21 Day New Zealand Guided Tour

Experience the best of New Zealand on this iconic private guided tour. Your private guide will meet you at Auckland Airport and take you on an insider’s tour of New Zealand, visiting iconic landmarks and local secrets alike.

We offer the best flexible options for your New Zealand tour, with no date or itinerary restrictions.

Read on for full details on the 21 Day New Zealand Guided Tour.

21 Day New Zealand Guided Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. Your guide will greet you at Auckland Airport and your New Zealand Tour will commence.

Explore Auckland with your guide.

Auckland Museum offers a great introduction to New Zealand. With internationally significant Māori and Pacific collections to explore, the Auckland Museum is a must-see place to experience our rich culture.

If you would like to get straight into nature; skipper an America’s Cup yacht or experience whale watching. Or visit top attractions such as the Sky Tower and Mt Eden’s volcanic crater.

In the evening the fairy lights of Federal Street will lure you into some of the finest restaurants in Auckland or head down to The Viaduct, a food and drinks hub in central Auckland.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Coromandel Peninsula + Hot Water Beach

Travel time Auckland to Coromandel – 3 hours

Renowned worldwide as a spectacular holiday destination, with warm white-sand beaches, misty rainforest and wilderness aplenty, the Coromandel is the ideal place to unwind.

Whitianga is the main settlement of Mercury Bay, an attractive township with a deep-water harbour.

Home to the world renowned Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, Mercury Bay is known for its variety of marine experiences both on and under the water. From kayaking and fishing in and around the Mercury Islands to scenic boat trips in the Te Whanganui-O-Hei Marine Reserve, Whitianga and Mercury Bay have it all. Experience the magic and relax in the unspoiled playground of Mercury Bay – a recreational haven just waiting for you.

If the tide is right, visit Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pools and lap up the scenery.

Stay 2 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel.

Day 3 Cathedral Cove Glass Bottom Boat Tour + Hahei Beach

Today, join the Glass Bottom Boat for a unique boat cruise. Depart from the Whitianga Wharf to explore the breathtaking volcanic coastline, including the famous Cathedral Cove. See the stunning Champagne Bay, plus a range of blow holes and sea caves, including Orua’s Sea Cave, the second largest sea cave in New Zealand! See what lies above and below the surface in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve and be amazed by all the marine life to be seen. You can choose your own level of fun. Either sit back and enjoy the amazing marine life through the glass boat, or take the plunge and snorkel amongst the fish.

In the afternoon, your guide will show you some of the best hidden secrets of the Coromandel, including lush forest walks and secluded golden-sand beaches.

Hahei is located 35 km or 30 minutes drive South East of Whitianga. Hahei is an attractive beach, fringed with pohutukawa trees and drifts of pink shells at the northern end. The offshore islands provide something of a breakwater, making this sheltered beach ideal for swimming, boating and snorkeling. Hahei also offers a number of cafes making it the perfect spot for lunch.

Day 4 Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Rotorua + Skyline Rotorua Gondola Buffet Dinner

Travel time Coromandel to Matamata – 2 hours

Experience the magic of Middle-earth as you tour the Hobbiton Movie Set, where the charming village from The Lord of the Rings has been brought to life. You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn. You will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.

Travel time Matamata to Rotorua – 1 hour 

Enjoy the scenic drive through rolling farmland to Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. Tour the exciting geothermal attractions with your guide, visiting sulphur springs, mud pools, geysers, and sinter terraces.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Rotorua’s most spectacular location – Skyline Restaurant. Sit back and relax as the views from the gondola unfold on your journey to the Skyline complex. The Skyline Restaurant will then serve you a mouthwatering taste of New Zealand cuisine.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 5 Rotorua Geothermal Reserve Tour & Spa + Redwoods Treewalk + Māori Culture Evening Experience & Maori Hāngi Dinner

Stroll through Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve in the morning, where you will have the opportunity to experience the rich Maori culture and soak in a relaxing sulphur spa.

Redwoods Treewalk is a 600-metre long, eco-tourism walk in the heart of Rotorua’s Redwood Forest. Consisting of a series of 23 suspension bridges, traversing 22 majestic Redwood trees that are more than 117 years old. The height of the walkway ranges between 6 m and 20 m, allowing the elevated view of the forest below. Enjoy at your own and appreciate the peacefulness and spirit of this special forest.

There is more to see! In the evening experience New Zealand’s cultural side with a evening of Maori Culture and delicacies. See a real life haka and be touched by a traditional Maori welcome. Then feast on the three course meal cooked in the traditional hangi pits. Finish your evening next to a fascinating geyser watching it erupt under the night sky.

