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Ultimate New Zealand 2026-2027

24 days
From Auckland to Christchurch
4.4 (46 reviews)

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Plan your adventure:
City & Culture
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Partially Guided
Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Low Intensity
Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 1 - 36
Ages 18+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Auckland

    Auckland
    Meals
    Dinner (Welcome dinner)

    Included Activities

    • Welcome dinner
    Landmarks
    Auckland Harbour
  3. Day 2

    Auckland

    Auckland

    Optional Activities

    • Auckland Harbour Cruise - leisurely journey offering panoramic views of the skyline, waterfront landmarks, and volcanic islands with expert live commentary
    • The Waiheke Gourmet Food & Wine Tour - try locally produced goods including oysters, award-winning olive oils, honey and cheeses accompanied by island wines
    • Waitakere Wilderness Experience - half day guided tour to black sand beaches and lush rainforest with experienced guides sharing stories of the forest's unique flora and fauna
    • Auckland City Revealed - small group city sightseeing tour showcasing highlights of Auckland including a drive to the top of a volcanic cone
    • Flavours of our City Walking tour - city walking tour learning about culture and history while tasting sweet and savoury food offerings, visiting artisan products purveyor
    • All Blacks Experience & Weta Workshop Unleashed - interactive experience connecting with New Zealand and Maori art and culture, rugby legends insights and Kiwi lifestyle
    • Dinner at Tony's Original Steak and Seafood Restaurant - Auckland's oldest restaurant since early 1960s, famous for perfectly cooked steaks and tasty seafood
    • Dinner at Orbit Restaurant - modern dining at the top of Sky Tower with New Zealand-inspired à la carte menu, rotating dining room providing 360° panoramas
    • Dinner at Grand Millennium Ember Restaurant - Grand Millennium hotel restaurant with warm décor, open design and bold flavours
    Landmarks
    Sky Tower
  4. Day 3

    Auckland to Paihia

    Auckland to Paihia
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Visit Kauri Museum
    • Scenic Enrich - Guided tour with local Maori guide to see T-ane Mahuta kauri tree and hear stories about the 'Lord of the Forest'
    • Scenic Sunset Drinks - sunset drinks on hotel terrace
    Landmarks
    Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    Kauri Museum
    T-ane Mahuta
  5. Day 4

    Paihia

    Paihia
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Distinctive New Zealand flavour included with Darryl's Lunch Cruise option), Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Darryl's Lunch Cruise - cruise calm inland waterways of Opua and Okiato passing Omata Estate Vineyard to Kororareka Oyster Farms with included lunch
    • Russell Mini-Tour - experience New Zealand's past and present on mini-tour of Russell, first permanent European settlement, seeing Christ Church and historic Pompallier House
    • Discover the Bay Cruise - discover spectacular scenery, rich culture and history, encounter diverse wildlife, visit iconic 'Hole in the Rock' and travel through it if conditions permit
    • Taste the Bay Tour - showcase of finest produce from far north of New Zealand including locally made avocado oil, Manuka honey, Makana chocolate and local wines
    Landmarks
    Hole in the Rock
    Christ Church
    Pompallier House
    Omata Estate Vineyard
    Kororareka Oyster Farms
  6. Day 5

    Paihia

    Paihia
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic Enrich - journey to Cape Reinga with travel along Ninety Mile Beach and experience of immense sand dunes
    Landmarks
    Cape Reinga
    Ninety Mile Beach
  7. Day 6

    Paihia to Auckland

    Paihia to Auckland
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic Enrich - guided tour with Maori guide at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, most important historical site in the country
    • Visit Hundertwasser Art Centre
    Landmarks
    Waitangi Treaty Grounds
    Hundertwasser Art Centre
  8. Day 7

    Auckland to Rotorua

    Auckland to Rotorua
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Visit Hobbiton Movie Set - fully furnished Hobbit hole with behind-the-scenes tour of Lord of the Rings filming location
    • Visit National Kiwi Hatchery

    Optional Activities

    • Helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier with landing in natural alpine landscape (additional expense, book prior to departure)
    Landmarks
    Hobbiton Movie Set
    National Kiwi Hatchery
  9. Day 8

    Rotorua

    Rotorua
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Maori fusion dining experience including songs, dances, and storytelling)

    Included Activities

    • Rotorua nature discovery treewalk along mighty redwoods
    • Visit Te Puia Rotorua Geothermal Park to witness bubbling mud ponds and geysers
    • Scenic Enrich - Maori fusion dining experience including songs, dances, and storytelling

