Home » All Guided Tours » Most Popular » New Zealand 14 Day Tour » New Zealand Guided Tours » New Zealand Private Tours » New Zealand Small Group Tours
Experience the best of New Zealand on this fantastic private guided tour. We offer the best flexible New Zealand escorted tours, with no date or itinerary restrictions.
Our New Zealand escorted tours are fully customisable and private. In other words, we will tailor the tour package to match your interests and schedule. We cater for couples, families and groups of up to 30+ travellers.
Read on for more details on the 14 Day Iconic New Zealand Guided Tour.
Your fantastic guided holiday begins in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Your guide will collect you from Queenstown Airport and introduce you to Queenstown and everything this alpine paradise offers.
Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges. 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.
Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.
At midday relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, the only coal fired passenger vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Step aboard – watch the stokers fueling the fireboxes and hear the hiss of the steam engines working as the TSS Earnslaw takes you on a nostalgic cruise over beautiful Lake Wakatipu. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you will enjoy a stunning four course meal. An entertaining after-lunch farm show provides a glimpse into high country farming life. On your return cruise, relax with a drink from the bar or join a fun sing-along with the ship’s pianist.
World-renowned for its adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of adrenaline activities including jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting, skydiving and zip-lining! Option to add a thrill seeking activity to your tour.
If you’re looking for a slightly slower pace there’s plenty of recreational activities including scenic flights, hiking and biking trails, the Skyline Gondola, the Kiwi Birdlife Park, or spa and wellness options to help you truly feel worlds away.
Embark on a scenic journey to Milford Sound, known as the “eighth wonder of the world.” As you venture deep into the heart of Fiordland National Park, you will get the chance to stop and view a number of must-see locations along the way.
At Milford Sound, witness the grandeur of this mighty fiord up close on a 2-hour nature cruise. View Milford Sound’s rainforest, soaring rock walls, cascading waterfalls and wildlife. Words just don’t do it justice, you have to see it for yourself! Throughout the cruise, guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions.
*Option to upgrade your return journey to a magical scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Please enquire if you are interested in this option.
Travel time Queenstown to Wanaka – 1 hour
Visit Arrowtown with your guide on your way to Wanaka. Arrowtown is charming and quirky – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of heritage buildings that stretches into a tree-lined avenue of tiny miner’s cottages. The buildings in this lovely precinct house shops, galleries, bars and restaurants.
Your scenic tour will continue as you enjoy the drive over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Option to stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel and the Cardrona Distillery.
Wanaka has a reputation for great food and wine, with a wide variety of lakefront bars, cafés and restaurants serving exceptional local cuisine.
Explore Wanaka with your guide – you may want to visit Puzzling World, Wanaka’s illusional attraction; the National Toy and Transport Museum or the Wanaka Lavender Farm located just a few minutes from Wanaka, 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 1 night in Wanaka.
Travel time Wanaka to Franz Josef – 4 hours
The Haast Pass Highway is one of the most scenic alpine routes in New Zealand. Explore the pass with your guide, stopping to view cascading waterfalls, broad alpine meadows, craggy snowcapped mountains, and the turquoise depths of the Blue Pools.
Continuing along the West Coast, your guide will take you to Lake Matheson, where you can take a 20 minute walk (one-way) to the jetty, to admire the reflected views of the Southern Alps on the surface of the lake.
In the afternoon, take an unforgettable helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, where you will land in the snow to enjoy incredible views of the majestic Southern Alps.
Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.
Travel time Franz Josef to Greymouth – 2.5 hours
Train travel time Greymouth to Christchurch – 4.5 hours
Enjoy more West Coast beauty today. You will find an amazing attraction in the West Coast Treetop Walk. The walkway is 450 metres in total and reaches heights of 20 metres giving you fantastic panoramic views. Hokitika is a great location worth exploring, famous for its rugged beach and arts and crafts scene.
Travel north to reach Greymouth where you will climb aboard the TranzAlpine Train, one of the world’s most famous train journeys. Ascend through thick stands of native beech forest before traversing the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River, then cross the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, before arriving in the Garden City of Christchurch.
Your guide will be waiting for you at Christchurch Railway Station ready to take you to your Christchurch City accommodtion.
Choose from your guide’s range of restaurant recommendations and enjoy your evening in the Garden City.
Stay 1 night in Christchurch.
Travel time Christchurch to Kaikoura – 2.5 hours
Discover the East Coast today on the scenic drive to Kaikoura, stopping along the way to view seals and rugged coastal panoramas.
In the afternoon take a scenic cruise to view the majestic Sperm Whales off the Kaikoura Coast. Whale Watch Kaikoura is New Zealand’s only marine-based whale watching company, offering visitors enchanting up-close encounters with Sperm Whales at all times of the year. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales.
A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross.
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.
Travel time Kaikoura to Picton – 2 hours
Begin your day with a tour through the stunning Marlborough wine region, with the option to stop at a winery or two along the way to sample the award-winning vintages.
