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.
Your adventure begins in lively Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland, fondly known as the City of Sails, where bustling harbours and volcanic landscapes shape the city’s unique character. After arriving, check in at the Nesuto Stadium Hotel to get settled and collect your welcome letter with all the key tour information.
This evening, you’ll meet your fellow travellers and knowledgeable tour guide at 6:15pm, followed by a delicious welcome dinner at 6:30pm — a wonderful way to begin your New Zealand journey together.
Meals: Dinner
This morning, we depart the lively city of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland and make our way to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves — a natural wonder once highlighted by Sir David Attenborough. You’ll drift quietly by boat beneath thousands of glowing insects resembling a star-filled sky, then continue on foot through a remarkable limestone cavern shaped over countless millennia.
From Waitomo, we continue to Rotorua, the geothermal centre of New Zealand. This evening, enjoy a flavourful group dinner before settling into your Rotorua hotel for a relaxing night’s 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 travel to the peaceful shores of Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara for an immersive and truly authentic Aotearoa experience. At Kohutapu Lodge, hosted by a passionate local Māori whānau, you’ll learn about the remarkable community projects they lead to uplift and support the region. Your visit begins with a guided walk to significant Māori rock art sites, rich with ancestral stories, followed by a chance to watch the creation of a traditional hāngi meal as it is unearthed from its earth oven.
You’ll then sit down to enjoy this beautifully prepared feast — often described as one of the standout dining experiences in New Zealand — set against the serene lakeside backdrop. After lunch, we continue onward to Taupō, where the striking turquoise waters of Huka Falls await, along with time to explore this welcoming lakeside town.
Included Activity: Kohutapu Lodge Cultural Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Hāngi Lunch
After breakfast, we travel into the picturesque Hawke’s Bay region, celebrated for its exceptional vineyards and premium wines. Our visit to Mission Estate — the country’s oldest winery — includes a guided tasting, followed by an unhurried lunch showcasing flavourful local cuisine paired beautifully with their renowned varietals. All of this is enjoyed with sweeping views over the region’s sunlit vineyards.
In the afternoon, we continue on to Napier, a delightful seaside town famed for its impeccably maintained Art Deco buildings. Spend the evening wandering the waterfront promenade, then treat yourself to freshly caught seafood at a coastal restaurant while taking in the laid-back atmosphere and ocean views.
Included Activity: Mission Estate Winery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we depart Napier and make our way to Wellington, New Zealand’s dynamic capital, celebrated for its outstanding coffee and creative energy. Along the journey, we pause in Greytown — the Wairarapa’s oldest settlement — where you can enjoy lunch surrounded by beautifully restored Victorian architecture and browse the town’s charming boutique stores.
Wellington, home to fewer than 220,000 people, offers an inviting mix of laid-back coastal living and artistic, bohemian flair. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. A visit to Te Papa, the national museum, is highly recommended for its engaging and thoughtfully curated exhibitions.
Included Activity: Wairarapa Visit
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we set sail across the Cook Strait on a scenic ferry journey. If the weather is kind, be sure to step out onto the deck to enjoy sweeping views of the Marlborough Sounds and perhaps spot seabirds or marine life along the way.
Once we reach Picton, we continue onward to Blenheim for a delicious lunch at a celebrated vineyard known for producing some of New Zealand’s finest Sauvignon Blanc. After enjoying exceptional wine and regional cuisine, we make our way to Nelson. Here, you’ll have the rest of the day to relax, wander the town, and sample the area’s outstanding local food and drink.
Included Activity: Marlborough Cellar Door Lunch
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is yours to enjoy the warm, creative atmosphere of Nelson — a sunny city known for its thriving arts scene and proximity to New Zealand’s main hop-growing region. If you’re feeling energetic, you might opt for a relaxed cycling tour through local wineries or craft breweries. Alternatively, spend your morning browsing colourful galleries, artisan studios, and boutique shops throughout town.
Nature enthusiasts may choose a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park, where golden sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters create a true coastal paradise. If you prefer a scenic walk, the trail to the Centre of New Zealand offers a rewarding climb and spectacular views across the region from 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 follow the coastline on a beautifully scenic drive, enjoying sweeping ocean vistas and watching for seals, dolphins, and seabirds that often appear along this stretch. The route takes us from the dramatic meeting of mountains and sea around Kaikōura through the gentle, pastoral landscapes of Canterbury — a journey showcasing some of the South Island’s most varied and impressive scenery.
By late afternoon we arrive in Christchurch, where a welcoming group dinner at the hotel provides a relaxed and enjoyable end to the day.
Included Activity: Scenic coastal travel day
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we make our way south along the breathtaking east coast, beginning with a visit to Oamaru, a town celebrated for its beautifully preserved historic architecture. Our journey continues to the remarkable Moeraki Boulders — enormous spherical stones formed more than 60 million years ago, scattered along the beach like ancient sentinels shaped by time.
