21 Day Minecraft: Come Play for Real

Welcome to Auckland! Once you’ve cleared customs and collected your luggage, pick up your rental car and make your way to your accommodation in the heart of the city. The rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant ‘City of Sails’ at your own pace.

Start your morning with sweeping views from Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower—an ideal way to get your bearings before hitting the road. From there, head south towards Hamilton, where you’ll take a guided tour through the award-winning Hamilton Gardens. Each themed garden is like stepping into a different world. Later in the day, continue your journey to Waitomo, where you’ll settle in for the night, ready for tomorrow’s underground wonders.

This morning, gear up for an unforgettable underground adventure as you tackle the Black Labyrinth experience—an exhilarating mix of tubing, waterfalls, and glowworm-lit caves. After emerging back into daylight, the afternoon is yours to explore Waitomo at your own pace. Whether it’s a relaxed walk, a visit to the local museum, or simply unwinding with a view, you’ve earned some downtime.

Hit the road today as you travel to Rotorua, the geothermal heart of the North Island. Once you’ve checked in and settled into your accommodation, get ready for an evening of culture, storytelling, and kai at an immersive indigenous experience. As night falls, you’ll be welcomed with song and ceremony, before enjoying a traditional feast and powerful performances under the stars.

Today is all about natural wonders and glowing moments. Begin your day exploring one of the country’s most colourful geothermal areas, where bubbling mud pools, sulphur craters, and vibrant hot springs paint the landscape in surreal shades. After dark, wander among towering redwoods on an enchanting night walk, where suspended bridges and softly lit canopies turn the forest into something straight out of a fantasy realm.

Today’s a cruisy one on the road. Set your sights on Ruapehu as you journey through rolling farmland, sleepy towns, and scenic stretches of countryside. With no set plans, it’s a great chance to take it slow, hit up a bakery or two, and enjoy the drive before settling into your alpine base for the night.

Lace up your boots and get ready to tick off a serious bucket list experience. Today’s guided journey takes you across the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing — a rugged, awe-inspiring trail through volcanic landscapes, ancient lava flows, and vivid crater lakes. With a guide leading the way, you’ll unlock the stories behind this otherworldly terrain, all while soaking up panoramic views that feel like something straight out of a fantasy build. Return to your accommodation tired but stoked.

Leave the volcanic peaks behind as you hit the road toward the Kapiti Coast. With rolling countryside and coastal views along the way, the drive is part of the adventure. Tonight, you’ll settle into the secluded comfort of your PurePod — a glass eco-cabin tucked into nature. With dinner provisions on hand and nothing but the stars above, it’s the perfect spot to log out and unwind.

Today, you’ll embark on a full-day adventure to Kapiti Island, a sanctuary for native wildlife and a haven for birdwatchers. With a guide leading the way, you’ll explore the island’s rugged beauty and encounter species that call this untouched paradise home. After a day immersed in nature, head back to the mainland and continue your journey to Wellington, where you’ll have the evening to relax in the capital city.

Today is all about soaking up Wellington at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll through the lush Botanic Gardens, explore the quirky Te Papa Museum, or grab a coffee at one of the city’s vibrant cafés, you’ve got the whole day to enjoy the capital your way. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a cable car ride up to the top of the hill for panoramic views or check out the local art scene. The choice is yours!

Set sail across the Cook Strait today aboard the Interislander Ferry, taking in the stunning coastal views as you head towards the South Island. Once you’ve docked in Picton, pick up your car and enjoy the scenic drive to Nelson, where you’ll arrive in the late afternoon. After a peaceful drive through lush landscapes, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the evening in this charming coastal town.

​Today, embark on a guided adventure in Abel Tasman National Park, combining kayaking and walking to experience some of its most stunning features. Begin with a paddle to the iconic Split Apple Rock, a distinctive geological formation that has become a symbol of the park. After exploring the area by kayak, you’ll take a scenic cruise from Kaiteriteri to Anchorage Beach, where you can choose to relax on the golden sands or take a short walk to discover more of the park’s natural beauty. Keep an eye out for the playful antics of seals during your return, offering a delightful end to your day of exploration.

Today, begin your scenic drive from Nelson to Kaikoura, soaking in the views along the way. Upon arrival, get ready for an exciting afternoon with the Kaikoura EcoZip experience. After a quick shuttle ride through stunning farmland, you’ll soar through the air on a series of ziplines, taking in panoramic views of the mountains, coast, and native forests. It’s a thrilling adventure that ends with a walk through the forest before you have the rest of the day to explore Kaikoura at your leisure.

​Begin your day with an exhilarating whale-watching flight in Kaikōura, where you’ll have the chance to observe majestic sperm whales and playful dusky dolphins from above. The 30-minute flight offers unparalleled views of the marine life and coastal scenery. ​

Afterward, embark on a scenic drive to Christchurch. Upon arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore the city’s vibrant culture and attractions at your leisure.

Today, head to Lake Tekapo and spend the evening at Mount John Observatory for the Summit Experience. Gaze up at the spectacular night sky, where you’ll see countless stars, planets, and the glowing Milky Way, all through powerful telescopes. Expert astronomers will guide you through the constellations, making it a magical way to end your day under some of the clearest skies in the world.

Today, make your way to Queenstown and settle in before a memorable evening on the water. Board the historic TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Here, you’ll enjoy a mouth-watering BBQ dinner made from locally sourced ingredients, followed by a charming farm show. Afterwards, cruise back under the evening sky, taking in the lights of Queenstown from the lake.

Take it easy today as you make your way to the lakeside town of Te Anau. Once you’ve checked in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful surrounds.

Today, embark on the Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Fiordland National Park. Begin with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach journey over Wilmot Pass, leading you to the secluded Doubtful Sound. Aboard the Fiordland Navigator, explore the fiord’s tranquil waters, with opportunities for kayaking or tender craft excursions to observe the area’s rich wildlife, including dolphins, fur seals, and penguins. As evening falls, enjoy a hearty three-course buffet dinner before retiring to your private cabin for a restful night surrounded by nature’s tranquillity.

Wake to the peaceful stillness of Doubtful Sound and enjoy breakfast as the boat makes its way back through the fiord. After disembarking, retrace your journey across Lake Manapōuri and over Wilmot Pass. From there, it’s back on the road for a scenic drive to Queenstown, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace.

After an exhilarating morning navigating the Shotover River’s narrow canyons on a high-speed jetboat ride, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy Queenstown your way. You might like to take the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak for sweeping views over Lake Wakatipu, and race back down on the luge track. If you’re chasing more thrills, try tandem paragliding or even a bungy jump at the iconic Kawarau Bridge. For something more laid-back, unwind in a private hot pool at Onsen overlooking the river, or take a peaceful stroll through the Queenstown Gardens before finding a lakeside spot for dinner.

After squeezing in a final wander around Queenstown this morning, head to the airport, return your rental car, and get ready to set off on your next adventure.