    Optional Activities

    • City and Lakes Tour - ride on authentic WWII amphibious landing craft sightseeing adventure viewing Rotorua by land and water
    • Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa - therapeutic and rejuvenating experience on foreshore of Lake Rotorua drawing on centuries old Ngati Whakaue practices and culture
    • Gondola Ride & Volcanic Hills Winery - sample carefully crafted Volcanic Hills wines with panoramic views over Lake Rotorua
    • Floatplane flight over volcanic Mt Tarawera (additional expense, book prior to departure)
    Landmarks
    Te Puia Rotorua Geothermal Park
    Rotorua Redwoods
    Lake Rotorua
    Volcanic Hills Winery
    Mt Tarawera
  10. Day 9

    Rotorua to Napier

    Rotorua to Napier
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Wine tasting and dinner at multi award-winning Mission Estate Winery)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Huka Falls
    • Visit Lake Taupo
    • Scenic Enrich - wine tasting and dinner at Mission Estate Winery

    Optional Activities

    • Art Deco Walking tour - discover Napier's heritage on guided walking tour, learn story of 1931 earthquake and Art Deco rebuilding
    • Vintage Car Highlight tour - mini tour of Napier in luxurious 1930s vintage car learning city's heritage and famous landmarks
    • Aquarium tour - behind the scenes experience learning about Korora (Little Blue Penguins), rescue and rehabilitation work, and conservation efforts
    Landmarks
    Huka Falls
    Lake Taupo
    Mission Estate Winery
  11. Day 10

    Napier to Wellington

    Napier to Wellington
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
    Landmarks
    Wellington Harbour
  12. Day 11

    Wellington

    Wellington
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Scenic Enrich - in-depth journey of Te Papa (New Zealand's interactive and immersive national museum) to discover treasures and stories of the country and its people

    Optional Activities

    • Wellington Cable Car - great way to take in scope of compact city
    Landmarks
    Te Papa
    Wellington Cable Car
  13. Day 12

    Wellington to Kaikoura

    Wellington to Kaikoura
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Wine Tasting Marlborough Wineries - discover pioneering spirit and history of area famed for Sauvignon Blanc wines
    • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre - guided tour featuring Sir Peter Jackson's WWI aircraft collection and artefacts, outstanding Knights of the Sky exhibition
    Landmarks
    Marlborough wine region
    Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
  14. Day 13

    Kaikoura to Christchurch

    Kaikoura to Christchurch
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Dinner at Gumption Restaurant & Bar - modern and charming atmosphere serving rich robust flavours and delicious New Zealand produce
    • Dinner at Riverside Market - overlook the Avon River in heart of Christchurch, unique inner-city market and dining experience championing local produce and global flavours
    Landmarks
    Riverside Market
    Itinerary Image 1
  15. Day 14

    Christchurch

    Christchurch
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Kai Safari food experience with courses and learning about Christchurch's best kept secrets)

    Included Activities

    • Scenic Enrich - Kai Safari uncovering Christchurch's culinary secrets with courses, Maori words learning, city's best kept secrets and friendly locals

    Optional Activities

    • Punting on the Avon - skilled punter propels you along Avon River past trailing willows, woodlands and leafy banks of Botanic Gardens or through city
    • Botanic Gardens Tour - explore Botanic Gardens with expert guide and driver commentary discovering natural beauty, history and culture
    • Christchurch Sightseeing Tour - half day sightseeing tour highlighting earthquake damage from 2010 and 2011, current rebuild, surviving beauty and historical landmarks
    • Akaroa Day Trip with Nature Cruise - explore historic French settlement of Akaroa set on long harbour surrounded by volcanic hills, two-hour nature harbour cruise experiencing majestic scenery and wildlife
    • International Antarctic Centre - ride Penguin Express to Antarctic Centre, discover enchanting penguins, seals and wildlife, learn about life on vast continent
    Landmarks
    Avon River
    Botanic Gardens
    International Antarctic Centre
    Akaroa
  16. Day 15

    Christchurch to Franz Josef

    Christchurch to Franz Josef
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • TranzAlpine rail journey across the Southern Alps
    • Visit Franz Josef Glacier

    Optional Activities

    • Helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier with landing in natural alpine landscape (additional expense, book prior to departure)
    Landmarks
    Franz Josef Glacier
    Canterbury Plains
    Waimakariri River
    Southern Alps
    Itinerary Image 1
  17. Day 16

    Franz Josef to Queenstown

    Franz Josef to Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Haast River Safari jet boat - fully enclosed boat for closer look at glacial valley of South Westland World Heritage area with spectacular mountain views, waterfalls and forests
    Landmarks
    Haast River
    South Westland World Heritage area
    Itinerary Image 1
  18. Day 17

