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15+ Day New Zealand Itineraries
4.50
16 Tours
16 - 32 Max Group Size
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
15+ Days in New Zealand: Fjords, Glaciers & Adventure Country
See more of New Zealand at a steady pace, with planned travel and standout sights
15+ day New Zealand itineraries suit travellers who want unhurried time in both islands, with enough breathing space for headline sights and quieter detours. Many trips weave together cities, coastlines, and wide-open landscapes, then layer in culture and wildlife so the journey feels well-paced rather than relentless. Expect a blend of guided touring and longer transit days, with transport and key visits organised in advance to keep the route running smoothly. Some trips use comfortable hotels, while others keep costs down with hostels, and the guiding can be fully or partly guided depending on the style you prefer. With extra days available, you can often add optional experiences, from scenic cruises to film-set visits, without overloading the schedule.
Best 15+ day itineraries
New Zealand Grand Discovery
Explore New Zealand over 16 unforgettable days, travelling from Christchurch to Auckland in Premium Economy comfort. You’ll take in South Island highlights like Milford Sound on a scenic cruise, the TranzAlpine rail journey, and time in Queenstown, alongside visits to Dunedin and the Southern Alps. Cross to the North Island by ferry to discover Wellington, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Maori culture, and the subtropical Bay of Islands, including a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock. With multiple two-night stays and a relaxed pace, this tour blends iconic sights with immersive local experiences.
Tour Highlights
Christchurch - Discover the city’s revitalised centre
Dunedin - Uncover the grand architecture of this southern city and tour Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle
Milford Sound - Cruise this dramatic fiord framed by Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, with lunch served on board
Queenstown - Sail across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw for a gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak Homestead
Arrowtown - Explore this historic gold rush village and visit the Lakes District Museum before crossing Haast Pass to the West Coast
Arthur’s Pass - Journey through alpine scenery on the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s great rail experiences
Wellington - Delve into New Zealand’s stories at Te Papa and see the capital’s key landmarks on a city tour
Rotorua - Experience geothermal mud pools and geysers, then enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi and cultural concert
Bay of Islands - Admire the stunning coastline on a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock
Waitangi - Learn about New Zealand’s founding at the Treaty Grounds where Maori chiefs and the British Crown signed the treaty
Auckland - Take in the city’s highlights after visiting the Kauri Museum on your journey south from the Bay of Islands
New Zealand Grand Discovery (Superior)
Discover New Zealand’s standout sights over 16 days, travelling from Christchurch to Auckland in premium small-group comfort. You’ll experience the South Island’s dramatic scenery with visits to Mount Cook, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz Josef, including a cruise on Milford Sound and a ride aboard the legendary TranzAlpine. In the North Island, explore vibrant Wellington, geothermal Rotorua and the beautiful Bay of Islands, where a Hole in the Rock cruise adds a memorable coastal highlight. With quality accommodation, relaxed two-night stays and a great mix of culture, scenery and iconic experiences, this tour showcases New Zealand in ultimate style.
Tour Highlights
Christchurch - Discover the city’s revitalised centre
Dunedin - Uncover the grand architecture of this southern city and tour Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle
Milford Sound - Cruise this dramatic fiord framed by Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, with lunch served on board
Queenstown - Sail across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw for a gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak Homestead
Arrowtown - Explore this historic gold rush village and visit the Lakes District Museum before crossing Haast Pass to the West Coast
Arthur’s Pass - Journey through alpine scenery on the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s great rail experiences
Wellington - Delve into New Zealand’s stories at Te Papa and see the capital’s key landmarks on a city tour
Rotorua - Experience geothermal mud pools and geysers, then enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi and cultural concert
Bay of Islands - Admire the stunning coastline on a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock
Waitangi - Learn about New Zealand’s founding at the Treaty Grounds where Maori chiefs and the British Crown signed the treaty
Auckland - Take in the city’s highlights after visiting the Kauri Museum on your journey south from the Bay of Islands
Auckland to Queenstown Adventure
GROUP TOUR (FOR AGES 18 to 45): Take in the highlights of New Zealand on this 17-day tour, travelling from Auckland on the North Island to Queenstown on the South Island. Explore the glowworm caves of Waitomo by boat and the Hobbiton film set, washed down with a beer in the Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy a Maori experience and visit the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal site in Rotorua. Sail on Lake Taupo, see Huka Falls and explore Wellington before flying south to Christchurch. Hike Mount John, cruise Milford Sound and enjoy a great mix of free time and included activities in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.
