Itinerary
This is a 17 day small group tour that travels both the North & South Islands of New Zealand, starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch.
Haere Mai and welcome to Aotearoa, New Zealand! Your journey begins in vibrant Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, the ‘City of Sails,’ where sparkling harbours meet ancient volcanoes. After checking in at your hotel, you’ll receive your welcome letter and settle in. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and expert tour guide at 6:15 pm before sharing a delicious welcome dinner together at 6:30pm. It’s the perfect start to your Kiwi adventure.
Meals: Dinner
This morning, we leave vibrant Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland for the legendary Waitomo Glowworm Caves, once admired by Sir David Attenborough himself. Glide by boat beneath a galaxy of twinkling glowworms before exploring an ancient limestone cave, sculpted by nature over millions of years.
Our journey then takes us onward to Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal heartland. This evening, savour a delicious group dinner before settling into the comfort of your Rotorua accommodation for a well-earned rest.
Included Activity: Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we journey along Lake Rotorua’s edge to a breathtaking lookout over Mount Tarawera, once home to the legendary Pink and White Terraces before the 1886 eruption changed the landscape forever. Next, explore the Buried Village, New Zealand’s most visited archaeological site, where the story of Te Wairoa’s sudden burial comes vividly to life.
In the afternoon, stroll through Whakarewarewa Forest beneath towering Redwoods, Douglas firs, and native Silver ferns. Then enjoy free time to explore Rotorua your way, from witnessing steaming mud pools at Kuirau Park and peaceful lakeside walks to unwinding at the Polynesian Spa or taking in panoramic views from the Rotorua Skyline Gondola. Your knowledgeable tour guide can assist you in adding on any local activities in Rotorua.
Included Activities: Lake Tarawera, The Buried Village, Scenic Walk Through Whakarewarewa Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, we head to the tranquil shores of Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara for an authentic New Zealand experience. At Kohutapu Lodge, owned by a dedicated local Māori family, you’ll discover inspiring community driven initiatives that are transforming the region. Begin with a guided tour of the sacred Māori rock carvings before witnessing the preparation of a traditional ground cooked hangi. Then, savour what’s considered one of the finest meals in New Zealand, enjoyed lakeside at the lodge. After lunch, we travel to Taupō to marvel at the dazzling blue Huka Falls and explore this charming lakeside town.
Included Activity: Kohutapu Lodge Cultural Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Hāngi Lunch
After breakfast, we journey to the stunning Hawke’s Bay region, renowned for its world-class wineries. At Mission Estate, New Zealand’s oldest winery, enjoy a guided tasting followed by a leisurely lunch featuring delicious food and exceptional wines, all set against the backdrop of sun-drenched vineyards.
Later, we head to the charming coastal town of Napier, famous for its beautifully preserved Art Deco architecture. Spend the evening strolling the tree-lined promenade and savour fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant, soaking in the relaxed coastal ambiance.
Included Activity: Mission Estate Winery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we leave Napier and journey to Wellington, New Zealand’s vibrant capital known for its unbeatable coffee culture. En route, we stop in Greytown, Wairarapa’s oldest town, to enjoy lunch amid charming Victorian buildings and browse its quaint boutiques.
With a population under 220,000, Wellington perfectly blends a relaxed vibe with a rich, bohemian spirit. Spend your afternoon exploring at leisure. We highly recommend visiting Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, renowned for its captivating exhibits.
Included Activity: Wairarapa Visit
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we’ll start our journey with breakfast aboard the ferry in the brand-new Pohutukawa Lounge. Designed like a premium airport lounge, it offers a relaxing atmosphere and a delicious spread of food to enjoy as we cross the Cook Strait. If the weather is fine, head up to the deck to take in stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds and keep an eye out for local wildlife. Upon arriving in Picton, we’ll travel to a Marlborough vineyard amidst the vines at one of New Zealand’s top Sauvignon Blanc producers for a tasting, we’ll continue to Nelson, where we’ll have time to unwind, explore the area, and sample some of the region’s fantastic local food and beverages.
Included Activity: Marlborough Cellar Door Lunch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is all yours to enjoy sunny Nelson, New Zealand’s artsy gem nestled beside the country’s premier hop-growing region. Choose a leisurely wine or beer tour by bike if you’re feeling active. Or simply explore the vibrant local galleries and shops. For nature lovers, a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park offers golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. If you’re up for a rewarding walk, hike the Track to the Centre of New Zealand, where stunning panoramic views await at the summit.
