Fuel Your Travel Dreams: Travel Advice Blog

This New Zealand vacation is a unique view of some of the more remote parts of the country. Your stays on the North Island include nights in Auckland, a diverse city surrounded by dormant volcanoes; Rotorua, known for its Māori culture and hot springs; Wellington, the capital, offering culture, art, nature, and craft beer. On the South Island, you’ll find that Nelson is a hub of creative energy and sunshine; Punakaiki and Franz Josef Glacier are natural wonders from ocean to mountain peaks; and Queenstown is the home of ultimate adventures and pure relaxation.

Your tour begins on the North Island with experiences that include an afternoon wilderness and cultural immersion at the Arataki Centre; a guided electric bike tour of Waiheke Island, a daytime tour of the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave in Waitomo; a full-day helicopter tour, soaring over clear northern lakes, hot springs, and calderas. A night tour of Zealandia, a sanctuary valley of rare and endangered species is on the list, as well as a behind-the-scenes Māori tour of Te Papa Taonga. The classic Interislander Ferry takes you to the South Island.

The South Island portion of your travels features an Abel Tasman experience, complete with a short cruise and a self-guided walk; a heli-hike tour of Franz Josef Glacier, including admission to the Franz Josef Hot Pools. Finally, we’ve arranged a full-day Milford Sound tour, featuring a glass-roof coach, a small boat cruise of Milford Sound, a visit to the underwater observatory, and a scenic flight over rugged wilderness.

PLAN AND BOOK

Included Unique Activities

  • Absorb the Untouched Nature and Local Maori History at Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
  • Scenic 40 Minute Cruise to Waiheke Island Through the Beautiful Hauraki Gulf.
  • Cruise the Back Roads of Waiheke Island on Electric Bicycle, Led by an Authentic Maori Guide
  • Glide by Boat through the Enchanted Glowworm Caves of Waitomo
  • Experience a Helicopter Sightseeing Tour over Volcanos and Pristine Lakes
  • Te Papa National Museum Taonga Behind the Scenes Maori Tour
  • Cruise and Unguided Walk at Abel Tasman National Park
  • Exhilarating Helicopter Ride, Jaw-dropping Scenery and a Three Hour Franz Josef Glacier Hike
  • Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Underwater Observatory, Picnic Lunch, and Scenic Return Flight
Private Meet & Greet Airport Transfer - Auckland

Private Meet & Greet Airport Transfer - Auckland

Afternoon Wilderness Experience

Afternoon Wilderness Experience

Waiheke Islands Back Roads E-Bike Day Ride

Waiheke Islands Back Roads E-Bike Day Ride

Waitomo Glowworm Cave Guided Tour

Waitomo Glowworm Cave Guided Tour

Rotorua Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako by Helicopter

Rotorua Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako by Helicopter

Zealandia by Night Tour

Zealandia by Night Tour

Te Papa Taonga Behind the Scenes Maori Tour

Te Papa Taonga Behind the Scenes Maori Tour

Abel Tasman National Park Swing Bridge, Bush & Beach

Abel Tasman National Park Swing Bridge, Bush & Beach

Accommodations

2 Nights

Stylish Designer Hotel

2 Nights

Stunning Attractions Hotel

2 Nights

5-Star City Heart Hotel

2 Nights

Bayview 4-Star Hotel

1 Night

Ocean View Retreat

2 Nights

4-Star Nature Retreat

3 Nights

5-Star Boutique Hotel

Transportation and Guides

  • Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer
  • Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 9 Days
  • All Transportation between Activities Included

Meals Included

  • Delectable Breakfast Each Morning

Points of Interest

  • Queens Wharf
  • Arataki Visitor Centre And The Waitakere Rainforest
  • Waiheke Island
  • Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
  • Mount Tarawera
  • Rotorua
  • Wellington to Picton - One of The Most Beautiful Ferry Rides in the World
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Lake Wakatipu 
  • Milford Sound
  • Queenstown
  • Bob’s Peak

