Lake Wakatipu resembles the famous Loch Ness.

Frogger Express, the Two Islands in 15 Days.

A rather short timing, but it still allows to discover the main wonders of the country.

Guillaume picture in the mountains Guillaume,
Frogger Guide.

×
$ 4,920 (ATI)
from
  • Presentation
  • Trip details
Show the map
Add to my trip

Your Trip Day by Day.

Guillaume picture in the mountains

Here are the steps of the journey with available activities.

For each day, you can book the hotel and the activities of your choice. You book online and save 30% of the travel price.

How to book online?
With nearly a third of the country's population gathered in the same location, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. It is also, according to the Mercer Index, the second most enjoyable city in the world.

Free day

DAY 1

Arrival

Auckland

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

An entire day in the biggest city of the country to recover from jet lag. Climb to the top of the Sky Tower, enjoy the beaches and museums. There are even shuttles to the volcanic island of Rangitoto.

The unique feature of Waitomo caves is the presence of millions of glowworms.

End of the morning

DAY 2

Waitomo Caves

Auckland Waitomo

220 km (2h35)

Descend the underground river aboard a boat and gaze at the vault studded with glow-worms. Explore the Ruakuri and Aranui stalactite caves.

Rotorua was originally a spa town and the famous Rotorua Museum was a health center. This activity has not disappeared and the region has many specialized institutes.

End of the day

DAY 2

Rotorua

Waitomo Rotorua

145 km (1h50)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

The arrival at Rotorua at the end of the day leaves time to admire the lake and the gardens of Goverment Garden. After dinner, you can observe the kiwi babies at the Rainbow Springs Park.

Champagne Pool is the main attraction of the Wai-o-tapu geothermal park. Bubbles of gas reach the surface of a burning water loaded with arsenic.

Free day

DAY 3

Rotorua

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

The geothermal park of Wai-o-tapu and the geysers of the region await you. Discover the Maori culture in the Rotorua Museum and explore the Redwoods Forest.

It is estimated that the Huka Falls could fill two Olympic swimming pools per second!

Early morning

DAY 4

Huka Falls

Rotorua Huka Falls

75 km (1h)

Walk up the Waikato River to a fall that can fill an Olympic swimming pool per second. Taste giant prawns and visit the craters of the moon!

One tends to forget that the Tongariro is located in a national park. I hope you will have the chance to admire the sunset over the valley!

Late afternoon

DAY 4

Tongariro Crossing

Huka Falls Ohakune

145 km (1h45)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

Cross the fascinating desert of the Tongariro National Park to reach the town of Ohakune. Rest before tomorrow's great walk.

It's vety difficult to determine New Zealand's most beautiful hike. But if only one-day walks are taken into account, then the Tongariro Crossing deserves the palm.

Full day excursion

DAY 5

Tongariro Crossing

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

New Zealand's most famous trek crosses a desert, climbs to the summit of a volcano, descend to turquoise lakes and ends in a refreshing rainforest.

Wellington became the capital of New Zealand when rumors of secession from the South Island began to circulate. People opted for Wellington for its central location and its closest proximity to the South Island.

Afternoon

DAY 6

Wellington

Tongariro Wellington

285 km (3h30)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

Discover the capital of New Zealand. Visit Peter Jackson's studios, stroll through Cuba Street and do not miss the great Te Papa museum and its Maori art collections.

The plane is a convenient way to go from one island to another. Most of the tourists use the Ferry which crossess several times a day.

Departure at the end of the morning

DAY 7

Ferry

Ferry Crossing

Wellington Abel Tasman

270 km (3h10 de ferry + 2h40 de route)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

The magnificent ferry crossing to reach Picton on the South Island. The rest of the journey takes you to Motueka in the Abel Tasman National Park. At nightfall, observe the glowworms in the forest.

Kayaking is the best means of transport in a park that does not have roads. But you can also borrow the taxi boats to move from one beach to another.

Free day

DAY 8

Abel Tasman

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

The Paradise of New Zealand. Learn the kayak and meet the fur seals of Tonga Island. Orange sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons await lovers of sunbathing.