Day 6 Taupo + Tongariro National Park Scenic Floatplane Flight

Travel time Rotorua to Taupo – 1 hour 

Taupō is rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls. The Huka Falls is New Zealand’s most visited attraction, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second. Visit this stunning natural attraction with your guide.

Next sample the best of Lake Taupō on a scenic floatplane flight. Take off from Taupo Bay before turning over Acacia Bay to the headwaters of the Waikato River. Fly over the Craters of the Moon, then over the Borefields of the Wairakei Power Station, followed by a circuit of the Huka Falls, before returning over Taupō.

Keeping with the water theme, Taupō is a great lake for trout fishing and scenic boat cruises.

The forests surrounding the lake offer hiking and mountain biking to suit all levels of experience. Pedal along the forested shores of Lake Taupō and admire the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park on the Great Lake Trail.

There is also fantastic golf opportunities at two of New Zealand’s premier courses; Wairakei Golf Club and Kinloch Golf Club.

Stay 1 night in Taupo.

Day 7 Wellington

Travel time Taupo to Wellington – 4.5 hours 

Enjoy the scenic drive from Taupo to Wellington. Along the way, you will come across Tongariro National Park, which boasts an impressive collection of volcanoes. You can stop in Tongariro National Park for a short hike if you wish. For Lord of the Rings fans your guide can take you to view Gollum’s Pool and show you Mordor!

Continue south to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Your guide will help you become acquainted with this charming city – you could visit the Te Papa Museum, ride the Wellington Cable Car, or take in the views from the top of Mt Victoria.

Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 8 Wellington City + Attractions

Enjoy Wellington City for the day. 

Any visitor to Wellington should have the Museum of New Zealand Te Papā Tongarewa at the top of their to-do list and general entry is free. 

Enjoy a ride on Wellington’s bright red cable car. From the summit you will be able to visit other attractions such as the Botanic Gardens and Fragrifert – a traditional Victorian perfumery.

Add a Wētā Workshop Tour. The Workshop is best known for its Academy Award®-winning work on the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

You may like to discover Zealandia. Hidden in a suburban valley, this eco-sanctuary is home to over 40 rare species of native wildlife including over 150 kiwi roaming free. Explore the outdoors at your own pace or be led by a guide. 

Wellington is known as the craft beer capital of New Zealand. With many breweries spread across central Wellington, finding a vibrant spot to enjoy a beer is easy.

Day 9 Interislander Wellington to Picton Ferry + Kaikoura

Sailing time Wellington to Picton – 3 hours 

Travel time Picton to Kaikoura – 2 hours 

Embark on a scenic cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton.

Upon reaching the South Island, your guide will take you on a scenic drive through the Marlborough wine region, with the option to stop at a winery (or two!) along the way for samples of the award-winning wines.

In the afternoon, option to add a fantastic scenic whale-watching flight and look out for sperm whales, dolphins, and seals.

Spend the evening in Kaikoura, a stunning coastal town with a backdrop of majestic mountains. Be sure to sample the superb local seafood at dinner!

Stay 1 night in Kaikoura.

Day 10 Christchurch

Travel time Kaikoura to Christchurch – 2.5 hours 

You’re fantastic New Zealand guided continues to Christchurch, New Zealand’s “Garden City.” 

Explore Christchurch with your guide, options include:

• Christchurch Tramway
• Christchurch Gondola
• Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• The International Antarctic Centre
• Venturing to Sumner Beach
• Riverside Market

In the evening option to add dinner aboard the Christchurch Tram. The Tramway Restaurant offers curated seasonal dining combined with evening sightseeing in central Christchurch for a truly unique experience!

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 11 Lake Tekapo + Star Gazing at Mt John Observatory

Travel time Christchurch to Lake Tekapo – 3.5 hours 

Your scenic journey through the Mackenzie Basin begins today. As the Southern Alps loom before you, there will be photo opportunities around every corner.

Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing.

Lake Tekapo has many things to do and explore. Visit the historic Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the most photographed places in the country. One of the most popular attractions in town is Tekapo Springs with hot pools, spas, water slides, steam rooms and saunas.

In the evening prepare for an awe-inspiring evening on a magical star gazing tour. Your expert astronomy guides bring the night sky to life, sharing the science and the stories of our Southern skies. Stargaze using the naked eye guided by lasers. Then proceed to explore deeper through up to 16″ optical telescopes, including in the private observatory dome. Take in the incredible Milky Way, far off planets, star clusters, solar systems, and even distant galaxies. Every night sky beholds something different.

