New Zealand Expedition - 23 days

23 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Travelling from top to toe of New Zealand, this epic 23 day adventure takes in the very best of what the Land of the Long White Cloud has to offer. Discover the blissful Bay of Islands in the country's far north, explore Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, and learn about New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Maori heritage in the North Island. Then head t...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Auckland – Enjoy free time in this pretty urban city with breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture
    • Bay of Islands – Discover the pretty town of Russell and then enjoy free time
    • Coromandel Peninsula – Ride the Driving Creek Railway for panoramic views and enjoy a free day to explore the scenic area
    • Rotorua – Visit the Te Puia geothermal site and a Kiwi conservation project, then opt to visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Hobbiton, plus experience a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening
    • Napier – Discover the town on foot and indulge in an evening of wine and dinner at the Mission Estate Winery
    • Wellington – Ride the cable car over New Zealand's capital city and visit the country's national museum - Te Papa
    • Abel Tasman National Park – Cruise the waters of this national park and enjoy optional hiking across wild beaches and through lush scenery
    • Queenstown – Explore at your own leisure with free time in New Zealand’s adventure capital
    • Milford Sound – Pass through incredible Fiordland National Park and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound - look out for dolphins!
    • Christchurch – End your adventure in the city, with an included punting experience and a farewell group dinner

What's this trip about?

    Travelling from top to toe of New Zealand, this epic 23 day adventure takes in the very best of what the Land of the Long White Cloud has to offer. Discover the blissful Bay of Islands in the country's far north, explore Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, and learn about New Zealand’s geothermal activity and Maori heritage in the North Island. Then head to the stunning national parks, mountains and lakes of the South Island. Cruise picturesque Milford Sound, explore Queenstown and Wanaka, then end in beautiful Christchurch.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityWelcome to Auckland!
End CityChristchurch

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Nelson
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Wellington

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 16

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 22 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
    • 22 nights 4 star hotels
    • Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 23
    • Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
    • All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
    • Ferry to Russell & ferry across the Cook Strait
    • Touring of Auckland, Napier, Wellington & Christchurch
    • Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    • Coromandel narrow-gauge railway
    • Visit to Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Hobbiton Movie Set
    • Te Pa Tu Maori experience
    • Mission Estate Winery dinner
    • Wine tasting at one of Marlborough’s premier wineries
    • Abel Tasman National Park cruise
    • Local eco-guided tour or an authentic 4WD adventure at Wanaka
    • Milford Sound cruise & lunch
    • Morning tea at a local home on the shores of Lake Tekapo
    • Punting experience in Christchurch
    • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day : 1 Welcome to Auckland!

Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day offers free time to explore the local area; why not ask the guide for tips on where to eat in the evening.

Day : 2 Auckland

Auckland – Russell. Today we depart Auckland and travel north via the iconic Harbour Bridge before reaching the Reed Memorial Park. Here we walk along an elevated canopy through what remains of the original kauri forests, featuring kauri trees which are at least 500 y...

Day : 3 Russell

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in. Today we have a choice of two excursions to explore the picturesque surroundings. Option 1 is to trave...

Day : 4 Russell

Russell – Auckland. Our journey takes us back to Auckland, where we explore its lively harborside, take in sweeping panoramic views, and explore charming villages all before a guided tour of the Auckland Museum.

Day : 5 Auckland

Auckland – Whitianga. Today we head south across the Hauraki Plains to Thames before continuing up the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula. The coastal drive along this route is truly breathtaking. On clear days, be sure to watch for the SkyTower, visible across ...

Day : 6 Whitianga

The Coromandel region is a vibrant canvas of white cliffs, sun-kissed golden beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush green forests. In the summer, vibrant scarlet hues emerge thanks to the blossoming Pohutukawa trees. One of its most renowned attractions is ...

Day : 7 Whitianga

Whitianga – Rotorua. Setting off in the morning we follow the Pacific Coast Highway through the coastal towns of Whangamata and Tauranga before turning inland to visit a bushwalk with views over majestic Okere Falls. We reach Rotorua, the epicentre of Maori heritage ...

Day : 8 Rotorua

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in. Today we have a choice between two different activities. Option 1 is a visit to the Waimangu Volcanic Vall...