Sailing time Picton to Wellington – 3 hours
When you reach Picton, embark on a cruise through picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
Set on the edge of a stunning harbour, surrounded by rolling hills, Wellington is a city rich in culture waiting to be explored. From shopping and picturesque walks to concerts, live theatre, exhibitions, festivals, Te Papa Tongarewa: the Museum of New Zealand, and more – Wellington has something for everyone.
Stay 2 nights in Wellington.
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 and chat with the locals is easy.
Travel time Wellington to Taupo – 4.5 hours
Your guided tour will continue as you enjoy the drive to Taupō, a small town set beside New Zealand’s largest lake. Along the way, you will come across Tongariro National Park, which boasts an impressive collection of volcanoes. Your route will pass through the national park on a section of State Highway 1 called The Desert Road, a desolate and beautiful landscape dominated by sub-alpine plants and plains. You can stop in Tongariro National Park for a short hike if you wish. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan your guide can take you to view Gollum’s Pool and show you Mordor!
Taupo is rich in natural beauty with attractions such as the Huka Falls. The Huka Falls is New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction, where more than 220,000 litres of water thunder over the cliff face every second. Visit with your guide.
Keeping with the water theme, Taupō is a great lake for trout fishing and scenic boat cruises. The Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be seen from the water, make for a great boat trip.
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.
Stay 1 night in Taupo.
Travel time Taupo 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.
Options include visiting Rotorua’s public Kuirau Park to discover the steaming, hissing and bubbling geothermal activity. Or visit the Redwoods Treewalk, which features 23 suspension bridges through 115-year-old redwood trees.
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. Experience a sumptuous buffet dinner at Skyline’s Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar at the top of the Gondola. The menu is inspired by iconic New Zealand cuisine and infused with international influences. Stratosfare offers something for everyone, fresh seafood, great vegetarian options and saving the best till last, delectable desserts. At the top of the gondola you also have the option to add on a thrilling Luge Ride, enjoy nature walks, and visit the Jelly Belly Shop and Volcanic Hills winery and tasting room.
Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.
In the morning, stroll through Hell’s Gate, a steaming thermal reserve. See bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, mineral pools, learn about New Zealand’s history and culture, and even try Maori weaving and wood carving! After you have explored the thermal reserve, enjoy a relaxing sulphur spa overlooking the reserve.
In the evening, enjoy a Maori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Maori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Maori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Maori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Maori women welcoming you into the marae, and a whaikorero (welcome speech). Relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world-renowned haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. Learn Maori customs including Maori musical instruments, haka and poi. The dining experience is a culinary opportunity like no other. Following dessert, you will be transported down into the valley to conclude your evening beside the awe-inspiring Pohutu geyser.
Travel time Rotorua to Waitomo Caves – 2 hours
Venture off the beaten track as your guide takes you on a scenic drive to the Waitomo Caves. The land is wilder around here, with limestone outcroppings emerging from farmland and densely forested hills rising all around, but the wildest landscape of all lies underground.
Witness the marvels of these vast caverns as you explore Waitomo caves where you will be dazzled by a galaxy of glowworms overhead.
Travel time Waitomo Caves to Auckland – 2 hours
After your Waitomo Caves adventure, your tour will continue north via Hamilton to Auckland City. In the evening, explore Auckland with your guide, visiting top attractions such as the Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour and Federal Street.
Stay 2 nights in Auckland.
Explore Auckland with your guide.
Spend some time relaxing at one of the numerous local beaches, visit Waiheke Island or unwind with some shopping and local cuisine.
Mission Bay and St. Heliers urban beaches offer breathtaking views of the harbour and Rangitoto Island.
Take a day trip to Waiheke Island, where you’ll find beautiful galleries and craft boutiques in this homeland of artists. There are plenty of places to enjoy a good coffee or taste New Zealand’s fresh Pacific Rim cuisine. The island also boasts more than a dozen high-quality vineyards, many with relaxed restaurants onsite. Enjoy local wine while looking out over vine-covered valleys to the blue sea beyond.
Shop till you drop on Queen Street, the iconic central city street features luxury brands such as Prada, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, Smith & Caughey’s (a much-loved Kiwi chain store) along with a host of souvenir shops. You will also love adjoining High Street and Chancery Street, popular for their high fashion boutiques and vintage stores.
In the evening, enjoy a harbour dinner cruise on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, what a way to finish your New Zealand tour!
Your guide will deliver you to Auckland Airport for your departing flight.
As you plan your New Zealand tour, our team is here every step of the way. From answering questions to recommending top options based on your interests, we promise to make your tour planning process easy and stress-free.
Our New Zealand escorted tours are fully customisable based on your interests. We will work with you to ensure your holiday matches exactly what you are looking for.
For more inspiration, take a look at our 10-day guided tour or 21-day guided tour.
Contact your personal New Zealand Guided Tours specialist today...
