New ZealandOceania
North & South Island Grand Traverse
14 days Max 12 travelers New Zealand 14-day itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
The full sweep of Aotearoa, from Auckland's harbours to Fiordland's cliffs, taking in geothermal wonders, glaciers, and the Southern Alps by scenic rail.
Arrival in AucklandWaitomo & RotoruaGeothermal RotoruaTongariro & Wellington
1
Day 1
Arrival in Auckland
Begin in the City of Sails on the Waitemata Harbour.
2
Day 2
Waitomo & Rotorua
Journey south past glowworm caves to the geothermal heartland.
3
Day 3
Geothermal Rotorua
A day among bubbling mud, silica terraces, and redwood forest.
4
Day 4
Tongariro & Wellington
Skirt the volcanic plateau en route to the capital.
5
Day 5
Cook Strait to the South Island
Sail through the Marlborough Sounds to the wine country.
6
Day 6
West Coast & Franz Josef
Follow the wild Tasman coast to glacier country.
7
Day 7
Southern Alps to Queenstown
Cross the Haast Pass to the adventure capital.
8
Day 8
Milford Sound
Day trip into the heart of Fiordland National Park.
9
Day 9
Queenstown Adventures
A full day to play in the self-styled adventure capital of the world.
10
Day 10
Doubtful Sound Wilderness
Venture into Fiordland's deepest, quietest fjord for a day of pure remoteness.
11
Day 11
Arrowtown & Central Otago Wine
Trade the mountains for gold-rush history and world-class Pinot Noir.
12
Day 12
Over the Lindis to Aoraki
Drive north across high country to the foot of New Zealand's tallest peak.
13
Day 13
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Follow the braided rivers of the Canterbury Plains back to the coast.
14
Day 14
Departure from Christchurch
A final South Island morning before onward journeys.
Good to know
Physical rating
Moderate — some full days
Group size
Up to 12 travelers
Region
New Zealand, Oceania
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I book North & South Island Grand Traverse?
- Reserve online from this page — choose your dates and travelers, and our New Zealand specialist confirms availability within one business day.
- What's included in the price?
- The listed price covers 13 nights in premium hotels and lodges, Interislander ferry and TranzAlpine scenic rail, Franz Josef glacier helicopter landing — see the What's Included list on this page for the full breakdown.
- Can I customize this itinerary?
- Yes — every Orbitrek journey is customizable. Ask your specialist to adjust the pace, hotels, and activities of this itinerary.
- What if my plans change?
- Talk to your specialist — we can usually rework dates or reroute the journey. See our Terms of Service for the specialist-finalized booking model.
Traveler Reviews
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What's Included
- 13 nights in premium hotels and lodges
- Interislander ferry and TranzAlpine scenic rail
- Franz Josef glacier helicopter landing
- Milford Sound nature cruise
- Daily breakfast and select dinners including a hangi feast
- Dedicated driver-guide and all transfers
Why travel with Orbitrek
- Resident specialists on three continents
- Small groups — never more than 12
- Every itinerary fully customizable
- Secure checkout · free changes up to 30 days out