12-Day North & South Island Private Tour

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Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Overview

Duration:7 days 6 nights
Travelers:3 - 11 guests
Tour Type:Group tour, Package tour, Private tour
Language:English

Experience New Zealand’s North and South Islands on an unforgettable 12-day private journey. Travel in comfort in a luxury Mercedes vehicle with your personal partial guide-driver, giving you the freedom to explore attractions at your own pace while your driver waits at each location.

This package includes New Zealand’s most iconic highlights — Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Te Puia Rotorua, Wellington–Picton Interislander Ferry, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown and more.

Optional Accommodation Add-On

Add accommodation for all 12 nights at $120 per person per night (standard hotel / private room based on availability).

Fully private 12-day North & South Island tour from Auckland to Queenstown.
Luxury Mercedes vehicle with partial guide-driver who waits while you explore.
Includes Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua geothermal attractions and Milford Sound day trip.
Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton included.
Daily lunch included throughout the entire trip.
Visit Kaikōura, Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass, Franz Josef, Wanaka, and Queenstown.
Glacier helicopter.
Accommodation optional at $120 per person per night; child seats on request.

Includes/Excludes

Luxury Mercedes transportation (up to 11 passengers)
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (included)
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour (included)
Rotorua Te Puia Geothermal Valley Entry (included)
Interislander Ferry: Wellington → Picton (included)
Milford Sounds Cruise (included)
Flexible photo stops and sightseeing stops
Luggage handling
Pick-up in Auckland & final drop-off in Queenstown

Food & beverages
Accommodation (optional add-on)
Scenic flights, helicopter rides, adventure add-ons
Entrance fees not listed in the “Included” section
Personal travel insurance

Itinerary

Day 1 – Auckland to Hobbiton → Rotorua

Pick-up from Airport or Hotel.
Drive to Matamata
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (included)
Continue to Rotorua
Explore Lakefront, Government Gardens, Eat Streat
Overnight in Rotorua

Day 2 – Rotorua (Geothermal & Cultural Day)

Visit Te Puia Geothermal Valley (included)
See the Pōhutu Geyser & Māori carving school
Optional: Polynesian Spa, Redwood Forest walk
Overnight in Rotorua

Day 3 – Rotorua → Waitomo → Hamilton

Drive to Waitomo
Waitomo Glowworm Caves entry (included)
Continue to Hamilton
Explore the Waikato region
Overnight in Hamilton

Day 4 – Hamilton → Wellington

Scenic drive down the North Island, few stops on the way
Stops for photos along Desert Road (Mt. Ruapehu +/- weather)
Arrive in Wellington
Free time: Te Papa Museum, waterfront, cable car
Overnight in Wellington

Day 5 – Wellington → Picton (Ferry Crossing) → Nelson

Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton (included)
Drive to Nelson
Explore beaches, shops, markets
Overnight in Nelson

Day 6 – Nelson → Punakaiki

Drive through the Kahurangi region
Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes
Overnight in Punakaiki or Greymouth

Day 7 – Punakaiki → Franz Josef

Scenic West Coast drive
Free time to explore glaciers, hot pools
Optional: Helicopter glacier landing
Overnight in Franz Josef

Day 8 – Franz Josef → Wanaka

Drive through Haast Pass
Photo stops at waterfalls & blue pools
Arrive in Wanaka
Free time at the lake
Overnight in Wanaka

Day 9 – Wanaka → Queenstown

Stop at Arrowtown historic village
Arrive in Queenstown
Free afternoon: gondola, shopping, lake cruise
Overnight in Queenstown

Day 10 – Queenstown Free Day

Optional activities (Extra for tickets):
- Shotover Jet
- Skyline Gondola & Luge
- Wine tasting tours
- Bungee jump
Overnight in Queenstown

Day 11 – Milford Sound Day Trip

Your driver will take you to Te Anau & Milford Sound cruise (included) for a full-day experience if requested.
Return to Queenstown for the night.

Day 12 – Final Day & Departure

Final shopping or sightseeing
Drop-off anywhere in Queenstown
End of tour

Tour maps

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

Is this 12-day tour private or shared?

This is a fully private tour. Your group will have exclusive use of a luxury Mercedes with a professional partial guide-driver. Unlike shared coach tours, you decide how long to spend at each stop while the driver waits nearby. The itinerary is flexible, so you can spend more time at Hobbiton, Rotorua, Waitomo Caves, Wellington, or Milford Sound depending on your interests. Private tours offer privacy, comfort, and a personalised pace, making it ideal for families, friends, or corporate groups.

How much does this 12-day private tour cost?

We recommend a per-person starting price of NZD 9,500 (twin share) for the full 12-day North & South Island highlights tour. This includes a luxury Mercedes, professional driver-guide, and ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton. Accommodation, meals, and premium activities (Hobbiton tour, whale watching, glacier heli-hike, Milford Sound cruise) are optional extras. Final price depends on group size, accommodation preferences, activities selected, and any custom route changes. Pricing transparency ensures no surprises.

What attractions and activities are included?

The following key attractions are included in the base tour:

(Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua geothermal parks and cultural experiences, Waitomo Caves, Ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton, Milford Sound cruises.)

Other popular activities such as whale watching in Kaikōura, glacier flights in Franz Josef / Fox Glacier, and winery visits in Wanaka can be added as optional extras. Food, drinks, and accommodation are not included in the base package, but accommodation can be arranged at $120 per night per person if requested.

How many passengers can travel on this tour?

Our Mercedes vehicles can comfortably accommodate up to 11 passengers (depending on luggage and vehicle configuration). If your group is smaller, this provides extra comfort and space. Child or baby seats are available on request, ensuring safety for families with young children.

Can the itinerary be customised?

Yes! This private tour is fully flexible. Customers frequently request to:

Add extra days in Queenstown, Wanaka, or Rotorua

Visit wineries, hiking trails, or scenic spots off the main route

Swap long driving days for domestic flights (e.g., Wellington to Christchurch)
Custom changes are reflected in pricing and can be tailored to your group’s interests.