Stay 2 nights at Lake Tekapo

Day 12 Mount Cook + Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing + Glacier

Explorers Boat Tour

Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook – 1 hour

Mount Cook Village is nestled at the base of the Southern Alps. At 3,724 metres, New Zealand’s highest mountain (Aoraki / Mount Cook) is dazzling. There are 27 other mountains in this alpine backbone which peak at over 3,050 metres, all making up the famous Southern Alps.

If you have dreamt of experiencing the ultimate helicopter tour of the Mt Cook National Park, then this signature helicopter flight will tick every box.

• Circle the summit of New Zealand’s highest mountain – Aoraki/Mt Cook
• Experience a snow landing on the Haupapa/Tasman Glacier
• Discover motu huka (icebergs) on the Tasman Terminal Lake
• View blue ice, hanging glaciers and the West Coast Fox & Franz Josef Glacier
• Gaze across to both the East & West coastlines of New Zealand’s South Island
• Enjoy coastal views of New Zealand’s South Island

Next experience the only tour of its kind in New Zealand and one of the only accessible glacial lakes containing icebergs in the world. An amazing encounter with New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Explore and learn about the ever-changing glacial landscape as you journey across the terminal lake with experienced guides. Icebergs of every shape and size periodically tear away from the face of the glacier into the rapidly growing lake.

Day 13 Wanaka

Travel time Lake Tekapo to Wanaka – 2.5 hours 

Wanaka has a reputation for great food and wine, with a wide variety of lakefront bars, cafés and restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine.

The crystal-clear water of the lakes and rivers are ideal for kayaking, fishing, lake cruises, and jet-boating, or to get an aerial perspective of the region and take a scenic helicopter flight.

Explore Wanaka with your guide – you may want to visit the National Toy and Transport Museum or the Wanaka Lavender Farm, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields, farm animals & display gardens.

Test out your fishing skills at “Hook”, Wanaka’s very unique interactive Lake to Plate dining experience. Catch a Chinook salmon from the scenic spring-fed fishing lakes and then relax as the team prepares it for you. No experience is necessary and fishing equipment can be hired on the day

Stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries and stylish shops. Visit ‘That Wanaka Tree’ for the perfect photo, or enjoy one of the many famous walking tracks such as Mt Iron.

Stay 2 nights in Wanaka.

Day 14 Wanaka + Mou Waho Cruise and Scenic Walk

Enjoy a luxury cruise on the crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island nature reserve. Home of the lake on an island in a lake. Mou Waho is a predator free reserve and home to many native birds not seen on mainland NZ. Here you can see first-hand results of conservation efforts including the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920), the wood pigeon and the native falcon. A one hour guided bush walk is included which takes you up to a lake right on top of the island, with magnificent mountain and lake scenery in every direction. On returning to your luxury 55 foot catamaran, you can enjoy afternoon tea aboard as the guides share some of the fascinating history of this entrancing island (Duration 3.5 hours).

Enjoy Wanaka with your tour guide in the afternoon. Get an aerial perspective of the region and take a scenic flight. Stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries and stylish

Day 15 Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

Travel time Wanaka to Manapouri – 3.5 hours

Doubtful Sound is unspoiled, unmatched and unforgettable. So get ready to create some lifelong memories as the Fiordland Navigator takes you through the ultimate Doubtful Sound experience.

Your getaway starts in Manapouri with a short cruise across Lake Manapouri. A coach then takes you across Wilmot Pass, travelling on a sub-alpine road through dense rainforest. Arriving at Deep Cove you’ll be met by our crew and the majestic Fiordland Navigator.

Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with fully licensed bar and an observation lounge.

As you cruise through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, your knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary ensuring you miss nothing, be it the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or rare penguins you might encounter.

After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat – or to simply relax on board.

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course buffet dinner prepared by your on-board chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our license.

Stay 1 night on Doubtful Sound.

Day 16 Te Anau + Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour

Travel time Manapouri to Te Anau – 30 minutes

Te Anau is known as the walking capital of New Zealand, so the hiking options are endless! Enjoy the walk to the top of Key Summit for stunning views over Fiordland National Park, take a full day to explore the Kepler Track, or stroll along the lakefront esplanade.

In the afternoon, take the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour. Explore a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glowworms. In this mysterious underground world, discover fossils and rock formations, and view rushing waterfalls and whirlpools. Learn how the caves are still being carved out by the incredible and relentless power of nature before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms is a magical sight! 

Stay 1 night in Te Anau.

Day 17 Catlins Coast + Dunedin

Travel time Te Anau to Dunedin via the Catlins – 5 hours 

Along the way to Dunedin, your guide can take you on a tour of the remote Catlins coast, where you will find pounding waterfalls, an iconic lighthouse, lush native bush, a petrified forest, and maybe even penguins and dolphins! Stop for a number of nature walks and photo opportunities along the way, and soak in the wild natural beauty (option to take the direct route).

