New Zealand: A North & South Island Adventure 2025

13 days
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews  
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Small Group Tour
New Zealand is one of the world's favorite travel destinations – and our 13-day journey explores the North and South Islands in-depth, experiencing daily life in dramatic landscapes from fjords to forested valleys and coastal pleasures, with sightseeing choices ranging from outdoor adventure to wine tasting.
From$12,990
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Explore Christchurch... go punting on the River Avon... walk on Tasman Glacier... travel by helicopter... ride a jetboat on the Dart River and hike wilderness trails... discover a rich Maori cultural heritage... attend a sheep dog demonstration... and have adventures in world-class wine and cuisine along the way. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes
    • cultures
    • and cuisines of New Zealand on this 13-day journey exploring places off-the-beaten path. Your travels begin with two nights in Christchurch where activities include punting on the River Avon... A three-night stay in Queensland leads to wilderness experiences where the landscape of rugged peaks and glaciers is experienced on a jet-boat trip along the Dart Rive where you'll learn about the area's rich history and Maori legends – and a helicopter brings you back to Queenstown. Take a 4WD safari – or a scenic flight over Milford Sound – or a helicopter gin tour... stay two nights in the heart of New Zealand's winemaking region at Blenheim
    • where you'll visit a winery and a sheep farm
    • and cruise the fjord-like sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds... Discover the geothermal wonders of Rotorua
    • the extraordinary Redwood Nightlights
    • attend a private Maori dance performance... explore the world of the glowworm at the amazing Waitomo Caves... end your journey in Auckland for three nights at a waterfront luxury hotel
    • your base for exploring the city... and more.

What's this trip about?

    New Zealand is one of the world's favorite travel destinations – and our 13-day journey explores the North and South Islands in-depth, experiencing daily life in dramatic landscapes from fjords to forested valleys and coastal pleasures, with sightseeing choices ranging from outdoor adventure to wine tasting.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start City Christchurch, New Zealand
End CityAuckland

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Rotorua

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE — Visit to the All Blacks, the New Zealand national union rugby team Travel throughout the North and South Islands is aboard three private air charters A cruise along the beautiful waters of Marlborough Sounds, home to green-lipped mussels A jetboat ride on the Dart River Wine tastings in Blenheim Visit amazing Waitomo Caves,a magical underground world where thousands of glowworms illuminate ancient limestone caverns

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

Tour begins 4:30 PM.
A transfer is included from Christchurch Airport to your hotel, Crowne Plaza Christchurch, located in the heart of the city. Tonight, join us for an exclusive welcome reception and dinner in the historic Riccarton House – a grand, restored 19th-century homestead.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Crowne Plaza Christchurch

PORTOFCALL : Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 2 Quake City and Sightseeing

Begin the day with a visit to Quake City, a museum that documents the disastrous earthquakes that struck Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region in September 2010 and February 2011; exhibits tell of heroism and loss, the ...

Day 3 From glaciers to Queenstown

Set off by charter flight this morning to Queenstown, with a wine tasting and lunch prior to arriving at your acclaimed hotel on Lake Wakatipu, ringed by glacier-carved alpine mountains.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : QT Queenstown Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Queenstown, New Zealand

Day 4 Jet boating along the Dart River

Head to Glenorchy at the north end of Lake Wakatipu for an exhilarating jet boat ride* through Mt. Aspiring National Park along the Dart River; the park's strikingly diverse landscapes of alpine mountains, forests and valleys are la...

Day 5 Adventure sightseeing choices in Queenstown

You have a choice of three excursions from Queenstown today: Head out on a 4WD adventure safari that travels a historic gold mining road along the Arrow River, stop for morning tea and an opportunity to try your hand at panning for ...

Day 6 Gardens & Marlborough wine tasting

Fly to Blenheim in the Marlborough region by private charter, then head to a working sheep farm for a sheepdog and sheep-shearing demonstrations followed by lunch at Wither Hills winery, a perfect place to discover, taste and enjoy ...

Day 7 Marlborough Sounds Cruise

Sail along the enchanting Marlborough Sounds, a vast network of sunken valleys, islands, secluded bays, and fjord-like vistas at the northern tip of South Island, on a private wine and green-lipped mussel cruise that includes lunch;...

Day 8 Vintage aircraft, fly to Rotorua, and the Redwoods Nightlights experience

Start your day with a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a museum presenting an astonishing array of vintage aircraft from the world wars, including many World War I planes from filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson's personal collec...

Day 9 A nature adventure or unique hot springs experience today in Rotorua

Today, discover New Zealand's geothermal wonderland. First up is a visit to Te Puia for excellent viewing of the area's geothermal attractions – including the spectacular Pohutu (Big Splash) geyser – and an opportunity to learn abou...

Day 10 Waitomo Caves and on to Auckland

Depart Rotorua this morning for the amazing Waitomo Caves – a journey into a magical underground world where thousands of glowworms illuminate ancient limestone caverns. As you glide quietly along an underground river, the glowing c...

Day 11 A day of choice in and around Auckland

Today, you'll have a choice of sightseeing with two excursions to select from. Travel along the Matakana Coast with stunning scenery, fresh air, great locally produced food and wine, creativity, and an opportunity to "go local." Vis...

Day 12 Visit to the All Blacks and free time in Auckland

Today you'll learn about the significance of rugby in New Zealand with a visit to the All Blacks, the New Zealand national rugby union team. Your time at the All Blacks Experience will include a 45 minute guided tour where you learn...

Day 13 Journey Home

Tour ends: Auckland.
Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Park Hyatt Auckland to Auckland Airport. Allow three hours for flight check-in. 

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Auckland, New Zealand

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Dates & Availability

Price From $12,990
Price per day$999
Last Updated: 3/6/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Single Standard
Availability
19 Sep 2025
02 Oct 2025
$14,990
$17,093
26 Sep 2025
09 Oct 2025
$12,990
$15,112
03 Oct 2025
16 Oct 2025
$14,990
$17,093
13 Oct 2025
26 Oct 2025
$14,990
$17,093
17 Oct 2025
30 Oct 2025
$14,990
$17,093
24 Oct 2025
06 Nov 2025
$12,990
$15,112
31 Oct 2025
13 Nov 2025
$14,990
$17,093

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

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

Accommodation

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
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
ALL_AGES
Additional Information
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Trip ID
tauck-NZ2025

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