14 Day New Zealand Guided Tour

Experience the best of New Zealand on this 5* reviewed guided tour. Travel with an experienced tour guide on your unforgettable NZ holiday. We offer flexible New Zealand escorted tours with no date or itinerary restrictions.

Your local NZ tour guide will share a wealth of knowledge about each location you visit. From local secrets to stories and history, your guide will enhance your tour throughout. In addition, you NZ tour guide will handle every detail of your vacation. This includes navigation, timing, and restaurant recommendations. Along the way, your NZ tour guide will stop at key sights based on your interests. No matter what you want from your holiday, your guide will ensure your experience is unforgettable.

Read on for more details on the 14 Day New Zealand Guided Tour.

14 Day New Zealand Guided Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. World-class shopping and phenomenal dining is never too far from harbours, islands, native bush and black-sand beaches.

Explore Auckland with your guide. The Auckland Museum is well worth a visit. 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.

Option to 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 relax and unwind.

Whitianga is the main settlement of Mercury Bay, an attractive township with a deep-water harbour. Whitianga has an excellent selection of restaurants and cafes, and the thriving retail community provides an interesting collection of outlets.

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

Travel time Coromandel to Matamata – 2.5 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.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 5 Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa + Te Pā Tū – Evening Cultural Experience & Hangi Dinner

In the morning, step into Wai Ariki, a place where Ngāti Whakaue culture, healing traditions, and warm hospitality converge. Nestled by the captivating Lake Rotorua, its name, ‘Chiefly Waters,’ reflects the majesty it holds. Owned and curated by the local iwi, you’ll discover the Wai Whakaora, a path to restoration, and the exclusive sanctuary, Āhuru Mōwai, both deeply rooted in Māori values. Experience a world of uniqueness that transcends borders and touches hearts. Wai Ariki awaits to embrace you with its magic.

This evening, immerse yourself in Māori culture with the Te Pā Tū Evening Cultural Experience & Hāngi Dinner. Enjoy traditional storytelling, song, and dance before sharing a delicious seasonal hāngi feast cooked in an earth oven. This unforgettable evening celebrates Māori heritage, connection, and hospitality in a truly authentic setting.

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. 

Taupo 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.

Keeping with the water theme, Taupo 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 Taupo 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 Tongariro National Park + Wellington

Travel time Taupo to Wellington – 5.5 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 + Must-Do Wellington 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 Cook Strait Wellington to Picton Ferry (Private Cabin) + Kaikoura Whale Watching Flight

Sailing time Wellington to Picton – 3.5 hours 

Embark on a scenic cruise through the picturesque Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Unwind in your private cabin and arrive refreshed, ready for the next leg of your journey.

Travel time Picton to Kaikoura – 2.5 hours 

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 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 Star Gazing at Mt John Observatory + Lake Tekapo

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, this humble little church sits against the most incredible backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Just around the corner from the Church is the Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue, another great photo opportunity in an extraordinary setting.

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 1 night at Lake Tekapo.

Day 12 Queenstown Activities, TSS Earnslaw Cruise, Farm Tour & Dinner

Travel time Lake Tekapo to Queenstown – 3.5 hours 

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

Continue south to Queenstown. Along the way, your guide will take you to sample fresh fruit from the orchards of Cromwell. You also have the option to visit top wineries on the drive through the Kawarau Gorge.

Lastly option to visit Arrowtown prior to reaching Queenstown. Arrowtown is charming and quirky – a delightful gold rush village. The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of heritage buildings that stretches into a tree-lined avenue. The buildings in this lovely precinct house shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. Continue on to Queenstown, New Zealand’s stunning alpine resort and adventure capital.

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 Scenic Flight & Cruise + Queenstown

Milford Sound is an area of extraordinary beauty. It offers a majestic fiord, dramatic and awe inspiring scenery and prolific flora and fauna.

Enjoy panoramic views as you fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound over mountains, glaciers, and the stunning World Heritage landscapes of Mt. Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. Your expert pilot provides fascinating commentary throughout this unforgettable journey.

Descend into Milford Sound with breathtaking aerial views of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, and sheer alpine cliffs before landing at the remote airstrip.

Board a modern catamaran for a 1 hr 45 min cruise through the Fiord, discover the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Keep an eye out for fur seals, penguins, and dolphins while enjoying complimentary tea, coffee, and water.

After your cruise, rejoin your pilot for a spectacular return flight to Queenstown via a different scenic route – the perfect finale to an incredible day.

In the afternoon option to explore wineries, film locations, adventure activities or spoil yourself with a trip to a spa.

Day 14 Queenstown Touring

Explore wineries, film locations, adventure activities or spoil yourself with a trip to a spa.

Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is home to a range of adventures, from the world’s first bungy jump to jet boat thrills through the Shotover River. Go skydiving and take in the epic views of the Southern Alps, or explore the rocky gorges and creek crossings by quad bike.

Get amongst Queenstown’s food and wine scene. Try one of the famous burgers at Fergburger, grab something sweet at one of the dessert shops such as Patagonia Chocolates or try out one of the many fine-dining restaurants. Explore the wine scene and book a wine tour and explore the renowned Gibbston wine region where you can taste award-winning Pinot Noir and visit New Zealand’s largest wine cave at Gibbston Valley Winery.

Enjoy an iconic Queenstown experience and take the Queenstown Gondola up 450 metres to Bob’s Peak. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the aptly named The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Try your hand at the Queenstown Luge and zoom down the course of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. If you’re feeling hungry enjoy lunch or dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant.

Wind down and indulge at Onsen Hot Pools, a boutique retreat and day spa that offers ultimate relaxation. Looking over the Shotover River, the spa has 14 world-renowned cedar-lined hot pools that are open during both the afternoons and evenings.

Day 15 Depart Queenstown

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

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