Dunedin offers a diverse range of experiences including the Emerson’s Craft Brewery and Speight’s Brewery, Larnach Castle, Olveston House and of course the stunning Otago Peninsula.

After a day of sightseeing, one of the best things to do in Dunedin is to get cosy in one of the city’s many pubs and enjoy a local beer. To go one step further, indulge in a tour and tasting at Emerson’s craft brewery or the historic Speights Brewery.

Stay 2 nights in Dunedin.

Day 18 Dunedin + Larnach Castle + Otago Peninsula

Today, venture to Larnach Castle which is situated on the spectacular Otago Peninsula. This castle was built by William Larnach in 1871 offering scandalous and tragic stories, incredible tower views and a exquisite Victorian interiors complete this magical castle. The gardens at Larnach Castle have been rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance.

From adorable penguins, albatross, port towns, wild costal beaches and biking trails, Dunedin is a great destination to explore.

Dunedin is home to rare wildlife. On the Otago Peninsula, you can spot little blue penguins, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and sea lions. You can also visit the world’s only mainland breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross. Elm Wildlife Tours visits the far reaches of the peninsula for close encounters with the wild inhabitants. To get a different perspective, join a Monarch Wildlife Cruise for a unique view via sea.

Explore Dunedin’s stunning beaches. St Clair is a popular surf beach, but other beaches have good breaks too – including Aramoana and Karitane. If you just want to swim, Brighton Beach is a beautiful choice, just 20 minutes drive from Dunedin. Tunnel Beach features a spectacular sandstone sea arch, which is best visited at low tide.

Day 19 Queenstown + Arrowtown + Shotover Jet

Travel time Dunedin to Queenstown – 3.5 hours 

Your adventure continues through the ever-changing hills of Central Otago, past bluffs and gorges, farmland and vineyards, to Queenstown.

Visit Arrowtown prior to reaching Queenstown. Arrowtown is charming and quirky – a delightful gold rush village. The historic buildings in this lovely precinct house shops, galleries, bars and restaurants.

Let Queenstown awaken your inner-explorer. Whether you’re interested in exploring trails, indulging in food and wine, teeing off stunning fairways or seeking adrenaline thrills – there are adventures to be found here of all tastes and tempos.

Start your stay in the adventure capital of New Zealand with a bang as you ride the thrilling Shotover Jet through the spectacular canyons of the turquoise Shotover River! It’s a thrilling ride – skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet ‘Big Red,’ you’ll twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight – hold tight for the world-famous full 360º spins!

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 20 Queenstown + Queenstown Gondola, Luge & Lunch

Sit back and relax and take in the stunning views as you ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola – the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the must-do activities in Queenstown!

You’ll be carried 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy the best view in the region. Next enjoy a dining experience that is out of this world. The menu is inspired by iconic New Zealand cuisine and infused with international influences.

Continue your quest for adventure and choose from any adventure activity on offer in Queenstown. Bungy jumping, skydiving, paragliding, quad biking, zip lining, heli flights, 4WD off-roading, you name it we can book it.

If you’re looking for a slightly slower pace there’s plenty of recreational activities including scenic flights to Milford Sound, the Kiwi Birdlife Park, or spa and wellness options to help you truly feel worlds away.

Day 21 TSS Earnslaw Cruise + High Country Gourmet Lunch + Onsen Hot Pools

Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ lunch and a farm tour in a stunning lakeside setting. Your experience starts with a cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw across to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Once there, you can sit back on the lakeside terrace of the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant and savour the delicious aromas as our chef has the best of local produce, sizzling away on the grill. After lunch, you can join an entertaining farm demonstration or explore the beautiful lakeside gardens.

Come evening relax in the Onsen Hot Pools in your own private pool for one hour. Onsen Hot Pools is located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon. Experience breathtaking alpine scenery and watch the Shotover Jet boats on the river below. A unique feature of Onsen Hot Pools are the retractable picture windows. Convert your pool room from indoor to outdoor and back again at the touch of a button!

Day 22 Depart Queenstown

Your guide will deliver you to Queenstown Airport for your departing flight.

Plan a New Zealand Guided Tour

Each New Zealand tour package includes:

• Tour guide/driver
• Private tour vehicle
• Commentary and sightseeing en route
• Premium accommodation
• A range of must-do activities and attractions

In addition, each New Zealand tour is fully customisable. Once we discuss what you want from your vacation, we will design an itinerary to suit. Travel with an experienced, friendly guide and experience the best of this beautiful country.

Considering travelling for more or less time? Take a look at our 14-day guided tour or 30-day guided tour.