North & South course · monthly departures
North & South —
from volcanic country to the fiords
Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown
- Length
- 9 days, 8 nights (7 nights in NZ)
- Departures
- Monthly · dates confirmed on enquiry
- Flights
- Korean Air direct + 2 domestic flights
- Getting around
- Two vans driven by guides
- Pace
- Moderate
- Price
- Confirmed once flights are set
The course on a map
Auckland is the base on the North Island; Queenstown and Te Anau on the South. A domestic flight links the two islands.
By roadBy air
- 1
Auckland · Muriwai
Muriwai Beach gannet colonyLocal supermarket shop
- 2
Rotorua (day trip)
Redwood forestKerosene Creek hot spring
- 3
Queenstown
Lakeside walksFergburgerArrowtownGlenorchy
- 4
Te Anau
Rest in a lakeside townBase for the Milford road
- 5
Milford Sound
Fiord cruiseMirror Lakes on the way
On the course
What you'll see on both islands.
Every one is on the itinerary. From the island of volcanoes to the island of fiords.
This trip
Black-sand beaches and forest hot springs on the North Island; lakes and fiords on the South. A domestic flight between the islands cuts down travel time.
On the South Island we split our stay between Queenstown and the quiet lakeside town of Te Anau, and visit Milford Sound by cruise.
Great for
- Those who want to see both islands in one go
- Those who come for snowy peaks, lakes and fiords
Good to know
The Day 2 Rotorua day trip is the longest day, about 6 hours of driving return. If long drives are hard for you, North Islandis more relaxed.
Itinerary Example · based on a February 2027 departure
The order may change with local weather and road conditions. Travel times are approximate.
Departures
Mon 2/22
Departs Incheon 18:25
Depart on an overnight flight and sleep on board.
On board
Day 1
Tue 2/23
Arrive Auckland · Muriwai Beach
Arrive 09:55, pick up the van and head to Muriwai on the west coast. Groceries on the way back.
Auckland house
Day 2
Wed 2/24
Rotorua day trip
Leave at 07:00. Redwood forest walk and Kerosene Creek, a hot stream in the forest. About 6 hours return.
Auckland house
Day 3
Thu 2/25
Domestic flight to Queenstown
Pick up the van on arrival: Fergburger and a lakeside walk.
Queenstown
Day 4
Fri 2/26
To Te Anau
About 2 hours by car. Relax by the lake in the afternoon.
Te Anau
Day 5
Sat 2/27
Milford Sound
Your guide drives to Milford (about 2 hours); after the cruise we return to Te Anau.
Te Anau
Day 6
Sun 2/28
Queenstown · Arrowtown or Glenorchy
Back to Queenstown, then to the gold-rush village of Arrowtown or lakeside Glenorchy.
Queenstown
Day 7
Mon 3/1
Domestic flight to Auckland · shopping
Supermarket and shopping, and a last dinner.
Near Auckland Airport
Day 8
Tue 3/2
Fly home
Depart Auckland 11:45, arrive Incheon 19:40.
—
How it changes with the seasons
Courses depart every month. We adjust the itinerary and packing list to your month.
Spring · Sep–Nov
Snow lingers on the South Island peaks and lupins bloom from November. The Milford road sometimes closes for avalanche risk.
Summer · Dec–Feb
Long days to make the most of. Great for both North Island beaches and South Island lakes.
Autumn · Mar–May
Arrowtown autumn colour and the winery harvest. Settled weather, too.
Winter · Jun–Aug
Ski season in Queenstown. South Island mountain roads may need chains, so warm clothes are essential.
Accommodation and transport
2 nights in an Auckland house, 2 nights each in Queenstown and Te Anau, and a final night near Auckland Airport.
Locally, two guides drive the vans. A domestic flight links the North and South Islands.
[Accommodation standard · room allocation to be confirmed]
Included · not included
Draft based on cost planning — to be confirmed before sale
- Return international flights · 2 domestic flights
- 7 nights’ accommodation
- 2 vans · fuel · parking
- Milford Sound cruise
- Meals (except 4 dinners)
- NZeTA · visitor levy (IVL) · travel insurance
Not included: 4 dinners on your own · personal expenses · optional activities
Price and payment
[Final price]
- A KRW 300,000 deposit secures your place
- 60–90 days before departure: 50% of the trip cost
- Balance of 50% by 30 days before departure
FAQ
When it rains, waterfalls appear on every cliff — it’s even more spectacular. But if heavy rain or slips close the road, we adjust by staying an extra day in Te Anau.
Domestic allowances can be smaller than international. We’ll confirm the exact weight after ticketing.
Your guide recommends nearby restaurants and goes with you so you can choose. Meals are at your own cost.
Korean passport holders on a short holiday need an NZeTA and the visitor levy (IVL) instead of a visa. We’ll guide you through the application.
Curious about this trip?
Departure dates and prices vary each month with airfares; we’ll confirm them when you enquire.