South Island East & Central Route 7 Days (Mercedes Tour) + North Island 4 Days
A combined South and North Island journey through Christchurch, Oamaru, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wanaka, Mount Cook, Tekapo, Waitomo, Rotorua and Auckland. Includes the Otago Peninsula wildlife tour, Larnach Castle, Queenstown gondola and buffet dinner, Hobbiton and a luxury yacht experience, with the hotels and meals detailed below.
Highlights
- Otago Peninsula wildlife and Larnach Castle
- Speight’s Brewery lunch and Queenstown gondola buffet dinner
- Arrowtown, Lake Wanaka, Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Whakarewarewa Māori village and Hobbiton
- Auckland luxury yacht sunset cruise and Western dinner
Daily Itinerary
Arrive in Christchurch, a South Pacific city with a classical English atmosphere. Your guide will introduce this beautiful ‘Garden City’. Stroll through the historic Arts Centre, admire the tranquil Avon River and pass the Bridge of Remembrance, a symbol of resilience and commemoration, to experience the city’s cultural heritage and peaceful atmosphere. Hotel: Hotel Elms Christchurch or a similar 4-star hotel Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
After breakfast, travel to the charming historic east-coast town of Oamaru. Described in the itinerary as New Zealand’s second-largest fishing port, it is known for seafood and its well-preserved Victorian precinct. Explore the ‘white-stone town’: limestone buildings, vintage shops and cafés evoke the 19th century and a distinctly British atmosphere. In the afternoon arrive in Dunedin, the cultural city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, then drive to the scenic Otago Peninsula for a ★wildlife eco-tour. Follow the coast past beautiful bays and farmland. In the conservation area you may observe the breeding habitats of little blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins and fur seals, along with the various seabirds that live here. This close encounter with nature is both educational and full of surprises, especially for animal lovers. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: Māori stone-grill meal; Dinner: Chinese individual hotpot, with a warming and varied selection
After breakfast, explore Dunedin. Visit the University of Otago, New Zealand’s oldest university, and experience its academic atmosphere. See Dunedin Railway Station, reminiscent of a fairy-tale gingerbread house, with intricate granite work and mosaic floor tiles. Visit elegant historic churches and admire their Gothic architecture, then climb Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest street, for a gravity-defying experience. Continue to ★Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Explore its magnificent Victorian interiors, hear the family’s century-old story and enjoy the gardens and historic atmosphere. A special lunch at the historic Speight’s craft brewery features a two-course Western meal in a welcoming vintage setting. In the evening reach Queenstown, the ‘honeymoon capital of the world’. Take the gondola with 360-degree views to the ★Queenstown mountaintop restaurant, described as one of the world’s ten most romantic restaurants. Enjoy a generous seafood buffet dinner overlooking Queenstown’s lights and Lake Wakatipu by night, a feast for both eyes and palate. Afterwards check in and rest. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: Two-course brewery meal — a distinctive culinary memory; Dinner: Western buffet with gondola ride
Enjoy a free day in picturesque Queenstown. Nestled between mountains and lakes, this town is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful holiday destinations: a haven for relaxation and a playground for adventure. Plan your day according to your interests. Adventure seekers can choose skydiving, bungy jumping, paragliding or jet boating. For a gentler pace, take a helicopter flight over snowy mountains and glaciers or taste authentic New Zealand wines at a winery. Alternatively stroll through town, watch street performers and enjoy coffee, sunshine and the lake breeze. A Milford Sound cruise is particularly recommended: explore the magnificent fiord, see waterfalls, seals and dolphins at close range and experience the charm of the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, making your New Zealand journey even more memorable. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
After breakfast, visit historic Arrowtown, approximately 21 kilometres from Queenstown. Many historic buildings remain well preserved, some still in everyday use. Stroll beside the Arrow River and reflect on the hardships of the thousands of Chinese miners who once lived here; remnants of their modest settlement remain. Buckingham Street, the town’s main street, reflects the community’s care in preserving its prosperous past, with old buildings housing varied shops and restaurants. Continue to Lake Wanaka, New Zealand’s fourth-largest lake, passing the iconic ‘Lone Tree’. Standing alone in the lake, it has become one of the country’s most recognisable photographic sights. In the afternoon you may walk along the lakeshore or hire a bicycle to explore beside the lake, enjoying its crystal-clear water and relaxed local lifestyle. Hotel: Oakridge Resort Lake Wanaka or a similar hotel Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: Chinese meal at a lakeside restaurant
