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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?

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From
US $14,655 per person

New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Geothermal Wonders and Southern Peaks Queenstown → Auckland (2028)

18 days
From Queenstown to Auckland
4.2 (27 reviews)
From
US $
+ $977 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

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Sailing
Catch the wind and set sail for new horizons
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

    Queenstown

    Queenstown

    Included Activities

    • Airport transfer to hotel
    • Welcome dinner at hotel
    Itinerary Image 1
  2. Day 2

    Queenstown

    Queenstown

    Optional Activities

    • The Lord of the Rings 4WD Safari - visit dramatic locations featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
    • Wine Tour - personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand's southernmost wine region with tastings from various wineries
    • Skippers Canyon - 4WD adventure following the Shotover River valley with views of rocky cliffs and river gorges
    • Million Dollar Cruise - cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard a luxury vessel with views of surrounding peaks and native birdlife
    • Dart River Wilderness Jet - wilderness jet boat journey on the glacier-fed Dart River into Mount Aspiring National Park
    • Best of Queenstown - tour featuring panoramic views of Queenstown, historic Arrowtown, Ayrburn, wine tasting and cheese platter at a local winery
    • Walter Peak - vintage steamer cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm with gourmet barbecue dinner
    • Stratosfare Restaurant - gondola ascent to Bob's Peak and dining at Stratosfare Restaurant with views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, extensive buffet featuring New Zealand and international cuisine
    • Fergburger - burger house known for award-winning burgers
    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
    The Remarkables
    Mount Aspiring National Park
    Bob's Peak
    Arrowtown
    Shotover River
    Dart River
    Walter Peak High Country Farm
  3. Day 3

    Queenstown - Bluff

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

    Included Activities

    • Transfer to Bluff
    • Embark ship (Coral Adventurer)
    • Welcome dinner on board
  4. Day 4

    At Sea

    At Sea

    Included Activities

    • Day at sea with scenic sailing past Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)

    Optional Activities

    • Scenic sailing alongside Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island) - conditions and time permitting
    • Tender excursions to view island's birdlife - conditions and time permitting
    Landmarks
    Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)
  5. Day 5

    Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)

    Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Milford Sound/Piopiotahi in Fiordland National Park

    Optional Activities

    • Tender vessel excursion to visit waterfalls
    • Explore rugged coastline and watch for fur seals, dolphins and penguins
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)
    Fiordland National Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  6. Day 6

    Doubtful Sound (Patea)

    Doubtful Sound (Patea)

    Included Activities

    • Navigation through 'The Gut' passage into Doubtful Sound

    Optional Activities

    • Easy short walk between Deas Cove and Neck Cove to see unique local flora and fauna
    • Tender vessel cruise exploring coastline and hearing local history
    Landmarks
    Doubtful Sound (Patea)
    Thompson Sound
    Deas Cove
    Neck Cove
  7. Day 7

    Dusky Sound (Tamatea)

    Dusky Sound (Tamatea)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Dusky Sound/Tamatea in Fiordland National Park
    • Navigation through Acheron Passage
    Landmarks
    Dusky Sound (Tamatea)
    Acheron Passage
    Te Wāhipounamu (Place of the Greenstone)
  8. Day 8

    Stewart Island (Rakiura)

    Stewart Island (Rakiura)

    Included Activities

    • Visit Stewart Island/Rakiura

    Optional Activities

    • Guided discovery of Stewart Island
    • Explore ancient forests
    • Various hikes of different difficulty levels
    • Explore Oban coastal town
    • Visit former whaling station
    Landmarks
    Stewart Island (Rakiura)
    Oban
  9. Day 9

    Dunedin

    Dunedin

    Included Activities

    • Disembark ship after lunch
    • City tour of Dunedin with special welcome presentation at Araiteuru (community meeting space) from Marae member
    • Visit Olveston House
    • Visit Flemish Renaissance-style Railway Station
    • View Dunedin University
    • Visit Baldwin Street - world's steepest street

    Optional Activities

    • Free time to explore Dunedin at own pace
    Landmarks
    Olveston House
    Dunedin Railway Station
    Dunedin University
    Baldwin Street
    Araiteuru
    Itinerary Image 1
  10. Day 10

    Akaroa - Christchurch

    Akaroa - Christchurch

    Included Activities

    • Transfer from Akaroa port to Christchurch
    • Access to Christchurch city centre

