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2026

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2027

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2028

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Who is travelling?

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

2

ChildrenUnder 18

0
From
US $12,059 per person

New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Cityscapes to Geothermal Gems Auckland → Queenstown (2026)

16 days
From Auckland to Queenstown
4.1
26 traveler reviews
From
US $
+ $982 Port Taxes/Fees

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
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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
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+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Auckland

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Cordis)
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  2. Day 2

    Auckland

    Meals
    Dinner (Celebratory dinner at Eight Restaurant)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Cordis)

    Included Activities

    • Guided city sights tour of Auckland
    • Celebratory New Year's Eve dinner at Eight Restaurant

    Optional Activities

    • Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise - Sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat, spot volcanic peaks and view the city skyline from the water
    • All Blacks Experience - Guided encounter exploring the history and culture of New Zealand's national rugby team
    • Weta Workshop - Unleashed - Behind-the-scenes tour of the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop to see how blockbuster films like The Hobbit are created
    • Te Wao Nui - The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo - Explore six habitats showcasing native New Zealand flora and fauna, including the iconic kiwi and other 50+ native species
    • Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure - Half-day tour to Auckland's black sand beaches and rainforest with experienced guide learning about unique plants and wildlife
    Landmarks
    Auckland Harbour Bridge
  3. Day 3

    Auckland to Rotorua

    Meals
    Lunch (Buffet lunch at The Party Marquee in Shire style featuring roasted meats, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium Rotorua)

    Included Activities

    • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Guided 12-acre tour with behind-the-scenes stories and memorable filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
    • Hobbiton Banquet Lunch - Buffet lunch at The Party Marquee featuring roasted meats, fresh salads, and desserts
    Landmarks
    Hobbiton Movie Set
    Itinerary Image 1
  4. Day 4

    Rotorua

    Meals
    Dinner (Three-course seasonal feast at Te Pā Tū with canapes and chef-curated aperitifs)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium Rotorua)

    Included Activities

    • Agrodome Farm Show
    • National Kiwi Hatchery
    • Te Puia Thermal Reserve visit
    • Te Pā Tū - Immersive Māori village experience with haka pōwhiri ceremonial greeting, traditional performance, storytelling, and song
    • Te Pā Tū Dinner - Canapes, chef-curated aperitifs, and seasonal three-course feast
    Landmarks
    Te Puia Thermal Reserve
    Agrodome
  5. Day 5

    Rotorua to Wellington

    Accommodation
    Hotel (InterContinental Wellington)
    Landmarks
    Huka Falls
    Lake Taupō
    Itinerary Image 1
  6. Day 6

    Wellington

    Meals
    Dinner (Welcome dinner on board)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Coral Adventurer)

    Included Activities

    • Guided sightseeing tour of Wellington highlighting Mount Victoria and waterfront
    • Historic Wellington Cable Car ride for city views
    • Welcome dinner on board Coral Adventurer
    Landmarks
    Mount Victoria
    Wellington Cable Car
  7. Day 7

    Meretoto/Ship Cove

    Included Activities

    • Visit to James Cook memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove
    • Walk through Motuara Island wildlife sanctuary
    Landmarks
    Meretoto/Ship Cove
    Motuara Island
    Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound
  8. Day 8

    Kaikōura

    Included Activities

    • Whale watching excursion aboard catamaran with opportunities to see sperm, humpback, and pilot whales
    • Onboard hydrophone experience to hear whales communicate

    Optional Activities

    • 3.5 kilometre peninsular track walk with breath-taking scenery, opportunities to spot cattle, sheep, sea lions, and bird life
    • Free time in Kaikōura township
    Landmarks
    Kaikōura
  9. Day 9

    Akaroa to Christchurch

    Optional Activities

    • All-day hop-on hop-off tram tickets to explore Christchurch city centre highlights at leisure with knowledgeable driver commentary
    Landmarks
    Christchurch Botanic Gardens
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  10. Day 10

    Dunedin

    Included Activities

    • Guided city tour of Dunedin including highlights such as Ovelston House, Railway Station, Dunedin University, and Baldwin Street
    • Special welcome presentation at Araiteuru community meeting space from Mārae member

    Optional Activities

    • Free time to discover the delights of Dunedin at your own pace
    Landmarks
    Ovelston House
    Dunedin Railway Station
    Baldwin Street
    Dunedin University
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2Itinerary Image 3
  11. Day 11

    Stewart Island

    Optional Activities

    • Guided discovery of Stewart Island
    • Various hikes through Stewart Island suited to different interests and fitness levels
    • Exploration of ancient forests
    • Visit to Oban coastal town with Scottish settler heritage
    • Learn about former whaling station and Norwegian Antarctic expeditions
    Landmarks
    Stewart Island
    Oban
  12. Day 12

    Dusky Sound

    Landmarks
    Dusky Sound
    Acheron Passage
    Fiordland National Park
    Te Wāhipounamu
  13. Day 13

    Doubtful Sound

    Optional Activities

    • Easy short walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove to see unique local flora and fauna
    • Tender vessel cruise exploring Doubtful Sound coastline with tales of local history
    Landmarks
    Doubtful Sound
    Thompson Sound
    Deas Cove
    Neck Cove
  14. Day 14

    Milford Sound

    Optional Activities

    • Tender vessel excursion to visit thundering waterfalls
    • Tender vessel cruise exploring the rugged coastline with opportunities to spot fur seals, dolphins, and penguins
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
  15. Day 15

    At Sea

    Landmarks
    Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)
  16. Day 16

    Bluff to Queenstown

    Meals
    Breakfast
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

APT

4.1
(26 reviews)

Number of tours

185

Age Range

8 to 99 years old

Response time

within 2 days

Response rate

63%

A family-owned company since its conception in the 1920s. APT had its...

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Reviews from other tours by APT

  • John
    February 6th, 2023
    4.0
    The tour started on a wrong note because we were not met at the airport in Auckland. After some time and effort...
    Show more
  • David
    March 23rd, 2020
    5.0
    Our tour director, Daniel, did a really good job and made our 6 days very enjoyable. The bus driver was also very...
    Show more
  • Anonymous
    January 28th, 2012
    4.0
    We went on the Southern Sensation premier plus tour. It was absolutely amazing!! We live in the North Island and i...
    Show more

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
  • From Wednesday
    30 Dec, 2026
    To Thursday
    14 Jan, 2027
    Not available in your region
Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

Why book with TourRadar?

    • Trusted and vetted operators
    • Rated excellent on
    • Best price guarantee
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $150 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    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
Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at APT with your enquiry, they usually respond within 2 days.
From
US $
+ $982 Port Taxes/Fees

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
Save and compare this adventure

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 317654

  • 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 July 4th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after July 4th, 2026, a minimum payment of $750 is required to confirm your booking with APT. 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 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • The following cards are accepted for "APT" 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