Tour Highlights
Auckland - Begin your New Zealand adventure in New Zealand's largest city, with a welcome group dinner
Waitomo - Explore the famous glowworm caves on a boat cruise, where these tiny creatures will illuminate the way
Hobbiton - Visit the movie set from the 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies and stop for a drink in the Green Dragon Inn
Rotorua - Discover the geothermal site of Wai-O-Tapu, experience a Maori welcome and spend free time zorbing or joining other activities
Lake Taupo - Admire spectacular Huka Falls and enjoy a sail at dusk on the lake, home to some of New Zealand's finest scenery
Wellington - End your North Island sightseeing in New Zealand's capital, with a guided tour and free time
Christchurch - Start your South Island adventure in the largest city, with an included orientation sightseeing tour
Lake Tekapo - Relax beside this scenic lake, with free time to see the famous tiny church set against a majestic backdrop, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots
Mount John - Climb to the summit of the mountain on a 2-3 hour hike, with 360 degree views your reward
Wanaka - Kayak on Lake Wanaka, visit the iconic Wanaka Tree and enjoy a hike up Mount Iron
Milford Sound - Spot penguins and dolphins on an included cruise at one of New Zealand's most picturesque locations
Queenstown - Enjoy an included jet boat ride in New Zealand's adventure capital, with free time for bungee jumping, skydiving, or whatever else you fancy
New Zealand, Australian East Coast & Fiji
Travel for 17 days from Auckland to Nadi (Fiji), mixing big-city buzz with epic landscapes and island downtime. Settle into Auckland with a half-day highlights tour, then day-trip to Waitomo’s glowworm caves and Rotorua for geothermal sights and a warm Māori cultural welcome at Te Puia. Fly south for Christchurch’s gardens and harbour views, then coach to Queenstown with time to add Milford Sound, wine tasting or a lake cruise to Walter Peak. Continue to Melbourne and Sydney for classic city sights, before unwinding on Fiji’s Coral Coast beaches.
Tour Highlights
Auckland - Uncover MÄori legends and city sights on a half-day tour via Queen Street, Ponsonby, the Harbour Bridge, Devonport and Mt Victoria viewpoints
Waitomo - Glide by boat through limestone caverns lit by thousands of glowworms in the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Rotorua - Experience a traditional welcome and MÄori cultural performance at Te Puia, visiting the MÄori Arts and Crafts Institute and marae
Christchurch - Take in central highlights from the Botanic Gardens to the Avon River, then cross the Port Hills to Lyttelton, Sumner and Cave Rock
Queenstown - Journey south by coach to this lakeside adventure hub, arriving with time to explore Queenstown at your own pace
Melbourne - Admire landmark architecture and gardens on a city tour, from Federation Square and St Paul’s Cathedral to Fitzroy Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance
Sydney - See icons and coastal views on a half-day tour taking in the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Bondi Beach and the clifftop Gap
Fiji, Coral Coast - Relax beside palm-fringed beaches and clear lagoons on the Coral Coast, with a full day to swim, stroll and unwind
Enchanting New Zealand
Taking in the best of the North and South Islands, spot birdlife at the Coromandel Peninsula, learn about Maori heritage in Rotorua, explore the volcanic valley of Waimangu, visit charming seaside towns and trendy cities, discover the golden coves and turquoise lagoons of Abel Tasman National Park, opt for a helicopter ride over Fox Glacier, and cruise Milford Sound on this 16 day escorted group tour of New Zealand.
Tour Highlights
Auckland - See the soaring SkyTower, New Zealand’s tallest structure and an icon of the city skyline
Coromandel Peninsula - Ride the narrow-gauge Driving Creek Railway to the ‘EyeFull’ Tower for sweeping views over the Hauraki Gulf
Whitianga - Walk to Cathedral Cove, where a natural rock arch frames golden sands and turquoise waters
Rotorua - Visit Te Puia to witness bubbling mud pools, powerful geysers and traditional Maori arts and crafts
Napier - Tour the art deco streets before enjoying a vineyard visit and dinner at Mission Estate Winery
Wellington - Take the historic cable car to Kelburn Lookout and visit Te Papa, the nation’s outstanding museum
Marlborough - Sample world-class Sauvignon Blanc at a leading winery in New Zealand’s premier wine-growing region
Abel Tasman National Park - Cruise along golden beaches and lagoons, with time for short coastal walks and native forest views
KaikÅura - Choose between a whale watching cruise or a scenic flight to spot Giant Sperm Whales and dolphins
Christchurch - Glide along the Avon River on a traditional punt before exploring the city aboard a heritage tram
Fox Glacier - Travel on the world-famous TranzAlpine train and see vast rivers of ice descending from the Southern Alps
Milford Sound - Cruise beneath Mitre Peak in Fiordland National Park, keeping watch for dolphins and seals along the dramatic fiord
Festive Journey Through New Zealand
Celebrate the festive season in style on this 17-day journey from Christchurch to Auckland, showcasing the best of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. You’ll explore alpine landscapes, cruise through Milford Sound, and ride the iconic TranzAlpine, with time in Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua and the Bay of Islands. Christmas Day is spent cruising Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, complete with a traditional lunch, while New Year’s Eve brings a memorable Maori Hangi and celebration in Rotorua. With a relaxed pace, quality stays and immersive experiences, this tour is a memorable way to see New Zealand over the holidays.
