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12-Day New Zealand Discovery

New Zealand
Discovery

Southern Alps. Living culture. The green heart of the North Island.

Queenstown → Milford Sound → Rotorua → Lake Karapiro & Hobbiton → Auckland

12 Days Including Air Travel10 Land Days / 9 NightsUp to 16 GuestsTour Captain Hosted

Itinerary Dates & Prices

Explore every day, then choose the departure that feels right.

12 DaysIncluding air-travel time
10 DaysLand program
9 NightsFour hotel bases
Up to 16Intimate small-group travel
ZQN → AKLQueenstown to Auckland

Choose your journey

11-Day Majestic AustraliaAustralia only 20-Day Australia + New ZealandThe complete two-country journey 12-Day New Zealand DiscoveryNew Zealand only

The Journey in One View

From Southern Alps to Auckland.

Begin beside Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, experience Milford Sound from water and air, then cross to the North Island for Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, Hobbiton, Lake Karapiro and an Auckland finale.

Travel-time note: North American guests generally depart two days before Day 1 because of the International Date Line. The land itinerary itself is 10 days and 9 nights.

“Alpine drama gives way to steam, Shire and skyline.”Now Journey · Luxury that feels personal

Your Journey at a Glance

Across Aotearoa New Zealand

Four bases. Two remarkable islands.

A northbound route made personal through longer stays, hosted transitions and meaningful open time.

Air segmentRoad segment

Scroll through destinationsSwipe through destinations

Queenstown → Rotorua → Lake Karapiro → Auckland

Journey Story

New Zealand unfolds in three acts.

A Southern Alps beginning leads into the living geology of Rotorua, then settles beside Lake Karapiro before an Auckland harbor finale.

Mountain and lake scenery in New Zealand

Queenstown and Milford Sound; Rotorua's geothermal landscape; Hobbiton, Lake Karapiro and Auckland. Three distinct movements, held together by one Tour Captain.

Queenstown beside Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps
Chapter one

Alpine beginnings.

Three nights in Queenstown create room for Milford Sound by water and air, plus a complete day shaped by your own pace.

Geothermal landscape near Rotorua
Chapter two

Steam and living culture.

Rotorua brings geothermal drama, cultural context and a memorable illuminated walk high among the redwoods.

Mountain and lake scenery in New Zealand
Chapter three

Shire to skyline.

Three lakeside nights make time for Hobbiton and an open day before Auckland provides one last harbor and a celebratory finale.

The Complete Journey

10 land days, beautifully paced.

Open any day for the full itinerary. Optional experiences are clearly separated from the core program.

Queenstown beside Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps

Chapter 1 · Days 1–3 · 3 Nights

Queenstown · Southern Alps

An alpine welcome, Milford Sound from water and air, then a day shaped by you.
Day 1Welcome to Queenstown

Your Journey begins on arrival in Queenstown. A Now Journey Meet & Greet transfer takes you directly from the airport to the hotel. Later, join your Tour Captain for a Discovery Walk before an included welcome dinner with premium beverages and regional wine.

  • Airport Meet & Greet transfer
  • Discovery Walk
  • Welcome dinner with premium beverages
  • Tour Captain hosting

Stay · 3 nights: The Spire Hotel or similar for Deluxe; Classic accommodation is confirmed in your proposal.

Day 2Milford Sound by Water & Air

Travel into Fiordland National Park for a scenic Milford Sound cruise, with included round-trip scenic flights connecting the experience to Queenstown. The late afternoon and evening are at leisure.

  • Breakfast
  • Milford Sound cruise
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Round-trip scenic flights
Day 3Queenstown, Your Way

A full day at leisure gives you room to be adventurous or entirely unhurried. Dinner is independent tonight.

  • Breakfast
  • Full day at leisure
  • Tour Captain recommendations
  • Freedom to choose your pace
Geothermal terrain near Rotorua

Chapter 2 · Days 4–5 · 2 Nights

Rotorua

Geothermal drama, cultural context and a memorable night walk among the redwoods.
Day 4Welcome to the North Island

Fly to Rotorua, transfer to the hotel and take a Discovery Walk with your Tour Captain. Tonight includes a welcome dinner with a Māori influence and New Zealand wines, followed by the Redwoods Altitude Nightlights Treewalk and its 28 suspension bridges.

  • Breakfast
  • Airport and hotel transfers
  • Welcome dinner
  • Redwoods Nightlights Treewalk

Stay · 2 nights: Pullman Rotorua or similar for Deluxe; Classic accommodation is confirmed in your proposal.

Required on-tour flight: this flight is quoted separately from the land price.

Day 5Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Explore Waimangu Volcanic Valley with an expert guide. Follow crater walkways through a remarkable geothermal environment with views toward the Rotorua lakes. Dinner is at leisure.

