri

3 nights

The perfect base to visit Doubtful and Milford Sounds. Adventure lovers can also kayak, take a scenic flight, go jet boat fishing or sailing on the lake. Driving along the Milford Road is simply breathtaking.

Wanaka

3 nights

An ultimate outdoor base to explore the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring National Park. The crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka are ideal for fly fishing, boat cruises, jet boating, kayaking and swimming.

Tekapo

3 nights

Gleaming with bright turquoise waters and surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps. It’s the best place to stargaze in New Zealand, with its clear nights and lack of light pollution.

Canterbury High Country

3 nights

It’s all about adventure, farms and relaxing amongst nature in the highlands. Go hiking through the mountains, kayaking on Lake Heron or mountain biking on the remote Bridge to Nowhere Cycle Trail.

Kaikoura

3 nights

Kaikoura lies between the rugged Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular views. The nutrient-rich water attracts whales, seals, albatross and dolphins.

Blenheim & Marlborough

3 nights

Spend your days vineyard-hopping and tasting world-famous Sauvignon Blanc, among other delicious wines, fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Wellington City

3 nights

A vibrant and compact city, bursting with an array of things to see and do. Dive into the coffee culture, visit Te Papa Museum and soak up the views from Mount Victoria.

Hawkes Bay & Napier

3 nights

Renowned for sunshine, fruitful vineyards and award-winning wineries. Go back in time to the 1930s, with a visit to the Art Deco-styled, Napier.

Taupo

3 nights

A thermal wonderland of active volcanoes, trout-filled rivers, alpine tussock and ancient forests. As you make your way around the lake, you will discover an array of different landscapes.

Coromandel

3 nights

Where pristine beaches meet misty forests. Hike the Pinnacles, explore Cathedral Cove or spend your days on the glistening water - kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and fishing.

Auckland City

3 nights

The ‘City of Sails’ is surrounded by diverse landscapes. From the rugged coastline at Piha and Bethells Beach to the calm, sheltered and golden sand at Mission Bay.

Price guide per person

Travellers
Select accommodation and car
Included accommodations
  • 36 nights in exclusive beach villas, lodges & cottages
  • Spacious suites with an eye for luxury and design
  • Includes all breakfasts and several dinners
Included car
  • Rental for a medium SUV for 37 days
  • Full insurance with $0 excess as standard
  • During your trip, your kilometres (and flights) are fully CO2 compensated
A man and woman in a restaurant with a server showing them a bottle of wine
Afternoon drinks in the courtyard
Garden terrace of a boutique hotel
Included accomodations
  • 36 nights in superior lodges, bed & breakfasts and cottages
  • Elegant suites with magnificent views
  • Includes all breakfasts and several dinners
Included car
  • Rental for a medium SUV for 37 days
  • Full insurance with $0 excess as standard
  • During your trip, your kilometres (and flights) are fully CO2 compensated
A rust coloured cottage set in a big green garden
Silverpine Lodge next to Makarora Mountain Lake
Included accomodations
  • 36 nights in world-class lodges, cottages and beach houses
  • Exquisite suites with exceptional service and views
  • Includes all breakfasts and several dinners
Included car
  • Rental for a medium SUV for 37 days
  • Full insurance with $0 excess as standard
  • During your trip, your kilometres (and flights) are fully CO2 compensated
Luxurious bathroom with views of the lake
A light, bright bedroom with white linen and large windows
Luxury accommodation | New Zealand holiday
Add flight
Explore the history, architecture and culture of Hong Kong during your stopover
Select car
Add activities
Price guide per person
Price per adult
Accommodation
and car change
0
Your flight change
0
Your car up- or downgrade change
0
Your activities change
0
Total price per adult
0
Price for all travellers
Adults 18+
0
Youth 12-17 yrs
0
Children 2-11 yrs
0
Infants 0-1 yr
0
Price indication for 1 traveller(s)
0

During shoulder season you can enjoy significant price savings. Talk to a specialist now on 020 36 95 95 69

Detailed pricing and information

Every holiday is tailor-made based on your wishes and needs. Our advisors are locals with many tips and ideas to ensure your holiday is just perfect, for you.

  • Detailed information
  • Inspirational
  • No obligations
  • Be well prepared
Step 1
Your journey
Detailed guide for
5 weeks from Queenstown to Auckland
Travellers
None
Accommodation and car
None
Flight
None chosen
Selected car
None
Activities
None
Change
Preferred time of year
Remarks
Step 2
Contact options
Contact person

More sample itineraries

Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?

Discover a world beyond ordinary

At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.