📍 Days 1–3: Christchurch & Akaroa (South Island Welcome)

Stay: 2 nights in Christchurch (boutique hotel or luxury B&B)

• Luxury: Otahuna Lodge – Historic estate with fine dining.

• Boutique: The George – Award-winning boutique hotel in the city center.

• Unique: The Observatory Hotel – Stylish stay in Christchurch’s Arts Centre.

• Estimated Cost: NZ$600–NZ$1,000 total (accommodation + activities)

📍Day 1: Arrival & Explore Christchurch

• Arrive at Christchurch International Airport (tip: allow ~1 hour for customs & baggage collection).

• Lunch at Riverside Market – Sample fresh local produce and artisan treats. "A food lover’s paradise! So many great options, you could eat here every day."

• Punting on the Avon River – A scenic boat ride with a private guide. (NZ$40 per person, ~30 minutes)

• Christchurch Botanic Gardens – Enjoy a leisurely walk among NZ’s native plants. Free entry.

📍Day 2: Day Trip to Akaroa (push back one day for an extra recovery day as required)

• Drive to Akaroa (1.5 hours).

• Swim with Hector’s Dolphins – A rare chance to encounter the world’s smallest dolphin. (NZ$189 per person, ~3 hours). "An absolute highlight! Seeing these rare dolphins up close was magical."

• Explore Akaroa's French heritage – Wander the charming village, visit art galleries, and sample French pastries.

• Return to Christchurch in the evening (or stay overnight)

📍Day 3: Scenic Drive to Lake Tekapo

• Drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo (3 hours).

• Stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort – Modern lakeside stay with stunning views.

• Visit Lake Tekapo’s Church of the Good Shepherd – One of NZ’s most photographed spots.

• Stargazing at Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve (NZ$99 per person). "The clearest night skies I’ve ever seen—truly otherworldly!"

📍Day 4: Lake Tekapo & Mount Cook (Alpine Beauty & Stargazing)

• Stay: 2 nights at a lakeside lodge or alpine retreat.

• Luxury: The Hermitage Hotel – Best views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

• Boutique: Lakestone Lodge – An eco-luxury retreat with lake views.

• Estimated Cost: NZ$1,000–NZ$1,500 total.

📍Day 4: Hooker Valley & Glacier Adventure

• Drive to Mount Cook (1 hour).

• Hike Hooker Valley Track – A scenic 3-hour return walk to glacial lakes. "Every turn had a breathtaking view—worth every step!"

• Glacier heli-hike on Tasman Glacier (NZ$750 per person). "An unforgettable experience. Walking on ancient ice was surreal!"

📍Day 5: Relax & Soak in Hot Pools

• Morning relaxation at Tekapo Springs hot pools (NZ$29 per person).

• Rest day or optional scenic flight over Aoraki/Mount Cook (NZ$350 per person).

• Dinner with a stargazing session at Dark Sky Project

📍Day 6: Scenic Drive & Leisure Time

• Enjoy a relaxed morning in Tekapo.

• Drive to Queenstown (3 hours), stopping at scenic points along the way.

• Check into your accommodation and enjoy a free evening exploring the town.

📍 Days 7–9: Queenstown (Adventure & Wine Indulgence)

Stay: 3 nights at a luxury lodge overlooking Lake Wakatipu.

• Luxury: Matakauri Lodge – One of NZ’s finest lodges with lake views.

• Boutique: Eichardt’s Private Hotel – Elegant, historic waterfront stay.

• Unique: The Rees Hotel – Contemporary comfort with panoramic views.

• Estimated Cost:** NZ$1,500–NZ$2,500 total.

• Day 7: Scenic Drive to Queenstown**

📍 Days 7: Queenstown (Adventure & Wine Indulgence)

• Lunch at Amisfield Winery – One of NZ’s top-rated fine dining spots.

• Onsen Hot Pools – A private soak with a view (NZ$140 per session). "The ultimate relaxation spot after a long drive!"

📍Day 8: Thrill & Wine Day

• Gibbston Valley Wine Tour (NZ$175 per person, half-day). "NZ’s best Pinot Noir, with spectacular vineyard views."

• Dart River Wilderness Jet Safari** (NZ$299 per person). "The perfect mix of adrenaline and stunning scenery."

• Dinner at Botswana Butchery or Rātā.

📍Day 9: Leisure & Optional Adventures

• Skyline Gondola & Luge (NZ$55 per person).

• Rest day or optional helicopter to a remote alpine landing (NZ$500 per person).

• ✈️ Fly from Queenstown to Wellington (1 hour).

📍 Days 10–12: Wellington (Culture & Culinary Scene)

Stay: 2 nights at a boutique inner-city hotel.

• Luxury: InterContinental Wellington – Upscale central stay.

• Boutique: QT Wellington – Artsy, contemporary boutique hotel.

• Estimated Cost: NZ$1,000–NZ$1,500 total.

📍Day 10: Exploring the Capital

• Te Papa Museum – NZ’s national museum (Free entry).

• Lunch at Ortega Fish Shack – Award-winning seafood.

• Weta Workshop Tour (NZ$49 per person). "Amazing behind-the-scenes of Lord of the Rings!"

• Evening at Garage Project Brewery.

• 🚗 Drive from Wellington to Rotorua (5.5 hours).

📍 Days 13–15: Rotorua & Taupō (Geothermal & Māori Culture)

Stay: 2 nights in a luxury geothermal spa retreat.

• Luxury: Solitaire Lodge – Stunning lakefront retreat.

• Boutique: Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel – A hidden gem.

• Estimated Cost: NZ$1,200–NZ$1,800 total.

• 🚗 Drive to Auckland (3 hours).

📍 Days 16–18: Auckland & The Little Louise’s (Luxury & Serenity in Piha)

Stay: 3 nights at The Little Louise’s, a tranquil retreat in Piha.

• Relax: Recuperate from adventure before heading home, to ensure you arrive back relaxed

• Walk: Kitekite Falls (15 mins from accommodation) or visit the beach where The Piano was filmed

• Eat: Book in for dinner at Areyeh restaurant or book the “gourmet dinner kit” option at The Little Louise’s

• Treat: Massage by sunsets

• 🚗 Depart for Auckland Airport (1-hour drive).