  • Breakfast
  • Expert-guided volcanic valley visit
  • Admission and planned transfers
  • Evening at leisure
Mountain and lake landscape in New Zealand

Chapter 3 · Days 6–8 · 3 Nights

Lake Karapiro · Hobbiton

Three lakeside nights, the Shire at a gentle pace and a full day for personal discovery.
Day 6Settle Beside Lake Karapiro

Travel from Rotorua into the Lake Karapiro area. On arrival, settle into the lodge and join a canapé reception that marks the beginning of this quieter three-night chapter.

  • Breakfast
  • Private group transportation
  • Lodge canapé reception
  • Tour Captain hosting

Stay · 3 nights: Lake Karapiro Lodge or similar for Deluxe; Classic accommodation is confirmed in your proposal.

Day 7Hobbiton & the Green Dragon

A guided walk through the Hobbiton Movie Set brings the Shire to life, ending at the Green Dragon Inn. Return in the evening for an included exclusive banquet dinner.

  • Breakfast
  • Guided Hobbiton Movie Set visit
  • Green Dragon Inn
  • Exclusive banquet dinner
Day 8A Lake Day at Leisure

The entire day is at leisure until an included barbecue dinner. Consider a spa appointment, a local hike, nearby markets or a scenic boat outing—or simply keep the day clear.

  • Breakfast
  • Full day at leisure
  • Tour Captain recommendations
  • Barbecue dinner
Auckland skyline and harbor

Chapter 4 · Days 9–10 · 1 Night

Auckland Finale

One last harbor city, one final evening together and a departure morning kept simple.
Day 9Auckland & a Farewell Evening

Travel to Auckland in the late morning. A short Discovery Walk helps orient you before open time to freshen up or explore. Gather for final canapés and a farewell evening with your fellow travelers.

  • Breakfast
  • Private group transportation
  • Auckland Discovery Walk
  • Final canapés

Stay · 1 night: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour or similar for Deluxe; Classic accommodation is confirmed in your proposal.

Your farewell evening: dining arrangements vary by hotel collection and are detailed in your Journey Proposal.

Day 10Departure Day

Breakfast is included if your departure time allows. An optional transfer to Auckland Airport may be arranged for $66 per person, or ask a Journey Specialist about extending your stay.

  • Breakfast, schedule permitting
  • Tour Captain departure guidance
  • Optional airport transfer: $66 per person
  • Extension planning available
Return to top

Dates & Prices

Choose the departure that feels right.

Journey prices are per person in US dollars: Classic $12,579 and Deluxe $14,779. Please request availability before making independent air arrangements.

Remaining 2026 Departures

There are no remaining 2026 departures. Please consider a 2027 date below.

10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal

2027 Departures

There are no remaining 2027 departures.

10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
10 Land Days
Classic$12,579 PP
Deluxe$14,779 PP
Request availability
Request Proposal
Required On-Tour Air$550 per person, not included in the land prices above; amount may change based on booking time.
Solo Supplements$1,971 for Classic and $3,500 for Deluxe.
Booking TermsThe initial deposit and cost of on-tour air are required at booking and are 100% non-refundable.
PricesPer person in US dollars, based on double occupancy. Hotels and availability are confirmed in your proposal.

What Your Journey Includes

The details that make distance feel effortless.

The core land journey is designed to feel complete without constant add-ons. Optional experiences and required on-tour air are priced separately so you can plan with confidence.

Arrival Welcome

Meet & Greet transfer from Queenstown Airport to the hotel, whenever you arrive on Day 1.

Tour Captain Hosting

Personal orientation, recommendations and continuity across both islands.

Expert-Led Discovery

Local English-speaking guides, sightseeing, admissions and experiences shown in the itinerary.

Signature Experiences

Milford Sound and scenic flights, Redwoods Nightlights, Hobbiton and more.

Selected Dining

Breakfasts and the hosted meals shown day by day; Deluxe includes the more extensive dining program.

Planned Transfers

On-tour road transfers and luggage portage. Auckland airport departure transfer is optional.

Small Group Access

Up to 16 guests, with appropriately sized transportation and no big-bus touring.

Clear Pricing

Required on-tour air, optional experiences, independent meals and the optional departure transfer are priced separately.

Why Now Journey

Two islands, personally hosted.

New Zealand rewards time and context. Thoughtful pacing and a consistent Tour Captain make the transitions feel connected rather than fragmented.

A conventional tour

More moving. Less feeling.

  • Large groups and fixed big-bus logistics
  • Compressed stays with little room to breathe
  • Constant upselling once the trip begins
  • Anonymous handoffs between destinations

The Now Journey difference

One journey, held together.

  • Small groups of no more than 16 guests
  • Multiple three-night stays and real leisure days
  • Included signature experiences shown clearly
  • A Tour Captain who stays with the story

Your Hotels

Four bases. Nine nights.

Choose Classic or Deluxe while preserving the same thoughtfully paced journey. The properties shown are our preferred Deluxe choices or comparable alternatives; your Journey Proposal and final travel documents confirm the exact hotels and room categories.

