Tiaki Promise itinerary
This itinerary is designed for you to not only see the country's breathtaking landscapes but to feel a connection to them, guided by the principles of the Tiaki Promise to care for people and place.
14-day itinerary
You'll discover a world where every natural wonder has a story, every experience is a chance to learn, and every moment is an opportunity to forge a bond with the environment and its people.
Begin your journey in Kerikeri, your base in Te Tai Tokerau Northland, a region of stunning coastlines, ancient forests, and cultural experiences. This is the birthplace of Aotearoa New Zealand, where the nation's founding document was signed and Māori and Pākehā histories converge.
Here, you'll find a deep connection to the land and its stories, from the giant kauri trees to the vibrant Māori art that reflects the soul of the people.
Things to see and do in Northland
- Step onto the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand's founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, was signed. This is a place to learn about the relationship between Māori and Pākehā (European New Zealanders) and the enduring significance of this place to the nation's identity.
- Experience the stunning beauty of the Bay of Islands on a cruise with Ataahua Cruises, appreciating the pristine waters and islands that are so vital to the region's history and environment.
- Walk among ancient giants and feel the presence of the ngāhere (forest) on a guided tour of the Waipoua Forest with Footprints Waipoua. Stand in the shadow of Tāne Mahuta, the "Lord of the Forest", and listen to the stories and whakapapa (genealogy) of these magnificent kauri trees from a local Māori guide.
- Explore the thriving arts scene of the region and admire the works of talented Māori artists at the Māori Art Gallery Wairau. This is an opportunity to see how culture and creativity are passed down through generations.
Follow the Tiaki Promise – Show respect
If you're invited onto a marae (Māori meeting grounds) while in New Zealand, your hosts will help you with the kawa (protocol). Always seek permission before taking photos.
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city and totally stunning. It's framed by harbours and dotted with ancient volcanic cones and lush native bush. Auckland is the fast-beating heart of a beautiful region, where nature is within easy reach.
Things to see and do in Auckland
- Take a short ferry ride to Tiritiri Matangi Island, one of the world's most successful conservation projects. In this wildlife sanctuary you can see native New Zealand birds living free and naturally. The island is home for the famous kiwi, as well as takahē, tui, bellbirds, fantails, and many others.
- Cycle Waiheke Island, with E-Ride Waiheke, a fun, effortless and sustainable way to explore the island. Hop on an E-Ride Waiheke electric bike and discover vineyards, beaches, and scenic lookouts at your own pace. With quiet, eco-friendly rides and helpful local guidance, it's an easy and enjoyable way to see the best of Waiheke Island.
- Experience the power of the haka at the All Blacks Experience. This insightful tour shows you what it takes to become an All Black, offering a spine-tingling experience of a key part of New Zealand's cultural identity.
- Set aside time to admire the world's most extensive collection of Māori taonga (treasures) and delve into the rich history of Aotearoa at Auckland Museum. Understanding the past helps you appreciate the present.
- Hop on a cruise from downtown with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari. Cruise the Hauraki Gulf with marine scientists and learn about their work protecting the whales and dolphins that call this area home. This is more than a tour; it's an opportunity to be part of an ongoing conservation story.
Follow the Tiaki Promise – Be prepared
Whether cycling on Waiheke or sailing on the Hauraki Gulf, remember to check the weather forecast to plan your adventure.
Rotorua sits at the heart of the North Island's volcanic zone. Its geothermal landscape is dotted with boiling mud pools, geysers and steaming craters. It's also a major centre for Māori culture, with both traditional and modern attractions.
Things to see and do in Rotorua
- Te Puia Rotorua invites visitors into the heart of Māori culture and geothermal wonders in the Whakarewarewa Valley. Discover powerful traditions at the NZ Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, witness master carvers and weavers at work, and come face to face with the mighty Pōhutu Geyser. It's a deeply enriching experience where living culture, storytelling, and the raw energy of the land come together.
