New Zealand Wonders - 19 days

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Sightseeing Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

19 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 55 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Auckland, New Zealand

Ends

Queenstown, New Zealand

Highlights

Auckland – Enjoy free time in this pretty urban city with breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture

Bay of Islands – Discover the pretty town of Russell and then enjoy free time

Coromandel Peninsula – Ride the Driving Creek Railway for panoramic views and enjoy a free day to explore the scenic area

Rotorua – Visit the Te Puia geothermal site and a Kiwi conservation project, then opt to visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Hobbiton, plus experience a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening

Napier – Discover the town on foot and indulge in an evening of wine and dinner at the Mission Estate Winery

Wellington – Ride the cable car over New Zealand's capital city and visit the country's national museum - Te Papa

Nelson – Walk along the Matai River and enjoy free time sampling the town’s cuisine

Abel Tasman National Park – Cruise the waters of this national park and enjoy optional hiking across wild beaches and through lush scenery

Milford Sound – Pass through incredible Fiordland National Park and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound - look out for dolphins!

Queenstown – End your adventure in this city on the picturesque Lake Wakatipu

Wellington – Ride the cable car over New Zealand's capital city and visit the country's national museum - Te Papa

Nelson – Walk along the Matai River and enjoy free time sampling the town’s cuisine

Abel Tasman National Park – Cruise the waters of this national park and enjoy optional hiking across wild beaches and through lush scenery

Milford Sound – Pass through incredible Fiordland National Park and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound - look out for dolphins!

Queenstown – End your adventure in this city on the picturesque Lake Wakatipu

Itinerary

Discover New Zealand’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery on the 19-day New Zealand Wonders tour, thoughtfully crafted for mature travelers and those who relish easy-paced exploration. Launching from Auckland, journey north to the idyllic Bay of Islands, embrace Maori traditions, and traverse the volcanic landscapes that inspired cinematic legends. Journey south on the Cook Strait ferry, uncover national parks, majestic glaciers, and serene lakes, and conclude in the lively city of Queenstown. The unique selling point of this tour package is its depth: a seamless blend of must-see icons and immersive local experiences, ensuring each day offers a new facet of New Zealand’s wonders.

day 1 - Welcome to Auckland!

Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day offers free time for you to explore the local area.

OverNight:Auckland

day 2 - Reed Memorial Park & the Bay of Islands

Auckland – Russell. Today we depart Auckland and travel north via the iconic Harbour Bridge before reaching the Reed Memorial Park. Here we walk along an elevated canopy through what remains of the original kauri forests, featuring kauri trees which are at least 500 years old. We can gaze at the picturesque Whangarei Falls, a natural wonder that dates back over 2 million years.

From there, continue to the Bay of Islands, an enchanting region of 144 sub-tropical islands scattered across warm, shallow waters and bays teeming with natural beauty and marine life. Known as the birthplace of New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is steeped in Maori culture and early European history. Here our adventure starts at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where we uncover the story of Waitangi, including the signing of the 1840 treaty between Maori tribes and British settlers. Whilst here we can explore the magnificent meeting house and visit the museum. Following this we take a ferry to the charming seaside village of Russell for our two-night stay.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Russell

day 3 - The Bay of Islands

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

Today we have a choice of two excursions to explore the picturesque surroundings.

Option 1 is to travel by coach along 90 Mile Beach to the very tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. This is a full day tour and a picnic lunch will be provided.

Option 2 sees us taking a Hole in the Rock cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse. During this cruise we will watch in awe as the captain guides us through the famous Hole in the Rock and into Grand Cathedral Cave (conditions permitting).

Once we return to Russell we will meet a guide who will teach us all about this historic towns exciting history.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Russell

day 4 - Return to Auckland

Russell – Auckland. Our journey takes us back to Auckland, travelling through rural towns and past picturesque beaches before arriving back in the 'City of Sails.' Here we will enjoy a sightseeing tour where we explore its lively harbourside, take in sweeping panoramic views, and explore charming villages all before a guided tour of the Auckland Museum.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Auckland

day 5 - The Coromandel Peninsula

Auckland – Whitianga. Today we head south across the Hauraki Plains to Thames before continuing up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The coastal drive along this route is truly breathtaking. On clear days, be sure to watch for the SkyTower, visible across the Firth of Thames. We pay a visit to the nearby Driving Creek Railway, where we climb 120 meters on a narrow-gauge line to the 'EyeFull' Tower, offering panoramic views of the picturesque countryside and back over the Hauraki Gulf. We continue our journey across the peninsula until we arrive at the resort of Whitianga on Mercury Bay.