Auckland, North Island

Sky Tower, North Island

Waitomo Caves, North Island

Wellington, North Island

Lake Wakatipu, South Island

Milford Sound, South Island

Bob's Peak and Skyline Gondola, South Island

The Kawarau River, South Island

2025

Available Dates

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

From $8,293 per person

2026

Available Dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

From $9,122 per person

Your Price Includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 14 Nights in Authentic Superior Hotels

TRANSPORTATION

  • Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer
  • Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 9 Days
  • All Transportation between Activities Included

DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED

  • Delectable Breakfast Each Morning

INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

  • Absorb the Untouched Nature and Local Maori History at Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
  • Scenic 40 Minute Cruise to Waiheke Island Through the Beautiful Hauraki Gulf.
  • Cruise the Back Roads of Waiheke Island on Electric Bicycle, Led by an Authentic Maori Guide
  • Glide by Boat through the Enchanted Glowworm Caves of Waitomo
  • Combination of Two Helicopter Tours - Landing on Both Mount Tarawera and White Island
  • Te Papa National Museum Taonga Behind the Scenes Maori Tour
  • Cruise and Unguided Walk at Abel Tasman National Park
  • Exhilarating Helicopter Ride, Jaw-dropping Scenery and a Three Hour Franz Josef Glacier Hike
  • Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Underwater Observatory, Picnic Lunch, and Scenic Return Flight

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Queens Wharf
  • Arataki Visitor Centre And The Waitakere Rainforest
  • Waiheke Island
  • Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
  • Mount Tarawera
  • Rotorua
  • Wellington to Picton - One of The Most Beautiful Ferry Rides in the World
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Lake Wakatipu 
  • Milford Sound
  • Queenstown
  • Bob’s Peak
Prices Based On
  • All Taxes & Fees Included
  • Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
  • Traveling Alone? No Problem. Just Ask Us for a Single Supplement Price.

"My clients were thrilled!"

Selma W.

Ireland

Lauren handled the booking for my clients. And they were thrilled ! Custom itinerary with the client's wishes and their budget.

"The trip was outstanding in every possible way"

Penny R.

Delaware

This was our first trip to Ireland to celebrate a milestone in our family. We had our sons (age 18 and 21) with us. The trip was outstanding in every possible way. It was the best mix of the big tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-path stops. It was the best mix of the cities and the remote country-sides. And I attribute so much of this perfect balance to the expertise of our tour guide, Joan. She was warm, funny, talented, and so knowledgeable. She was responsive to our interests and connected with each member of our tour group in individual ways. This trip was everything that we could have hoped for from beautiful hotels to fantastic memories throughout Ireland. I highly recommend that 8-night Enchanted Ireland tour - especially if Joan is your guide.

"Our Enchanted Ireland Guided Tour was fantastic!"

Peter G.

WI

My wife and I went on the "Enchanted Ireland" tour in June 2025. It was absolutely fantastic in every way! The hotels were first rate - each unique, most of them historic, with great rooms and bathrooms (including showers Americans will appreciate), and truly excellent, exceptional food. Tremendous value for the money compared to other small group tours we have taken. Itinerary was wonderful -- most days were just the right amount of included activities. Went to the iconic places (e.g., Blarney castle, Ring of Kerry) but also stopped at lesser known but really interesting sites along the way.


Most of all we had a truly awesome tour guide, Joan. She's the best! The entire tour group decided she needed a better biography than listed on the website. Here's a quote from what we wrote: "Storyteller, muse, hostess, chanteuse, chef, traveler, believer in magic, gentle shepherd, and connector of people, Joan embodies Ireland’s soul. She knows every inch of the isle and seemingly half its inhabitants. Joan will break into haunting and beautiful Irish songs, introduce you to the fairy world, give you ample (clean) bathroom breaks, and book you tickets to the best local shows. She’ll show you the iconic sights while sprinkling in enchanting places where the locals marvel to see a tour bus. With a ready laugh and good humor, Joan weaves together myth, history, and captivating tales of an Irish upbringing. With Joan as your guide, you won’t just see the sights but feel connected to Ireland’s culture. Being on her tour is like finding a four-leaf clover: a rare bit of exceptional good fortune."


Book this tour! We had a GREAT time. Authentic Vacations does it right and if you can get Joan as your guide it puts the whole experience at another level of excellence, fun, and fellowship.

