24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour
Mount Victoria, Wellington, Rotorua
From the secluded beaches and volcanic craters of the north to the glaciers, mountains and fjords in the south, this is our most immersive experience possible.
New Zealand North to South Guided Tour with Lodging and Activities
This 24-day guided tour travels from Auckland to Christchurch, suitable for travelers seeking a comprehensive New Zealand experience including cultural visits, hiking, and scenic highlights.
Tour Highlights
- Explore natural landscapes across New Zealand’s North and South Islands
- Guided travel with lodging and some meals included
- Visit Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Rotorua, Waitomo, and more
- Participate in activities like ferry rides, wine tasting, and city tours
- Enjoy mountain hikes leading to lakes and waterfalls
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland and welcome evening with your group and guide.
Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel - Explore Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
Day 3: Coromandel to Waitomo - Hike Karangahake Gorge and visit Waitomo glowworm caves.
Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua - Explore Ruakuri Reserve, overnight in a Māori village, visit Hobbiton (optional), and tour Rotorua.
Day 5: Free day in Rotorua with the option to visit Te Pā Tū Māori Village.
Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo - Walk Huka Falls walkway and relax at Spa Park rock pools.
Day 7: Free day in Taupo with optional activities available via Trip Planner.
Day 8: Taupo to River Valley - Walk to Taranaki Falls, stay at River Valley Lodge, and enjoy an organic roast dinner.
Day 9: River Valley to Wellington - Explore New Zealand’s capital city.
Day 10: Free day in Wellington.
Day 11: Wellington to Kaikoura - Ferry across Cook Strait, wine tasting in Marlborough, and visit Kaikoura seal colony.
Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch - Hike Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and discover Christchurch’s street art.
Day 13: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo - Observe stars at the Dark Sky Project and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Day 14: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook - Explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park and hike Hooker Valley track.
Day 15: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown - Dinner at the Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant.
Day 16: Free day in Queenstown.
Day 17: Queenstown to Milford Sound - 2-hour boat cruise.
Day 18: Queenstown to Lake Hawea via Wanaka - Roys Peak views and visit Wanaka tree.
Day 19: Lake Hawea to Franz Josef - Visit Thunder Creek Falls and Lake Matheson for mirror views.
Day 20: Franz Josef - Greenstone jewelry carving workshop and glacier walk.
Day 21: Franz Josef to Punakaiki - Walk at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
Day 22: Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs - Sculpture walk.
Day 23: Relax in Hanmer Springs thermal pools.
Day 24: Return to Christchurch for departure.
Included in the Tour
- Tour guide and transportation throughout
- 23 nights dorm share accommodation and one overnight Māori village experience
- Daily breakfast and 2 dinners (dietary meals available on request)
- Ruakuri Glowworm caves tour in Waitomo
- Kiwi Hatchery tour
- Hells Gate Rotorua geothermal park
- Te Pā Tū Māori Village cultural experience
- Cook Strait ferry crossing
- Tawanui Farm visit
- Marlborough wine and gin tasting
- Milford Sound day trip and cruise
- Greenstone carving workshop
- Iron Ridge Quarry
- Hanmer Springs thermal pools
- Tekapo Hot Springs
- Various scenic hikes throughout the tour
Exclusions
- Extra food and drinks beyond included meals
- Travel insurance
Important Information
- The tour starts in Auckland and ends in Christchurch.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 30 days before the tour start date for a full refund.
To book, check availability in advance and prepare for varied weather conditions. Bring suitable hiking gear, swimwear for hot springs, and a rain jacket. The best time to visit is during New Zealand’s spring to autumn months for optimal hiking and outdoor activities.