- Go deep into ancient forest on an award-winning zipline adventure with Rotorua Canopy Tours. Glide between towering trees, cross swing bridges, and learn about vital conservation work restoring this native ecosystem. It's an inspiring, nature-filled experience combining adventure, storytelling, and breathtaking forest views.
- Join a local guide from the Ngāti Whakaue people to truly understand the deep connection between Māori and the land on a Pepeha Journeys Tiaki Promise Tour. Walk through the ngahere (forest), learn about the medicinal properties of native plants, and hear stories of ancestors and gods. This tour will give you an insight into a way of life where people are an integral part of nature.
- Te Pā Tū offers an immersive evening of Māori culture, kai and storytelling. Gather in a forest pā setting, experience powerful kapa haka, and share a seasonal feast celebrating indigenous flavours. It's a warm, authentic cultural encounter that connects visitors to Māori traditions, history, and hospitality.
- Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery, the world's leading facility for hatching and raising kiwi chicks. See conservation in action, learning how experts work to protect our national bird from predators and ensure their survival. By visiting, 100% of your ticket entry goes straight back to the kiwi hatchery programme, helping to safeguard the future of this native taonga (treasure).
- Embrace the healing power of the earth at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa, a luxury wellness destination rooted in ancient Māori healing practices. This isn't just a spa; it's a place to relax and rejuvenate in a space that honours the legacy of its people and land.
Follow the Tiaki Promise – Be prepared
Rotorua is home to active geysers and thermal activity so it's important to follow all safety signs and stay on marked tracks and boardwalks. The ground can be unstable, and hot pools or steam vents may be hidden just beneath the surface. Always listen to local guides, supervise children closely, and never touch or enter geothermal features.
Ōtautahi Christchurch, gateway to the South Island, offers spectacular experiences. Stroll riverside paths, explore creative urban precincts, or discover the volcanic bays of Banks Peninsula. From the Canterbury Plains to nearby alpine landscapes, Christchurch blends city charm with breathtaking scenery, perfect for adventure, culture, and nature along your journey.
Things to see and do in Christchurch
- Don't miss the International Antarctic Centre, the world's premier Antarctic visitor experience. Situated in one of only five global gateway cities to Antarctica, this award-winning attraction is where you can see Kororā (little blue) penguins swim and feed, ride an Antarctic Hägglund and brave -18°C windchills in an Antarctic Storm.
- Stargaze like never before. Travel to Takapō (Lake Tekapo), approx. 90 minutes by car or coach to experience the Dark Sky Project, New Zealand's premier stargazing tour. Here manuhiri (visitors) are guided and connected to the night skies, igniting a lifelong passion for dark sky preservation and what lies above the southern skies.
- Enjoy a foodie experience with Āmiki Cultural Food Tours, weaving Māori culture and kai (food) into a vibrant exploration of Christchurch. Guided by locals, you'll taste dishes that share stories of manaakitanga, whakapapa and community. A rich, meaningful journey through Ōtautahi Christchurch's people, history and evolving culinary traditions.
- Up for an adrenaline filled adventure? Visit Christchurch Adventure Park on the Port Hills, with world-class mountain biking, scenic walking trails, and a thrilling zipline tour. Ride the chairlift for stunning views over the city and Canterbury Plains, and enjoy an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
- Jump on a bike and enjoy a fun day trip to explore the beautiful Canterbury countryside with Pacific Cycle Tours. Enjoy easy biking out of Christchurch and along country roads via the historic Little River Rail Trail. As a destination, Little River ticks all the boxes – great food, a fantastic art gallery and a warm and friendly welcome.
- Explore the natural beauty of Christchurch on a guided Botanic Gardens Tour. Hop on board an all-weather electric shuttle and sit back and take in the beauty of the 21-hectare gardens with live commentary of the seasonal botanic highlights.
Follow the Tiaki Promise – Keep NZ clean
Kiwis are proud of this beautiful country. When travelling around Christchurch and beyond, please remember to dispose of your litter and waste responsibly.
