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From
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Essence of New Zealand Christchurch - Auckland (2027)

20 days
•
From Christchurch to Auckland
4.2 (27 reviews)
  • A snow-capped mountain range with a rocky foreground.
  • Snowy peaks with clouds swirling around the mountain tops.
  • A grand historic building with seasonal flowers in the foreground.
  • A city square with historic buildings and a clock tower.
  • A serene lake surrounded by mountains and small boats.
    View all
  • A sunset view over a lake with mountains reflected in the water.
  • A couple celebrating in a mountainous landscape.
  • A panoramic view of a lakeside town with snow-capped mountains.
  • A glacier with blue ice formations under a clear sky.
  • A person hiking towards a glacier through a lush green valley.
    View all
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2027

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2028

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Plan your adventure:
Operator
APT
Nature & Wildlife
Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
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 1 - 200
Ages 8+

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Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Christchurch

    Christchurch
    Meals
    Dinner (Welcome dinner)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rydges Latimer Christchurch)

    Included Activities

    • Heritage tram ride through Christchurch with drinks and canapés
    Landmarks
    Christchurch
  3. Day 2

    Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Aoraki/Mount Cook

    Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Aoraki/Mount Cook
    Meals
    Dinner (Seasonal menu at Alpine Restaurant, The Hermitage Hotel with finest local ingredients)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (The Hermitage Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo/Takaporō
    • Dinner at Alpine Restaurant, The Hermitage Hotel with seasonal menu

    Optional Activities

    • Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre visit
    • Stargazing experience with expert astronomer in Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
    • Glacier Explorer Cruise on Tasman Glacier aboard MAC boat
    Landmarks
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Lake Tekapo/Takaporō
    Aoraki/Mount Cook
    Tasman Glacier
    Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
    Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
  4. Day 3

    Aoraki/Mount Cook - Oamaru - Dunedin

    Aoraki/Mount Cook - Oamaru - Dunedin
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Distinction Dunedin Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • View Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki at Koekohe Beach
    Landmarks
    Lake Pukaki
    Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki
    Koekohe Beach
  5. Day 4

    Dunedin - Otago Peninsula - Te Anau

    Dunedin - Otago Peninsula - Te Anau
    Meals
    Dinner (Taste of Fiordland dinner at MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar showcasing South Island regional cuisine)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Two Nights: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas)

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Larnach Castle and gardens
    • Taste of Fiordland dinner at MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar
    Landmarks
    Larnach Castle
    Otago Peninsula
  6. Day 5

    Te Anau

    Te Anau

    Optional Activities

    • Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour
    • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
    • Pure Wilderness Jet Boat Ride and Woodstone Farm experience
    Landmarks
    Te Anau Glowworm Caves
    Doubtful Sound
    Waiau River
    Woodstone Farm
  7. Day 6

    Te Anau - Milford Sound/Piopiotahi - Queenstown

    Te Anau - Milford Sound/Piopiotahi - Queenstown
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Three Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown)

    Included Activities

    • Milford Sound/Piopiotahi cruise
    Landmarks
    Eglinton Valley
    Hollyford Valley
    Milford Road
    Fiordland National Park
    Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
  8. Day 7

    Queenstown

    Queenstown

    Optional Activities

    • Walter Peak High Country Farm vintage steamer cruise with BBQ dinner
    • Stratosfare Restaurant gondola experience on Bob's Peak with dinner
    • Fergburger dinner
    • Finz Restaurant seafood and grill dinner
    • Hotel restaurant dinner
    Landmarks
    Queenstown
    Lake Wakatipu
    Walter Peak High Country Farm
    Bob's Peak
    The Remarkables
  9. Day 8

    Queenstown

    Queenstown

    Optional Activities

    • The Lord of the Rings 4WD Safari
    • Wine Tour of southernmost wine region
    • Skippers Canyon 4WD adventure
    • Million Dollar Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
    • Dart River Wilderness Jet boat journey through Mount Aspiring National Park
    • Best of Queenstown tour with Arrowtown, wine tasting and cheese platter
    Landmarks
    Skippers Canyon
    Shotover River Valley
    Lake Wakatipu
    Dart River
    Mount Aspiring National Park
    Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site
    Arrowtown
    Ayrburn
  10. Day 9

    Queenstown - Haast Pass - Franz Josef/Waiau

    Queenstown - Haast Pass - Franz Josef/Waiau
    Meals
    Dinner (Four-course dining experience at Te Waonui Forest Retreat)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Te Waonui Forest Retreat)

    Included Activities

    • Four-course dinner at Te Waonui Forest Retreat
    Landmarks
    Lake Wānaka
    Lake Hāwea
    Haast Pass
    Westland Tai Poutini National Park
    Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere
  11. Day 10

    Franz Josef/Waiau - TranzAlpine Train - Christchurch

    Franz Josef/Waiau - TranzAlpine Train - Christchurch
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rydges Latimer Christchurch)

    Included Activities

    • TranzAlpine Train journey from Greymouth to Christchurch
    Landmarks
    TranzAlpine Train
    Greymouth
    Southern Alps
    Canterbury Plains
  12. Day 11

    Christchurch - Kaikōura - Blenheim

    Christchurch - Kaikōura - Blenheim
    Meals
    Dinner (Highlights of Marlborough dinner at hotel restaurant with exquisite regional wine pairings)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Hotel Marlborough)

    Included Activities

    • Highlights of Marlborough dinner at hotel restaurant with regional wine pairings
    Landmarks
    Kaikōura
    Marlborough region
  13. Day 12