Smart, Comfortable Stays

Classic

Hand-selected 3- and 4-star hotels with daily breakfast and the Queenstown welcome dinner. $12,579 per person. Additional hosted dinners may be requested.

Our Signature Collection

Deluxe

Hand-selected 4- and 5-star hotels, full breakfast service and the more extensive hosted dining program. $14,779 per person.

Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu destination settingDestination setting · 3 nights
QueenstownCollection dependent

The Spire Hotel

Deluxe: The Spire Hotel or similar. Classic property confirmed in your proposal.

Three alpine nights for Milford Sound and a complete day of personal choice.

Rotorua geothermal destination settingDestination setting · 2 nights
RotoruaCollection dependent

Pullman Rotorua

Deluxe: Pullman Rotorua or similar. Classic property confirmed in your proposal.

A central base for geothermal discovery, cultural context and the redwoods after dark.

New Zealand lake and mountain destination settingDestination setting · 3 nights
Lake KarapiroCollection dependent

Lake Karapiro Lodge

Deluxe: Lake Karapiro Lodge or similar. Classic property confirmed in your proposal.

A settled lakeside chapter for Hobbiton, an included banquet and a free day.

Auckland harbor destination settingDestination setting · 1 night
AucklandCollection dependent

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Deluxe: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour or similar. Classic property confirmed in your proposal.

A harbor-side final night for the farewell and an easy departure morning.

Guest Trust

Small-group travel, backed by five-star stories.

Discover what guests across our Journeys say about Now Journey’s personal hosting, thoughtful pacing and genuine attention to detail.

★★★★★
50+ Five-Star Reviews

Read verified guest feedback about Now Journey on TripAdvisor.

Read TripAdvisor reviews

Plan & Prepare

What to know before New Zealand.

Required Flight

The flight connecting Queenstown and Rotorua is separate from the land price. Allow $550 per person; your final air price is confirmed when booked.

International Date Line

North American travelers generally leave two calendar days before the Queenstown arrival date. Your air itinerary shows the exact timing.

Walking & Terrain

Expect walking on city streets, trails and natural surfaces. Optional adventure activities may have separate mobility or medical requirements.

Entry Requirements

Passports, visas and entry permissions are each guest's responsibility. Verify current official New Zealand requirements before travel.

Weather Changes

Scenic flights and other nature-based experiences can change with conditions. The team communicates practical alternatives when needed.

Arrival & Departure

Your Queenstown arrival transfer is included. An Auckland airport departure transfer may be added for $66 per person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers, before you cross the Pacific.

Is this a 12-day or a 10-day journey?
The complete 12-day journey includes international air-travel time. Your land program begins in Queenstown and continues for 10 days and 9 nights through Auckland.
How many guests travel on this tour?
Departures welcome up to 16 guests and are hosted by a Now Journey Tour Captain—a genuinely small-group experience rather than a large bus tour.
Where does the journey begin and end?
The journey begins at Queenstown Airport (ZQN), with an included Meet & Greet transfer to the hotel. It ends in Auckland (AKL), where an airport transfer may be added for $66 per person.
Is the flight within the itinerary included?
No. The required flight connecting Queenstown and Rotorua is separate from the land price. Allow $550 per person, subject to change when the flight is booked.
What is the difference between Classic and Deluxe?
Both collections follow the same core journey. Classic is $12,579 per person and features hand-selected 3- and 4-star hotels with a lighter dining program. Deluxe is $14,779 per person and features hand-selected 4- and 5-star hotels with full breakfast service and a more extensive hosted dining program.
How much leisure time is built in?
The journey includes a full free day in Queenstown and a full free day at Lake Karapiro, plus additional open time throughout the itinerary.
Are optional experiences required?
No. Your journey is complete without them. Optional experiences simply personalize your open time and are priced separately.
When will my hotels be confirmed?
Your Journey Proposal outlines the planned hotels and room categories for your chosen collection. Final travel documents confirm each property, with a comparable alternative arranged whenever necessary.

Extend Your Journey

Begin in Australia, only if you choose.

Pre-tour options remain separate from the 10-day New Zealand journey. Dates, services and current availability are confirmed in your proposal.

Australia Pre-Tour

Majestic Australia

Begin in Sydney, experience Uluru and finish at the Great Barrier Reef before continuing to Queenstown.

View Majestic Australia

The Complete Journey

Australia + New Zealand

Connect both countries as one Tour Captain-hosted story, from Sydney Harbour to the Red Centre, reef, Southern Alps, Hobbiton and Auckland.

View the complete Journey

Your New Zealand Journey

Can you picture yourself here?

Tell a Journey Specialist which departure and hotel collection interests you. We'll help with the required air package, room choices and any Australia pre-tour you are considering.

Request a Journey ProposalCall or Text +1 (720) 464-3248

No obligation. No pressure. Just a thoughtful conversation about your Journey.