Day : 9 Rotorua

Rotorua – Napier. This morning we head south, past Huka Falls to the vast Lake Taupo. If clear skies permit, from here we should be able to see the peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, where lays the volcanic terrain that acted as the backdrop of ‘Mordor’ in The...

Day : 10 Napier

Napier – Wellington. This morning we make our way to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, home to artists, writers and filmmakers with a trendy cafe culture. We see the magnificent Parliament Buildings, including the iconic 'Beehive' building before heading to th...

Day : 11 Wellington

Wellington – Nelson. Today we cross the Cook Strait on one of the most picturesque ferry journeys in the world. Often accompanied by dolphins riding the bow wave, we arrive in Picton on the South Island. We travel to Blenheim, nestled in the heart of the renowned Marl...

Day : 12 Nelson

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in. We spend today soaking up the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, with its golden coves, turquoise lagoon...

Day : 13 Nelson

Nelson – Punakaiki. This morning we journey through the captivating Nelson Lakes National Park, which features rugged peaks, lush forests, glacial lakes, and the majestic Southern Alps. We take some time to explore the charming village of St. Arnaud, before turning in...

Day : 14 Punakaiki

Punakaiki – Fox Glacier. Leaving Punakaiki behind we travel on to Hokitika on the West Coast where we visit its galleries of greenstone jewellery and artwork. Continuing to Hokitika Gorge we stretch our legs and discover the blue/green waters that pass through the rug...

Day : 15 Mt Aspiring National Park

Fox Glacier – Wanaka. First thing today we visit nearby Lake Matheson which, when weather conditions are just right, perfectly mirrors Mount Cook in its waters creating a stunning visual effect. From here we head up over the Haast Past along the river road, which took...

Day : 16 Wanaka

Your choice of activity today must be made at the time of booking. Please let our Reservations team know which included activity you would like to partake in. Today we have a choice of two included excursions. Option 1 sees you join an eco tour. Depart Wanaka by bo...

Day : 17 Wanaka

Wanaka – Te Anau. We begin our day from Wanaka, stopping at the iconic Cardrona Pub. Then we venture through the Crown Range road to explore historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the sce...

Day : 18 Te Anau

Te Anau – Queenstown. The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives you can experience. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is awe-inspiring, and features towering mountains and deep valleys sculp...

Day : 19 Queenstown

Nestled amid majestic mountains and on the pristine shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's natural beauty and unique ambiance provide an ideal setting for a visit filled with adventure, exploration, or relaxation. Today, we have the freedom to choose our own activities...

Day : 20 Queenstown

Queenstown – Twizel. This morning we head north through Kawarau Gorge and past the scenic Lake Dunstan. We cross the Central Otago Countryside to the Lindis Pass where we descend into the Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. We enjoy a picture...

Day : 21 Twizel

Twizel – Christchurch. Today we get to experience Kiwi culture by visiting a local home on Lake Tekapo's shores to learn the art of making Pavlova, a beloved New Zealand dessert. We enjoy our Pavlova during morning tea, taking in the stunning lake views. We admire the...

Day : 22 Christchurch

This morning we embark on a leisurely punt cruise along the River Avon in the company of boatmen sporting straw boaters and Edwardian attire as we glide through the picturesque Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Following this we experience the evolving cityscape of Christ...

Day : 23 Christchurch

Today our adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,745
Price per day$293
Last Updated: 1/5/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
16 Apr 2025
08 May 2025
$9,235
07 May 2025
29 May 2025
$8,565
08 Oct 2025
30 Oct 2025
$10,035
22 Oct 2025
13 Nov 2025
$10,035
05 Nov 2025
27 Nov 2025
$10,715
26 Nov 2025
18 Dec 2025
$10,715
14 Jan 2026
05 Feb 2026
$10,715
28 Jan 2026
19 Feb 2026
$10,715
11 Feb 2026
05 Mar 2026
$10,715
25 Feb 2026
19 Mar 2026
$10,715

Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to all solo travellers, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with On The Go Tours.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights and visas
    • Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)
    • Optional activities
    • Tip for your tour guide driver. We recommend you allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveller. Tipping your tour guide is an entirely personal gesture.

Accommodation

4-star hotels
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.
Additional Information
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Trip ID
onthegotours-NZE

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