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 + Te Pā Tū – Evening Cultural Experience & Hangi Dinner

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.

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.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 5 Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa + Redwoods Treewalk

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.

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.

Day 6 Footwhistle Glowworm Cave + Auckland

Travel time Rotorua to Waitomo – 2 hours

Venture off the beaten track as your guide takes you on a scenic drive to Waitomo. 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 ancient caverns as you embark on a private guided Footwhistle Tour with Cave World, where you will be captivated by the enchanting glow of thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness above.

Travel time Waitomo to Auckland – 3 hours

After your Footwhistle 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 7 Christchurch + Tram Restaurant Dinner

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 2 nights in Christchurch.

Day 8 Tranz Alpine Train and Arthur’s Pass Tour + Christchruch

Journey from coast to mountains on one of New Zealand’s most spectacular day adventures. Ride the legendary TranzAlpine train through dramatic alpine scenery before stepping into the wild beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Enjoy guided nature walks through lush forests, river valleys, and breathtaking mountain landscapes, with stories of the region’s unique wildlife, history, and culture brought to life by an expert guide. Refuel with a relaxed café lunch, then return via a scenic road journey featuring unforgettable photo stops and a classic afternoon tea. A perfect blend of iconic rail travel, alpine exploration, and South Island scenery – this is an adventure you will remember long after the journey ends.

In the evening, enjoy dining in one of the many excellent restaurants that Christchurch has to offer. Ask your guide for some tips on the best place to enjoy a great meal.

Day 8 Lake Tekapo + Star Gazing Tour

Travel time Christchurch to Lake Tekapo – 3.5 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 15 minutes (each way)

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 Wanaka to Queenstown – 1.5 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.

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 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.

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