Please note: The Cathedral Cove walking track was closed following Cyclone Gabrielle in January 2023. However, from October 2025, the popular walk will be accessible once again.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Whitianga

day 6 - A Free Day on the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel region is a vibrant canvas of white cliffs, sun-kissed golden beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green forests. In the summer, vibrant scarlet hues emerge thanks to the blossoming Pohutukawa trees. One of its most renowned attractions is Hot Water Beach, where natural hot springs bubble up through the sandy shores and during the right tide conditions you can create your own "spa" pool in the warm waters.

Stroll along the beautiful sandy beaches of Hahei and visit Cooks Beach, named in honour of Captain James Cook who sailed into Mercury Bay in 1769.

From Cooks Beach you can choose to catch the short ferry ride back to Whitianga and walk to our accommodation or travel back with our driver.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Whitianga

day 7 - The Pacific Coast Highway to Rotorua

Whitianga – Rotorua. Setting off in the morning we follow the Pacific Coast Highway through the coastal towns of Whangamata and Tauranga before turning inland to to visit a bushwalk with majestic views over Okere Falls. We continue to Rotorua, the epicentre of Maori heritage and New Zealand’s geothermal activity. Here we visit Te Puia, an active geothermal site, the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and a Kiwi conservation project.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Rotorua

day 8 - A Day of Your Choosing

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

Today we have a choice between two different activities. Option 1 is a visit to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley which is the site of the Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886. This monumental event reshaped the landscape permanently, giving rise to the valley we explore today. As we wander through we encounter bubbling craters and brilliantly coloured steaming lakes. We embark on a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the location of the silica terraces where we witness the gradual formation of new silica terraces.

Option 2 is a Middle-earth experience with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set where we explore the iconic Shire. Our guide will walk us through the ten-acre site, sharing insights on how the movie set was brought to life. We get to see the Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, The Millhouse, and other film structures, witnessing the transformation of this beautiful Waikato farmland into Middle-earth's Shire.

In the evening we head to the Tamaki Maori Village for Te Pa Tu. The experience aligns with the Maori lunar calendar, offering Maori traditions, songs, and seasonal cuisine within the forest village. We enjoy a 4-course fusion feast designed by Maori chefs and served outdoors or in the dining room, depending on the weather.

Return hotel transfers are included, and we join other travellers for this enriching experience.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Rotorua

day 9 - Rotorua to Napier

Rotorua – Napier. This morning we head south, past Huka Falls to the vast Lake Taupo. If clear skies permit, from here we should be able to see the peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, where lays the volcanic terrain that acted as the backdrop of ‘Mordor’ in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We continue our journey to Napier, a joyful seaside town that had a tragic birth which we learn about today as we explore its sights on foot.

Our journey today has brought us to the North Island’s wine country, so this evening we are treated to dinner with a glass of wine at the Mission Estate Winery. First set up by missionaries in the mid-19th century, today these vineyards produce award-winning wines. We enjoy a tour of the winery before enjoying our dinner with sweeping views over Napier.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Napier

day 10 - On To Wellington

Napier – Wellington. This morning we make our way to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, home to artists, writers and filmmakers with a trendy cafe culture. We see the magnificent Parliament Buildings, including the iconic 'Beehive' building before heading to the Kelburn Lookout. After taking the cable car down to the city centre we go to the Te Papa, one of the most exciting museums in the world where we have a lesson in the land, people, wildlife, landscapes and culture of New Zealand.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Wellington

day 11 - From North to South Island

Wellington – Nelson. Today we cross the Cook Strait on one of the most picturesque ferry journeys in the world. Often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow wave, we arrive in Picton on the South Island. We travel to Blenheim, nestled in the heart of the renowned Marlborough wine country. What could be a more perfect way to savour this region, celebrated for its Sauvignon Blanc, than indulging in wine tasting at one of Marlborough's top wineries? From here we head to the delightful town of Nelson, where we spend the next two nights.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Nelson

day 12 - Abel Tasman National Park

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

We spend today soaking up the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden coves, turquoise lagoons and forest ranges. Since there are few roads in this national park we see the sights of it by boat instead. Boarding a small cruiser at Kaiteriteri we head out to enjoy the scenery with plenty of stops along the way for swimming and exploring on foot. Arriving back in Kaiteriteri after the cruise, you have three options.

Option 1 is to relax in the town of Kaiteriteri at leisure.

