
Best of New Zealand Explorer
New
Discover the very best of New Zealand on this 14-day journey from Christchurch to Auckland, taking in iconic highlights across both islands. You’ll travel in Premium Economy Comfort and enjoy standout experiences including Milford Sound, the TranzAlpine rail journey, the Interislander Ferry and a guided tour of Hobbiton. Along the way, expect alpine scenery, heritage cities, geothermal wonders and classic Kiwi culture, with two-night stays in Queenstown, Wellington and Rotorua adding a relaxed pace. From Larnach Castle and Lake Wakatipu to Te Puia’s geysers and a Maori hangi evening, this tour blends scenery, culture and unforgettable experiences beautifully.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Overview
Duration
14 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
ChristchurchEnds
AucklandMinimum Age
16 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in New Zealand that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - Escorted by a professional driver-guide and experienced tour leaderCountry
New ZealandMeals Included
Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 11Passengers
$10,405.00
$9,999.00
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 32
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - Escorted by a professional driver-guide and experienced tour leaderGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 32Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTrip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as we meet our Tour Leader and fellow travellers before dinner.
Please note: For arrivals later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.
Day 2 - Admire Lake Tekapo & Pass Mount Cook toward Twizel

After an introductory city sights tour, we leave Christchurch and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. Here, we see the striking turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue.
We continue past spectacular mountain scenery, including Aoraki / Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. There is also the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps, weather permitting, before continuing to Twizel.
Day 3 - Take Waitaki River to Oamaru & Transfer to Dunedin

We depart Twizel and pass Lake Benmore before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, a town well known for its limestone buildings. From here, we continue south to Dunedin, where we enjoy a city sights tour and some free time.
Day 4 - Larnach Castle Guided Tour & Continue to Te Anau

This morning we travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On our guided tour, we hear the dramatic story behind New Zealand’s only castle. We also enjoy a Devonshire tea and time to explore the gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.
Later, we leave Dunedin behind and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. This evening, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Day 5 - Travel to Milford Sound & Free Time in Queenstown

Today we travel through impressive Fiordland scenery to Milford Sound. Here, we board our cruise and take in the scale of this remarkable fiord, including Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak, while enjoying lunch on board.
Later, we continue to Queenstown, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We stay here for the next two nights. This evening is free, giving you the chance to choose from the town’s many dining options.
Day 6 - Queenstown at Leisure & Cruise Lake Wakatipu

Today is free for you to explore Queenstown at your own pace, with a wide range of optional activities available. This evening, we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. At the Colonel’s Homestead, we enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner featuring seasonal, fresh and locally sourced produce. After dinner, there is time for a short farm tour before we cruise back to Queenstown, complete with a singalong around the piano.
Day 7 - Visit Arrowtown & Transfer to Franz Josef

We travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum, which offers an insight into the region’s gold rush past. We then continue via Haast Pass to the rugged West Coast, an area of remarkable natural beauty. As we travel north, we see views of the Southern Alps before arriving in Franz Josef. There is time to take an optional scenic flight over the glaciers, weather permitting.
Day 8 - Take the TranzAlpine to Christchurch

This morning we travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. We then continue to Arthur’s Pass, where we board the TranzAlpine - widely regarded as one of the world’s great rail journeys. The route takes us through dramatic river valleys, across impressive viaducts and into the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival in Christchurch, our coach meets us and transfers us to the hotel.
Day 9 - Travel through Marlborough to Picton & Continue to Wellington

We travel north along the east coast to Kaikoura, then continue through Marlborough, a region known for its food and wine. In Picton, we board the Interislander Ferry for the crossing through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Day 10 - Explore Wellington

A highlight this morning is time at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, where we visit Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition. This powerful exhibition uses detailed figures and immersive storytelling to share the experiences of New Zealanders during the Gallipoli campaign.
We then rejoin our coach for an extensive city tour, showcasing Wellington’s history and culture. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore and make your own dining arrangements.
Day 11 - Admire Lake Taupo & Travel to Rotorua

We leave Wellington and travel north, enjoying views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro as we make our way to Lake Taupo. We stop at the impressive Huka Falls before continuing along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Rotorua, New Zealand’s geothermal heartland.
Day 12 - Skyline Rotorua Gondola Ride & Experience Te Puia

Today begins with a gondola ride to Skyline Rotorua, where we enjoy breakfast with sweeping views over the region. There is also time for an exciting luge ride. We then visit the Agrodome for a lively and uniquely New Zealand introduction to farming life.
The afternoon is free before we head to Te Puia to see the bubbling mud pools and powerful geysers Rotorua is famous for. This evening, we experience a traditional Maori Hangi and Concert.
Day 13 - Discover Hobbiton & Journey to Auckland

This morning we leave Rotorua and travel through rolling countryside to Hobbiton. On our guided tour of the 12-acre Movie Set, we pass Hobbit Holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and enjoy the chance to step inside an authentic Hobbit Hole interior.
We then continue north to Auckland for an orientation tour. This evening, we come together for a farewell dinner and a pre-dinner drink with our fellow travellers.
Day 14 - Goodbye Auckland

Your New Zealand holiday comes to an end today. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Please note: If you depart the hotel before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Reviews
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
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.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.










Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 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.
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