Excellent
New Zealand Express
Discover the main highlights of New Zealand in 10 memorable days on this express group tour travelling from Auckland to Christchurch. Enjoy a traditional Maori welcome and discover the geothermal site of Te Puia in Rotorua. Fly south to Queenstown for free time in this alpine resort, and enjoy the views of Te Anau lake. Cruise spectacular Milford Sound, see New Zealand's tallest peak in Mount Cook and finish your adventure in Christchurch with guided sightseeing and a farewell dinner.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysStarts
AucklandEnds
ChristchurchRange
HandpickedTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driverGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 16Minimum age
18Departs
TuesdaysHotel Rating
4-star hotelsCountries
New ZealandArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 2Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to New Zealand
Day 1 - Welcome to New Zealand
Haere mai - Welcome! Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day and your first evening offer free time for you to explore the local area and find somewhere for dinner.
Day 2 - Exploring Auckland & Rotorua
Day 2 - Exploring Auckland & Rotorua
Auckland - Rotorua. This morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Auckland, taking in highlights including the Auckland Museum, quaint Parnell Village and the waterfront. We will also admire the panoramic views from Bastion Point. Then it's on to Rotorua, where we also enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. There's some time to relax in the afternoon and we experience a traditional Maori welcome (powhiri), including the traditional hongi - sharing breath.
This evening we visit Tamaki Maori Village to experience Te Pa Tu. An important date on the Maori lunar calendar, we will feast on local cuisine, sing Maori songs and experience this vibrant culture for ourselves.
Day 3 - Rotorua to Queenstown
Day 3 - Rotorua to Queenstown
Rotorua - Queenstown. Today we enjoy an included visit to Te Puia with a private local guide. This active geothermal site is also the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and a Kiwi conservation project, where you will be able to see New Zealand’s endangered but iconic national emblem. There's plenty of time here to take in the incredible landscape.
In the afternoon, we fly south to Queenstown, New Zealand's premier alpine resort with a rich history of goldmining. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 4 - Te Anau lake
Day 4 - Te Anau lake
Queenstown - Te Anau. Departing Queenstown today, our first stop is the 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.
Day 5 - Cruising Milford Sound
Day 5 - Cruising Milford Sound
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Our journey to Milford Sound involves passing through Fiordland National Park, one of the most scenic drives of our trip. One of the greatest wildernesses in the Southern Hemisphere, the scenery is punctuated with lofty mountains and deep glacial valleys. We reach Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.
Boarding a comfortable cruiser, we head out onto the waters of Milford Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins, and admire Mitre Peak from the water. Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. Back on dry land, we complete our drive back to Queenstown by retracing our steps to Te Anau and then heading north.
Day 6 - Queenstown free time
Day 6 - Queenstown free time
Today is a free day for you to relax or explore Queenstown and the surrounding area. The list of possible activities is endless; you could go zip-lining or ride the gondola to at Bob's Peak, enjoy white water rafting or cruise picturesque Lake Wakatipu. Other options include a 4X4 safari to Skippers Canyon, a cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw or a visit to a local winery. Your tour leader will be able to advise you on how to spend your time!
Day 7 - Mount Cook & Twizel
Day 7 - Mount Cook & Twizel
Queenstown - Mount Cook - Twizel. Our journey continues north, and the scenery continues to impress. Heading through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past idyllic Lake Dunstan and into the Mackenzie Basin, we enjoy views of the Southern Alps. We reach Mount Cook village, offering jaw-dropping views of New Zealand's tallest peak, known in Maori as Aoraki. The night is spent in the rural town of Twizel.
Day 8 - Onto Christchurch
Day 8 - Onto Christchurch
Twizel - Christchurch. Today we visit a local home on the shore of Lake Tekapo. We learn how to make a traditional Kiwi pavlova and can taste our creation whilst overlooking the lake. We also visit the Church of the Good Shephard, which is one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. The Southern Alps tower in the background, making for quite the photograph.
Passing through the rural towns of Fairlie, Geraldine and Ashburton, we finally reach Christchurch. The city has been rebuilt following cataclysmic earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and is once more a modern, thriving city.
Day 9 - Christchurch sightseeing
Day 9 - Christchurch sightseeing
Today we explore Christchurch, a most English of New Zealand cities! The day starts with some punting along the River Avon, and yes, our boatmen will be wearing straw hats and traditional dress! We pass through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and ride a beautifully restored heritage tram through the city centre. To round off our trip, there is an included group dinner this evening at a local restaurant.
Day 10 - Farewell New Zealand
Day 10 - Farewell New Zealand
Today your adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post Tour Accommodation - Christchurch
Double
Twin
Pre Tour Accommodation - Auckland
Double
Twin
Hotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews