24 Day New Zealand: Ultimate Road Trip
Value Private Guided Tour
The epic expanse of New Zealand awaits you in a self-driving discovery, introducing you to the country's best treasures during an unforgettable road trip. Cruise the fjords of Milford Sound, learn about Maori culture face-to-face, visit the legendary Hobbiton, sip wine in the Marlborough region, and experience so much more at your own pace.
Begin in Auckland, set on 48 dormant volcanic cones and known as the City of Sails, where you'll enjoy a morning tour of how Aucklanders live and play. Explore the vineyards of beautiful Waiheke Island in a private guided wine tour, sampling delicious vintages. Hit the road to Matamata, also known as Hobbiton, where you can walk in the footsteps of the Fellowship from "The Lord of The Rings", viewing The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures transformed from Waikato farmland into The Shire. A short drive to Rotorua awaits before you discover colorful hot springs and a moon-like landscape in Wai-o-Tapu, home of the world-famous Lady Knox geyser. Visit the traditional Maori village of Te Puia to experience award-winning interactive galleries, see a kiwi bird up-close, and hear stories told by descendants of the valley. Expect a lavish banquet meal during the evening, where you'll indulge in a steam-cooked Hangi meal. As you depart Rotorua, the road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. Rise to the challenge of a 12 mile hike along the Tongariro Crossing, famous for its unique, extraordinary landscapes and its fascinating cultural significance. Continue your journey to Napier, known as the Art Deco capital of the world, before exploring Hawke's Bay in an unforgettable and privately guided discovery of its beauty and gourmet epicurean offerings. After savoring wines at an award-winning vineyard, you'll take a private safari across the stunning Cape Kidnappers peninsula to visit the world's largest mainland gannet colony.
Enjoy clean, green scenery as you drive south through a procession of friendly townships, finally reaching the cosmopolitan city of Wellington. Consider visiting the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa where you can learn about the art, culture and natural history of the region with a particular focus on Maori and Pacific cultures. Cross the Cook Strait to Picton before returning to the road and journeying to the spectacular Abel Tasman National Park, a true seaside paradise. Cruise the coastline of Torrent Bay and kayak along beautiful beaches, tidal estuaries, and rivers of the most scenic area of the park.
From here, the road leads southward through low hills before crossing the Wairau River and turning east to Blenheim, nestled in the beautiful Marlborough wine region. Enjoy a fabulous mix of natural scenery around Marlborough on the famed Queen Charlotte Track, followed by a wine sampling produced from the iconic vineyards. The South Island’s largest city of Christchurch offers an entertaining mixture of refined lifestyle and cultural excitement for you to discover. Board the iconic TranzAlpine train to voyage through a spectacular gorge, leading to the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass, offering plenty of photo opportunities along the way. Travel southwards across the Canterbury Plains to your destination of Mount Cook National Park, home to glistening glacial lakes and high mountain peaks. Visit the area's Dark Sky Reserve for a memorable stargazing experience, enjoying unique views of planets, moons, and distant galaxies after night falls. During the day, you'll soar the skies in a scenic flight over the parkland, observing golden tussock lands, the braided river systems of the Mackenzie basin, and more natural wonders. Your final destination is Queenstown, where you'll board a cruise to enjoy the unforgettable scenery of the Fiordland and unique views of mist-shrouded Milford Sound. Journey along Dart River is a high-speed jet boat ride for one last adventure, the perfect end to a journey curated for those who yearn for extraordinary experiences.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
- Luxury
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Kensington Cares drives meaningful social impact through Range Foundation, the charitable arm of Navigatr Group. Kensington clients contribute directly to these transformative initiatives—1% of all trip sales is dedicated to supporting our impactful programs. Additionally, during the booking process, clients have the option to add a personal donation, amplifying their journey’s impact.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in Kenya. Our efforts have helped Mara West Foundation in funding two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
- 800 primary students supported by Kensington Cares since 2008
- 52% increase in the number of girls who now have access to secondary education since the opening of Kensington Hall
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
What you'll receive
- Personalized journeys
- Expert planning
- Private guides
- Unbeatable support
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
What really matters to us
We aim to develop long term relationships – with our clients, our partners and, especially, with the communities we visit regularly. As such, our business is built on giving back. We are dedicated to preserving the land, oceans and cultures that compel us to travel.
We believe that both the customized, private-guided tours that we design and the giving partnerships we undertake should be inspiring and impactful. Our charitable initiatives are rooted in exploration, education and environmental awareness.
Kensington Cares drives meaningful social impact through Range Foundation, the charitable arm of Navigatr Group. Kensington clients contribute directly to these transformative initiatives—1% of all trip sales is dedicated to supporting our impactful programs. Additionally, during the booking process, clients have the option to add a personal donation, amplifying their journey’s impact.
Fostering education
We believe offering access to education is one of the most powerful ways we can make a global impact. Kensington Cares is an initiative designed to support education in Kenya. Our efforts have helped Mara West Foundation in funding two schools in the Masai Mara: Oloosinon Primary School and Kensington Hall.
- 800 primary students supported by Kensington Cares since 2008
- 52% increase in the number of girls who now have access to secondary education since the opening of Kensington Hall
Funding environmental initiatives
We’re focused on supporting research and data collection efforts that will affect change, especially when it comes to conservation. As a founding partner of Nekton, Kensington has made an important commitment to the research and conservation of the deep ocean, our planet's last great frontier.
In accordance with 30x30, Nekton collects data and samples to set a baseline of information for the previously unexplored deep-sea waters of the Indian Ocean.
Encouraging exploration
A yearning for adventure and new discoveries around the globe is at the heart of all that we do. Kensington is an official travel partner of The Explorers Club, a prestigious professional society supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences.
We also support a group of intrepid storytellers from around the globe. Part of our Explorers In Residence program, these writers, photographers and filmmakers are committed to furthering our understanding of this planet and its people.
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
What you'll receive
- Personalized journeys
- Expert planning
- Private guides
- Unbeatable support
Every journey begins with a conversation.
We think care and curation make all the difference in the world. Understanding your travel vision is the first priority.
No fixed dates or schedules
Escape the tour bus crowds and explore on your own terms, departing and returning whenever you choose.
The freedom of flexibility
Travel whenever you want, for as long as you want with the option to change your plans on the fly – even in-destination.
Tailor-made for you
Mix relaxation, luxury and adventure as you wish with an itinerary designed to suit your preferred pace of travel.
Accommodating your every need
Custom-made for every type of traveler, accessible and inclusive options ensure a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
Itineraries designed by well-traveled experts.
Our Destination Experts are people with deep, local knowledge of the areas they represent, having lived, worked or traveled extensively throughout the region.
The best of each destination
Our team travels regularly to source and individually vet each and every activity, accommodation and experience featured within our product offering. Your Destination Expert will help you discover these special restaurants, galleries and museums before they hit the guidebooks.
A single point of contact
The Destination Expert who designs your personalized itinerary will keep in touch throughout your journey from planning to unpacking.
Local secrets unlocked.
Cultivate a deeper understanding of your destination with one of our local, English-speaking, private guides by your side. Become immersed in local traditions, cuisines and customs as your guide reveals hidden gems.
Only the best will do
Our exacting standards and vetting process in combination with a proprietary training program designed to reflect the expectations of North American travelers ensure access the finest local, private guides worldwide.
Specialist guides
From historians and archeologists to culinary experts and world-class athletes, enhance the private-guided experience by opting for an excursion with a local expert.
Your trip. Our responsibility.
With our industry-leading, 24/7 support and operational expertise you’ll travel with peace of mind. Should hiccups occur, you can rest assured that our round-the-clock assistance is only a phone call away.
The moment you touch down
Once you clear customs, we’re there for you and will take care of the rest. A Kensington representative will meet you at the airport to start your personalized trip.
Live updates
We stay in touch with you throughout your travels. If changes are necessary, you’ll receive live updates via the Kensington app.
We’re invested in your trip
Anyone can book a vacation, but we’re in the business of turning travel aspirations into reality. If you’re not happy, just let us know and we’ll make it right.
About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
About Kensington
See the world, differently.
We create personalized trips based on your preferences, this means no two trips are the same. Our expertise in over 100 countries worldwide means we take on all the complexities and logistics of planning your trip, so you can simply enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for culturally immersive experiences, relaxation, culinary delights, exclusive access or unique places to stay, we make it happen. While your local private guide takes it one step further by helping you authentically experience their country. Your next journey is calling.
