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New Zealand Express

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10 days

Discover the main highlights of New Zealand in 10 memorable days on this express group tour travelling from Auckland to Christchurch. Enjoy a traditional Maori welcome and discover the geothermal site of Te Puia in Rotorua. Fly south to Queenstown for free time in this alpine resort, and enjoy the views of Te Anau lake. Cruise spectacular Milford Sound, see New Zealand's tallest peak in Mount Cook and finish your adventure in Christchurch with guided sightseeing and a farewell dinner.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

10 days

Starts

Auckland

Ends

Christchurch

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide/driver

Group Size

Min 1 / Max 16

Minimum age

18

Departs

Tuesdays

Hotel Rating

4-star hotels

Countries

New Zealand

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 9, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 2
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Per Person From
$7,425.00
AUD$7,053.75
Deposit From
Final payment
AUD$1,000.00
$13,107.50

Tour Highlights

Auckland – See the highlights of the City of Sails, taking in the lively waterfront, Sky Tower, peaceful bays and some of Auckland’s most expensive real estate
Rotorua – Visit the Te Puia geothermal site and a Kiwi conservation project, plus experience a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening
Queenstown – Spend a free day here exploring as you please, with optional zip-lining, rafting, or a 4X4 safari
Te Anau – Spend a night beside the largest lake on the South Island and the gateway to Fiordland National Park
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

Included

9 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners
9 nights 4 star hotels
Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 10
Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites
All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle
Economy class flight from Rotorua - Queenstown
Touring of Auckland, Rotorua & Christchurch
Te Pa Tu Maori experience
Te Puia & Lake Terawera visit
Milford Sound cruise & lunch
Morning tea at a local home on the shores of Lake Tekapo
Christchurch Edwardian punt & heritage tram experience
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

Not Included

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.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to New Zealand

Haere mai - Welcome! Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day and your first evening offer free time for you to explore the local area and find somewhere for dinner.

Overnight: Auckland

Day 2 - Exploring Auckland & Rotorua

Auckland - Rotorua. This morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Auckland, taking in highlights including the Auckland Museum, quaint Parnell Village and the waterfront. We will also admire the panoramic views from Bastion Point. Then it's on to Rotorua, where we also enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. There's some time to relax in the afternoon and we experience a traditional Maori welcome (powhiri), including the traditional hongi - sharing breath.

This evening we visit Tamaki Maori Village to experience Te Pa Tu. An important date on the Maori lunar calendar, we will feast on local cuisine, sing Maori songs and experience this vibrant culture for ourselves.

Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Rotorua to Queenstown

Rotorua - Queenstown. Today we enjoy an included visit to Te Puia with a private local guide. This active geothermal site is also the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and a Kiwi conservation project, where you will be able to see New Zealand’s endangered but iconic national emblem. There's plenty of time here to take in the incredible landscape.

In the afternoon, we fly south to Queenstown, New Zealand's premier alpine resort with a rich history of goldmining. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Te Anau lake

Queenstown - Te Anau. Departing Queenstown today, our first stop is the historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the scenic road between the Remarkables mountain range and stunning Lake Wakatipu before traversing a glacial valley turned farmland to reach Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest freshwater lake and the entry point to Fiordland National Park.

Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Cruising Milford Sound

Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Our journey to Milford Sound involves passing through Fiordland National Park, one of the most scenic drives of our trip. One of the greatest wildernesses in the Southern Hemisphere, the scenery is punctuated with lofty mountains and deep glacial valleys. We reach Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.

Boarding a comfortable cruiser, we head out onto the waters of Milford Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins, and admire Mitre Peak from the water. Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. Back on dry land, we complete our drive back to Queenstown by retracing our steps to Te Anau and then heading north.

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 - Queenstown free time

Today is a free day for you to relax or explore Queenstown and the surrounding area. The list of possible activities is endless; you could go zip-lining or ride the gondola to at Bob's Peak, enjoy white water rafting or cruise picturesque Lake Wakatipu. Other options include a 4X4 safari to Skippers Canyon, a cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw or a visit to a local winery. Your tour leader will be able to advise you on how to spend your time!

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Mount Cook & Twizel

Queenstown - Mount Cook - Twizel. Our journey continues north, and the scenery continues to impress. Heading through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past idyllic Lake Dunstan and into the Mackenzie Basin, we enjoy views of the Southern Alps. We reach Mount Cook village, offering jaw-dropping views of New Zealand's tallest peak, known in Maori as Aoraki. The night is spent in the rural town of Twizel.

Overnight: Twizel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Onto Christchurch

Twizel - Christchurch. Today we visit a local home on the shore of Lake Tekapo. We learn how to make a traditional Kiwi pavlova and can taste our creation whilst overlooking the lake. We also visit the Church of the Good Shephard, which is one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. The Southern Alps tower in the background, making for quite the photograph.

Passing through the rural towns of Fairlie, Geraldine and Ashburton, we finally reach Christchurch. The city has been rebuilt following cataclysmic earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and is once more a modern, thriving city.

Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Christchurch sightseeing

Today we explore Christchurch, a most English of New Zealand cities! The day starts with some punting along the River Avon, and yes, our boatmen will be wearing straw hats and traditional dress! We pass through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and ride a beautifully restored heritage tram through the city centre. To round off our trip, there is an included group dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Farewell New Zealand

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

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post Tour Accommodation - Christchurch

Double

$215per passenger

Twin

$215per passenger

Pre Tour Accommodation - Auckland

Double

$255per passenger

Twin

$255per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

M Social
Auckland

The M Social Hotel in Auckland is the perfect blend of modern design and convenient location. Situated in Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, this modern hotel offers an unbeatable location to explore the city. The hotel boasts a variety of well-decorated rooms and suites with stunning views of the city or harbour. Each room is designed for comfort and style, featuring sleek decor, comfortable beds, and modern amenities to make your stay truly comfortable. A highlight of the M Social Hotel is the stylish Beast & Butterflies restaurant, serving up delicious Asia Pacific cuisine. When relaxing in the hotel guests can make the most of the modern fitness centre or enjoy some drinks at the bar to unwind after a day of exploring.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Rotorua

Set in the heart of Rotorua, the Millennium Hotel offers a unique blend of luxurious comfort and access to local natural beauty. The hotel's location places you within easy reach of Rotorua's geothermal parks, Maori cultural experiences, and adventure activities, making it an ideal choice for exploring the diverse attractions of this captivating city. Rooms provide a perfect place for relaxation. Guests can expect modern amenities, comfortable furnishings, and some rooms even offer stunning views of Lake Rotorua or the surrounding landscapes. Millennium Hotel Rotorua offers a variety of facilities to enhance your stay, including a heated pool & fitness centre. The hotel offers two restaurants that serve delectable menus of local and international cuisine. A contemporary cocktail bar is also found on site for guests to enjoy.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Regal Palms Resort
Rotorua

Found in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, the Regal Palms Resort is a luxurious escape surrounded by nature's marvels. Conveniently located on the edge of the city, this resort provides easy access to Rotorua's iconic attractions, including geysers, hot springs, and cultural experiences. Rooms at the Regal Palms Resort are stylish and modern, offering a variety of spacious and well-equipped suites and villas. Each unit boasts modern amenities such as an ensuite, a TV, A/C, and a small kitchenette with private balconies or courtyards, creating a serene retreat for guests. The resort's facilities include a heated outdoor pool, mineral spa pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, and a mini gold course, allowing guests to unwind and rejuvenate. The on-site day spa offers a range of pampering treatments for ultimate relaxation.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Scenic Suites Queenstown
Queenstown

Scenic Suites Queenstown offers a luxurious escape in the heart of New Zealand's adventure capital. Ideally located just a short walk from the vibrant town centre, the hotel enjoys a prime position for exploring the stunning landscapes, adrenaline-pumping activities, and the thriving dining and entertainment scene that Queenstown is famous for. Accommodation at Scenic Suites Queenstown is stylish and designed for comfort. Many rooms offer breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, creating a tranquil and scenic backdrop for your stay. The hotel's amenities include a restaurant and bar serving delicious local and international cuisine and a modern fitness centre, ensuring that guests can unwind and rejuvenate after a day of adventure. The hotel's location is also convenient for exploring Queenstown's attractions, such as the Skyline Gondola and the waterfront.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Te Anau

The Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau is a gateway to the stunning Fiordland region, nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau. The hotel provides a comfortable and welcoming retreat after a day of adventure. Rooms are thoughtfully designed and equipped with modern amenities such as an ensuite, WiFi, and a TV, ensuring a restful stay. Many rooms offer scenic views of Lake Te Anau or the surrounding mountains. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and a cosy bar where guests can savour local and international cuisine while taking in the picturesque surroundings. Other amenities include a fitness centre and a guest lounge.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
Twizel

The Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel in Twizel offers a peaceful retreat amidst the stunning landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin. Located at the gateway to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, this hotel provides a picturesque setting for nature enthusiasts and those seeking outdoor adventures. Rooms at the Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel are a cozy haven after a day of exploration where guests can enjoy comfortable furnishings and contemporary amenities such as an en-suite, TV, WiFi, and large windows offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The hotel features excellent facilities, including an on-site restaurant serving delectable cuisine, a bar for relaxing with a drink, and sunny gardens offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and a peaceful place for a stroll.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Christchurch

The Distinction Christchurch Hotel stands in the heart of Christchurch. Located in the city centre, the hotel offers a convenient base for exploring the city's vibrant culture, shopping precincts, and iconic landmarks. The Distinction Christchurch Hotel is modern and stylish, and rooms provide modern amenities and chic decor, creating a comfortable retreat for all guests. The hotel's facilities include a sophisticated restaurant and bar, serving fresh and locally sourced cuisine and refreshing drinks in a refined atmosphere. With its central location, the hotel is within easy reach of Christchurch's attractions, including the Botanic Gardens and the Canterbury Museum.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with 1 traveller. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, 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. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
21 Jan - 30 Jan
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$8,455$8,033
$10,765$10,227
4 Feb - 13 Feb
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Sold Out
Sold Out
25 Feb - 6 Mar
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Sold Out
Sold Out
4 Mar - 13 Mar
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Sold Out
Sold Out
18 Mar - 27 Mar
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$8,455$8,033
$10,765$10,227
1 Apr - 10 Apr
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$8,455$8,033
$10,765$10,227
29 Apr - 8 May
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$7,945$7,548
$10,045$9,543
20 May - 29 May
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$7,425$7,054
$9,425$8,954
2026
Twin/Double
Single
27 Jan - 5 Feb
Save 5%
$9,135$8,679
$11,625$11,044
10 Feb - 19 Feb
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$9,135$8,679
$11,625$11,044
24 Feb - 5 Mar
Save 5%
$9,135$8,679
$11,625$11,044
10 Mar - 19 Mar
Save 5%
$9,135$8,679
$11,625$11,044
24 Mar - 2 Apr
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$9,135$8,679
$11,625$11,044
7 Apr - 16 Apr
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$8,615$8,185
$10,895$10,351
28 Apr - 7 May
Save 5%
$8,615$8,185
$10,895$10,351

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