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New Zealand Explorer

5.0Based on
19 days
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19 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants
15 peopleMaximum group size
16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.
Select Date
Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.
1 other person is considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Sail Doubtful Sound - Cruise through the towering fjords of this UNESCO Heritage Site, one of the most breathtaking sites in New Zealand. Explore Abel Tasman - Discover the sparkling blue waters and golden coastline of this stunning national park, by boat and on foot. Relax in Hawke's Bay - Sample authentic New Zealand wine in this world-famous wine-making region.

Itinerary

New Zealand’s spellbinding wilderness takes center stage on the "New Zealand Explorer," a 19-day moderate activity tour tailored for experienced travelers. Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch, this adventure blends thrilling outdoor pursuits—like rafting, sailing Doubtful Sound, and hiking glacial valleys—with immersive cultural experiences, from Maori heritage encounters to wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay. Witness wildlife along rugged coasts, walk the streets of vibrant cities, and even step into the world of Hobbiton. What makes this journey stand out is its unique fusion of jaw-dropping scenery and authentic local interactions, giving you a comprehensive taste of Aotearoa’s magic.

day 1Join trip in Auckland

Our tour starts today in Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most diverse city. Surrounded by volcanoes and volcanic cones, beautiful beaches and rolling countryside, Auckland is the perfect introduction to New Zealand. Situated on the North Island, the cosmopolitan city spans a narrow isthmus, between the harbours of Waitemata and Manukau. For those arriving in time today, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Auckland at any time. We don't provide airport transfers on this tour, but you can find information on how to reach your hotel in the final documentation. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take a stroll around the city centre and wharf or get a bird's eye view of the sprawling city with a trip up the Sky Tower. Please note, if you plan to arrive before 3pm on Day 1 you might not be able to check-in to your hotel room, but baggage storage is available if you wish to explore the city

Accommodation
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

day 2Explore Auckland, visit Hobbiton and drive to the Bay of Plenty

day 3Maori cultural experience with modern hangi lunch

day 4Visit Wai-o-tapu en route to Napier, Hawke’s Bay vineyard wine-tasting

day 5Morning 4WD nature safari experience, afternoon art deco tour of Napier

day 6Drive to Wellington

day 7Free day to explore the capital

day 8Ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton, drive to Nelson

day 9Explore the Abel Tasman National Park by boat and on foot

day 10Scenic drive on the Great Coast Road to Hokitika

day 11Visit Franz Josef Glacier en route to Fox Glacier

day 12Explore Fox Glacier then travel to Wanaka

day 13Free day in Wanaka

day 14Visit Queenstown and see glowworms en route to Te Anau

day 15Take a cruise on the magnificent Doubtful Sound

day 16Drive to Dunedin, afternoon wildlife cruise to see albatross

day 17Drive to Mackenzie Country via the Moeraki Boulders

day 18Drive to Christchurch

day 19Trip ends in Christchurch

What's Included

Accommodation
Copthorne Hotel Auckland City (1 night)Lakes Lodge Wilderness Retreat - Okataina Rotorua (2 nights)Quality Inn (2 nights)Bay Plaza Hotel (2 nights)The Beachcomber (2 nights)Beachfront Hotel (1 night)Heartland Hotel (1 night)Wanaka Hotel (2 nights)Kingsgate Te Anau (2 nights)Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin (1 night)Distincton Mackenzie Country Hotel (1 night)Bealey Quarter (1 night)
Meals
18 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches
Transport
BusBoatFerry
Guide
Explore Tour Leader

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

5.0

based on 4 reviews
4
C
Caroline H.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Fabulous trip with an excellent guide. Taylor was very knowledgeable and great company to be with in New Zealand. She added extra bits into the itinerary to help us see more of New Zealand. Only minor critique would be to allow more time in the itinerary in Dunedin if possible but that’s only a small thing. Overall the itinerary is good and allows you to see a great deal of the country and to get a really good feel for the place. Would highly recommend.

J
JudithVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

I have travelled with Explore to a number of countries. The standard of the service is excellent and the care and consideration to the people and country they are working in is always respectful. I have always e jilted travelling with Explore.

H
HelenVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

It would be helpful to know that a degree of agility is need on the catamaran and stamina needed for walk at Abel Tasman park. However it was a wonderful experience

M
MichaelVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent

Great that Herbie organised excellent group meals most evenings.

Good to Know

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
Sine
Rasmus Juul Olsen

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