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2026

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Who is travelling?

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From
US $15,085 per person

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

18 days
From Queenstown to Auckland
4.1
26 traveler reviews
From
US $
+ $1,006 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

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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

    Queenstown

    Included Activities

    • Welcome dinner at hotel
    Itinerary Image 1
  2. Day 2

    Queenstown

    Optional Activities

    • The Lord of the Rings 4WD Safari - venture into dramatic filming locations from 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 and Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site
    • Best of Queenstown - panoramic views of Queenstown, visit Arrowtown township, explore Gibbston, wine tasting at local winery, and scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu
    • Walter Peak - cruise aboard vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm with gourmet barbecue dinner featuring rotisserie meats, fresh vegetables, artisan salads, breads and desserts
    • Stratosfare Restaurant - ascend by gondola to Bob's Peak and dine at Stratosfare Restaurant with sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, featuring extensive buffet of New Zealand and international cuisine
    • Fergburger - dining at famous burger restaurant known worldwide for award-winning burgers
    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
    Arrowtown
    Gibbston
    Mount Aspiring National Park
    Dart River
    The Remarkables
    Bob's Peak
    Shotover River
  3. Day 3

    Queenstown to Bluff

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Coral Adventurer)

    Included Activities

    • Welcome dinner on board ship
    Landmarks
    Bluff
  4. Day 4

    At Sea

    Landmarks
    Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)
  5. Day 5

    Milford Sound

    Optional Activities

    • Tender vessel excursion to visit waterfalls in Milford Sound
    • Tender vessel excursion to explore rugged coastline and look for fur seals, dolphins, and penguins
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
    Fiordland National Park
    Itinerary Image 1
  6. Day 6

    Doubtful Sound

    Optional Activities

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

    Dusky Sound

    Landmarks
    Dusky Sound (Tamatea)
    Acheron Passage
    Te Wāhipounamu
  8. Day 8

    Stewart Island

    Optional Activities

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

    Dunedin

    Included Activities

    • Special welcome presentation at Araiteuru from Marae member
    • City tour of Dunedin with highlights including Ovelston House, Railway Station, Dunedin University, and Baldwin Street

    Optional Activities

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

    Akaroa to Christchurch

    Optional Activities

    • All-day hop-on hop-off tram tickets to explore city centre highlights with live driver commentaries
    Landmarks
    Christchurch
    Christchurch Botanic Gardens
  11. Day 11

    Kaikōura

    Included Activities

    • Whale watching excursion aboard catamaran with onboard hydrophones

    Optional Activities

    • 3.5 kilometre peninsular track walk with views of cattle, sheep, sea lions, and bird life
    Landmarks
    Kaikōura
  12. Day 12

    Ship Cove

    Included Activities

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

    Wellington

    Accommodation
    Hotel (InterContinental Wellington)

    Included Activities

    • Guided sightseeing tour of Wellington highlighting Mount Victoria and vibrant waterfront
    • Scenic ride aboard historic Wellington Cable Car with city views
    Landmarks
    Mount Victoria
    Wellington Cable Car
    Wellington Waterfront
    Itinerary Image 1
  14. Day 14

    Wellington to Rotorua

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Two nights Millennium Rotorua)

    Included Activities

    • Te Pā Tū Signature Experience - immersive Māori village with haka pōwhiri ceremonial greeting, traditional performance, storytelling, song, and seasonal three-course feast with canapes and chef-curated aperitifs
    Landmarks
    Lake Taupō
    Huka Falls
    Te Pā Tū
  15. Day 15

    Rotorua

    Included Activities

    • Agrodome Farm Show
    • The National Kiwi Hatchery
    • Te Puia Thermal Reserve
    Landmarks
    Agrodome
    The National Kiwi Hatchery
    Te Puia Thermal Reserve
  16. Day 16

    Rotorua to Auckland

    Accommodation
    Hotel (Two nights Cordis Auckland)

    Included Activities

    • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and Banquet Lunch Signature Experience - guided tour of 12-acre site with behind-the-scenes stories and filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, including visit to Bag End, and buffet lunch in The Party Marquee with roasted meats, fresh salads, and desserts
    Landmarks
    Hobbiton Movie Set
    Bag End
  17. Day 17

    Auckland

    Included Activities

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

    Optional Activities

    • Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise - sail under Auckland Harbour Bridge, spot volcanic peaks and admire iconic city skyline aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat
    • All Blacks Experience - guided encounter exploring history and culture of one of the world's greatest sports teams
    • Wēta Workshop - Unleashed - journey behind the cinema curtain with Academy Award-winning team to learn how blockbuster films such as The Hobbit are created
    • Te Wao Nui - The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo - explore six stunning habitats showcasing native flora and fauna of New Zealand, see iconic kiwi, kea and over 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
    Eight Restaurant
    Auckland Zoo
    Wēta Workshop
  18. Day 18

    Auckland

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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
4.1(26 reviews)
Response time
within 1 day
Response rate
63%
Cancellation policy

Reviews from other tours by APT

  • John
    February 6th, 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
  • David
    March 23rd, 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
  • Anonymous
    January 28th, 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 on 10 Jun, 2026
  • From Monday
    17 Jan, 2028
    To Thursday
    3 Feb, 2028
    Not available in your region

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From
US $
+ $1,006 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

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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 October 1st, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after October 1st, 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