"Father & daughter Private driver trip to Ireland"

Patricia L.

California

My client said there was absolutely nothing he would have changed on the trip. Seamus was their driver and he became family. They all had tears in their eyes when the tour was over. He stopped at unique off-the-beaten-path places that they would have never known about on their own. The hotels were all perfect in great locations and was especially wowed by their Dromoland Castle stay. He was so overjoyed and thankful and said it would be a vacation with his daughter that he would never forget.


Thank you to Jennifer, at Authentic Vacations, who collaborated with me to bring this incredible trip to my clients and they will never forget the experience.

"The experience was fantastic from start to finish"

Theresa D.

Maryland

I recently worked with Authentic Vacations to plan a trip to Italy for my clients, and the experience was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. My clients had an amazing time—the itinerary was thoughtfully crafted, the accommodations were wonderful, and everything went smoothly during their travels.


From a travel advisor’s perspective, I would absolutely use Authentic Vacations again in a heartbeat. They were incredibly responsive to all of my questions and emails, and I received my clients’ itinerary and travel documents quickly and efficiently. Having a partner like this makes such a difference in the planning process—reliable, organized, and easy to work with.


If you’re looking for a partner who can deliver a seamless, memorable experience for your clients, I highly recommend Authentic Vacations.

"Authentic Vacations is a pleasure to work with!"

Amber W.

Texas

Amber is always a pleasure to work with! She is knowledgeable, responsive, and always willing to go the extra mile!

"Exceptional Client Experiences in UK"

Niki P.

Dallas

Authentic Vacations has been a trusted partner with my client's vacations in Scotland, England, and Ireland with seamless experiences of a lifetime at a good value. Lauren is truly a pleasure to work with and able to make it exceptional with every client and every budget, looking forward to many more trips ahead together!

"Belated Honeymoon & Graduation Trip"

Kimberlyn G.

TX

Our recent trip to Ireland and Scotland was truly unforgettable. We were incredibly impressed with the exceptional service provided by our travel agent, Joleen. She took the time to carefully understand our interests—balancing iconic tourist attractions with more immersive experiences in the Irish and Scottish countryside—and curated a customized itinerary that perfectly matched both our preferences and budget.

When a minor issue arose during the trip, the UK-based support team responded promptly and resolved it efficiently, ensuring our travel experience remained smooth and enjoyable. We fell in love with Ireland and look forward to someday returning with our children to share the experience.

1. Click the “GET QUOTE” Button Above.

Complete our inquiry form by selecting your departure date, and all other relevant fields. Be sure to let us know if you're traveling for a special occasion! We can adjust most of our vacation packages to suit your needs, based on the details you provide.

2. Online Account & Quote Created

Your request will be forwarded to our team of Destination Experts, and a price quote will be prepared, based on your submitted preferences and criteria. A free Authentic Vacations online account will also be created, allowing you to view and request changes to your quote at any time. Log into your account via “LOGIN” at the top of any of our webpages.

3. Fine-Tune Your Tour Quote

Work with your assigned Destination Expert to tweak your quote in any way you wish. Our customers continually tell us that our flexibility in this regard is exceptional – your Destination Expert’s sole brief is to create the perfect tour for you!

4. Reserve & Pay Online

Once your quote is 100% to your liking, you can pay for your package with your credit card via your Authentic Vacations online account. We also accept payment by personal check and wire transfer. We only require a 20% deposit to secure your vacation, and our Risk-Free Cancellation Policy provides you with complete peace of mind.

5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!

Once your vacation has been paid in full, you will be able to print your travel documents directly from your online account. You’re ready to embark on your ideal, authentic vacation!!

Questions?

If you would prefer to discuss your perfect vacation on the phone, we would be delighted to hear from you! Our Destination Experts are standing-by and looking forward to speaking with you at any time during our business hours listed below. We also operate a very responsive and efficient Live Chat service on our website…instant gratification awaits!

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With offices in Scottsdale, San Francisco, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Edinburgh, we can offer you unrivaled support while you are abroad. We truly believe all our clients deserve an extraordinary, authentic experience!