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

Offering New Zealand’s top escorted tour operators and highly experienced tour guides, we cater for groups between 1-20 people. With no date or itinerary restrictions, your New Zealand tour can be completely customised.

14 Day New Zealand Guided Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Your fantastic guided holiday begins in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland. Home to 1/4 of New Zealand’s population and bordered by two stunning harbours, Auckland is thriving, diverse city surrounded by natural wonders.

Explore Auckland with your guide, visiting top attractions such as the Sky Tower, Mt Eden’s volcanic crater, Waiheke Island, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, or Piha Beach.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Coromandel Peninsula + Hot Water Beach

Travel time Auckland to Coromandel – 3 hours

Embark on a scenic tour of the Coromandel Peninsula, taking in views of the lush rainforest and idyllic beaches. If the tide is right, visit Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pools, on your way to Whitianga.

Stay 2 nights in Whitianga, Coromandel.

Day 3 Cathedral Cove Boat Tour

Discover the rugged coastline today on a glass-bottom boat tour that takes through the marine reserve and past immense sea caves and sandy bays. Stop at the famous Cathedral Cove to soak in the views!

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.

Day 4 Hobbiton + Rotorua

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.

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.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 5 Geothermal Wonders + Skyline Gondola Buffet Dinner

Stroll through Hells 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.

In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Rotorua’s most spectacular location – the top of the Skyline Gondola!

Day 6 Taupo + Huka Falls

Travel time Rotorua to Taupo – 1 hour 

Your geothermal experience will continue as you enjoy the short drive to Taupo, a small town set beside New Zealand’s largest lake. With the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park looming in the distance, and the lake itself formed from an ancient volcanic crater, you will get a close-up look at the immense forces that shaped New Zealand. Visit Huka Falls with your guide and relax on the lakefront.

Stay 1 night in Taupo.

Day 7 Wellington

Travel time Taupo to Wellington – 4.5 hours 

Continue your scenic tour as your guide takes you south to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 8 Wellington City Tour

Your guide will help you become acquainted with this charming city today – you could visit the Te Papa Museum, ride the Wellington Cable Car, visit Weta Workshop, or take in the views from the top of Mt Victoria.

Day 9 Scenic Interislander Cruise + Kaikoura Whale Watching

Sailing time Wellington to Picton – 3 hours 

Travel time Picton to Kaikoura – 2 hours 

Begin your day with a cruise across the windswept Cook Strait.

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, take 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 Hanmer Springs + Hot Pools

Travel time Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs – 1.5 hours 

When you reach the quiet mountain town of Hanmer Springs, relax and unwind in the hot springs or go for a short guided forest walk with your escort.

Stay 1 night in Hanmer Springs.

Day 11 Lake Tekapo

Travel time Hanmer Springs to Lake Tekapo – 4.5 hours 

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

While you rest and explore the quaint lakeside town of Lake Tekapo, paying a visit to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, you have the option to add on a flight-seeing tour of the Southern Alps or a nighttime observatory tour at Mt John.

Stay 1 night at Lake Tekapo.

Day 12 Steamship Cruise + High Country Farm Dinner

Travel time Lake Tekapo to Queenstown – 3 hours 

As you continue the spectacular drive south, you have the option to make a side trip to Mt Cook Village – ask your guide for more details.

Along the way to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, your guide will take you to sample the fresh fruit from the orchards of Cromwell. You also have the option to visit several top wineries with your guide on the drive through the Kawarau Gorge.

In the evening, relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a stunning gourmet BBQ meal and farm tour.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 13 Milford Sound Tour

Embark on a scenic coach 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 destinations along the way.

At Milford Sound, witness the grandeur of this mighty fiord up close on a 2.5-hour nature cruise.

Day 14 Queenstown Lord of the Rings Tour

Explore the Lord of the Rings locations around Queenstown with your guide today on an excursion to the stunning Glenorchy region. Stop along the way for majestic views up Lake Wakatipu, and visit the stunning Paradise Valley and Dart Valley at the head of the lake. Along the way, you will get the chance to see the filming locations for Isengard, Lothlorien, and Ithilien Camp.

Stop in Glenorchy for a coffee or relaxing lunch, and soak in the incredible views of snow-capped peaks and turquoise rivers.

Day 15 Depart Queenstown

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

Pricing

As guide prices are split between travellers, the pricing will vary depending on the number of travellers on your tour.

1 Traveller:    NZD$27,699

2 Travellers:  NZD$14,699 per adult | NZD$14,099 per child

3 Travellers:  NZD$10,999 per adult | NZD$10,399 per child

4 Travellers:  NZD$9149 per adult | NZD$8549 per child

5 Travellers:  NZD$7999 per adult | NZD$7449 per child

6 Travellers:  NZD$7249 per adult | NZD$6699 per child

7 Travellers:  NZD$6749 per adult | NZD$6149 per child

8 Travellers:  NZD$6349 per adult | NZD$5749 per child

9 Travellers:  NZD$6199 per adult | NZD$5599 per child

10 Travellers: NZD$5949 per adult | NZD$5349 per child

11 + Travellers:  Please enquire for your custom quote