How does the trip get from TePula to Queenstown--is it by air?

Transportation from Auckland to Queenstown will be via air. Please be noted, TePula is not part of the trip.

We are looking to travel to New Zeland in December 2025 during the school break with our grandson who is 9. Will need to see Hobbiton but interested in all we can see in 10-12 days max.

We're thrilled to hear you're considering this unforgettable experience—especially with your grandson. It's a perfect time of year to explore New Zealand's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. And yes, this tour does include a visit to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, which is always a highlight! The itinerary runs for 10 days, providing a well-paced journey from the North to South Island.

What should I do if I need to arrive a few days before the tour starts?

You can request pre-accommodation nights through the tour operator. This is on request basis and at the discretion of the hotel.

Are special dietary requests accommodated on the tour?

Special dietary requests can typically be accommodated but should be communicated to the tour operator in advance.

What COVID-19 precautions are necessary for travel?

While COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are recommended, they are no longer required as of January 1, 2023. However, you must comply with other specific requirements by airlines or local authorities.

I will be traveling with a bike. Is this something that you can accommodate?

We do not accommodate bikes on this trip. It would be advisable to arrange alternative transportation to the hotel.

Can I use my credit card to make bookings or other payments during the tour?

Yes, credit cards can typically be used for bookings and other payments. However, it's always a good idea to confirm payment methods with your tour operator beforehand.

How do internal flights within New Zealand get booked?

Internal flights within New Zealand are booked by the tour operator, provided you have submitted your 13-digit international ticket number at least 70 days prior to departure.

Are there transfers available from the airport?

Yes, complimentary transfers from Auckland International Airport are included. Ensure your flight details are provided 60 days before departure to qualify for these.

What is the procedure if my flight is cancelled?

In the event of a flight cancellation, it's important to communicate the changes to the tour operator as soon as possible to adjust your booking details and transfer arrangements.

From

$5,390

US $4,851 per person

Contrasts Of New Zealand

10 days

•

From Auckland to Christchurch

3.6 (5 reviews)

View all
View all

From

$5,390

-10%

US $4,851 per person

+ $315 additional upfront costs

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Trafalgar
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 20 - 48
All Ages Welcome

