Day 1: Arrival into Auckland - After a smooth journey to the other side of the world, I arrived into Auckland for the first stop of my New Zealand adventure. This vibrant harbour city made the perfect place to land, shake off the jet lag and get a first taste of Kiwi life. I checked into the lovely Hotel Indigo, a stylish boutique property with a real sense of place. The interiors feel contemporary yet cosy, with thoughtful touches that nod to Auckland’s history and creative scene. My room was bright and comfortable, with everything you want after a long haul flight: a great bed, a refreshing shower and a calm space to unwind. The public areas have a relaxed, design led feel, and it is very well located for exploring the city on foot.

Day 2: Exploring Auckland – Walking tour and All Blacks Experience - Auckland itself is a vibrant harbour city, wrapped around sparkling water and dotted with volcanic hills and leafy neighbourhoods. It has a friendly, easygoing atmosphere, with a great mix of cafés, restaurants and waterfront views, so it works beautifully as a soft landing at the start of a New Zealand adventure.To really get under the skin of the city, we joined a walking tour with Aucky Walky Tours. This was a fantastic introduction: our guide brought Auckland’s stories to life, from Māori heritage and colonial history to modern day culture, all while showing us hidden lanes, street art and viewpoints we would never have found on our own.Another standout was The All Blacks Experience. Even if you are not a dedicated rugby fan, it is hard not to be swept up in the passion and pride surrounding New Zealand’s national team. The interactive exhibits, powerful storytelling and chance to step “behind the scenes” make it a brilliant add on for sports lovers, families and anyone curious about Kiwi culture.

Day 3: Waiheke Island – vineyards, views and a touch of adventure - On day three we took the 40 minute ferry across the harbour to Waiheke Island, which quickly became one of my favourite stops of the entire trip. As you sail in, you are greeted by rolling green hills, pretty coves and hillside vineyards that seem to tumble down towards the sea. Waiheke combines laid back island life with a sophisticated food and wine scene. We started with a fantastic zip line experience, soaring over native bush and vineyards with sweeping views back towards Auckland. It is a brilliant way to add a little adventure without anything too extreme, and ideal for couples, friends or families with older children. After working up an appetite, we slowed the pace right down with wine tasting and a leisurely lunch at Casita Miro vineyard. This was one of those “pinch me” afternoons: excellent local wines, delicious food and a beautiful setting overlooking the vines. It is exactly the kind of place I now love to recommend for clients who want a relaxed yet special day out from Auckland, whether as part of a longer New Zealand itinerary or a short stopover.

Day 4: Hobbiton, Rotorua and an unforgettable evening at Te Puia - On day four we left Auckland and began our journey south to Rotorua, with a stop at the famous Hobbiton Movie Set along the way. Even if you have never seen the films, Hobbiton is absolutely magical. Walking between the colourful hobbit holes, past vegetable gardens and along winding paths, you feel as though you have stepped straight into another world. The attention to detail is incredible, and the guides are full of behind the scenes stories that really bring the set to life. It is a brilliant stop for couples, families and film fans alike, and breaks up the drive to Rotorua perfectly. From Hobbiton we continued by road to Rotorua and checked into the Millennium Hotel, our base for exploring the region. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a welcoming atmosphere and a very handy location for getting out to the main sights and evening experiences. That evening we visited Te Puia, which was a real highlight of our time in Rotorua. The experience combines a guided geothermal tour with a powerful Māori cultural performance. Walking through the steaming landscape, seeing bubbling mud pools and watching the famous geyser erupt gives you a real sense of New Zealand’s volcanic heart. The cultural performance was particularly memorable: traditional song, dance and storytelling that felt both atmospheric and genuinely moving. It is an evening I would highly recommend including in any Rotorua stay, as it blends natural wonders with authentic culture in a way that really stays with you.

Day 5: Kiwis, spa time and on to Christchurch - Day five began with an early start so we could visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, a special place dedicated to protecting one of New Zealand’s most iconic and endangered birds. This was a real privilege: learning about the vital conservation work, seeing how eggs are cared for and, with luck, observing young kiwis in a controlled environment. It is both educational and heart warming, and a fantastic addition for clients who want to go beyond the usual sightseeing and really understand New Zealand’s wildlife story. After our time at the hatchery, the pace slowed right down with a wonderfully relaxing visit to Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. Set on the lakefront, this is genuinely one of the nicest spas I have visited. The design feels serene and contemporary, with a strong sense of Māori wellness traditions running through the experience. Soaking in the mineral pools is bliss after a few full days on the road, and the thermal waters are perfect for easing travel weary muscles. A standout for me was the stone bed where you are gently covered in mud, a unique and surprisingly soothing experience that left my skin feeling incredible. For clients who enjoy high quality spa time, I would absolutely recommend building Wai Ariki into their Rotorua stay, either as a half day treat or a full day of relaxation in between more active excursions. After our restorative spa time, it was back on the move with a short flight from Rotorua to Christchurch. These domestic flights in New Zealand are wonderfully straightforward and frequent, almost like a scheduled bus service in the sky, which makes linking the North and South Islands very easy within a tighter itinerary. On arrival in Christchurch we checked into The George, a beautiful boutique hotel that feels peaceful and refined yet still close to the heart of the city. The service is warm and personal, the rooms are elegant and comfortable, and it has that intimate, luxury feel that really suits couples and discerning travellers. That evening we met our guide, Rewi, for a fantastic cultural food tour of the city with Amiki Cultural Food Tours. This was a real highlight. Rewi combined stories of Christchurch’s history and Māori culture with stops to sample local dishes and wines, giving us a genuine sense of place through food. It was a fun, relaxed way to explore the city, and exactly the kind of experience I now love to recommend to clients who want to connect more deeply with New Zealand’s culture and cuisine, rather than just ticking off the main sights.

