8-Nights Explore New Zealand Like a Local Two Island Road Trip - Road Trips
Available Dates
10/20/2026
–
12/31/2028
:
Call for pricing
Trip Overview :
This 9-day New Zealand tour pairs local favourites like the Napier wine region with several of the country’s highlights.
Touch down in Auckland as a starting point. Then make your way to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves, known for their beautiful glow worms, or Hobbiton, the film set used in Lord of the Rings. Rotorua itself is a fascinating geothermal laboratory of bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers, and Maori heritage. Spend a full day here to explore all Rotorua has to offer.
Go beyond most New Zealand vacations and head to Napier, where 70 odd vineyards cover the surrounding hills. Just in case that’s not enough, continue through the Martinborough region, famous for its Pinot Noir. This is also your gateway into Wellington, the country’s capital and home to its finest museums and a flourishing artistic scene.
Queenstown is the tourist hub of the South Island for good reason. Set on magnificent Lake Wakatipu, it embodies all excites and enchants about this part of the world. A trip to Milford Sound is highly recommended – though not mandatory. You may prefer to visit nearby Wanaka or historic Arrowtown. No matter how you occupy your time, you’ll spend it surrounded by the magnificent Southern Alps until you depart.
Highlights:
- Journey from Auckland through the lush Waikato countryside, exploring Waitomo Caves or Hobbiton before arriving in Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland.
- Discover Rotorua’s spouting geysers, steaming mud pools, and Maori culture with optional guided or culinary experiences.
- Drive to Napier, the charming art deco gem of Hawke’s Bay, known for its elegant architecture and coastal beauty.
- Savour local wines and gourmet cuisine in Napier and nearby Martinborough’s celebrated Pinot Noir vineyards en route to Wellington.
- Conclude your adventure in Queenstown, exploring alpine landscapes, Milford Sound’s majestic fiords, and the historic village of Arrowtown.
Included Services:
- 2 nights deluxe accommodation in Rotorua
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Napier
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Wellington
- 2 nights deluxe accommodation in Queenstown
- 9-day car rental with unlimited kilometers and mandatory vehicle insurance
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable