All of Aotearoa
17 Day Accessible Tour of New Zealand
A taste of what’s possible on a fully tailored, accessible holiday through both the North and South Islands.
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Arrive and check into your central city accommodation for some rest and acclimatisation. Optional activities include a visit to Viaduct Harbour, the Sky Tower, or a harbour cruise.
Did you know? Auckland is nestled between two harbours, dotted with volcanic cones, and known as the "City of Sails" for good reason.
Stay: Auckland (1 night)
Day 2: Auckland → Hobbiton → Rotorua
Your Ability Adventures guide meets you this morning to begin your journey south. Drive through the lush Waikato region to visit the famous Hobbiton movie set near Matamata. In the evening, experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and a Māori cultural performance with a hāngī dinner.
Activities Included:
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Māori Cultural Experience & Hāngī Dinner
Stay: Rotorua (1 night)
Day 3: Rotorua → Taupō
Travel south through the Taupō Volcanic Zone, active for over two million years. Visit Huka Falls and the optional Craters of the Moon walk before taking a relaxing lake cruise to view Māori rock carvings.
Stay: Taupō (1 night)
Day 4: Taupō → Waitomo
Head northwest to the iconic Waitomo Caves. Explore the Ruakuri Cave's glowworms and limestone formations. Optional visit to Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park.
Activity Included:
Ruakuri Cave Tour
Stay: Ōtorohanga (1 night)
Day 5: Ōtorohanga → Wellington (via Scenic Train)
Your guide will escort you to the Northern Explorer Train for a scenic journey through the heart of the North Island to Wellington. Relax and enjoy the changing landscapes from your panoramic seat.
Activity Included:
Northern Explorer Scenic Plus
Stay: Wellington (3 nights)
Day 6–7: Explore Wellington
Known as the “coolest little capital,” Wellington is full of art, nature, and foodie experiences. Options include:
Te Papa National Museum
Zealandia eco-sanctuary
Cable car & Botanical Gardens
Weta Workshop
Oriental Bay walk and cafes
Stay: Wellington
Day 8: Wellington → Picton (Ferry Crossing)
Board the ferry for a midday sailing through the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. Premium lounge access included for comfort and stunning views.
Activity Included:
Ferry Crossing
Stay: Picton (1 night)
Day 9: Picton → Kaikōura (via Coastal Pacific Train)
Enjoy Picton’s charm before boarding the Coastal Pacific Train through Marlborough wine country and along the dramatic Kaikōura coastline. Look out for seals and penguins from your seat.
Activity Included:
Coastal Pacific Train
Stay: Kaikōura (1 night)
Day 10: Kaikōura → Christchurch
Start your day with a Whale Watch cruise, where resident sperm whales are frequently sighted. After your cruise, your guide will accompany you to Christchurch.
Activity Included:
Whale Watch Cruise
Stay: Christchurch (1 night)
Day 11: Christchurch → Mount Cook
Travel through the Canterbury Plains and into the high country of the Mackenzie Basin. Stop at the striking turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo before continuing to Mt Cook Village in the heart of the Southern Alps.
Activity Included:
Virtual Dark Sky Experience – Tekapo
Stay: Mount Cook (2 nights)
Day 12: Explore Aoraki/Mt Cook
Soak in the alpine scenery, walk local trails, or visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
Optional Activity:
Scenic Flight with Snow Landing.
Day 13: Mt Cook → Te Anau (via Central Otago)
Drive through Central Otago, enjoy local wine tasting, and pass Queenstown en route to Te Anau.
Stay: Te Anau (2 nights)
Day 14: Milford Sound Day Trip
Travel through the Fiordland National Park via the Eglinton Valley, Homer Tunnel and arrive at majestic Milford Sound. Enjoy a nature cruise and scenic stops on your return.
Activity Included:
Milford Sound Nature Cruise (with picnic lunch)
Day 15: Te Anau → Queenstown
Backtrack to Queenstown and board the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. Cruise to Walter Peak Station, enjoy a working farm demonstration and a gourmet BBQ dinner.
Activity Included:
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Dinner
Stay: Queenstown (3 nights)
Day 16: Discover Queenstown & Arrowtown
Enjoy optional activities like the Skyline Gondola, luge, or a scenic drive to the gold-rush village of Arrowtown.
Day 17: Free Day in Queenstown
Spend the day as you wish: shopping, relaxing, or revisiting your favourite spots.
Day 18: Depart New Zealand
It’s time to say goodbye or as we say in New Zealand, “Haere rā”.
We’ve loved helping you discover New Zealand and hope your holiday was everything you imagined.
Take care and safe travels. Mā te wā (Bye for now).
Ready to explore New Zealand your way?
Let us design an accessible New Zealand holiday just for you. Whether you’re after something similar or completely unique, we’ll tailor every detail to suit your interests, travel style, and access needs.
Fill in the form to book a call and start planning your dream itinerary.
Follow us