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Auckland
Auckland
Meals
Dinner (Dinner at The Grill)
Accommodation
Hotel (Horizon by SkyCity)
Landmarks
The Grill
Day 2
Auckland
Auckland
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Horizon by SkyCity)
Included Activities
- All Blacks Experience - interactive exploration of rugby in New Zealand culture
- City sightseeing tour viewing Mission Bay waterfront, Bastion Point historic overlook, Michael Joseph Savage Memorial gardens and sunken pool, Auckland Museum on Pukekawa volcano
Optional Activities
- Waterfront dining at restaurants in Viaduct Harbour
- Shopping at boutique shops along Queen Street
Landmarks
All Blacks Experience
Mission Bay
Bastion Point
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
Auckland Museum
Pukekawa
Queen Street
Viaduct Harbour
Day 3
Auckland to Rotorua
Auckland to Rotorua
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Hangi-inspired cuisine)
Accommodation
Hotel (Millennium)
Included Activities
- Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour - 12-acre set with interactive hobbit hole exploration
- Te Po experience at Te Puia - guided Māori history and culture experience with cultural performance in Te Aronui a Rua meeting house
- Pohutu Geyser viewing
Landmarks
Hobbiton Movie Set
Te Puia
Te Aronui a Rua
Pohutu Geyser
Day 4
Rotorua to Queenstown
Rotorua to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Millennium)
Included Activities
- National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa guided tour with Local Specialist - learn about kiwi conservation, view kiwi eggs being incubated, hatching process, and newly hatched kiwi chicks
Optional Activities
- Restaurant recommendations in Queenstown dining scene
Landmarks
National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa
Day 5
Te Anau to Milford Sound
Te Anau to Milford Sound
Meals
Lunch (Lunch included on the Milford Sound scenic cruise)
Accommodation
Hotel (Millennium)
Included Activities
- Scenic cruise on Milford Sound with lunch included
- Travel through Mirror Lakes
- Pass through Homer Tunnel
- View Mitre Peak and Lady Bowen Falls
- Wildlife viewing - dolphins, penguins, and seals
- Learn about glacial formation of the area
Optional Activities
- Dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu
Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Mirror Lakes
Homer Tunnel
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)
Day 6
Queenstown to Arrowtown
Queenstown to Arrowtown
Meals
Dinner (Dinner at Postmasters Cottage in Arrowtown with fresh local food and wines matched with classic Kiwi hospitality)
Accommodation
Hotel (Millennium)
Included Activities
- Dinner at Postmasters Cottage in Arrowtown with local food and wine matching
Optional Activities
- Tour three premium boutique vineyards in the Otago region specializing in Pinot Noir
- Jet boat ride on the Shotover River
Landmarks
Shotover River
Postmasters Cottage
Arrowtown
Otago Region
Day 7
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel (Peppers Bluewater Resort)
Included Activities
- Visit Jones Family fruit stall to taste local stone fruits
- Highlands Motorsport Museum visit
- Visit Church of the Good Shepherd and bronze sheepdog statue
- Guided stargazing experience with astronomy guides in UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Landmarks
Jones Family Fruit Stall
Highlands Motorsport Museum
Church of the Good Shepherd
UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Day 8
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction)
Included Activities
- Cardboard Cathedral visit - Christchurch Cathedral with colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction
- Canterbury Museum viewing
- Christchurch Earthquake Memorial viewing
- Bridge of Remembrance viewing
Landmarks
Cardboard Cathedral
Canterbury Museum
Christchurch Earthquake Memorial
Bridge of Remembrance
Day 9
Christchurch - Hurunui Hills
Christchurch - Hurunui Hills
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch (Platter-style lunch at Waipara Springs Winery among the vines), Dinner (Celebratory dinner featuring Canterbury region produce)
Accommodation
Hotel (Distinction)
Included Activities
- Hurunui Hills farm visit - By My Guest experience with Bamford Family, sixth-generation Merino sheep and Angus cattle farm operating since 1884, meet farm animals and experience farm life
- Waipara Springs Winery visit - wine tasting and platter-style lunch
- Celebratory dinner featuring Canterbury region produce
Landmarks
Hurunui Hills
Waipara Springs Winery
Day 10
Christchurch
Christchurch
Meals
Breakfast

Landmarks
The Grill

Landmarks
All Blacks Experience
Mission Bay
Bastion Point
Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
Auckland Museum
Pukekawa
Queen Street
Viaduct Harbour

Landmarks
Hobbiton Movie Set
Te Puia
Te Aronui a Rua
Pohutu Geyser

Landmarks
National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa

Landmarks
Lake Wakatipu
Mirror Lakes
Homer Tunnel
Mitre Peak
Lady Bowen Falls
Piopiotahi (Milford Sound)

Landmarks
Shotover River
Postmasters Cottage
Arrowtown
Otago Region

Landmarks
Jones Family Fruit Stall
Highlands Motorsport Museum
Church of the Good Shepherd
UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Landmarks
Cardboard Cathedral
Canterbury Museum
Christchurch Earthquake Memorial
Bridge of Remembrance

Landmarks
Hurunui Hills
Waipara Springs Winery

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Flights
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Insurance

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Horizon by SkyCity
Hotel
Days 1, 2
Millennium
Hotel
Days 3, 4, 5, 6
Peppers Bluewater Resort
Hotel
day 7
Distinction
Hotel
Days 8, 9

Operated by

Trafalgar

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.5 (2,248 reviews)
Response time: 6 hours
Response rate: 80%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

3.6

Overall rating based on 5 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
3.4
Guide
4.0
Accommodation
4.0
Food
4.0
Tour Operator
4.5

