Arrive at Auckland Airport and take a short shuttle to your city‑centre hotel. After checking in, stroll to the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views and a quick coffee at the Observation Deck.
Explore the bustling Viaduct Harbour, where festive Christmas lights drape over yachts and restaurants. Visit the Auckland Domain Wintergardens to admire native flora and seasonal decorations.
Dine at a waterfront restaurant on the Harbour Bridge waterfront, then enjoy the illuminated Christmas light displays along Queen Street and the Harbourfront promenade.
Depart early on a scenic drive to Paihia; stop at the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour of New Zealand's founding site.
Relax on Paihia Beach, then embark on a boat cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock, spotting dolphins and sea birds along the way.
Savor fresh seafood at a seaside bistro while watching a sunset over the Pacific, followed by a leisurely walk along the illuminated marina.
Drive to Rotorua and begin at Te Puia, where you can witness geysers, boiling mud pools, and the iconic Pohutu Geyser.
Attend a traditional Maori cultural performance and hangi feast at Tamaki Maori Village, learning about legends, carving, and song.
Unwind in the soothing waters of the Polynesian Spa, then enjoy a night walk through the illuminated Government Gardens.
Travel to Taupo and visit the thundering Huka Falls, taking a short riverside walk to feel the mist.
Board a scenic cruise on Lake Taupo, spotting Maori rock carvings on the lake’s islands, then try an adrenaline‑filled jet‑boat ride at the falls.
Dine at a lakeside restaurant with views of the sunset over the lake, and take a relaxed stroll along the Taupo shoreline promenade.
Take the morning flight to Wellington and head straight to Te Papa Museum for interactive New Zealand history exhibits.
Wander the festive Christmas market on Cuba Street, sampling local treats and shopping for handcrafted gifts.
Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car up to the Botanic Garden, then enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic harbor views.
Board the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton, enjoying views of the Marlborough Sounds during the crossing.
In Picton, take a short cruise through the sounds before driving south to Kaikoura for a guided whale‑watching tour, spotting humpbacks, sperm whales, and dolphins.
Walk the Kaikoura Peninsula Track at sunset, then dine on fresh crayfish at a local waterfront eatery.
Arrive in Christchurch and explore the expansive Christchurch Botanic Gardens, decorated with seasonal lights and native plant displays.
Visit the Canterbury Museum and then wander through the vibrant street art lanes and the innovative Re:START Mall made from shipping containers.
Enjoy a festive dinner at a restored heritage building in the central city, followed by a leisurely walk along the Avon River illuminated with holiday lanterns.
Drive to Lake Tekapo, stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd for sunrise photography against the turquoise lake.
Relax in the Tekapo Hot Springs, then explore the lakeshore trail that offers spectacular alpine vistas.
Join a guided stargazing session at Mt John Observatory, a Dark Sky Reserve, to witness the Milky Way on a crystal‑clear night.
Arrive in Queenstown and take the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
Experience high‑speed thrills on the Shotover Jet, followed by a fun Luge ride down the mountain. Return to town for a leisurely lunch at the historic Wharf market.
Prepare for New Year’s Eve with a festive dinner at a lakeside restaurant, then explore the buzzing Queenstown nightlife as the city readies its fireworks.
Watch the spectacular New Year’s fireworks over Lake Wakatipu from the waterfront, then enjoy a celebratory brunch at a café on the lakefront.
Take a reflective walk along the Queenstown Gardens, or optional short drive to Arrowtown to explore its charming historic streets.
Transfer to Queenstown Airport for your departure, carrying memories of a magical festive adventure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sky Tower | $35 |
| Viaduct Harbour Christmas Lights | Free |
| Auckland Domain Wintergardens | Free |
| Waitangi Treaty Grounds | $30 |
| Hole in the Rock Cruise | $90 |
| Te Puia | $55 |
| Tamaki Maori Village | $150 |
| Polynesian Spa | $45 |
| Huka Falls | Free |
| Lake Taupo Cruise | $70 |
| Jet‑boat at Huka Falls | $85 |
| Te Papa Museum | Free |
| Cuba Street Christmas Market | Free |
| Wellington Cable Car & Botanic Garden | $12 |
| Interislander Ferry (Wellington‑Picton) | $70 |
| Marlborough Sounds Cruise | $80 |
| Kaikoura Whale Watching Tour | $120 |
| Christchurch Botanic Gardens | Free |
| Canterbury Museum | Free |
| Re:START Mall | Free |
| Church of the Good Shepherd | Free |
| Tekapo Hot Springs | $40 |
| Mt John Observatory Stargazing | $55 |
| Skyline Gondola | $40 |
| Shotover Jet | $110 |
| Queenstown Luge | $35 |
| New Year’s Fireworks over Lake Wakatipu | Free |
| Queenstown Gardens | Free |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $1,300-1,600 (excluding international flights and optional activities) |