Day 6: Crossing the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine and into the rainforest - Day six was all about one of New Zealand’s most iconic rail journeys. We boarded the TranzAlpine train in Christchurch, ready to travel across the spine of the South Island to Greymouth. This route takes you through Arthur’s Pass and some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, from patchwork Canterbury plains to steep gorges, river valleys and snow capped peaks. We travelled in the scenic Premium Plus service, which really elevated the experience. The extra space, comfortable seating and attentive service made it feel special from the moment we stepped on board. Large panoramic windows meant we could sit back and soak up the views as the landscape shifted around us, while commentary along the way helped bring the journey to life without feeling intrusive. The TranzAlpine is a wonderful way to experience the scale and beauty of the South Island without having to focus on the road. For clients who enjoy slow travel, photography or simply a more relaxed way to cross from east to west, I would highly recommend including this in a New Zealand itinerary. From Greymouth, changing weather conditions meant we continued our journey by road to Franz Josef. The drive itself was still memorable, with moody skies, mist hanging over the hills and that wild “four seasons in one day” feeling that New Zealand is known for. It all added to the sense of adventure and really highlighted just how dramatic and changeable the West Coast landscape can be. For our overnight stay we checked into the Legacy Te Waonui hotel, which quickly became one of the most atmospheric stops on the trip. Surrounded by lush greenery, it felt as though we were tucked away in the middle of the rainforest, with the sound of rain on the trees only adding to the experience. Inside, the hotel is warm, welcoming and very comfortable, with a calming, nature inspired feel. Despite the wild weather outside, we were looked after incredibly well. The service was attentive and genuinely caring, the kind that makes you feel cocooned after a busy travel day.

Day 7: From wild West Coast to Queenstown’s lakefront luxury - Day seven took us from Franz Josef down to Queenstown, and it was one of the most spectacular drives of the trip. The route combines rugged West Coast shorelines with sweeping mountain scenery, winding past rivers, dense forest and dramatic valleys. Even with a few stops, it is the kind of journey where you want to keep your camera close to hand, as there seems to be a new postcard view around every corner. Queenstown was one of the places I had been most excited to visit, and it did not disappoint. Nestled beside Lake Wakatipu and backed by dramatic peaks, it has an almost alpine resort feel, with a lively yet relaxed atmosphere and endless opportunities for adventure, food and wine. Our base here was The Rees Hotel, staying in one of their apartments, and it was outstanding. The apartment itself was huge, with plenty of space to spread out and a real home from home feel, ideal for longer stays or for families and friends travelling together. The highlight, though, was the view: floor to ceiling windows looking out across the lake to the mountains beyond, with ever changing light that was simply breathtaking. Waking up to that panorama made Queenstown feel extra special, and I would happily recommend The Rees to clients wanting a stylish, spacious and scenic base. In the evening we headed into Queenstown itself. The town has a busy, vibrant feel, with buzzing bars, restaurants and lakefront promenades that come alive after dark. It is easy to see why so many travellers choose to base themselves here for several nights: everything is walkable, there is a real holiday atmosphere and plenty of choice whether you want a relaxed dinner with a view or something a little livelier.

Day 8: Arrowtown charm, Shotover adrenaline and Kinross vines - Day eight was one of the most epic adventures of the trip. We began with a gentle wander around nearby Arrowtown, a charming historic gold mining settlement that feels like stepping back in time. Tree lined streets, preserved heritage buildings and boutique shops give it a storybook quality, and it is a lovely contrast to Queenstown’s more energetic pace. From there, the adrenaline was ramped up with a jet boat ride operated by Shotover Jet. This was a proper thrill: skimming along the river at speed, darting past canyon walls and pulling sharp spins that had everyone laughing. The skill of the drivers and the dramatic scenery make it an unforgettable experience and a must do for clients who like their adventures fast paced but professionally run. After all that excitement, we slowed the pace with a vineyard lunch and wine tasting at Kinross. Set among the vines in the Gibbston Valley, Kinross has a relaxed, rustic chic feel and showcases some excellent local wines. Sitting with a glass in hand, enjoying delicious food and mountain views, felt like the perfect way to round off a classic Queenstown day, and it is exactly the sort of experience I would recommend for couples or friends who want to pair adventure with great food and wine.

