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New Zealand Express

9 days, Auckland to Queenstown

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See Middle Earth with your own eyes on this nine-day tour through the best of New Zealand. Explore the stunning North Island and its geothermal park, visit Lake Tekapo, and cruise along fjords, cliff walls, and waterfalls in Doubtful Sound. Cross a few items off your bucket list by visiting the adventure capital of the world with pretty much every thrilling sport at your fingertips (paragliding, skydiving, jet boating). It is, after all, the birthplace of the bungee jump.

9 days

Auckland to Queenstown

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: ONAQ

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See Middle Earth with your own eyes on this nine-day tour through the best of New Zealand. Explore the stunning North Island and its geothermal park, visit Lake Tekapo, and cruise along fjords, cliff walls, and waterfalls in Doubtful Sound. Cross a few items off your bucket list by visiting the adventure capital of the world with pretty much every thrilling sport at your fingertips (paragliding, skydiving, jet boating). It is, after all, the birthplace of the bungee jump.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: Classic

All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

9 days

Auckland to Queenstown

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: ONAQ

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 9

Map of the route for New Zealand Express

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Auckland

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Auckland/Rotorua

Visit the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glow-worms and adventure activities. Continue to Rotorua, notable for its geothermal activity and culture.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Rotorua

Take advantage of free time in the adrenaline capital of the North Island, and opt to go whitewater rafting, check out a geothermal park with technicolour pools, hit up a nearby spa, or journey to Middle-earth on an excursion to the Hobbiton Movie Set. This evening, learn more about Maori culture with a local experience and dinner.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 4Rotorua/Christchurch

Catch a flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Take in an orientation walk with your CEO before enjoying a few hours to explore the city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Christchurch/Lake Ohau

Drive to beautiful Lake Ohau with a stop at Lake Tekapo along the way. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and admire the stunning alpine scenery that surrounds this local landmark.

Spend the afternoon hiking the region around Aoraki/Mt Cook. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor's Centre.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 6Lake Ohau/Queenstown

Drive to Queenstown, with a stop at Wanaka and a local vineyard for a wine tasting.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Foodie Moment Winery Visit

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Doubtful Sound

Take in the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Keep an eye out for the waterfalls and wildlife in this breathtaking area. Return to Queenstown in the evening.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8Queenstown

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving, paragliding, hiking or mountain biking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Queenstown

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Foodie Moment: Winery Visit, Central Otago District
  • Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
  • Waitomo Caves visit
  • Maori cultural experience
  • Orientation walk in Christchurch
  • Wine tasting
  • Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)
  • Fiordland National Park visit with Doubtful Sound day cruise
  • Free time in Rotorua and Queenstown
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (8 nts)

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Allow USD255-335 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, walking, plane, boat.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Departures

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.

New Zealand Express

| 9 days - Auckland to Queenstown - Sold Out