Highlights of New Zealand
15 days
from Auckland to Christchurch
From
$ 3399
Duration15 days
Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand. For adventurers on a tight time-budget, this 15-day trip wraps up the must-sees of both islands with a nice little bow. Check out the Coromandel Peninsula's gorgeous beaches, hang with the Maori in a traditional village, and get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown. Consider this your New Zealand starter kit.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 15 daysService level: Standard
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Starts in: AucklandPhysical Grading: Average
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Ends in: ChristchurchAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Arrive at any time.
This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like a local winery, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
Day 2: Auckland/Hahei
Depart early for the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Take a walk to Cathedral Cove or opt out in favour of sea kayaking. If the tide is right, grab a shovel and dig a natural jacuzzi in the sand on Hot Water Beach.
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Rotorua/Maori Village
Rotorua sits over an active volcano with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, like Hell's Gate, or go whitewater rafting nearby.
In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment. After dinner, lounge by the bonfire and have some time to get to know the Maori hosts.
In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment. After dinner, lounge by the bonfire and have some time to get to know the Maori hosts.
Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. Later, enjoy a cultural overnight in a Maori village featuring a traditional hangi dinner and show.
Accommodation is in a Maori wharepuni (sleeping house). Groups will often stay together in one sleeping house (multi-share, mixed gender), staying in line with Maori traditions.
Enjoy a Hangi meal, cooked in the ground.
Meals: D
Day 4: Rotorua/Wellington
Start place: Rotorua
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
End place: Wellington
Meals: B
Day 5: Wellington
Start place: Wellington
Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.
End place: Wellington
Meals: B
Day 6: Wellington/Kaikoura
Start place: Wellington
Board a ferry to the South Island, then travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life.
End place: Kaikoura
Day 7: Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs
Start place: Kaikoura
Opt to swim with dolphins or go whale watching during a free morning in Kaikoura before travelling to Hanmer Springs, stopping en route for a wine tasting at a local winery. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
End place: Hanmer Springs
Day 8: Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef
Start place: Hanmer Springs
Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.
End place: Franz Josef
Meals: B
Day 9: Franz Josef
Start place: Franz Josef
There are dozens of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, horse trekking, quad biking, skydiving, glacier valley walk, lake kayaking or a hot pools visit.
Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
End place: Franz Josef
Meals: B
Day 10: Franz Josef/Queenstown
Start place: Franz Josef
Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.
End place: Queenstown
Day 11: Queenstown
Start place: Queenstown
With free time here, 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.
End place: Queenstown
Meals: B
Day 12: Queenstown
Start place: Queenstown
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.
End place: Queenstown
Meals: B, L
Day 13: Queenstown/Twizel
Start place: Queenstown
Head through the centre of the South Island to Twizel, near New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook.
End place: Twizel
Meals: B
Day 14: Twizel/Christchurch
Start place: Twizel
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Stop at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and spend the morning hiking the region surrounding Mt Cook, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor's Centre. Continue on to Christchurch for one final night together.
End place: Christchurch
Day 15: Christchurch
Start place: Christchurch
Depart at any time.
End place: Christchurch
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Resourceful Ōtautahi Walking Tour, Christchurch Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Wellness Moment: Hot Water Beach Excursion, Hahei Your Local Living Moment: Maori Village Overnight Visit, Rotorua Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
- Coromandel Peninsula visit
- Cathedral Cove visit
- Orientation walk in Wellington
- Wine tasting
- Fiordland National Park visit
- Doubtful Sound day cruise
- Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)
- Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor's Centre visit
- Free time in Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef, and Queenstown
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private vehicle, Walking, Train, Boat, Ferry -
Accommodation
Hotels/motels (13 nts), Maori village (1 nt, multi-share)