    Optional Activities

    • Visit world-class museum
    • Explore renowned Botanic Gardens
    • All-day hop-on hop-off tram tickets with knowledgeable drivers providing live commentaries
    Landmarks
    Christchurch Botanic Gardens
  11. Day 11

    Kaikōura

    Kaikōura

    Included Activities

    • Catamaran whale watching tour

    Optional Activities

    • 3.5 kilometre walk over peninsular track with cattle, sheep, sea lions and bird life
    • Free time in Kaikōura township
    Landmarks
    Kaikōura
  12. Day 12

    Ship Cove (Meretoto)

    Ship Cove (Meretoto)

    Included Activities

    • Visit James Cook memorial at Meretoto/Ship Cove
    • Walk through Motuara Island wildlife sanctuary
    • Shoreline walk with views of Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound
    Landmarks
    Ship Cove (Meretoto)
    Motuara Island
    Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte Sound
  13. Day 13

    Wellington

    Wellington
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (InterContinental Wellington)

    Included Activities

    • Disembark ship after breakfast
    • Transfer to accommodation
    • Guided sightseeing tour of Wellington highlights including Mount Victoria and waterfront
    • Scenic ride on historic Wellington Cable Car
    Landmarks
    Mount Victoria
    Wellington Waterfront
    Wellington Cable Car
    Itinerary Image 1
  14. Day 14

    Wellington - Rotorua - Taupō

    Wellington - Rotorua - Taupō
    Meals
    Dinner (Signature Experience at Te Pā Tū with canapés, chef-curated aperitifs and seasonal three-course feast)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Two nights Millennium Rotorua)

    Included Activities

    • Transfer to Rotorua
    • Stop at Lake Taupō
    • Visit Huka Falls
    • Te Pā Tū Signature Experience - Māori village experience with haka pōwhiri (ceremonial greeting), traditional performance, storytelling, song, canapés, chef-curated aperitifs and seasonal three-course feast
    Landmarks
    Lake Taupō
    Huka Falls
    Te Pā Tū
  15. Day 15

    Rotorua

    Rotorua

    Included Activities

    • Agrodome Farm Show
    • The National Kiwi Hatchery
    • Te Puia Thermal Reserve

    Optional Activities

    • Free time to explore Rotorua
    Landmarks
    Agrodome
    The National Kiwi Hatchery
    Te Puia Thermal Reserve
  16. Day 16

    Rotorua - Hobbiton - Auckland

    Rotorua - Hobbiton - Auckland
    Meals
    Lunch (Buffet lunch in The Party Marquee featuring roasted meats, fresh salads and indulgent desserts in true Shire style)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Two nights Cordis Auckland)

    Included Activities

    • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - guided 12-acre site tour with behind-the-scenes stories and filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
    • Visit hobbit holes including Bag End
    • Transfer to Auckland
    Landmarks
    Hobbiton Movie Set
    Bag End
  17. Day 17

    Auckland

    Auckland
    Meals
    Dinner (Farewell dinner at Eight Restaurant with unique interactive dining experience featuring eight international kitchens, each hosted by an expert chef)

    Included Activities

    • Guided city sights tour of Auckland
    • Farewell dinner at Eight Restaurant with interactive dining experience featuring eight international kitchens

    Optional Activities

    • Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise - sail under Auckland Harbour Bridge, spot volcanic peaks and admire iconic city skyline from 50-foot monohull sailboat
    • All Blacks Experience - guided encounter connecting to history and culture of one of the world's greatest sports teams
    • Wēta Workshop - Unleashed - journey behind cinema curtain with Academy Award-winning team to see how blockbuster films including The Hobbit are created
    • Te Wao Nui - The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo - explore six stunning habitats showcasing native New Zealand flora and fauna, see iconic kiwi, kea and 50+ other native species
    • Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure - half-day tour to Auckland's wild black sand beaches and lush rainforest with experienced guide learning about forest's unique plants and wildlife
    Landmarks
    Auckland Harbour Bridge
    Auckland Zoo
    Wēta Workshop
  18. Day 18

    Auckland

    Auckland
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Transfer to Auckland Airport

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What's Included

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  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

APT

Rating
4.2 (27 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
57%
Cancellation policy

Reviews from other tours by APT

  • John4.0February 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
  • David5.0March 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
  • Anonymous4.0January 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 & 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 in2d2h58m49s
  • From Monday
    17 Jan, 2028
    To Thursday
    3 Feb, 2028
    Not available in your region

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From
US $
+ $977 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

Best price guarantee Learn More

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 353850

  • 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 23rd, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after November 23rd, 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