Anthony5.0•May 2018
Simply magnificent, well organised and first class service 10/10
Traveled in April 2018
Gayle2.0•February 2018
Just letting everyone know what happened when we did this tour. Everything was going well until our bus burnt to the...
Just letting everyone know what happened when we did this tour. Everything was going well until our bus burnt to the ground as we had to watch in Cromwell on January 3rd 2018. We were assured that the company would keep in touch and ensure that all was well. As well as going through the unending process of insurance claims, all we have received from Trafalgar is reimbursement for lost days, a pitiful 20% discount on our next guided tour, not returned emails and very curt responses when they finally replied! What amazing customer relations - NOT! VERY disappointing! Show more
Traveled in January 2018
Beverley4.0•January 2018
The trip was up to expectation. Well organized. Guides were great. Drivers were great. Overall it really was a...
Show more
Traveled in January 2018
moom3.5•January 2017
Traveled in December 2016
Ratna3.5•January 2017
All are well arranged, but need much more time to spend the designated tour areas. It is like San Josef we only was...
All are well arranged, but need much more time to spend the designated tour areas. It is like San Josef we only was given time to take off the bus and take a walk to San Josef tour area for only 30 minutes -- it is ridiculous !! we could not even enjoy and explore the places. And some other designated tour areas only for 15 minutes. Mine as well it is better looking the beautiful places in NZ using "You Tube" for free instead of sitting most of the time in the bus that costing me lots of money! Even the tour director (Mark) has done very good job for almost everything -- but only giving generous times to explore that he forgot to give us. Actually we did not mind arrive in the hotel late evening, in order to spend much longer in the designated areas. And the distance of designated areas were too long -- it is better if you can choose the hotels very close to designated areas -- for example: Checking in the hotel close to San Josef in the evening -- and then in the morning till noon -- the Group are taken to Glazier place in the morning after breakfast and enjoy for the walk, etc. Not a vice versa. We don't like sitting on the bus for too long, and enjoy designated tour areas for too short !!. So you have to consider the right priority to your clients' need in this matter. Because seeing panoramas thru behind the glass window in the bus is the same as we are watching panoramas via the U-tube (U-tube even gives us much better panoramas for free !!). Show more
Traveled in December 2016

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 5 Aug, 2026

Instant Confirmation
From Friday
4 Sep, 2026
To Sunday
13 Sep, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,639 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save
Instant Confirmation
From Friday
2 Oct, 2026
To Sunday
11 Oct, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,922 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save
Instant Confirmation
From Friday
16 Oct, 2026
To Sunday
25 Oct, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,922 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save
Instant Confirmation
From Friday
13 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
22 Nov, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,922 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save
Instant Confirmation
From Friday
27 Nov, 2026
To Sunday
6 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,753 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save
Instant Confirmation
From Friday
4 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
13 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $5,753 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save
Instant Confirmation
-12%
From Friday
11 Dec, 2026
To Sunday
20 Dec, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$5,753
US $5,063 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save
Instant Confirmation
-12%
From Friday
15 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
24 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$5,753
US $5,063 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save
Instant Confirmation
-12%
From Friday
22 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
31 Jan, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$5,753
US $5,063 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save
Instant Confirmation
-12%
From Friday
29 Jan, 2027
To Sunday
7 Feb, 2027
English
From:
$5,753
US $5,063 per person
Multiple Room Types
Additional Upfront
$315
Sign up and save

Why book with TourRadar?