Option 2 is to join a shorter 7km (2.5 hour) self-guided walk to fabulous Anchorage Beach.

Option 3 is to join a longer 10.5km (4 hour) self-guided walk to Anchorage Beach including the scenic highlights of the South Head lookout, the famous Falls River swing-bridge and Cleopatra’s Pool.

After these activities are completed, we transfer back to Nelson for the evening.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Nelson

day 13 - Nelson Lakes National Park & Punakaiki

Nelson – Punakaiki. This morning we journey through the captivating Nelson Lakes National Park, which features rugged peaks, lush forests, glacial lakes, and the majestic Southern Alps. We take some time to explore the charming village of St. Arnaud, before turning inland along the Buller River Gorge, a stunning scenic drive. We then follow the coastline south to the small settlement of Punakaiki. This area is renowned for its wild and untamed shoreline, as well as the famous 'Pancake Rocks' – striking limestone formations that stand as a remarkable testament to the forces of nature.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Punakaiki

day 14 - Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Punakaiki – Fox Glacier. Leaving Punakaiki behind we travel on to Hokitika on the West Coast where we visit its galleries of greenstone jewellery and artwork. Continuing to Hokitika Gorge we stretch our legs and discover the blue/green waters that pass through the rugged rocks. Following the road south we reach Franz Josef and then on to the Village of Fox which is where the huge rivers of snow and ice of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps, down almost to sea level. If the weather allows there is the option of a helicopter ride over the glaciers at an extra cost.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Fox Glacier

day 15 - Mt Aspiring National Park

Fox Glacier – Wanaka. First thing today we visit nearby Lake Matheson which, when weather conditions are just right, perfectly mirrors Mount Cook in its waters creating a stunning visual effect. From here we head up over the Haast Past along the river road, which took more than 40 years to complete, travelling deep into Mt Aspiring National Park to Lake Wanaka and the picturesque resort town of Wanaka.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Wanaka

day 16 - Wanaka

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in.

Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by boat and escape civilisation as we cruise to an island where we hike through vibrant native vegetation to find a hidden mountaintop lake surrounded by small islands. We trek on to reach the island's summit for a 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its mountains and valleys, and the Arethusa Pool. Look out for the rare Buff Weka, a flightless bird extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920, which often joins visitors.

Option 2 is a 4WD adventure. We will explore a perfect mix of stunning scenery, history, and farm life in New Zealand's High Country. We will traverse remote back roads on an authentic farm with Lake Wanaka as our backdrop, surrounded by nature's beauty. We get up close to farm animals and visit historical sites, all while enjoying optional hikes through alpine meadows and lakeside forests, offering a unique insight into Wanaka's history, heritage, modern farming, and breathtaking landscapes.

When we return to Wanaka we have the afternoon at leisure to relax or enjoy the town.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Wanaka

day 17 - Wanaka to Te Anau

Wanaka – Te Anau. We begin our day from Wanaka, stopping at the iconic Cardrona Pub. Then we venture through the Crown Range road to explore historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the scenic road between the Remarkables mountain range and stunning Lake Wakatipu before traversing a glacial valley turned farmland to reach Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest freshwater lake and the entry point to Fiordland National Park.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Te Anau

day 18 - Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound

Te Anau – Queenstown. The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives you can experience. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is awe-inspiring, and features towering mountains and deep valleys sculpted by ancient glaciers. Milford Sound, famously dubbed the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Rudyard Kipling, is a breathtaking destination in any weather.

Following this we embark on a comfortable cruise, passing the iconic Mitre Peak to reach the Tasman Sea. Keep a lookout for seals and dolphins, which often grace the fiord's waters. After the cruise we retrace our route back to Te Anau and then journey through the Southland farmlands and circle the stunning Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Queenstown

day 19 - Goodbye New Zealand

Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Queenstown Airport for your flight home.

Meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

18 nights 4 star hotels

Meals

18 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinnersMission Estate Winery dinnerMilford Sound cruise & lunch

Transport

Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 19All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle

Guide

Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites

Others

Ferry to Russell & ferry across the Cook StraitTouring of Auckland, Napier & WellingtonEntry to Waitangi Treaty GroundsCoromandel narrow-gauge railwayVisit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Hobbiton Movie SetTe Pa Tu Maori experienceWine tasting at one of Marlborough’s premier wineriesAbel Tasman National Park cruiseLocal eco-guided tour or an authentic 4WD adventure at WanakaNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a good tour as it is run by a trusted travel specialist who has received 26 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

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