Highlights of New Zealand

4.6Based on
15 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
16 peopleMaximum group size
12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Highlights

Marvel at the striking Franz Josef glacier.

Feast on a hangi in a Maori village.

Let loose in Queenstown.

Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound

Itinerary

Pressed for time but want to see it all? The Highlights of New Zealand tour is your answer—a 15-day journey designed for young adults and experienced travelers alike. Start in Auckland and traverse both islands, from glowworm-lit caves in Waitomo to Maori cultural experiences and adrenaline-filled days in Queenstown.

This photography-focused trip ensures you capture every breathtaking landscape, including Hahei’s beaches and Kaikoura’s wildlife-rich shores.

The USP: A masterfully curated tour package that delivers New Zealand’s must-see highlights and hidden gems, perfect for those wanting to experience the best of both islands in just two weeks.

day 1 - Auckland

Arrive at any time.
There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.

Accomodation:Oaks Auckland Hotel (or similar)
Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:Maritime Museum Visit Tour the museum’s seven galleries to learn more about New Zealand’s relationship with the sea. Be inspired by the country's most celebrated mariner, Sir Peter Blake, and his many accomplishments, and see maritime art that speaks to the sentiment of a nautical nation., Waiheke Island Excursion Price varies depending on if you organize your own transport and tour, or pick a locally organized tour., Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour)

day 2 - Auckland/Rotorua

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.

Accomodation:Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 7.0 hr - 8.0 hr Distance : 275 km
Included Activity:Waitomo Cave Excursion Duration : 2.5 hr

day 3 - Rotorua

Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation:Sudima Lake Rotorua (or similar)
Included Activity:Mitai Experience
Optional Activities:Hot Springs Soak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters., Whitewater Rafting Get your adrenaline fix on this exhilarating white water rafting trip. Enjoy the amazing scenery along the way, but don't forget to paddle!, Rotorua Canopy Tours

day 4 - Rotorua/Wellington

Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 7.0 hr - 8.0 hr Distance : 452 km

day 5 - 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.

Accomodation:Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr
Optional Activities:Te Papa Museum Visit Entrance to the museum is free (but there is a charge for special exhibits). , Zealandia , Wellington Cable Car , Weta Workshop Tour

day 6 - Wellington/Kaikoura

Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.

Meal:Dinner
Accomodation:The White Morph (or similar)
Transport:Plane, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr
Included Activity:Winery Visit
Optional Activities:Hiking , Scenic Flight Take a 30-minute flight and set off to search for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. On land, you'll see Maori sites, Kaikoura town and New Zealand's southern fur seals.

day 7 - Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs

Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.

Accomodation:Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr
Optional Activities:Whale Watching , Dolphin Tour

day 8 - Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef

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.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 8.0 hr

day 9 - Franz Josef

Enjoy a free Day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
There are plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving or lake kayaking.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Rainforest Retreat (or similar)
Optional Activities:Hiking There are many free hikes in the area but please note treks that start at locations that require a shuttle will require the cost of transport (typically $12 NZD)., Heli Scenic Flight with Snow Landing , Franz Josef Kayaking Explore the stunning Lake Mapourika by kayak. This lake was created as the Franz Josef glacier retreated 14,000 years ago, and the still water has created a natural mirror allowing you to soak in the incredible panoramic views., Guided Heli Hike (Heli Transfer) The sheer size and power of Franz Josef is something you need to see to believe. Board a chopper for a leisurely flight over the glacier before landing directly on the ice. From there, get up close and personal on a three-hour guided hike past towering peaks and stunning blue ice. The constantly shifting ice flows and crevices ensure your visit will be one-of-a-kind!

day 10 - Franz Josef/Queenstown

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.

Accomodation:Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 8.0 hr - 9.0 hr Distance : 420 km

day 11 - Queenstown

With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Optional Activities:Vineyard Tour , Bungee Jumping Adrenaline junkies will be happy with a stop at the world's original commercial bungee site (bungy in New Zealand!). Opt to take the plunge or simply observe where it all started from the comfort of solid ground. Shoot some amazing photos of those brave enough to dive into the abyss., Earnslaw Steamship Cruise Discover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103 year old traditional steamship. This 90 minute cruise highlights that stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown, and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck., Gondola Ride Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below. , Queenstown Jet Boating , Skydiving

day 12 - 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.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch
Accomodation:Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 250 km
Included Activity:Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise

day 13 - Queenstown to Tekapo

Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Godley Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.5 hr - 4.0 hr Distance : 265 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.25 hr Distance : 93 km
Included Activities:Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre, Aoraki/Mount Cook Visit

day 14 - Tekapo to Christchurch

Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.

Accomodation:Bealey Quarter (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 230 km
Included Activity:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

day 15 - Christchurch

Depart at any time.

Meal:Breakfast
Highlights of New Zealand

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What's Included

Accommodation
Hotels/motels (14nts).
Meals
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Note: Allow USD515-670 for meals not included.
Transport
Private vehicle, plane, walking, boat.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Included activities
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: Franz JosefYour Discover Moment: QueenstownWaitomo Glowworm caves visitOrientation walk in Wellington and ChristchurchWine tastingFiordland National Park visit with Doubtful Sound day cruiseAoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)Internal flight between Wellington and ChristchurchFree time in Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef, and Queenstown

What's Excluded

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation
Payment
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.
Jane Andersen
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Rasmus Juul Olsen

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