    Blenheim - Picton - Wellington

    Blenheim - Picton - Wellington
    Meals
    Lunch (Shared banquet lunch at Allan Scott Family Winemakers)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Intercontinental Wellington)

    Included Activities

    • Wine tasting and shared banquet lunch at Allan Scott Family Winemakers
    • Garden exploration at Allan Scott Family Winemakers
    • Interislander Ferry from Picton to Wellington
    Landmarks
    Allan Scott Family Winemakers
    Rapaura to Renwick
    Picton
    Marlborough Sounds
    Cook Strait
    Wellington Harbour
  14. Day 13

    Wellington

    Wellington
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Intercontinental Wellington)

    Included Activities

    • Sightseeing tour of Wellington landmarks including Mount Victoria and waterfront
    • Entry to Te Papa Museum
    Landmarks
    Mount Victoria
    Wellington Waterfront
    Te Papa Museum
  15. Day 14

    Wellington - Kāpiti Coast - Napier

    Wellington - Kāpiti Coast - Napier
    Meals
    Lunch (Two-course lunch at Craggy Range Winery paired with fine wines)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Te Pania Hotel)

    Included Activities

    • Craggy Range Winery guided tour with wine tasting
    • Two-course lunch at Craggy Range Winery paired with fine wines
    Landmarks
    Kāpiti Coast
    Hawke's Bay
    Craggy Range Winery
    Napier
  16. Day 15

    Napier - Taupo - Rotorua

    Napier - Taupo - Rotorua
    Meals
    Dinner (Seasonal three-course Māori dinner with seasonal canapés and chef-selected aperitifs at Te Pā Tū)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Two Nights: Millennium Rotorua)

    Included Activities

    • Te Pā Tū cultural experience with haka pōwhiri, performances, and three-course Māori dinner
    Landmarks
    Esk Valley
    Te Pōhue
    Taupo
    Te Pā Tū
  17. Day 16

    Rotorua

    Rotorua

    Optional Activities

    • Rotorua Icons - Agrodome Farm Show and Te Puia Thermal Reserve
    • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
    • Eco-Thermal Tour - Waiotapu boiling mud pool and hot springs
    • Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa - 7-step Restorative Journey with Māori cultural and healing practices
    Landmarks
    Agrodome
    Te Puia Thermal Reserve
    Hobbiton Movie Set
    Waiotapu
    Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa
  18. Day 17

    Rotorua - Waikato - Auckland

    Rotorua - Waikato - Auckland
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Crowne Plaza Auckland)

    Optional Activities

    • Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise under Harbour Bridge
    • All Blacks Experience
    • Te Wao Nui - The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo
    • Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure - Piha black sand beach and native rainforest
    Landmarks
    Waikato
    Auckland Harbour Bridge
    Auckland Zoo
    Piha Beach
  19. Day 18

    Auckland - Hibiscus Coast - Bay of Islands

    Auckland - Hibiscus Coast - Bay of Islands
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands)

    Included Activities

    • Parry Kauri Park visit to view large kauri trees
    Landmarks
    Auckland Harbour Bridge
    Hibiscus Coast
    Parry Kauri Park
    Northland
    Bay of Islands
  20. Day 19

    Bay of Islands

    Bay of Islands
    Meals
    Dinner (Farewell dinner)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands)

    Included Activities

    • Bay of Islands catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock
    Landmarks
    Cape Brett
    Hole in the Rock
  21. Day 20

    Bay of Islands - Auckland

    Bay of Islands - Auckland

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

  • Rydges Latimer Christchurch

    Hotel
    Days 1, 10

  • The Hermitage Hotel

    Hotel
    day 2

  • Distinction Dunedin Hotel

    Hotel
    day 3

  • Two Nights: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas

    Hotel
    day 4

  • Three Nights: Millennium Hotel Queenstown

    Hotel
    day 6

  • Te Waonui Forest Retreat

    Hotel
    day 9

  • Scenic Hotel Marlborough

    Hotel
    day 11

  • Intercontinental Wellington

    Hotel
    Days 12, 13

  • Scenic Te Pania Hotel

    Hotel
    day 14

  • Two Nights: Millennium Rotorua

    Hotel
    day 15

  • Crowne Plaza Auckland

    Hotel
    day 17

  • Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

    Hotel
    Days 18, 19
All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

APT

Rating
4.2 (27 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
58%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

Reviews from other tours by APT

  • John4.0•February 2023
    The tour started on a wrong note because we were not met at the airport in Auckland. After some time and effort...
    Show more
  • David5.0•March 2020
    Our tour director, Daniel, did a really good job and made our 6 days very enjoyable. The bus driver was also very...
    Show more
  • Anonymous4.0•January 2012
    We went on the Southern Sensation premier plus tour. It was absolutely amazing!! We live in the North Island and i...
    Show more

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Dates & Prices

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2026

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2027

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May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

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Good to know

Tour ID: 259859

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  • Pay in installments

    Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $508.

  • Deposit only

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  • $ - New Zealand Dollar

    You’ll encounter New Zealand Dollar in New Zealand.

  • Plug type I

    You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in New Zealand.

  • 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

      Used in New Zealand

  • Visa

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  • Payment information

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    Installments
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    USD
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From
US $

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select departure month

Select departure month

2026

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2028

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
Pay only $750 today. The rest is due 120 days before departure. Learn more

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2026

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Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

2027

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Apr
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2028

Jan
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