Tour Highlights
Christchurch - Encounter Antarctic life at the International Antarctic Centre, tour the city’s landmarks and ride the heritage Christchurch Tram
Mount Cook - Marvel at New Zealand’s highest peak, Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters and the Church of the Good Shepherd
Dunedin - Uncover the story of Larnach Castle on a guided tour and enjoy Devonshire Tea in its celebrated gardens
Milford Sound - Cruise through this dramatic fiord, spotting Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak while enjoying lunch on board
Queenstown - Celebrate Christmas with a cruise on the vintage TSS Earnslaw and lunch at Walter Peak Homestead
Franz Josef - Travel through Haast Pass to this West Coast township framed by the Southern Alps and glacier country
Wellington - Explore Te Papa’s Gallipoli exhibition and discover the capital’s history and culture on a city tour
Rotorua - Ride the Skyline gondola and luge, visit Agrodome and see bubbling mud pools and geysers at Te Puia
Bay of Islands - Cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, with the chance to spot dolphins and other marine life
Auckland - Conclude your journey with a city sights tour and a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers
Festive Journey Through New Zealand (Superior)
Celebrate 17 festive days travelling from Christchurch to Auckland, taking in the best of New Zealand’s South and North Islands in comfort. You’ll enjoy a Business Class-style small group journey with standout experiences including Christmas Day at Larnach Castle, a Milford Sound cruise, a ride aboard the TSS Earnslaw, and the spectacular TranzAlpine rail journey. Ring in the New Year in Wellington before continuing to Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Maori cultural experiences and the beautiful Bay of Islands. With scenic highlights, premium stays and plenty of special touches throughout, this is a brilliant way to experience New Zealand over the festive season.
Tour Highlights
Christchurch - Encounter Antarctic life at the International Antarctic Centre, tour the city’s landmarks and ride the heritage Christchurch Tram
Mount Cook - Marvel at New Zealand’s highest peak, Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters and the Church of the Good Shepherd
Dunedin - Celebrate Christmas with a guided tour of Larnach Castle and dinner in its grand ballroom
Milford Sound - Cruise through this dramatic fiord, spotting Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak while enjoying lunch on board
Queenstown - Sail on the vintage TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm experience
Franz Josef - Travel through Haast Pass to this West Coast township framed by the Southern Alps and glacier country
Wellington - Welcome the New Year in the capital and visit Te Papa’s Gallipoli exhibition before a city tour
Rotorua - Ride the Skyline gondola and luge, visit Agrodome and see bubbling mud pools and geysers at Te Puia
Bay of Islands - Cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, with the chance to spot dolphins and other marine life
Auckland - Conclude your journey with a city sights tour and a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers
New Zealand by Rail, Cruise & Coach
Discover New Zealand over 19 unforgettable days, travelling from Auckland to Christchurch by premium coach, scenic rail and spectacular cruise. You’ll explore the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown and Dunedin, with plenty of time to soak up the country’s landscapes, culture and wildlife. Highlights include three iconic rail journeys, among them the TranzAlpine and Coastal Pacific, plus four cruises including an overnight stay on Milford Sound. Expect Maori cultural experiences, geothermal wonders, charming towns and some of the South Island’s most dramatic scenery. It’s a relaxed yet activity-packed way to see the very best of New Zealand.
