15-Day New Zealand Grand Discovery Tour
Auckland -> Hobbiton Movie Set -> Rotorua -> Taupo -> Wellington -> Picton -> Kaikoura -> Christchurch -> Lake Tekapo -> Aoraki / Mount Cook -> Queenstown -> Milford Sound -> Wanaka -> Franz Josef Glacier -> Hokitika -> Christchurch
NZ$1999/day - 6 people
Experience the very best of New Zealand on this unforgettable 15-day journey through both the North and South Islands. Begin in the vibrant harbour city of Auckland, exploring its iconic landmarks before visiting the magical Hobbiton Movie Set, one of the country's most famous film locations.
Travel to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, known for bubbling mud pools, Maori culture, and relaxing hot springs. Continue to the lakeside town of Taupo, home to powerful waterfalls and thrilling jet-boating adventures.
Discover the vibrant capital Wellington, then cross the scenic Cook Strait to the South Island. Explore the coastal beauty of Kaikoura, the gardens of Christchurch, the turquoise lakes of Lake Tekapo, and the majestic peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park.
Adventure continues in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, where optional activities include jet boating, gondola rides, and scenic alpine experiences. Cruise through the breathtaking fiords of Milford Sound, visit the glacier region of Franz Josef Glacier, and explore the natural beauty of Wanaka and the rugged West Coast including Hokitika.
This tour perfectly blends nature, culture, relaxation, and adventure, offering a complete New Zealand experience.
Highlights
- Discover New Zealand's largest city Auckland
- Visit the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set
- Experience geothermal wonders and Maori culture in Rotorua
- Relax in natural hot pools and geothermal spas
- Enjoy thrilling jet boating near Huka Falls in Taupo
- Explore New Zealand's capital Wellington
- Scenic ferry journey across Cook Strait
- Wildlife encounters in Kaikoura
- Visit Christchurch, the Garden City
- See the famous Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
- Explore Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
- Adventure activities in Queenstown including jet boating and gondola rides
- Scenic cruise in Milford Sound
- Visit the glacier region of Franz Josef Glacier
- Walk to the turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge
- Discover the beautiful alpine town of Wanaka
Included and Excluded
- Private vehicle with an experienced and knowledgeable driver/guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off within the city or agreed locations
- Flexible sightseeing stops as per the itinerary and time availability
- Bottled water during the tour
- Entry tickets or admission fees for any attractions or activities
- Charges for optional experiences such as cruises, adventure activities, or guided attractions
- Meals, snacks, and personal refreshments
- Accommodation and airfare
- Travel insurance
- Any activity not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
- Personal Expenses
Tour Plan
Day 1 - Arrival in Auckland
Arrive in New Zealand's largest city and gateway to the country. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring Auckland's waterfront, restaurants, and lively harbour district. Overnight: Auckland.
Day 2 - Auckland City Highlights
Enjoy a guided city tour visiting Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the panoramic viewpoints of Mount Eden. Enjoy free time at the Viaduct Harbour for shopping or dining. Overnight: Auckland.
Day 3 - Auckland -> Hobbiton Movie Set -> Rotorua
Travel through rolling green countryside to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Explore the charming hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn on a guided tour. Continue to Rotorua. Overnight: Rotorua.
Day 4 - Rotorua Geothermal & Culture
Visit Te Puia to see geothermal activity including the famous Pohutu Geyser. Experience Maori cultural performances and traditional carving. Later relax in the famous Polynesian Spa hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. Overnight: Rotorua.
Day 5 - Rotorua -> Taupo
Drive to Taupo and visit the spectacular Huka Falls. Optional adventure activities include Huka Falls Jet jet boat ride or a scenic lake cruise on Lake Taupo. Overnight: Taupo.
Day 6 - Taupo -> Wellington
Travel south through scenic countryside to New Zealand's capital city Wellington. Enjoy harbour views and the vibrant cafe culture. Overnight: Wellington.
Day 7 - Explore Wellington
Visit the famous Te Papa Tongarewa museum and ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic city views. Explore the waterfront and Cuba Street. Overnight: Wellington.
Day 8 - Wellington -> Ferry -> Picton -> Kaikoura
Take the scenic ferry across Cook Strait through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Continue along the Pacific coastline to Kaikoura. Overnight: Kaikoura.
Day 9 - Kaikoura -> Christchurch
Optional whale-watching tour before driving to Christchurch. Explore the Botanic Gardens, Avon River, and city centre. Overnight: Christchurch.
Day 10 - Christchurch -> Lake Tekapo
Travel through the Canterbury Plains to the beautiful alpine lake Lake Tekapo. Visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd and enjoy stunning lake views. Optional: relax at Tekapo Springs hot pools. Overnight: Tekapo.
Day 11 - Tekapo -> Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park -> Queenstown
Visit Mount Cook National Park and enjoy short scenic walks with views of New Zealand's highest mountain. Continue to Queenstown via the beautiful Central Otago region. Overnight: Queenstown.
Day 12 - Explore Queenstown
Enjoy a day of adventure activities. Optional experiences include Shotover Jet jet boating, the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, or a visit to historic Arrowtown. Overnight: Queenstown.
Day 13 - Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
Travel through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls. Return to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown.
Day 14 - Queenstown -> Wanaka -> Franz Josef Glacier -> Hokitika
Drive through the beautiful Haast Pass to the West Coast. Visit the Franz Josef Glacier region before continuing to Hokitika. Overnight: Hokitika.
Day 15 - Hokitika -> Christchurch
Visit the turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge before crossing the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass National Park back to Christchurch for departure. End of tour.