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Book private tours of NZ with New Zealand Guided Tours. We offer the best flexible New Zealand escorted tours with no date or itinerary restrictions. Experience the best of New Zealand on this top rated private 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 cater for, couples, families and larger groups on our private tours of NZ. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family, a group of friends, or an extended family group, our private tours of NZ are the perfect choice.
Read on for more details on the 30 Day New Zealand Guided Tour Itinerary.
Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. Your guide will greet you at Auckland Airport and Private NZ 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.
Stay 1 night in Auckland.
Travel time Auckland to Bay of Islands – 4 hours
Discover the stunning northern reaches of New Zealand today with your guide. The Bay of Islands is a subtropical micro-region made up of 144 islands known for its stunning beauty & history.
New Zealand’s newest Marine mammal sanctuary Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) boasts an abundance of marine life, which includes whales, dolphins, penguins, fur seals and a large variety of sea birds. For those that love nature, beaches and water activities, it’s paradise.
The bustling seaside town of Paihia has an extensive choice of activities, accommodation and delicious dining options. Paihia is the perfect base for discovering the coves and beaches of the Bay of Islands.
Stay 3 nights in Paihia.
Board your premium cruise ‘Discover the Bay’ and see for yourself the best of what the Bay of Islands has to offer. Journey to the Hole in the Rock and if weather permits, sail through it. See marine wildlife including Dolphins and stop off at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island to have a swim, go for a walk, have a bite to eat and relax.
In the afternoon, you might like your guide to take you to Russell. Russell is a significant place in New Zealand’s history, being New Zealand’s first European settlement and sea port. Russell is also home to the Duke of Marlborough, New Zealand’s first licensed hotel and pub.
Or experience Maori culture with your guide as you visit the Waitangi treaty house, gardens, and national marae (meeting house). The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is where the signing of New Zealand’s founding document Te Tiriti o Waitangi took place on February 6th 1840.
Visit the top of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and venture to Cape Reinga. This full day trip takes you to one of the most northern points of New Zealand where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean collide.
On the way to Cape Reinga you could visit Gumdiggers park where ancient Kauri forest was buried thousands of years ago.
You could visit the world famous Mangonui Fish Shop for lunch and grab the freshest fish and chips as the sea washes gently beneath your feet.
If time permits visit Waipoua Forest. As the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds. This forest is the home of Tāne Mahuta, the country’s largest kauri tree, which is approximately 2,000 years old and still growing.
Travel time Paihia to Castaways Resort – 3 hours
Today you might like to head down to the beachfront in Paihia to hire kayaks, paddle boards or bikes.
Continue touring Northland with your guide as you make your way south to Castaways Resort or another location of your choice.
Stay 1 night at Castaways Resort.
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.
Today, join the Glass Bottom Boat for a unique boat cruise. Depart from 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.
For an afternoon of relaxation The Lost Spring in Whitianga offers the perfect retreat. Surrounded by tropical plants and soothing waterfalls, the thermal waters flow from a spring deep within the earth’s surface. With water temperatures ranging from 32°C to 41°C and pools no deeper than chest height, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.
Travel time Coromandel to Hobbiton – 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.
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.
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.
Travel time Rotorua to Taupō – 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.
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.
Travel time Taupo to Wellington – 4.5 hours
Enjoy the scenic drive from Rotorua to Wellington. Along the way, you will come across Tongariro National Park, which boasts an impressive collection of volcanoes. For Lord of the Rings fans your guide can take you to view Gollum’s Pool and show you Mordor!
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, has so much to offer. Set on the edge of a stunning harbour, surrounded by rolling hills, it’s 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 is easy.
Sailing time Wellington to Picton – 3 hours
Travel time Picton to Kaikōura – 2 hours
Begin your day with a cruise across the Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton in the South Island.
Upon reaching the South Island, your guide will take you on a scenic drive through the Marlborough wine region. You have the option to stop at a winery (or two!) along the way for samples of the award-winning wines.
Kaikōura’s special talent is marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips can be taken by sea or air and the local seal colony is always entertaining.
Spend the evening in Kaikōura, a stunning coastal town with a backdrop of majestic mountains. Be sure to sample the superb local seafood at dinner!
Stay 2 nights in Kaikōura.
Take a scenic cruise to view the majestic Sperm Whales off the Kaikōura Coast. Whale Watch Kaikōura 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.
Enjoy one of the many walks including the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway. This 11.7-kilometre loop-walk crosses the peninsula’s clifftop, giving you uninterrupted views of the Seaward Kaikōura Range and the stunning coastline.
Visiting the Kaikōura seal colony offers one of the best wildlife experiences in the country. Hundreds of native fur seals call Kaikōura home, and here is the best locations for spotting them.
Kaikōura is a mecca for seafood lovers, with lots of fresh delicacies to try. Indulge in one of the delicious local specialties such as crayfish and blue cod! Visit the famous Nin’s Bin seafood caravan for freshly caught crayfish or check out Kaikōura Seafood BBQ kiosk for a warm chowder.
Travel time Kaikoura to Christchurch – 2.5 hours
The impressive scenery of the coastal ranges accompanies your journey from Kaikōura to Christchurch today. From Cheviot you can detour to Gore Bay to see the fascinating cliff formations. Waipara is known for its vineyards and olive groves – an excellent place to pause for lunch.
Explore Christchurch with your guide, options include:
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.
Travel time Christchurch to Lake Tekapo – 3 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
Travel time Lake Tekapo to Mt Cook Village – 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.
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.
Travel time Lake Tekapo to Dunedin – 4 hours
Today your scenic drive will follow a series of braided turquoise rivers as you leave the mountains behind. Your guide will stop along the way at the Moeraki Boulders, where you will find a jumble of large, unusually spherical boulders lying along the windswept Otago coast.
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.
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.
Travel time Dunedin The Catlins – 1.5 hours
Discover the Catlins Coast. Some of the top scenic highlights include Nugget Point Lighthouse, Roaring Bay (a yellow-eyed penguin habitat), Cannibal Bay seal colony, Tautuku Beach nature walk, Lake Wilkie, McLean Falls, Cathedral Caves, Estuary Boardwalk, Curio Bay (home to a penguin colony and a petrified forest at the shoreline), and Slope Point.
Mclean Falls is the most popular waterfall in the Catlins. This spectacular waterfall is truly magnificent in both size and beauty. The waterfall has a viewing platform right in front of the falls which is perfect for taking photos and enjoying the view. The Purakaunui Falls is also worth a visit, which cascades 20 metres in three tiers.
Stay 1 night in The Catlins
Travel time The Catlins to Te Anau – 3 hours
Venture into the heart of New Zealand today on the drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
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. Your Te Anau Glowworm Cave adventure begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau on board the catamaran Luminosa to the western side of the lake. 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.
Travel time Te Anau to Milford Sound – 2 hours
This overnight cruise through the heart of Fiordland provides astonishing views and the ultimate Milford Sound experience!
The Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is one of the finest alpine drives in the world.
You’ll start by departing from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon before cruising through Milford Sound accompanied by your specialist nature guide. They’ll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions.
This cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphins and penguins too.
The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove. From here you can join the guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) or kayaks.
As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon – a feast prepared freshly by our on-board chef.
The next day you’ll be able to dig into a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) and exploring more of the fiord.
Travel time Milford Sound to Queenstown
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.
Arrowtown is charming and quirky. 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.
Option to take a day trip to Glenorchy. At the Head of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is nestled between the Richardson (east) and Humboldt (west) Mountain Ranges and overlooked by the mighty snow-capped Mount Earnslaw in the north.
Glenorchy is a welcoming and vibrant town offering a range of cafes, restaurants, shopping, hiking, fishing, and much more. Glenorchy’s surrounding landscape has become a prime location for film scouts, and was chosen to depict many scenes in the award-winning Lord of the Rings movies.
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!
Travel time Queenstown to Wanaka – 1 hour
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Travel time Wanaka to Franz Josef – 4 hours
After the Milford Highway, 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, you have the option to add on a scenic helicopter flight with a glacier landing or a Franz Josef Heli Hike.
Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.
Travel time Franz Josef to Hokitika – 2 hours
Discover the West Coast’s beauty in Hokitika, famous for its wild beach and arts and crafts scene. Hokitika is known as the ‘Cool Little Town’. There are some lovely old buildings on the town’s historic walk. You’ll also notice galleries specialising in pounamu jewellery and artworks.
While in Hokitika, you may wish to make the scenic drive to Hokitika Gorge, where an impressive turquoise river flows through a narrow canyon.
You could also visit the National Kiwi Centre, where you will be able to see a rare kiwi; view New Zealand’s living dinosaur, the Tuatara; and participate in feeding the giant eels.
You will find a great attraction in the West Coast Treetop Walk. Here, you’ll enjoy the views of the birds with the canopy walk that’s been carefully constructed across the ancient Kamahi and Rimu trees. The walkway is 450 metres in total and reaches heights of 20 metres giving you fantastic panoramic views of all around.
Stay 1 night in Hokitika.
Travel time Hokitika to Greymouth – 30 minutes
Scenic train travel time Greymouth to Christchurch – 4.5 hours
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 as you celebrate your final night in paradise.
Stay 1 night in Christchurch.
Your guide will deliver you to Christchurch Airport for your departing flight.
We offer a range of private tours of NZ. From 7 days to 30 days, enjoy a brief glimpse of New Zealand or an immersive month-long tour.
In addition, each tour is fully customisable. In other words, if you wish to travel for a different length of time, we can tailor your tour package to suit. Furthermore, we can design your tour around any special interests or requirements you may have.
Looking for shorter private tours of NZ? Take a look at our 21-day guided tour. Or browse our full range of New Zealand guided tours.
Contact us today to begin planning your private tours of NZ.
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