Trees for Days
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 15
Highlights of New Zealand
15 days, Auckland to Christchurch
Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand. For adventurers on a tight time-budget, this 15-day trip wraps up the must-sees of both islands with a nice little bow. Discover ethereal glowworm caves in Waitomo, discover Maori culture, and get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown. Consider this your New Zealand starter kit.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements tool15 days
Auckland to Christchurch
From$3359USD
was
$4199
Valid on
Aug 29 2024
Trip Code: ONAC
Special Offers
Expires on Jun 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24SDT020CLA02
See how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
94
Ripple Score
Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.
Ripple Score for this trip: 94
More from Highlights of New Zealand
Itinerary Notes
Please note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
Itinerary
Day 1Auckland
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Auckland/Rotorua
Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Day 3Rotorua
Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 4Rotorua/Wellington
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Wellington
Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.
Day 6Wellington/Kaikoura
Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 7Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs
Opt to swim with dolphins or go whale watching during a free morning in Kaikoura before travelling to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
Day 8Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef
Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Franz Josef
Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Discover MomentMeals included:
BreakfastDay 10Franz Josef/Queenstown
Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.
Day 11Queenstown
With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Discover MomentMeals included:
BreakfastDay 12Queenstown
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 13Queenstown to Tekapo
Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Tekapo to Christchurch
Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Day 15Christchurch
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
- Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
- Waitomo Glowworm caves visit
- Orientation walk in Wellington and Christchurch
- Wine tasting
- Fiordland National Park visit with Doubtful Sound day cruise
- Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)
- Internal flight between Wellington and Christchurch
- Free time in Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef, and Queenstown
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels/motels (14nts).
Meals
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Allow USD515-670 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private vehicle, plane, walking, boat.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour) - From $121.00
As part of the boat crew, you'll work together with your teammates to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour in this competitive yacht. Either take the helm and participate or sit back and enjoy the spectacle - the choice is yours.
Queenstown Jet Boating - From $99.00
It's a jet boat ride along the Shotover River of Queenstown - need we say more? Okay, how about this - imagine a whitewater ride with sharp turns and fast pace expertly navigated by a trained driver. All you need to do is strap in and be ready to get wet.
My Own Room - From $2199.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Extend your stay with these add-on tours
Best of Australia - From $3439
Add a visit to neighbouring Australia while you're Down Under.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.