Both Islands · Journey idea · 12–18 nights
Best of Both Islands
Auckland → Rotorua → Wellington → Kaikōura → Queenstown → Christchurch
- Best Nov–Apr
- Balanced pace
- Comfort · Premium · Luxury
Overview
The grand tour — North Island culture and geothermal country, the Cook Strait crossing, whales, the Alps and Fiordland.
- Cook Strait ferry
- Kaikōura whales
- Milford day trip
- Mount Cook & Tekapo
Best time
Nov–Apr
Both islands are at their best and the Cook Strait crossing is calmest.
Pace
Balanced
A big day, then an easy one.
Works at
Comfort · Premium · Luxury
Comfort levels this route suits — mix them along the way.
Who it suits
12–18 nights
Travellers coming a long way who want the whole country in one trip, and anyone who would rather not choose an island.
Shape it to your dates
The same route works at 12–18 nights. Pick the shape that's closest — we start from there, and the quote is built for your dates and group.
Need something in between, or longer? Say so in the enquiry — every shape is a starting point.
The route
Day numbers below follow the 14-day classic shape.
Day by day
Day 1–3
Auckland
Day 4–5
Rotorua
Geothermal heart & living culture
What you’ll do
2 nights in Rotorua
Day 6–7
Wellington
Compact, creative capital
What you’ll do
2 nights in Wellington
Day 8–9
Kaikōura
Where the mountains meet whales
What you’ll do
2 nights in Kaikōura
Day 10–12
Queenstown
Day 13–14
Christchurch
Garden city & alpine gateway
What you’ll do
2 nights in Christchurch
Your route
Day 1–3 · Auckland
Where you’ll stay
Pick a comfort level and we match every night to it — or mix and match along the way.
Comfort
Well-located 3–4 star hotels & motels
Premium
Boutique 4–5 star and standout lodges
Luxury
Design lodges, suites and private touches
Experiences on this journey
What’s included
- Accommodation
- In-country transport & transfers
- Listed experiences
- Day-by-day itinerary
- 24/7 local support
Not included
- International flights
- NZeTA / IVL / visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Some meals
- Optional add-ons
Make it yours
This is a journey idea, not a package, so there's no price on it — the cost depends on your dates, group, stays and pace. Tell us what you have in mind and a local planner will shape the route with you and send a written quote in New Zealand dollars. No obligation.