Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant waterfront city, where sparkling harbours, volcanic hills, and cultural rhythms come together in effortless harmony.
Surrounded by water and dotted with sailboats, Auckland is known as the “City of Sails” - a place where nature and city life flow side by side. Begin your exploration with a stroll along the lively Viaduct Harbour, where cafés spill onto the boardwalk and the skyline reflects on the water.
For panoramic views, head up to Mount Eden, a dormant volcanic cone offering sweeping vistas over the city and beyond. Or visit the iconic Sky Tower, where the city’s modern face is on full display.[READMORE]
Auckland is also a cultural crossroads. At the Auckland War Memorial Museum, delve into the stories of Aotearoa, from rich Māori heritage to natural wonders and colonial history. Nearby, leafy Parnell and Ponsonby offer a blend of art galleries, designer boutiques, and atmospheric dining.
If time allows, escape the city for a short ferry ride to Waiheke Island, where vineyards tumble toward the sea and tastings come with a view - the perfect coastal interlude.
Recommendation (4 nights):
Crown Plaza Auckland IHG
Welcome to Rotorua, where nature’s raw power rises in steam and story, and New Zealand’s Māori heart beats strong. Set among volcanic landscapes, bubbling mud pools, and crystal-clear lakes, Rotorua offers a journey through earth, culture, and cinematic wonder.
Begin your experience at one of Rotorua’s famed geothermal parks - where geysers erupt, hot springs steam, and mineral-rich waters have soothed for centuries. At Te Puia, witness the mighty Pōhutu Geyser and explore Māori traditions through carving schools, performances, and storytelling.[READMORE]
Immerse yourself in local life with a visit to a Māori village, where cultural rituals, cuisine, and hospitality invite you into a deeper connection with the land and its people.
Beyond Rotorua, step into fantasy with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata. Wander through the lush green hills of the Shire, past hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn - an unforgettable stop for fans of The Lord of the Ringsand The Hobbit.
Then venture underground into the magical world of the Waitomo Caves, where glowworms light up limestone caverns like a galaxy of stars. Glide silently along an underground river as the glow above creates an atmosphere of wonder and calm.
Recommendation (3 nights):
Pullman Rotorua
Welcome to Queenstown, where snow-capped peaks reflect in deep blue lakes, and every horizon promises a new thrill or a quiet moment of awe. Framed by the Remarkables and resting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this alpine gem is New Zealand’s adventure capital but also a place of striking elegance and serene beauty.
Begin your journey lakeside, where waterfront cafés and art galleries meet crisp mountain air. Take the Skyline Gondolafor panoramic views over the town and surrounding ranges, or simply wander the trails that weave through the landscape, each offering its own postcard-perfect view.[READMORE]
From Queenstown, set off on a scenic journey to Milford Sound, often called the “eighth wonder of the world.” Travel through the majestic Fiordland National Park - a land of rainforests, waterfalls, and glacier-carved valleys - before cruising beneath the towering cliffs and misty cascades of the Sound itself. Whether bathed in sun or shrouded in rain, it’s an unforgettable encounter with nature’s grandeur.
Closer to home, explore the charm of Arrowtown, a historic gold rush village just a short drive away. Cobbled streets, heritage cottages, and leafy avenues reveal a gentler pace -perfect for browsing artisan shops or enjoying a quiet riverside walk.
Recommendation (4 nights):
Crowne Plaza Queenstown IHG
Welcome to Christchurch, the South Island’s vibrant garden city - a place where English charm meets bold reinvention. With tranquil parks, neo-Gothic architecture, and a spirit of resilience, Christchurch offers a graceful beginning to your South Island journey.
Stroll along the Avon River, glide beneath weeping willows in a punt, or wander through the Botanic Gardens, alive with seasonal color. The city’s energy blooms in every direction - from art-filled laneways to innovative cuisine and restored heritage buildings.[READMORE]
From Christchurch, set out across the dramatic Canterbury Plains toward Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The road leads through shimmering lakes and open skies until the snow-draped Southern Alps rise before you. Stop at Lake Tekapo, where the turquoise waters and iconic Church of the Good Shepherd create a moment of quiet wonder.
In Mount Cook National Park, alpine trails await - from short scenic walks to glacier-fed vistas. Weather permitting, take a helicopter flight for a bird’s-eye view of ancient ice and rugged peaks, or simply pause at the foot of Aoraki and feel the timeless power of the land.
Continue on to Wanaka, a lakeside haven nestled among rolling hills and alpine peaks. Whether you're hiking to Roys Peak, kayaking on Lake Wanaka, or visiting the iconic “Wanaka Tree”, this relaxed town blends natural beauty with a laid-back charm that invites you to slow down and breathe deep.
Recommendation (3 nights):
Crowne Plaza Christchurch IHG
