14 Day New Zealand ‘Must Do’ Escorted Tour

Experience the best of New Zealand on this 5* reviewed guided tour. Travel with a highly 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 ‘Must Do’ Escorted Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland

Your fantastic New Zealand Escorted Tour begins in New Zealand’s largest city, 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.

If you would like to get straight into nature; skipper an America’s Cup Yacht or experience Whale Watching. Or visit top attractions like 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.

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. 

Day 6 Taupo + Huka Falls Jet + 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. 

Included is the Hukafalls Jet, the only jet boat company permitted to take you to the base of the mighty Huka Falls. This half hour of thrills, fun and excitement takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face and hot water streams. From your unique vantage point on the jet boat you will have the best water level view of Huka Falls.

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 Taupo to land on the lakefront.

Stay 1 night in Taupo.

Day 7 Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour + Auckland

Travel time Taupo to Waitomo Caves – 2.5 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 two fantastic caves – the Ruakuri Cave, home to a dizzying array of cave formations, and the Waitomo Glowworm 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 1 night in Auckland.

Day 8 Christchurch + Tram Restaurant Dinner

Travel time Auckland to Christchurch – 1 hour 30 minute flight

Board a domestic flight to Christchurch on the South Island.

Discover the vibrant and picturesque garden city, renowned for its natural beauty, lively entertainment scene, and strong cultural heritage. With its stunning botanical gardens and tree-lined avenues, Christchurch is both a sophisticated city and beautiful place to relax.

Explore Christchurch with your guide, options include:

• Christchurch Tramway
• Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• Punting on the Avon River
• Riverside Market

In the evening, experience the luxury of a 36-seater colonial-style dining tram. Enjoy fabulous dining at your private table with a sightseeing tour showcasing Christchurch’s inner city vibrancy and heritage.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 9 Lake Tekapo + Star Gazing

Travel time Christchurch to Tekapo – 3 hours 

Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps.

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.

One of the most popular attractions in town is Tekapo Springs with hot pools, spas, steam rooms, saunas and spa therapies.

In the evening experience 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 10 Mount Cook + 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.

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 11 Wanaka

Travel time Lake Tekapo to Wanaka – 2.5 hours 

Your New Zealand Escorted Tour continues to Wanaka. 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 1 night in Wanaka.

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

Travel time Lake Tekapo to Queenstown – 3 hours 

Your scenic tour will continue as you journey over the Crown Range, your guide will stop for photos at panoramic viewing points. Option to stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel and the Cardrona Distillery.

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.

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.

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 Activities

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

After check-in completion, your pilot will give a pre-flight briefing on the route and scenic highlights likely to be encountered. These include the famous Skippers Canyon, the Paradise region (recently made popular as film locations for Lord of the Rings/Hobbit Trilogies), and the Donne glacier among many other awe-inspiring features. Your 35 minute flight concludes with an over flight of the fiord of Milford Sound, prior to landing.

The second half of the adventure begins in Milford Sound, where your pilot personally escorts you to the boat docks to board the “Spirit of Milford” to enjoy your Milford Sound Nature Cruise. On this intimate experience, Nature Guides offer a personal commentary. The “Spirit of Milford” catamaran explores nooks and crannies along the edge of the fiord, nudging into sheer rock faces to examine flora and fauna in detail.

Following your Milford Sound cruise, your return flight takes in many of the pristine alpine lakes and waterfalls that Fiordland National Park is recognised for, including the Sutherland Falls which span 580 m (1900 ft). Flight time is another 35 minutes, with a total trip time of approximately 4.5 hours. After enjoying your Scenic Flight back from Milford Sound landing back in Queenstown.

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

Day 14 Dart River Funyak (Kayak) Safari + Glenorchy

Enjoy this unmissable experience with the exhilaration of a wilderness jet boat ride combined with a leisurely downstream float on the easy to use Funyaks (inflatable kayaks/canoes).This trip is a must-do to explore the truly unique Dart River.

Your amazing journey begins with an exhilarating jet boat ride up the Dart River deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park. From here you’ll then travel back down river at your own pace in our unique Funyaks exploring pristine waters as they flow from the Southern Alps to Lake Wakatipu, hidden side streams with amazing rock pools and dramatic chasms.

Just when you think your Funyaks adventure is over, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch before heading via 4 wheel drive coach to locations used in the movies to illustrate Middle Earth from ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’.

Next explore Glenorchy with your guide. Glenorchy is a welcoming and vibrant town offering a range of cafes, restaurants and shops. Return to Queenstown for your last evening in paradise.

Day 15 Depart Queenstown

Your guide will deliver you to Queenstown Airport for your departing flight. An amazing New Zealand Escorted Tour.