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2026

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2027

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2028

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Who is travelling?

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From
US $9,057 per person

Signature | New Zealand Up Close (Option 1, via Ohakune)

17 days
From Auckland to Queenstown
5.0 (1 review)
From
US $9,057 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

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

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
City & Culture
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
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 - 20
Ages 16+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Auckland

    Auckland
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Fable Auckland (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Welcome reception with Tour Director and fellow travellers

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Sky Tower
    • Shopping on Queen Street
    • Drinks in Vulcan Lane bars and eateries
    Landmarks
    Sky Tower
    Queen Street
    Vulcan Lane
  2. Day 2

    Auckland to Hamilton

    Auckland to Hamilton
    Meals
    Dinner (Sunset dinner cruise with classic kiwi Fish 'n' Chips at Raglan)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Novotel Hamilton (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Northern Explorer Scenic train journey from Auckland to Hamilton (Scenic Plus carriage)
    • Zealong Tea Estate tour and tea ceremony
    • Zealong Signature High Tea experience
    • Raglan dinner cruise with sunset views

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Hamilton city during free time in early afternoon
    • Browse shops and cafes in Raglan before dinner
    Landmarks
    Waitemata Harbour
    Waikato region
    Zealong Tea Estate
    Raglan
  3. Day 3

    Hamilton - Waitomo

    Hamilton - Waitomo
    Meals
    Lunch (Lunch stop in Otorohanga), Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Novotel Hamilton (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari two-hour guided tour through ancient forests with indigenous flora, fauna, and Māori herbal medicinal practices
    • Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour with boat ride

    Optional Activities

    • Dinner at one of Hamilton's riverside restaurants
    Landmarks
    Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
    Otorohanga
    Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  4. Day 4

    Hamilton to Tongariro National Park

    Hamilton to Tongariro National Park
    Meals
    Dinner (Special dinner with fellow travellers)
    Accommodation
    Lodge (Powderhorn Chateau (or similar) )

    Included Activities

    • Northern Explorer train journey from Hamilton to Tongariro National Park
    • Mini excursion to Tūroa ski field with panoramic views
    Landmarks
    Tongariro National Park
    Mount Ruapehu
    Mount Tongariro
    Mount Ngauruhoe
    Tūroa ski field
    Ohakune
  5. Day 5

    Taumarunui - Ohakune

    Taumarunui - Ohakune
    Meals
    Breakfast (Breakfast at accommodation), Lunch (Full home-cooked lunch at Omaka Lodge)
    Accommodation
    Lodge (Powderhorn Chateau (or similar) )

    Included Activities

    • Guided visits to two Forgotten World gardens in Taumarunui
    • Full home-cooked lunch at Omaka Lodge with garden visit

    Optional Activities

    • Relaxation in Ohakune's hot tubs
    • Explore Ohakune's vibrant energy and dining options
    Landmarks
    Taumarunui
    Omaka Lodge
    Forgotten World gardens
  6. Day 6

    Tongariro National Park to Wellington

    Tongariro National Park to Wellington
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Naumi Wellington (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Elevated experience up northern face of Mount Ruapehu with panoramic views
    • Northern Explorer train journey from Tongariro to Wellington

    Optional Activities

    • Explore open-air carriage on the train for best views
    • Explore Wellington's culinary scene and landmarks in the evening
    Landmarks
    Mount Ruapehu
    Mount Ngauruhoe
    Mount Tongariro
    Porirua Harbour
    Wellington Railway Station
    Parliament Buildings
    The Beehive
    Queen's Wharf
    Cuba Street
    Itinerary Image 1
  7. Day 7

    Wellington

    Wellington
    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner with fellow travellers)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Naumi Wellington (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Wellington City introduction tour
    • Dinner with fellow travellers

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Cuba Street cafés, bookstores, and shops
    • Visit Te Papa Tongarewa (New Zealand National Museum)
    • Visit Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary
    • Botanic gardens
    Landmarks
    Cuba Street
    Te Papa Tongarewa
    Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary
  8. Day 8

    Wellington to Marlborough

    Wellington to Marlborough
    Meals
    Breakfast (Seafarer's breakfast in Premium Lounge with mimosa), Lunch (Three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro with paired Marlborough wine)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Marlborough (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Interislander ferry journey across Cook Strait in Premium Lounge
    • Three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro with paired Marlborough wine
    • Tastings at two boutique wineries in Marlborough
    • Stop at Makana Chocolate Boutique

    Optional Activities

    • Watch for dolphins and whales during ferry crossing
    • Explore open ocean views from ferry deck
    • Explore Queen Charlotte Sound from outside deck
    Landmarks
    Cook Strait
    Queen Charlotte Sound
    Picton
    Allan Scott Wines Bistro
    Makana Chocolate Boutique
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  9. Day 9

    Marlborough Sounds

    Marlborough Sounds
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner at Marlborough Sounds resort)
    Accommodation
    Resort (Portage Resort (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre guided tour featuring WWI and WWII aircraft collection and Weta Workshop exhibits
    • Scenic water taxi into Marlborough Sounds
    • Dinner at Marlborough Sounds resort