After breakfast, depart for Mount Cook National Park. En route pass a renowned five-star salmon farm in the Southern Hemisphere, where you may sample fresh salmon at your own expense. The national park lies in one of the most magnificent parts of the Southern Alps, with abundant natural scenery and remarkable landforms. There is ample time to explore this pristine landscape. Weather permitting, you may take an optional helicopter flight at your own expense to the Tasman Glacier, described in the itinerary as the largest glacier in the South Pacific, and stop on the ice to experience its dazzling white world. In the afternoon arrive at beautiful Lake Tekapo. The itinerary explains the Māori name as ‘a sleeping mat at night’, also describing it as ‘a place to sleep beneath the stars’. Walk along the lakeshore, visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and, at night, enjoy magnificent skies in this internationally renowned stargazing reserve. Stay in a distinctive holiday home. Accommodation: Holiday home; a separate house for each party is not guaranteed, but each party is guaranteed its own bedroom, with a shared living room and kitchen. Breakfast: Western-style hotel breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: Salmon buffet
After breakfast, take photographs beside picturesque Lake Tekapo and enjoy its dreamlike turquoise-blue water. Drive back to Christchurch for the airport transfer, completing the South Island journey, then fly to the North Island. Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and the ‘City of Sails’. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel to rest. Note: The latest North Island airport pickup is 18:30. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Hotel buffet; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: At your own expense
Leave Auckland early for the natural wonders of the central North Island. First visit the famous ★Waitomo Glowworm Caves. First discovered by a Māori chief in 1887, these mysterious caves contain stalactites and a winding underground river. Accompanied by a guide, glide by boat into the dark, quiet cave: tens of thousands of blue glowworms sparkle overhead like stars in the night sky, creating the impression of entering the Milky Way. In the afternoon arrive in Rotorua, the ‘geothermal capital’. Walk beside the lake and through the flower-filled Government Gardens, noticing the sulphur in the air. Visit ★Whakarewarewa Māori village in the Whakarewarewa Valley, one of New Zealand’s most representative attractions. More than 20 households still live here, descendants in the fourth and fifth generations of the original Māori residents. Experience authentic Māori culture and traditions alongside impressive geothermal scenery. Evening recommendation: At your own expense, visit the Polynesian Spa geothermal pools, described as among the world’s ten finest spas. Soak in mineral-rich natural thermal water beneath the stars, relax after the day’s activities and enjoy peace and comfort. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel Rotorua or a similar 4-star hotel Breakfast: Hotel buffet; Lunch: Western buffet; Dinner: Special venison meal — tender game, nourishing and warming
After breakfast, enjoy a day combining culture and fantasy. Visit ★Hobbiton Movie Set, a pilgrimage site for film fans. Cross lush green farmland into the fairy-tale world of Middle-earth. Explore the iconic Bag End, hobbit houses, Green Dragon Inn, Party Tree and mill, imagining yourself as a hobbit meeting Gandalf. A professional guide reveals fascinating filming details and brings classic scenes back to life. Return to Auckland in the afternoon and board the ★million-dollar luxury yacht, awarded a five-star rating, for a specially tailored experience at sea. The yacht is 20 metres long with three spacious levels, a viewing deck, boutique suites and high-end facilities. It is berthed at Auckland’s landmark Viaduct Harbour, the America’s Cup marina, an excellent place to watch the harbour sunset. With a gentle sea breeze and golden light on the deck, admire Auckland’s skyline while enjoying an onboard burger set meal for an unforgettable North Island evening. Important: If weather or other force-majeure circumstances prevent sailing, you will receive a luxury-yacht experience ticket for a future visit or a refund. Thank you for your understanding. Afterwards check in and prepare for your journey home. Hotel: Jet Park Auckland Airport Hotel or a similar 4-star airport hotel Breakfast: Hotel buffet breakfast; Lunch: At your own expense; Dinner: Sunset cruise + Western dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, take the airport hotel’s shuttle to Auckland International Airport. Bid farewell to this pristine South Pacific destination as your North Island cultural and nature journey ends. May every moment of the trip become a treasured memory. Breakfast: Hotel buffet
Price Table
| Item | Price NZD |
|---|---|
| Adult | NZ$3787 |
| Child aged 12–4 sharing with one adult (per-child price) | NZ$3408 |
| Child aged 12–4 sharing with two adults (per-child price) | NZ$3029 |
| Child aged 4–2 | NZ$2651 |
| Under 2 without a bed (infant receives a seat only, no other services) | NZ$1280 |
| Single-room supplement | NZ$1165 |
Departure Dates
2026-10-03 2026-10-24 2026-11-07 2026-11-21 2026-12-05 2026-12-19 (Christmas surcharge NZD 260) 2027-01-02 (New Year surcharge NZD 280) 2027-01-16 2027-01-30 (Lunar New Year surcharge NZD 320) 2027-02-13 2027-02-27 2027-03-13 2027-03-27
Included
- 1. Accommodation: 8 nights in star-rated hotels with breakfast and 1 night in a distinctive holiday home with breakfast.
