Discover Ultimate New Zealand
Explore New Zealand’s South and North Islands: Christchurch, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Wellington, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, and Auckland. Optional post-tour extension to Fiji
| Style | Value Vacation Tour escorts & guides for some segments | ||
| Departures | October 2025 – May 2026 | Group Size | 20 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture, Bucket List, Nature & Wildlife, City Stays | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitnessTravel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Set out on an 18-day adventure through the heart of New Zealand, where eye-catching landscapes and diverse cultural tapestry blend seamlessly. Begin your journey in Christchurch, the "Garden City," before marveling at the majesty of Mt. Cook. Wander through the historic streets of Dunedin, and experience the serenity of Te Anau before cruising the breathtaking Milford Sound. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the vibrant energy of Queenstown, while the glaciers of Franz Josef and the scenic beauty of Arthur's Pass will leave you in awe. Cross over to Wellington, New Zealand’s cultural hub, then unwind at Lake Taupo and explore Rotorua's geothermal wonders. Complete your journey by relaxing in the idyllic Bay of Islands and the cosmopolitan city of Auckland. This exciting journey offers an extraordinary blend of natural wonders, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences!
For more adventure, take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit the island paradise of Fiji!
Package includes
- Flights
- Train
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Los Angeles (LAX) on scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees
- All ground transportation and transfers
- 15 nights accommodations in Superior First Class and Deluxe hotels
- 28 meals: 15 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 12 dinners including welcome dinner and farewell with pre-dinner drink
- Comprehensive tour program including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking tour director and local guides
Optional add-ons
- A variety of optional excursions are available for purchase locally
- Post-tour extension to Fiji
Why you'll love it
- Enjoy city tours of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland.
- Uncover the tales of Larnach Castle during a fascinating tour.
- Cruise through Milford Sound and marvel at Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak.
- Embark on an evening dinner cruise aboard the vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw.
- Visit Arrowtown, an old gold mining village.
- Traverse through the Waimakariri Basin and the Canterbury Plains aboard the world-renowned TranzAlpine.
- Experience a gondola ride to Skyline Rotorua for a scenic breakfast.
- Witness sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations at the Agrodome.
- Visit one of New Zealand's most iconic landmarks: Te Papa, the National Museum.
- Enjoy a traditional Hāngi feast and Māori concert.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 En route
- 3 Christchurch, New Zealand
- 4 Christchurch & Mt. Cook
- Optional Excursion: Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight
- 5 Mt. Cook & Dunedin
- Optional Excursion: Eco Wildlife Tour
- 6 Dunedin & Te Anau
- Optional Excursion: Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- 7 Te Anau, Milford Sound & Queenstown
- 8 Queenstown
- 9 Queenstown & Franz Josef
- Optional Excursion: Southern Glacier Helicopter Flight
- 10 Franz Josef, Arthur’s Pass & Christchurch
- 11 Christchurch, Picton & Wellington
- 12 Wellington
- 13 Wellington, Taupo & Rotorua
- 14 Rotorua
- 15 Rotorua & Bay of Islands
- 16 Bay of Islands
- Optional Excursion: Darryl's Dinner Cruise
- 17 Bay of Islands & Auckland
- 18 Depart Auckland/Arrive USA
Fiji Optional Post-Tour Extension
- 18 Auckland to Nadi, Fiji
- 19 Nadi
- Optional Excursion: Garden of the Sleeping Giants (Suggested Morning Tour)
- 20 Nadi
- Optional Excursion: Mamanuca Islands (Suggested Day Tour)
- 21 Depart Fiji/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA
- Depart on your flight to New Zealand
Day 2 En route
- Cross the international dateline and lose a day. (You’ll recover this day on your return trip)
Day 3 Christchurch, New Zealand
- Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to your hotel
- Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow travelers
The George or similarDinner
Day 4 Christchurch & Mt. Cook
- Take a panoramic tour of Christchurch
- Drive to Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak
- Join an optional scenic flight through the Southern Alps
The Hermitage Hotel or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 5 Mt. Cook & Dunedin
- View Lake Benmore
- Drive along the Waitaki River to Oamaru
- Take a city tour of Dunedin
Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 6 Dunedin & Te Anau
- Visit the only castle in New Zealand, Larnach Castle
- Enjoy Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom
- Travel to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiords
- Take an optional tour of the Glowworm Caves
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 7 Te Anau, Milford Sound & Queenstown
- Take a cruise on Milford Sound Fiord and enjoy lunch aboard
- Travel to Queenstown
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 8 Queenstown
- Enjoy a free day exploring independently
- Take advantage of several optional tours
- Embark on an evening dinner cruise
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 9 Queenstown & Franz Josef
- Explore the Lakes District Museum in Arrowtown
- View snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps
- Visit Franz Josef
- Take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) over the glaciers
Te Waonui Forest Retreat or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 10 Franz Josef, Arthur’s Pass & Christchurch
- Visit the Greenstone Factory in Hokitika
- Board the TranzAlpine to Christchurch
The George or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 11 Christchurch, Picton & Wellington
- Visit the seaside village of Kaikōura
- Travel to Picton to board the Interislander Ferry to Wellington
InterContinental Wellington or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 12 Wellington
- Explore the Gallipoli Exhibition at the National Museum
- Take an extensive city tour of Wellington
- Spend the afternoon at leisure
InterContinental Wellington or similarBreakfast
Day 13 Wellington, Taupo & Rotorua
- Travel to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake
- Visit the powerful Huka Falls
- Arrive in Rotorua
Regent of Rotorua or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 14 Rotorua
- Experience a gondola ride to Skyline Rotorua for breakfast
- Visit the farming sensation, the Agrodome
- View the mud pools and geysers at Te Puia
- Enjoy a traditional Hāngi feast and Māori performances
Regent of Rotorua or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 15 Rotorua & Bay of Islands
- Travel to the Bay of Islands
- Tour the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 16 Bay of Islands
- Explore the Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran
- Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock
- Enjoy optional activities in Paihia
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similarBreakfast
Day 17 Bay of Islands & Auckland
- Visit the Kauri Museum in Matakohe
- Take a city tour of Auckland
- Enjoy a farewell dinner
Crowne Plaza Auckland or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 18 Depart Auckland/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Fiji Optional Post-Tour Extension
Take advantage of your already-included international airfare to visit the island paradise of Fiji! You'll return to the USA 3 days after the return dates listed.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 18 Auckland to Nadi, Fiji
- Transfer to the airport for your short flight to Nadi, Fiji
- Spend the balance of the day and evening at leisure
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 19 Nadi
- Enjoy the day and evening at leisure or join an optional tour
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 20 Nadi
- Spend the day and evening at leisure or join an optional tour
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa or similarBreakfast
Day 21 Depart Fiji/Arrive USA
- Transfer to the airport as you bid farewell to Fiji and board your return flight to the USA
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 18 or older at the time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about New Zealand?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Fiji?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
Other Packages
Christchurch, the "Garden City"; Franz Josef & Queenstown; historic Arrowtown; Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park; Dunedin, "Edinburgh of the South"; Oamaru & Twizel. Optional Fiji extension
From
$4949W/ Flights
From
$3949Tour Only
Days
