New Zealand Alps Scenic Train, Two Ancient Glaciers & Mount Cook – 14-Day South & North Island Tour

Today, meet at Hong Kong International Airport and board a full-service international flight to Auckland, New Zealand.

Arrive in Auckland, the largest city and economic hub of New Zealand. Ascend Mount Eden, the city’s highest natural point, to view the impressive extinct volcanic crater and take in sweeping panoramic views of Auckland. Visit Mission Bay, Harbour Bridge, the central business district along Queen Street, and the America’s Cup Sailing Base. For dinner, enjoy a local Western-style meal at the SkyTower’s revolving restaurant, offering a 360-degree view of the Auckland skyline as the restaurant slowly rotates once every hour. Accommodation: Grand Millennium or similar.

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Board a small boat and enter a magical underground world illuminated by thousands of glowworms, like a glittering starry sky. After lunch, head to Hobbiton, the filming location for The Lord of the Rings, and step into the charming movie set where the characters once walked. By evening, arrive in Rotorua, a town rich in Māori culture and geothermal wonders. Explore the Government Gardens and take a leisurely stroll along Lake Rotorua to soak in the serene scenery and the area’s signature sulfur-scented air. After check-in, you may choose to join an optional Polynesian Spa experience (approx. NZD $65/person, includes admission and locker). This top-rated geothermal spa (one of the world’s top ten) features mineral pools heated between 36°C–42°C. Don’t forget your swimsuit! Accommodation: Millennium Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, visit the Agrodome Farm to tour the grounds aboard a tractor and learn about various sheep breeds. After lunch, explore Rotorua’s Redwoods Forest, including photo stops at scenic spots like the “Tree of Life.” Then head to Te Puia, a center for Māori culture and geothermal activity. Witness the world-famous Pohutu Geyser shooting up to 30 meters high, and visit the Kiwi House to see New Zealand’s iconic flightless birds. Enjoy an authentic Māori cultural performance. Accommodation: Millennium Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, return to Auckland and take a midday flight to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Tour the city’s iconic sights including Mona Vale Gardens, the picturesque Avon River, and Canterbury Museum, which houses rich displays of New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage. Visit the innovative Cardboard Cathedral. Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, board the world-renowned TranzAlpine Scenic Train from Christchurch, crossing the majestic Southern Alps en route to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Continue by coach to the west coast town of Greymouth. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, known for their layered rock formations that resemble stacked pancakes — the result of thousands of years of erosion and geological layering. Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, journey to Fox Glacier, formed tens of thousands of years ago. This vast silver-white glacier lies nestled in a rugged mountain valley, resembling a crystal dragon. Walk to the glacier viewing platform (approx. 1 hour round trip). Later, visit Lake Matheson, known as one of New Zealand’s most spiritual and photogenic lakes, reflecting the distant snow-capped peaks like a scene from a dream. Accommodation: Heartland Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, drive through Mount Aspiring National Park to beautiful Lake Wanaka, where shimmering waters and snow-capped peaks create a postcard-perfect view. Visit the whimsical Puzzling World, a fun and mind-bending experience for all ages. By evening, arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for stunning panoramic views of Queenstown, The Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu. Dine at the Skyline Restaurant, considered one of the world’s top scenic restaurants, serving a full buffet of local New Zealand flavours. Accommodation: Millennium Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, head to Glenorchy, located at the headwaters of Lake Wakatipu. Surrounded by towering mountains and emerald waters, the “Paradise Valley” here has served as a backdrop for The Lord of the Rings and other films. Return to Queenstown in the afternoon to board the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship, the only coal-fired passenger ship still operating in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the century-old engine room, then arrive at Walter Peak Farm, known for producing award-winning wool. Enjoy free time exploring the farm, help feed the animals, and watch a live sheepdog herding and shearing show. Accommodation: Millennium Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, travel to the southern tip of the South Island to visit Milford Sound, the most famous and pristine fjord in Fiordland National Park. Carved by ancient glaciers, this spectacular natural wonder is often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Enjoy a 2-hour scenic cruise with onboard buffet lunch, guided by expert commentary on the area’s wildlife and dramatic cliffs. Continue on to Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island, where the sapphire-blue waters will leave you speechless. Accommodation: Distinction Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, head to Cromwell’s Fruit World, where you can shop for fresh local produce and souvenirs. Then continue to Dunedin, one of New Zealand’s oldest cities, steeped in Scottish heritage and Victorian architecture. Explore The Octagon, Dunedin’s lively city centre, surrounded by theatres, churches, shops, and offices. Visit Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential street, the Gothic St. Paul’s Cathedral, the University of Otago, and the beautifully preserved Dunedin Railway Station. Enjoy a special abalone Chinese-style dinner in the evening. Accommodation: Distinction Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, head to the famous Moeraki Boulders, each weighing several tonnes and standing up to two meters tall. Then continue to Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest peak and one of the world’s longest glaciers. The area is a key filming location for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Walk the scenic trails leading to Tasman Glacier, and marvel at the beautiful Lake Pukaki, known for its milky turquoise hue caused by glacial runoff. Lake Pukaki is also part of the world’s first Dark Sky Reserve, offering a rare chance to see the Southern Cross constellation. Accommodation: Peppers Hotel or similar.

After breakfast, return to Christchurch and visit the International Antarctic Centre, where you’ll enter a simulated Antarctic storm room and experience the continent’s extreme weather conditions. You’ll also see rare Antarctic and Southern Hemisphere penguins up close. Later, board a flight to Auckland. Accommodation: Holiday Inn or similar.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board your international flight back to Hong Kong or onward to Vancouver. You may also choose to extend your journey with our Australia 16-Day In-Depth Tour.