From limestone cliffs and vivid turquoise water to pancake rocks, blowholes and giant rivers of ice, the West Coast has a lot to see and explore. Starting in Hokitika, it's recommend to hire a car to tour around the many geographic icons of the Coast, including Franz Josef, Greymouth and Punakaiki, an untamed natural wilderness of rivers and rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.
Things to see and do in the West Coast
- Get up close to Aotearoa's most endangered wildlife. The West Coast Wildlife Centre, Franz Josef, is home to the world's rarest Kiwi, ancient tuatara and charming Kororā (little blue) penguins. See Kiwi in the nocturnal walkthrough, stay for live penguin feeding and go behind the scenes of the Haast tokoeka hatching programme.
- Experience one of Hokitika's top adventures at the West Coast Treetop Walk and Tower Zipline, near Hokitika. Wander 20 metres above the forest on a 450-metre steel walkway, then zip through the rainforest at up to 60 km/h. Just 15 minutes south of town, it's a nature-filled thrill for all visitors.
- Step into an immersive Māori cultural experience on the Pounamu Pathway – Māwhera, Greymouth. Found only in the South Island, Pounamu (New Zealand greenstone) holds deep connections to the Māori people. Discover the ancient legends and traditions surrounding Pounamu, its role in Māori culture, and its enduring importance to the region.
- A journey to the West Coast is not complete without a visit to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Formed over 30 million years ago, these ancient limestone stacks are the most visited natural attraction on the West Coast. For the best view, visit at high tide when you can witness the blowholes in action as well.
Follow the Tiaki Promise – Protect nature
When travelling Aotearoa, please don't feed the wildlife. New Zealand's native birds aren't adapted to human food, so resist the temptation to feed them. It can make them sick and put them in danger.
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, set against the dramatic Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. From heart-pumping activities to world-class wineries, food and stunning lakeside walks, Queenstown perfectly blends adrenaline, culture, and natural beauty.
Got more time? Jump on a tour or grab a rental car and head to Wānaka, around 90 minutes from Queenstown where you can enjoy more stunning vistas, exciting lakeside activities and serene natural beauty.
Things to see and do in Queenstown and Wānaka
- Enjoy the view from high above the forest canopy on Ziptrek Ecotours — an exhilarating experience that makes you feel deeply connected to nature. Launch from lofty treetop platforms, soar between trees on multiple ziplines, while taking in sweeping mountain and lake views. Built around sustainability, Ziptrek blends adrenaline, nature education, and genuine respect for the natural world.
- E-bike your way around Queenstown's spectacular trails. Grab a Better By Bike electric bike and ride across crystal clear rivers, breathtaking vistas, and stunning countryside that can't be accessed by car or bus. Try the 25km Arrowtown to Gibbston trail and enjoy wine and cheese in the Gibbston Valley.
- Taste the region with local food and wine. Jump on a wine tour with Appellation Wine Tours, to visit world class wineries in Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn. Learn about the land, the seasons, and the care that goes into these distinctly New Zealand wines while soaking in Central Otago's stunning alpine scenery.
- Head to Wānaka and wander through 20 acres of Wānaka Lavender Farm, where seasonal gardens burst with colour and fragrance. Meet friendly farm animals, play giant outdoor games, and pause for herbal tea or lavender ice cream. Discover locally made treats, including Lakes Honey, set amid ever-changing gardens across Wānaka's four seasons.
- Enjoy a combo of wilderness walking, jet boating, and famous film locations with Wānaka River Journeys. Discover Lord of the Rings landscapes, take in stunning views of Mount Aspiring and its glaciers, and gain insight into local conservation, Māori culture and the region's rich natural stories from knowledgeable, passionate guides.
Follow the Tiaki Promise – Show respect
Travel with an open heart and mind. By taking the opportunity to understand our culture and respect our customs, you'll have a positive impact on the communities you visit. In return, the people of Aotearoa New Zealand will leave a lasting impact on you.
Tiaki Promise
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for Aotearoa New Zealand, for now and for future generations.
Watch the Tiaki Promise video below or visit the Tiaki Promise website to learn more about how you can travel safely and respectfully.