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From
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New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Geothermal Wonders and Southern Peaks Queenstown - Auckland (2027)

18 days
•
From Queenstown to Auckland
4.2 (27 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 departure month

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
Pay only $750 today. The rest is due 120 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:
Nature & Wildlife
Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
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+

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Itinerary

  1. Intro

    Introduction

  2. Day 1

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Meals
    Dinner (Welcome dinner at hotel)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Avani Queenstown)

    Included Activities

    • Airport transfer to hotel
    • Welcome dinner at hotel
  3. Day 2

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Avani Queenstown)

    Optional Activities

    • The Lord of the Rings 4WD Safari - venture into Middle-earth 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 - follow the Shotover River valley with views of rocky cliffs, sheer drops and breathtaking river gorges
    • Million Dollar Cruise - cruise the glacial waters of Lake Wakatipu aboard a luxury vessel, view surrounding peaks and native birdlife
    • Dart River Wilderness Jet - wilderness jet boat journey on the glacier-fed Dart River through Mount Aspiring National Park with guide insights
    • Best of Queenstown Tour - panoramic views of Queenstown, historic Arrowtown, Ayrburn, wine tasting and cheese platter at a local winery
    • Walter Peak High Country Farm - cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak 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 iconic restaurant with sweeping views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, extensive buffet of New Zealand and international cuisine
    • Fergburger - legendary burger house with worldwide reputation for best burgers
    • Fin Restaurant - dining option (description incomplete in source)
    Landmarks
    Lake Wakatipu
    Arrowtown
    Mount Aspiring National Park
    Dart River
    The Remarkables
    Bob's Peak
  4. Day 3

    Queenstown to Bluff

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

    Included Activities

    • Transfer to Bluff
    • Embarkation on Coral Adventurer
    • Welcome dinner on board
    Landmarks
    Bluff
  5. Day 4

    At Sea

    At Sea

    Included Activities

    • Sailing past Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island) with potential scenic viewing

    Optional Activities

    • Tender boat viewing of Solander Island and its birdlife (subject to weather and captain's discretion)
    Landmarks
    Te Niho a Kewa (Solander Island)
  6. Day 5

    Milford Sound/Piopiotahi

    Milford Sound/Piopiotahi

    Included Activities

    • Exploration of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi

    Optional Activities

    • Tender vessel excursion to visit waterfalls
    • Tender boat exploration of rugged coastline to spot fur seals, dolphins and penguins
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
    Fiordland National Park
  7. Day 6

    Doubtful Sound/Patea

    Doubtful Sound/Patea

    Included Activities

    • Navigation through 'The Gut' 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 the fjord coastline and local history
    Landmarks
    Doubtful Sound/Patea
    Thompson Sound
    The Gut
    Deas Cove
    Neck Cove
  8. Day 7

    Dusky Sound/Tamatea

    Dusky Sound/Tamatea

    Included Activities

    • Exploration of Dusky Sound/Tamatea
    • Navigation through Acheron Passage
    Landmarks
    Dusky Sound/Tamatea
    Fiordland National Park
    Acheron Passage
    Te Wāhipounamu
  9. Day 8

    Stewart Island/Rakiura

    Stewart Island/Rakiura

    Included Activities

    • Guided discovery opportunities on Stewart Island

    Optional Activities

    • Various hikes on Stewart Island to suit different interests and fitness levels
    • Exploration of Oban, historic coastal town
    • Visit to former whaling station
    Landmarks
    Stewart Island/Rakiura
    Oban
  10. Day 9

    Dunedin

    Dunedin

    Included Activities

    • City tour of Dunedin
    • Visit to Araiteuru for welcome presentation from Marae member
    • Viewing of Olveston House
    • Viewing of Dunedin Railway Station
    • Viewing of Dunedin University
    • Viewing of Baldwin Street