Trusted and vetted operators
Rated excellent on
Best price guarantee

24/7 customer support
Earn $50 in travel credits

To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in United States, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

T
Teresa
Asked on September 20th, 2025
How does the trip get from TePula to Queenstown--is it by air?
Transport
- TrafalgarOperator•Written September 2025
  Transportation from Auckland to Queenstown will be via air. Please be noted, TePula is not part of the trip.
D
Diane
Asked on July 31st, 2025
We are looking to travel to New Zeland in December 2025 during the school break with our grandson who is 9. Will need to see Hobbiton but interested in all we can see in 10-12 days max.
Age Range
Tour Details
- TrafalgarOperator•Written August 2025
  We're thrilled to hear you're considering this unforgettable experience—especially with your grandson. It's a perfect time of year to explore New Zealand's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. And yes, this tour does include a visit to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, which is always a highlight! The itinerary runs for 10 days, providing a well-paced journey from the North to South Island.
N
Nienke
Asked on March 22nd, 2025
What should I do if I need to arrive a few days before the tour starts?
Accommodation
Travel Support
- TrafalgarOperator•Written March 2025
  You can request pre-accommodation nights through the tour operator. This is on request basis and at the discretion of the hotel.
G
Glenn
Asked on March 18th, 2025
Are special dietary requests accommodated on the tour?
Meals
- TrafalgarOperator•Written March 2025
  Special dietary requests can typically be accommodated but should be communicated to the tour operator in advance.
J
Jean-Yves
Asked on January 26th, 2025
What COVID-19 precautions are necessary for travel?
Other
- TrafalgarOperator•Written January 2025
  While COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are recommended, they are no longer required as of January 1, 2023. However, you must comply with other specific requirements by airlines or local authorities.
S
Shirley
Asked on September 30th, 2024
I will be traveling with a bike. Is this something that you can accommodate?
Transport
- TrafalgarOperator•Written September 2024
  We do not accommodate bikes on this trip. It would be advisable to arrange alternative transportation to the hotel.
J
Joel
Asked on September 2nd, 2024
Can I use my credit card to make bookings or other payments during the tour?
Payments
Travel Support
- TrafalgarOperator•Written September 2024
  Yes, credit cards can typically be used for bookings and other payments. However, it's always a good idea to confirm payment methods with your tour operator beforehand.
G
Gerrit
Asked on August 20th, 2024
How do internal flights within New Zealand get booked?
Flights / Transfers
Tour Details
- TrafalgarOperator•Written August 2024
  Internal flights within New Zealand are booked by the tour operator, provided you have submitted your 13-digit international ticket number at least 70 days prior to departure.
E
Emily
Asked on June 6th, 2024
Are there transfers available from the airport?
Flights / Transfers
- TrafalgarOperator•Written June 2024
  Yes, complimentary transfers from Auckland International Airport are included. Ensure your flight details are provided 60 days before departure to qualify for these.
E
Eugen
Asked on May 26th, 2024
What is the procedure if my flight is cancelled?
Flights / Transfers
- TrafalgarOperator•Written May 2024
  In the event of a flight cancellation, it's important to communicate the changes to the tour operator as soon as possible to adjust your booking details and transfer arrangements.

From

$5,390

-10%

US $4,851 per person

+ $315 additional upfront costs

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 119096

Currency
$
New Zealand Dollar
New Zealand
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.
Type I
New Zealand
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before November 3rd, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 3rd, 2026, a minimum payment of $200 is required to confirm your booking with Trafalgar. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 95 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Trafalgar will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Trafalgar" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Trafalgar. Please familiarize yourself with the Trafalgar payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
People also viewed
California Vacation Packages
Uluru Holiday Packages
Costa Rica Tours
Scottish Highlands Tours
Red Centre & Uluru Explorer (6 destinations)
Jaipur Holi Festival Tour 2027
5 Days Hell's Gate, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakur…

Video

Contrasts Of New Zealand

Itinerary

Auckland

Auckland

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Auckland to Rotorua

Included Activities

Rotorua to Queenstown

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Te Anau to Milford Sound

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Queenstown to Arrowtown

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Lake Tekapo

Included Activities

Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Included Activities

Christchurch - Hurunui Hills

Included Activities

Christchurch

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Good to Know

Video

Keep Exploring New Zealand

Contrasts Of New Zealand

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Want to read it later?

What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

Earn while you share

Good to Know

Video

Keep Exploring New Zealand

Like this Moment?