    Optional Activities

    • Relax in hammock at resort
    • Walk through native bush
    • Kayak in bay waters
    Landmarks
    Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
    Marlborough Sounds
  10. Day 10

    Marlborough to Kaikoura

    Marlborough to Kaikoura
    Meals
    Breakfast (Morning tea during pāua pearl farm tour)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Sudima Kaikoura (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Scenic boat ride in Marlborough Sounds (45 minutes)
    • Exclusive Pāua Pearl Farm Tour
    • Guided visit to pāua hatchery and growing tanks
    • Fresh pāua tasting
    • Coastal Pacific Scenic Train journey from Picton to Kaikoura

    Optional Activities

    • Stroll the waterfront in Kaikoura
    • Dine on fresh kai moana (seafood) at local restaurants
    Landmarks
    Pāua Pearl Farm
    Kaikoura
  11. Day 11

    Kaikoura

    Kaikoura
    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner and drinks aboard Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rydges Latimer (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Dolphin Encounter cruise in Kaikoura with guided commentary
    • Coastal Pacific Scenic Plus train journey
    • Dinner and drinks aboard Coastal Pacific

    Optional Activities

    • Upgrade to swim with dolphins
    • Fish and chips lunch on the beach
    • Browse local artisan stores and souvenir shops
    Landmarks
    Kaikoura
  12. Day 12

    Christchurch

    Christchurch
    Meals
    Dinner (Beautifully curated dinner at a local restaurant)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rydges Latimer (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Hop-On Hop-Off Tram experience in central Christchurch
    • Custom walking tour with Great Journeys New Zealand guide
    • Visit to Riverside Markets
    • Visit to Botanical Gardens

    Optional Activities

    • Punting on the Avon
    • Gondola ride
    • Explore boutique cafes in laneways and side streets
    • Discover historic buildings
    Landmarks
    Riverside Markets
    Avon River
    Gondola
    Christchurch Botanical Gardens
  13. Day 13

    Christchurch to Greymouth - Hokitika

    Christchurch to Greymouth - Hokitika
    Meals
    Meal (Regionally inspired food included with Scenic Plus experience on train)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Beachfront Hokitika (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth
    • Scenic viewing along ice-fed Waimakariri River
    • Passage through historic Otira Tunnel
    • Custom cultural experience (exclusive to Great Journeys New Zealand)
    • Guided walk through Hokitika Gorge
    Landmarks
    Southern Alps
    Waimakariri River
    Great Divide
    Otira Tunnel
    Greymouth
    Hokitika Gorge
  14. Day 14

    West Coast - Franz Josef

    West Coast - Franz Josef
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Multicourse dinner with locally sourced ingredients in rainforest setting)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Legacy Te Waonui (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • VIP West Coast Wildlife Centre guided walkthrough featuring Rowi kiwi conservation
    • Multicourse dinner with locally sourced ingredients in rainforest setting

    Optional Activities

    • Scenic walk to glacier viewpoint
    • Browse local shops
    • Helicopter flight over glacier
    • Wilderness tour through rainforest
    Landmarks
    West Coast Wildlife Centre
    Franz Josef Glacier
    Itinerary Image 1
  15. Day 15

    Franz Josef to Queenstown

    Franz Josef to Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Winery dinner)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hilton Resort and Spa (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Haast River Safari boat experience
    • Scenic drive through Haast Pass with private coach
    • Winery dinner in Queenstown
    Landmarks
    Haast Pass
    Queenstown
    Itinerary Image 1
  16. Day 16

    Milford Sound

    Milford Sound
    Meals
    Breakfast (Breakfast), Lunch (Lunch)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hilton Resort and Spa (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Cruise Milford Coach service with custom stops
    • Boutique cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi

    Optional Activities

    • Optional scenic flight for return journey
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
    Piopiotahi
    Bowen Falls
    Stirling Falls
    Mitre Peak
    Fiordland
  17. Day 17

    Depart Queenstown

    Depart Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast (Final breakfast with fellow travellers)

    Included Activities

    • Final breakfast with fellow travellers

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What's Included

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

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change
Rating
5.0 (1 review)
Response time
within 3 days
Response rate
50%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Reviews

5.0
Overall rating based on 1 Reviews

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  • Colleen5.0March 2026
    Overall a great trip with a wonderful tour leader. Everything went smoothly once the tour began. It would have been...
    Show more
    Traveled in February 2026

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Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

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
Upcoming departures
Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!
Ends on 22 Jul, 2026
  • From Wednesday
    11 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    27 Nov, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,057 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    2 Dec, 2026
    To Friday
    18 Dec, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,057 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    13 Jan, 2027
    To Friday
    29 Jan, 2027
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,057 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    24 Feb, 2027
    To Friday
    12 Mar, 2027
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,057 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    7 Apr, 2027
    To Friday
    23 Apr, 2027
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,057 per person
    Multiple Room Types

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More benefits
Can’t find the answer to your question?
From
US $9,057 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

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

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 297717

  • 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 September 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after September 15th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Great Journeys New Zealand. 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 60 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 Great Journeys New Zealand will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Great Journeys New Zealand" 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
  • 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.

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0

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