Included Activity: Free day to explore Nelson at your leisure
Optional Activities: Abel Tasman Cruise, Wine Tour, Craft Beer Tour, Queens Gardens, Centre of New Zealand Scenic Walk
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we take a scenic coastal drive, soaking in breathtaking views and keeping an eye out for local marine life. From Kaikōura’s rugged coastline and majestic mountains to Canterbury’s rolling farmland, the journey is filled with stunning landscapes. We arrive in Christchurch late afternoon, where an inviting group dinner awaits at our hotel to end the day.
Included Activity: Scenic coastal travel day
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we continue south along the stunning east coast, stopping in Oamaru to admire some of New Zealand’s best-preserved heritage buildings. Next, explore the mystical Moeraki Boulders, ancient geological wonders shaped over 60 million years, standing like silent guardians along the shoreline. We then arrive in Dunedin with time to relax and discover the charm of this historic Scottish city.
Included Activities: Oamaru Visit, Moeraki Boulders, Baldwin Street
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, visit Dunedin’s iconic Larnach Castle, the country’s only castle. Wander the magnificent gardens and take in stunning views before we depart for Te Anau. Along the way, we stop in Gore to explore its colourful history at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, where you’ll uncover tales of illicit whisky distilling and sample Old Hokonui made from the original recipe. After our whiskey tasting, we travel onward to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and the breathtaking Doubtful Sound.
Included Activities: Larnach Castle, Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Departing Te Anau, we journey to Manapōuri for a tranquil cruise across the lake to West Arm. From there, we travel along New Zealand’s most expensive road over Wilmot Pass, pausing to explore Fiordland’s lush rainforest and glimpse the shimmering Doubtful Sound below. At Deep Cove, we board a modern catamaran to sail into the majestic fiord, where towering mountains and breathtaking scenery will surround you. Listen to fascinating commentary and watch for local wildlife as penguins, seals, and dolphins are frequent visitors to the Sound. After this unforgettable experience, we continue to the alpine resort town of Queenstown, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Included Activity: Doubtful Sound Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown, the stunning alpine resort famed for its thrilling adventure activities. For excitement, take a ride on the world-famous Shotover Jet Boat or explore the historic gold mining Skippers Canyon. For breathtaking views, ascend Bob’s Peak by gondola and enjoy lunch at the Skyline restaurant. Don’t miss watching daring souls leap at the bungy centre, after all, bungy jumping was born in Queenstown, New Zealand! Prefer something more relaxed? Stroll the lakeside or unwind in Queenstown’s beautiful parks. Be sure to chat with your expert tour guide to book any optional activities and make the most of your day.
Included Activity: Free day to enjoy Queenstown
Optional Activities: A wide range available — your guide can assist with bookings and suggestions
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we travel through Arrowtown, a charming village rich with stories from New Zealand’s gold mining past. Next, we arrive in Wānaka, a picturesque lakeside town framed by stunning mountains, where we’ll enjoy lunch and take in the breathtaking views. From Wānaka, we journey north to Haast, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for the wild Haast River. This evening, we’ll gather for a relaxing group dinner at our hotel.
Included Activities: Visits to Wānaka and Arrowtown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we journey north along the stunning Westland National Park to the home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, landscapes shaped by mighty ice and framed by lush rainforest beneath towering peaks. We’ll stop in Fox Glacier with the option to stroll the gentle 2.6km Lake Matheson track, where ancient forests cradle the famous mirror-like reflections of Aoraki, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. Tonight, we settle in Franz Josef township, surrounded by breathtaking rainforests and majestic mountains.
Included Activity: Fox Glacier Visit
Optional Activity: Lake Matheson Walk (2.6km Mirror Lake Track)
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we leave Franz Josef for Hokitika, an artistic town famed for its exquisite Greenstone and continue on to Greymouth, known for its rich jade hunting and gold mining history. From Greymouth, board the iconic TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s most spectacular one day journeys, offering breathtaking views of forests, rolling plains, and snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. After arriving in Christchurch, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of an unforgettable tour.
Included Activities: Greenstone & Glassblowing Studio Visit, TranzAlpine Train Journey
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today your Ultimate New Zealand Tour comes to an end. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before bidding farewell to your tour guide and new friends. Whether you’re heading home or extending your stay in Christchurch, we hope you leave with cherished memories and lifelong connections.
Meals: Breakfast