Tour Highlights
Auckland - Admire the harbourside highlights of the City of Sails on a city tour
Bay of Islands - Cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, spotting dolphins and marine life in this scenic coastal paradise
Matakohe - Learn about the region’s pioneering past and giant kauri trees at the fascinating Kauri Museum
Paihia - Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the historic agreement between Maori tribes and British settlers was signed
Glenbrook - Ride a beautifully restored vintage steam train on the nostalgic Glenbrook Vintage Railway
Rotorua - Experience geothermal wonders, Maori culture, a gondola ride, luge and traditional Hangi dinner in New Zealand’s cultural heartland
Wellington - Explore Te Papa’s Gallipoli exhibition and ride the historic Cable Car above New Zealand’s capital
Marlborough Sounds - Sail through this spectacular waterway on the Interislander Ferry en route to the South Island
Christchurch - Discover the International Antarctic Centre and enjoy time aboard the city’s charming heritage tram
Arthur’s Pass - Travel the world-renowned TranzAlpine through river valleys, gorges and alpine scenery to this dramatic mountain pass
Franz Josef - Arrive in this remote glacier township surrounded by rainforest and the towering Southern Alps
Queenstown - Cross Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw for a gourmet dinner at Walter Peak Station
Arrowtown - Uncover local gold rush history at the Lakes District Museum in this charming former mining settlement
Milford Sound - Overnight on the Milford Mariner and wake to waterfalls, rainforest and wildlife in this unforgettable fiord
Dunedin - See grand Edwardian and Victorian architecture and tour Larnach Castle before enjoying a traditional Devonshire Tea
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travellers
New Zealand Expedition - 23 daysTravelling 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. Worldwide Touring23On the whole the trip was good. But, I feel that there we were very rushed to fit things in. 1 night in Wellington when it rained and we did the Cable Car whole 5 minutes was disappointing. 1 night in Napier where we stayed 2 nights in Nelson very poor hotel and service in Nelson.
Remarkable New Zealand - 20 daysJourney from Auckland to Christchurch on this 20-day New Zealand tour, taking in the best of the North and South islands. Discover Maori heritage in Rotorua and opt to explore Hobbiton or the Waimangu Volcano Valley. Ride a cable car over Wellington, cross the Cook Strait by ferry and hike amongst the lush scenery of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore beautiful Wanaka and the surrounding area, see pretty Te Anau lake and sail on Milford Sound. Admire towering Mount Cook, explore Queenstown independently and end your journey in Christchurch. Worldwide Touring20It was magical and the tour guides put a great deal of thought into providing us with the best experience. Most of the accomodation 90% was great - one venue with rude staff and one where oven didn’t work and I couldn’t cook my dinner.
Remarkable New Zealand - 20 daysJourney from Auckland to Christchurch on this 20-day New Zealand tour, taking in the best of the North and South islands. Discover Maori heritage in Rotorua and opt to explore Hobbiton or the Waimangu Volcano Valley. Ride a cable car over Wellington, cross the Cook Strait by ferry and hike amongst the lush scenery of Abel Tasman National Park. Explore beautiful Wanaka and the surrounding area, see pretty Te Anau lake and sail on Milford Sound. Admire towering Mount Cook, explore Queenstown independently and end your journey in Christchurch. Worldwide Touring20It was magical and the tour guides put a great deal of thought into providing us with the best experience. Most of the accomodation 90% was great - one venue with rude staff and one where oven didn’t work and I couldn’t cook my dinner.
New Zealand 15+ day itineraries at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Most 15+ day New Zealand trips are group tours, and many are fully guided with a tour leader on hand throughout the journey. Others are partly guided, using local guides in key locations and allowing more independent time between stops, so the level of support can vary from day to day.
Accommodation
Places to stay vary by itinerary, with accommodation options that can include 4-star hotels, 3-4 star hotels, hostels, and hostel dorm rooms. If availability changes, alternatives of a similar standard may be used, and hotel star ratings can differ by country so the same label may not feel identical everywhere.
Trip pacing
The pace is usually medium, which makes it easier to cover a lot of ground without cramming every day. Expect a practical mix of travel days and free time, alongside the occasional long drive or early start needed to reach key sights at the right time.
More 15+ day tours itineraries
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in New Zealand on a tour of 15 days or more?
Trips of 15 days and up cover New Zealand in depth. Routes link Auckland and the Bay of Islands with Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson and the South Island around Queenstown and Christchurch. The extra days reach further on both islands.
Is 15 days or more enough to see New Zealand properly?
This length covers both islands thoroughly. It allows a slower pace through the scenery. There is little of the highlights left out.
Are 15 day plus New Zealand tours guided?
They run as partially guided and fully guided trips, including budget and group tours. A guide covers the route. The format handles the long drives.
How long are the longest New Zealand tours?
These extended itineraries run from around 16 to 23 days. The length allows a full route across both islands. The scenery is the focus throughout.
How big are the groups on a long New Zealand tour?
Groups are capped at around 32 travellers. The activity level is easy to moderate, with scenery and optional activities. A minimum age of around eight applies on some departures.
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