- 2. Meals listed in the itinerary. For groups larger than 6 people, the Chinese group-meal standard is: 6 people, 6 dishes and 1 soup; a group of 7, 7 dishes and 1 soup; groups of 8 or more, 8 dishes and 1 soup.
- 3. Transport: A 12–35-seat vehicle throughout, with a Chinese-speaking driver-guide. The driver-guide works ten hours per day; overtime costs NZD 150, payable in cash to the guide.
- 4. Admission to 9 listed attractions/experiences: Speight’s Brewery two-course lunch; Otago Peninsula wildlife tour; Larnach Castle; Queenstown Skyline Gondola + Western buffet dinner; Waitomo Glowworm Caves; Hobbiton; Whakarewarewa Māori village; Agrodome farm tour; million-dollar luxury yacht + Western dinner.
- 5. Note: Adults and children must pay additional holiday surcharges during Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year. Ask your sales consultant for details.
Not Included
- 1. Guide gratuities (recommended NZD 6 per person per day).
- 2. Lunches and dinners specified as at your own expense, flights, visa fees and optional activities.
- 3. Extra expenses caused by circumstances beyond human control, such as weather or exceptional hotel-room circumstances.
- 4. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Notes
2026.10–2027.03 (Saturday departures) 4-star tour: NZD $3,787 per person. Prices are per person sharing a standard twin room; fares are in NZD. Reminder: Bookings made within 10 days of departure may incur additional hotel charges. Thank you for your understanding; contact your sales consultant with questions. Important reminders: 1. Depending on hotel availability, the hotel star rating may change. Lack of rooms, major events or public holidays may result in room surcharges or other exceptional circumstances. The final confirmed quotation applies. 2. In New Zealand a triple room normally has a double bed and a small bed, two double beds, a sofa bed, folding bed or camp bed. Three beds of the same standard cannot be guaranteed. If you require 3 separate beds, state this in advance. If the hotel cannot confirm them, guests may change room type and pay the difference. 3. Guests are strongly advised to purchase their own travel and personal-belongings insurance. The local tour operator is not responsible for the resulting expenses. Cancellation and amendment policy: A 50% deposit per person is payable upon confirmation of the quotation. Pay the balance 21 days before departure. For cancellation for any reason, refunds follow these rules: Cancellation or booking amendment 30–15 days before departure, inclusive: charge 30% of the tour fare. Cancellation or booking amendment 14–8 days before departure, inclusive: charge 50% of the tour fare. Cancellation or amendment within 7 days of departure, inclusive: no refund. If guests cannot travel because of an epidemic, the same refund rules apply. The company accepts no responsibility if guests fail to meet the guide on time for personal reasons. All activities depend on local conditions. The company may adjust sightseeing because of weather or flights and reserves final decision-making and interpretation rights. If the listed hotels are fully booked, the company may substitute hotels of the same standard. Booking conditions: Important: Hotel star ratings may change according to availability; lack of rooms, major events and public holidays may involve hotel surcharges or other exceptional circumstances. The final confirmed quotation applies. Smoking is prohibited in hotel rooms and on room balconies. Hotel-required fines start at NZD 500. If a hotel issues a room-smoking fine, the person responsible for that room must pay. If payment is refused, under the operator’s agreement with the hotel, the hotel will refer the matter to New Zealand’s small claims tribunal. The individual is responsible for subsequent fines, litigation, visa and immigration matters. If prone to motion sickness, prepare medication and sick bags in advance. Conditions and limitations: The operator may adjust the itinerary according to weather. If force majeure prevents participation in an attraction, the operator will refund the fee or arrange a product of equal value. Shopping undertaken independently during free time is a personal activity unrelated to the operator. Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover unexpected costs, such as additional transport, cancellation fees and loss of valuables. Guests who voluntarily decline insurance must bear accident-related expenses themselves, including extra transport, accommodation, cancellation fees and loss of valuables. If weather, war, strikes, earthquakes or other force majeure make travel impossible, the operator will refund unused attraction admission tickets according to the travel-agency agreement. Other items are subject to suppliers’ policies. No refunds are given for voluntarily abandoning the tour for personal reasons. The operator’s liability is limited to the services and related matters stated here. It accepts no liability beyond this description, including interpersonal or personal matters, unforeseen emergencies, legal or criminal matters, religious beliefs and all other such responsibilities. All prices marked NZD or $ are New Zealand dollars. All conditions, limitations and itinerary descriptions are formulated under relevant New Zealand laws and regulations and are governed and protected by New Zealand law. All text, photographs, logos and icons are the operator’s copyrighted property; unauthorised reproduction will be pursued. If a newer itinerary is available, its description takes precedence.
Why choose us
A local Mandarin-speaking team, fully licensed (Qualmark / TAANZ / IATA), with itineraries you can verify.
How to book
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Departure info
Prices are indicative only; the live price and confirmed departure status on this site apply.