The Pancake Rocks are 33 million years old rocks sculpted by erosion and weather.

Afternoon

DAY 9

Pancake Rocks

Abel Tasman Pancake Rocks

265 km (3h10)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

These strange cliffs give birth to prodigious geysers. Follow an ancient trail of gold seekers into a Jurassic Park canyon.

It is rare to be able to visit a glacier because they are often inaccessible. But the Fox Glacier descends to sea level and has caves of blue ice.

Afternoon

DAY 10

Fox Glacier

Pancake Rocks Fox Glacier

240 km (3h)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

Hiking in the forest to reach a glacier that descends into the valley. Explore the blue ice caves with a mountain guide.

The dark water of the lake and its ideal position reflect the whole valley. It is still necessary to enjoy the good weather (rather rare in this region).

Early morning

DAY 11

Lake Matheson

Fox Glacier Lac Matheson

5 km (10 min)

Short stopover on the road to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes of the country. A path in the blue mushroom forest leads to Reflection Island. Admire the mountain that is reflected on the surface of the lake.

The city of Queenstown is located on the South Island of New Zealand. It has the deserved reputation of being the world capital of adventure.

Afternoon

DAY 11

Queenstown

Lake Matheson Queenstown

339 km (4h16)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

The ancient city of gold seekers has become the World capital of adventure. Discover the bungee jumping or summer luge rides in a breathtaking landscape!

Free day

DAY 12

Queenstown

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

Hiking in the mountains that overlook the lake or enjoying a cruise aboard an authentic steamboat. You even have time to drive along the most beautiful road in the world to reach Glenorchy's Paradise Valley.

Te Anau makes it possible to shorten travel time for excursions to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

Late afternoon

DAY 12

Queenstown Te Anau

171 km (2h)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

Te Anau will be your base camp for the next two days. The majestic lake shelters spectacular caves with glow worms.

The Mitre Peak culminates at 1696 meters above sea level and owes its name because of its pointed shape which evokes the headdress of a bishop. The mountain is visible as soon as you reach the parking lot.

End of morning + Afternoon

DAY 13

Milford Sound

Te Anau Milford Sound

236 km (3h aller-retour)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

The Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful fjords in the world. A cruise explores this majestic place up to the Sea of Tasman where a colony of fur seals lives.

The city of Queenstown is located on the South Island of New Zealand. It has the deserved reputation of being the world capital of adventure.

Evening

DAY 13

Queenstown

Te Anau Queenstown

171 km (2h15)

Back to Queenstown in the evening, you should have enough time to have dinner and enjoy a stroll near the lake.

Mt Aoraki / Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand. It is located on the South Island and culminates at 3754 meters.

End of the morning + Afternoon

DAY 14

Mount Cook

Queenstown Twizel

200 km (2h15)

Hotel or bed & breakfast.

Make a stopover at Lindis Pass before leaving your luggage at Twizel. Join the Hermitage Village to admire Mt Cook. Sail in among icebergs or hike in search of the mountain parrot.

The Botanical Garden covers 21 hectares and was spared by the earthquake.

Afternoon

DAY 15

Departure

Mount Cook Christchurch

285 km (3h20)

Last stage before the return flight, Christchurch in full reconstruction forces the admiration. The new buildings replace the ruins left by the earthquake and the third city of the country regains its charm.

  • Assistance
    I'm Ben the Kiwi, expert guide of the country, and I will answer to every question with pleasure.
    Ben the Kiwi Ask a question to Ben
  • Our Special Deals
    Be informed of the best travel discounts for New Zealand.

    Your email address will always remain strictly confidential.
    Guillaume, Founder of Frogger.

    Guillaume
  • The Community
    Join the great community of real New Zealand Fans.
    Follow us on Facebook. Follow Frogger on Twitter.
Top of the page
Your favorite articles
You can build a list of your favorite articles.
Click on the “add to favorites” button on the page of your choice. Your list will be saved even if you leave the site.
OK