
A Gentle-Paced Luxury Itinerary for Retired Travellers
Available as Self-Drive or Chauffeur-Driven
Explore New Zealand at a relaxed pace with this carefully crafted 21-day itinerary designed especially for mature travellers. With longer stays, an internal flight to reduce drive time, and thoughtfully selected excursions, you’ll enjoy the very best of both islands without the rush.
All accommodation is personalised to suit your preferences, with a choice of hand-picked 4- or 5-star properties including boutique hotels, vineyard lodges, luxury B&Bs, alpine retreats, and self-contained suites. We handle every detail—from transport and activities to restaurant recommendations and local insights.
21-Day New Zealand Journey for Retired & Mature Travellers
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
ITINERARY DESCRIPTION


Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland
Private airport transfer | Relax & settle in
Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand. After your flight, enjoy a private transfer to your central Auckland hotel. Take a gentle walk along the marina or simply relax with harbour views.
Optional: Afternoon city food walking tour if arriving early.
Day 2 – Waiheke Island Discovery
Ferry to Waiheke | Guided Island tour | Scenic lunch
Take the ferry to Waiheke Island, known for its coastal beauty and creative community. Visit local galleries, olive groves, and enjoy a relaxed vineyard lunch (optional wine tasting).
Evening: Waterfront dinner suggestion in the Viaduct Harbour.
Day 3 – Auckland to Rotorua (via Hobbiton)
Drive or guided transfer | Hobbiton Movie Set
Travel through lush farmland to Rotorua. Stop at the magical Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour through the iconic film location. Arrive in Rotorua and check in.
Optional: Lakeside stroll, evening kayak or soak in a hot pool.
Day 4 – Rotorua Geothermal & Cultural Discovery
Te Puia | Māori Arts | Cultural dinner
Explore bubbling mud pools, geysers, and Māori carving at Te Puia. That evening, enjoy a cultural performance and traditional hāngī dinner.
Optional: Visit Redwoods Forest for a gentle treetop walk.
Day 5 – Rotorua to Napier (via Taupō)
Drive via Lake Taupō | Huka Falls | Relax in Napier
Travel through the heart of the North Island. Stop at Huka Falls and Lake Taupō for sightseeing and refreshments. Arrive in Napier, known for its art deco heritage.
Optional: Light wine tasting on arrival or Marine Parade stroll.
Day 6 – Art Deco & Local Discoveries in Napier
Guided walking tour | Optional Museum or winery
Enjoy a relaxed Art Deco walking tour of Napier’s historic centre. Spend the afternoon exploring local museums, coastal gardens, or an optional visit to a winery.
Optional: Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers (seasonal).
Day 7 – Napier to Martinborough (via Greytown)
Countryside drive | Heritage stop | Boutique village
Drive south through Wairarapa. Stop in charming Greytown for boutique shopping or lunch. Arrive in Martinborough, a pretty village known for its small-town charm.
Optional: Visit a local gallery or olive grove.
Day 8 – Martinborough at Leisure
Explore on foot | Artisan producers | Quiet day
A gentle day to explore Martinborough at your own pace—browse local shops, try artisan chocolates or cheeses, or relax with a book.
Optional: One local wine tasting (light touch).
Day 9 – Martinborough to Wellington
Short scenic drive | Capital arrival | Cultural afternoon
An easy drive into Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Ride the cable car, visit the Botanic Gardens, and explore the harbour.
Day 10 – Explore Wellington
Te Papa Museum | Wētā Workshop | Free time
Visit the renowned Te Papa Museum and take a private tour of Wētā Workshop for a behind-the-scenes look at NZ film magic.
Optional: Zealandia eco-sanctuary or art trail.
Day 11 – Fly to Queenstown
Flight to Queenstown | Transfer & lakeside walk
Fly to the adventure capital of the South Island. Stroll the lakefront or enjoy coffee with a mountain view.
Optional: Gondola to Bob’s Peak for sunset views and buffet dinner.
Day 12 – Milford Sound Fly-Cruise
Scenic flight | Cruise the fiord | Return flight
A spectacular day: fly over snowcapped peaks to Milford Sound, cruise past cliffs and waterfalls, and return by air.
Alternative: Doubtful Sound or scenic road journey.
Day 13 – Arrowtown & History
Historic village visit | Gentle walks | Gold-mining heritage
Explore Arrowtown's tree-lined streets, local museum, and riverside trails. Stop at scenic lookouts en route back to Queenstown.
Day 14 – Queenstown to Mt Cook or Lake Tekapo
Drive via Lindis Pass | Lake Pukaki views
Enjoy one of the South Island’s most scenic drives. Arrive near Aoraki Mt Cook or Tekapo for stunning alpine views and peaceful surroundings.
Optional: Evening stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve.
Day 15 – Aoraki Mt Cook National Park
Glacier walks | Scenic flight (optional) | Alpine centre
Take a gentle Hooker Valley walk or visit the Tasman Glacier. Learn about mountain history at the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre.
Optional: Glacier boat trip or heli-experience.
Day 16 – Mt Cook to Christchurch
Via Lake Tekapo | Church of the Good Shepherd
Drive to Christchurch with scenic stops. On arrival, unwind at your accommodation and perhaps stroll the city’s riverside parks.
Optional: Visit a private garden or take the historic tram.
Day 17 – Christchurch Discovery
Botanic Gardens | Local markets | Earthquake legacy
Explore Christchurch’s blend of heritage and innovation. Visit the Botanic Gardens, Quake City Museum, and local food markets.
Optional: Day trip to Akaroa for harbour cruise and dolphin spotting.
Day 18 – Fly to Blenheim (Marlborough)
Flight to Blenheim | Relax at vineyard accommodation
Fly to sunny Marlborough. Spend the afternoon enjoying countryside views or visiting the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Optional: Wine tasting on arrival (light and optional)
Day 19 – Marlborough Sounds Exploration
Cruise day | Nature & wildlife | Coastal views
Take a scenic cruise through Marlborough Sounds—spot wildlife, learn about local history, and enjoy lunch in a remote bay.
Optional: Light walk or museum visit in Picton after the cruise.
Day 20 – Return to Auckland
Fly to Auckland | Final evening at leisure
Return to Auckland for a final evening. Choose a hotel near the harbour or airport, depending on your preference.
Day 21 – Depart New Zealand
Private transfer to Auckland International Airport. We hope you’ve enjoyed a peaceful and inspiring journey through New Zealand.
Ready for a unique adventure?
Let us create a personalised and unforgettable experience for you!