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Dart River Safari - travel to frontier township of Glenorchy discovering unique and dramatic pristine Dart River Valley environment with breathtaking World Heritage-listed scenery, wilderness jetboating and Maori heritage
    • Boutique Winery Tour - relaxed tour visiting selection of Queenstown's award-winning boutique wineries sampling fine wine and food with wine barrel-cooked tasting dishes including traditional and wild foods
    • Shotover Jet Adventure - power through Shotover River and deep into nearby canyons with skilled driver weaving past rocky outcrops for amazing adrenaline rush ride
    • Safari of the Scenes Tour - visit real locations of Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies with authentic replica props, dress up and take photos or soak up mountain and forest scenery
    • Skyline Gondola - scenic ride in iconic Skyline Gondola enjoying spectacular views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu
    • Skippers Canyon - discover gold mining area on tour offering spectacular remote mountain scenery and historic sites, travel in comfortable 4WD minibus
    Landmarks
    Dart River Valley
    Shotover River
    Lake Wakatipu
    Skyline Gondola
    Skippers Canyon
    Glenorchy
  19. Day 18

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak Station - cruise aboard vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw followed by carvery style dinner at Walter Peak High Country Station with expansive array of local produce
    • Boardwalk Restaurant - contemporary blend of fresh seafood, meats and local produce at iconic waterfront site
    • The Observatory Restaurant - fine contemporary New Zealand cuisine and carefully curated wines with refreshing alpine views at The Millennium Hotel Queenstown
    Landmarks
    TSS Earnslaw
    Walter Peak Station
  20. Day 19

    Queenstown to Milford Sound

    Queenstown to Milford Sound
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Three-course buffet dinner prepared by Milford Mariner's on-board chef)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Milford Sound
    • Scenic Special Stay aboard Milford Mariner overnight cruise in sheltered cove
    • Exploration opportunity in small boat or kayak with resident specialist nature guide
    • Three-course buffet dinner on Milford Mariner prepared by on-board chef
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
    Te Anau
    Fiordland National Park
  21. Day 20

    Milford Sound to Dunedin

    Milford Sound to Dunedin
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
    Landmarks
    Dunedin Harbour
  22. Day 21

    Dunedin

    Dunedin
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch (Included hearty meal at Speight's Ale House option), Dinner

    Optional Activities

    • Tour of Larnach Castle - superbly crafted 1871 building with unique collection of New Zealand antiques, guided tour, beautiful surrounding gardens, learn castle's history and amazing architecture story
    • Northern Royal Albatross Tour - located on Otago Peninsula tip, learn about albatross secret lives, intimate knowledge of amazing birds with expert guide, witness fascinating social and family life of breeding colony
    • Heritage Walking Tour - explore Dunedin's heritage as once New Zealand's largest and wealthiest city, discover finest collections of Victorian and Edwardian buildings in Southern Hemisphere
    • Speight's Brewery - introduction to origins of Speight's Brewery and beer history in New Zealand, tour followed by included hearty meal at Speight's Ale House within brewery featuring generous helpings of great southern fare
    Landmarks
    Larnach Castle
    Otago Peninsula
    Speight's Brewery
  23. Day 22

    Dunedin to Mount Cook

    Dunedin to Mount Cook
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Visit Moeraki Boulders
    Landmarks
    Moeraki Boulders
    Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  24. Day 23

    Mount Cook to Christchurch

    Mount Cook to Christchurch
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner

    Included Activities

    • Visit Church of the Good Shepherd
    • Scenic Enrich - iconic tram ride through Christchurch
    Landmarks
    Church of the Good Shepherd
    Lake Tekapo
    Canterbury Plains
  25. Day 24

    Christchurch

    Christchurch

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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Optional
  • Additional Services
Gold Operator
Rating
4.4 (46 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
72%
Cancellation policy

Reviews from other tours by Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

  • Laurie5.0February 2020
    we had a fabulous time! If there would be a complaint it would be that we had a lot more meals and fun than what was...
    Show more
  • Wendy4.5January 2019
    Had not travelled with Scenic before however I am now a convert. Totally enjoyed the places we visited and the free...
    Show more
  • Patricia4.0May 2018
    Good selection of sites visited: correction: our tour guide / driver for south NZ was excellent. For north NZ was...
    Show more

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2028

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1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Who is travelling?

AdultsAges 18 or above

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ChildrenUnder 18

0
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Good to Know

Tour ID: 321530

  • 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 December 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after December 15th, 2026, a minimum payment of 100% is required to confirm your booking with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. 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.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours" 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
  • Insurance

    Our travel protection from our award-winning partner, XCover, means you and your travel companions can book with peace of mind knowing there’s protection available in case your trip doesn’t go to plan. At checkout you will be able to select between different options in case you or the tour are eligible for insurance. In case no option is available, you are always able to purchase travel insurance outside of TourRadar.

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  • 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