Day 9: Milford Sound by road, fiord by cruise and mountains by air - Day nine saw us set off on a long but incredibly rewarding drive to the iconic Milford Sound. The journey itself is a big part of the experience: dramatic mountain passes, mirror still lakes, dense forest and waterfalls appearing beside the road. There are plenty of scenic stops along the way, and it is one of those routes where the landscape seems to grow more impressive with every turn. On arrival we joined a premium cruise on the MV Sinbad, which was a real highlight of the entire trip. Gliding through the fiord, surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and, on a good day, wildlife, feels almost otherworldly. Being able to enjoy a five course tasting menu on board made it even more special, pairing those inspiring views with beautifully presented food and attentive service. It is the kind of experience I would recommend for clients who want to do Milford Sound in style, turning a must see natural wonder into a truly memorable occasion. An added bonus at the end of the day was flying back to Queenstown on a small aircraft. Seeing the mountains, lakes and valleys from above was absolutely breathtaking and gave a whole new perspective on the landscapes we had been travelling through on the road. It was the perfect finale to an unforgettable day in one of New Zealand’s most iconic locations.

Day 10: Mount Cook heli wow moments and stargazing at Lake Tekapo - Day ten saw us leave Queenstown behind and follow the Kawarau River towards Aoraki / Mount Cook. It was another stunning drive, with winding roads, turquoise rivers and big sky mountain views that felt more and more dramatic as we approached the national park. Our stop at The Hermitage Hotel for lunch was a real treat. Set against the backdrop of Aoraki / Mount Cook, it offers a front row seat to some of New Zealand’s most impressive alpine scenery. Enjoying a lovely lunch while looking out at the peaks felt very special and gave us time to soak up the atmosphere of this remote, beautiful region. We then had a surprise in store: the chance to experience the mountain scenery from the air on a heli experience. This was a genuine “wow” moment of the trip. Lifting off and flying between the peaks, with sweeping views of glaciers, valleys and snow capped summits, is something I will never forget. For clients who want a true once in a lifetime highlight, a helicopter flight in the Mount Cook region is an incredible addition to a New Zealand itinerary and really showcases the sheer scale and beauty of the Southern Alps. From Aoraki / Mount Cook we continued on to Lake Tekapo, where an especially memorable evening was waiting for us. Tekapo is known as one of New Zealand’s premier stargazing destinations, thanks to its Dark Sky Reserve status and incredibly clear night skies. That night we joined a guided astronomy experience, learning how to read the southern sky and pick out constellations, planets and clusters that we simply do not see at home. Our guide was full of fascinating insights and stories, and the sheer number of stars overhead was breathtaking. The evening became even more magical when we moved to the hot springs. Floating in the warm, soothing water while gazing up at a sky glittering with stars was a true “pinch me” moment and one of my standout memories from the whole trip. It is exactly the sort of experience I would recommend for couples, honeymooners or anyone who wants a truly special night under New Zealand’s skies.

Day 11: 4WD countryside adventure, famous pies and the journey home - On our final day we squeezed in one last adventure with a 4WD experience through the countryside. Bouncing along back roads and tracks, we got a real sense of the rural landscapes that sit beyond the main tourist routes: rolling farmland, big open skies and those ever present mountain backdrops. It was a fun, slightly off the beaten track way to round off our time in the South Island. Of course, no proper road day would be complete without a foodie stop, so we made time to call in at a famous local pie shop en route. It was the perfect, simple Kiwi comfort food and a great little memory to end on. From there we continued back to Christchurch, then flew up to Auckland to connect with our long haul journey home. Watching New Zealand’s dramatic scenery disappear beneath the wings, it really hit me just how much we had managed to experience in a relatively short time.

Final thoughts: a whirlwind worth every moment. My itinerary was very much a whirlwind, covering huge distances and a lot of highlights in a relatively short space of time, but it was absolutely worth it. In fact, it has only left me wanting to go back and explore even more. The real value of doing this trip at such a pace is that I now understand how the different regions fit together and how best to pace things for my clients on a slightly longer timescale. I can help you slow it down, stay longer in the places that will suit you best, and build in the right balance of travel days, must see highlights and time to simply relax and soak it all in. I would 100% recommend visiting New Zealand. The journey to get there may be long, but from the moment you arrive it is clear that it is oh so worth it. If this has sparked ideas for your own New Zealand adventure, I would be delighted to help you plan a trip that feels every bit as special, but perfectly tailored to you.