We then travel on to Dunedin, where you’ll have time to unwind and explore this character-filled city, known for its proud Scottish heritage, grand buildings, and vibrant atmosphere.
Included Activities: Oamaru Visit, Moeraki Boulders, Baldwin Street
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we begin with a visit to the famous Larnach Castle — New Zealand’s only castle and a true Dunedin landmark. Take time to explore its beautifully designed gardens and enjoy the sweeping views before we continue our journey toward Te Anau.
Along the way, we pause in Gore to delve into the area’s colourful past at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. Here, you’ll hear fascinating stories of secret whisky production during the prohibition era and even have the chance to taste Old Hokonui, recreated from the original illicit recipe.
After our stop, we travel on to Te Anau, the doorstep to Fiordland National Park and the gateway to the stunning Doubtful Sound.
Included Activities: Larnach Castle, Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we leave Te Anau and make our way to Manapōuri, where a peaceful cruise carries us across the lake to West Arm. From there, we travel over Wilmot Pass — famously New Zealand’s most costly road to build — stopping along the way to immerse ourselves in Fiordland’s lush rainforest and enjoy stunning views down toward Doubtful Sound.
At Deep Cove, we step aboard a comfortable catamaran for an unforgettable exploration of Doubtful Sound, the grandest and most serene of Fiordland’s fiords. Surrounded by steep mountains and dramatic landscapes, you’ll hear insightful commentary about the region’s natural and cultural history, and you may spot native wildlife such as seals, dolphins, and penguins.
After this remarkable experience, we continue on to Queenstown, the South Island’s premier alpine resort, where you’ll settle in for the next two nights.
Included Activity: Doubtful Sound Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is completely yours to discover the best of Queenstown — an alpine playground renowned for both its dramatic scenery and its endless adventure options. If you’re seeking action, you might choose an adrenaline-filled ride on the legendary Shotover Jet or venture into the historic goldmining landscapes of Skippers Canyon. For sweeping panoramic views, take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak and enjoy lunch at the Skyline restaurant. And if you’re curious about Queenstown’s claim as the birthplace of bungy jumping, stop by the bungy centre to watch brave visitors take the plunge.
If a slower pace is more your style, enjoy a peaceful wander along the lakefront or relax in Queenstown’s picturesque parks and gardens. Your knowledgeable tour guide will be on hand throughout the day to help arrange optional activities and offer personalised recommendations so you can make the most of your time here.
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 make our way through Arrowtown, a delightful historic village that still reflects the charm of New Zealand’s gold-rush era. We then continue to Wānaka, a beautiful lakeside town surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Here, we’ll stop for lunch and take time to appreciate the sweeping alpine views.
Our journey then leads us north toward Haast, part of a UNESCO World Heritage area renowned for its rugged landscapes and the powerful Haast River. This evening, we come together for a relaxed group dinner at our hotel — the perfect end to a scenic day of travel.
Included Activities: Visits to Wānaka and Arrowtown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we travel north through the spectacular landscapes of Westland National Park toward Glacier Country, home to the remarkable Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. These dramatic valleys, carved by ancient ice and bordered by dense rainforest and soaring mountains, offer some of the most striking scenery in the South Island.
We pause in Fox Glacier, where you may choose to take a gentle walk along the 2.6km Lake Matheson loop track. This peaceful trail winds through old-growth forest and leads to viewpoints famous for their stunning mirror-like reflections of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.
By evening, we arrive in the village of Franz Josef, nestled among lush rainforest and imposing peaks — an inspiring place to spend the night.
Included Activity: Fox Glacier Visit
Optional Activity: Lake Matheson Walk (2.6km Mirror Lake Track)
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, we depart Franz Josef and travel to Hokitika, a creative coastal town renowned for its beautifully crafted Greenstone. Here, we visit a Greenstone and glassblowing studio to watch skilled local artists at work and learn about the region’s carving traditions. We then continue to Greymouth, a town with a storied past shaped by both jade discovery and the gold rush era.
From Greymouth, we board the legendary TranzAlpine — one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. As the train winds its way across the South Island, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of native forests, wide open plains, and the dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps.
Upon arrival in Christchurch, we check into our hotel and come together this evening for a special farewell dinner, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.
Included Activities: Greenstone & Glassblowing Studio Visit, TranzAlpine Train Journey
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today marks the conclusion of your Ultimate New Zealand adventure. After a relaxed breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your tour guide and the wonderful travelling companions you’ve shared this journey with. Whether you’re departing for home or choosing to spend more time exploring Christchurch, we hope you leave with lasting memories and friendships that will stay with you long after the tour ends.
Meals: Breakfast