    Optional Activities

    • Free time to explore Dunedin at your own pace
    Landmarks
    Olveston House
    Dunedin Railway Station
    Dunedin University
    Baldwin Street
  11. Day 10

    Akaroa to Christchurch

    Akaroa to Christchurch

    Included Activities

    • Scenic drive from Akaroa to Christchurch

    Optional Activities

    • Christchurch Tram hop-on hop-off tour - all-day tickets to visit city highlights with knowledgeable live driver commentary
    Landmarks
    Botanic Gardens, Christchurch
    Christchurch Museum
  12. Day 11

    Kaikōura

    Kaikōura

    Included Activities

    • Whale watching catamaran cruise in Kaikōura with onboard hydrophones

    Optional Activities

    • 3.5 kilometre peninsular track walk with views of cattle, sheep, sea lions and birdlife, with shuttle bus transfer back to marina
    Landmarks
    Kaikōura
  13. Day 12

    Ship Cove/Meretoto

    Ship Cove/Meretoto

    Included Activities

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

    Wellington

    Wellington
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (InterContinental Wellington)

    Included Activities

    • Disembarkation from ship after breakfast
    • Transfer to accommodation in Wellington
    • Guided sightseeing tour of Wellington highlights
    • Scenic ride on historic Wellington Cable Car
    Landmarks
    Mount Victoria, Wellington
    Wellington Waterfront
    Wellington Cable Car
  15. Day 14

    Rotorua

    Rotorua
    Meals
    Dinner (Te Pā Tū - Signature Experience with haka pōwhiri ceremonial greeting, traditional performance, storytelling, canapes, chef-curated aperitifs, and seasonal three-course feast)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Two nights Millennium Rotorua)

    Included Activities

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

    Rotorua

    Rotorua

    Included Activities

    • Agrodome Farm Show
    • National Kiwi Hatchery visit
    • Te Puia Thermal Reserve exploration
    Landmarks
    Agrodome
    National Kiwi Hatchery
    Te Puia Thermal Reserve
  17. Day 16

    Hobbiton to Auckland

    Hobbiton to Auckland
    Meals
    Lunch (Buffet lunch at The Party Marquee with roasted meats, fresh salads and desserts served in true Shire style)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Cordis Auckland)

    Included Activities

    • Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour - 12-acre site with expert guide sharing behind-the-scenes stories and filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies
    • Visit to hobbit holes including Bag End
    • Buffet lunch at The Party Marquee with roasted meats, fresh salads and desserts in Shire style
    Landmarks
    Hobbiton Movie Set
    Bag End
  18. Day 17

    Auckland

    Auckland
    Meals
    Dinner (Farewell dinner at Eight Restaurant with unique, interactive dining experience savouring delicious flavours of 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 hosted by expert chefs

    Optional Activities

    • Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise - sail under Auckland Harbour Bridge, spot volcanic peaks and admire city skyline from water aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat
    • All Blacks Experience - guided encounter connecting to the history and culture of one of the world's greatest sports teams
    • Te Wao Nui - The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo - explore six stunning habitats showcasing native New Zealand flora and fauna, see iconic kiwi, cheeky kea and more than 50 other native species
    • Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure - half-day tour to Auckland's wild west coast with black sand beaches and lush rainforest, walk among giant tree ferns and learn about traditional Māori uses for native plants, stroll along Piha black sand beach with Tasman Sea views
    Landmarks
    Auckland Harbour
    Auckland Harbour Bridge
    Auckland Zoo
    Piha Beach
  19. Day 18

    Auckland

    Auckland
    Meals
    Breakfast

    Included Activities

    • Airport transfer

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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
58%
Cancellation policy
Learn more

Reviews from other tours by APT

  • John4.0•February 2023
    The tour started on a wrong note because we were not met at the airport in Auckland. After some time and effort...
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  • David5.0•March 2020
    Our tour director, Daniel, did a really good job and made our 6 days very enjoyable. The bus driver was also very...
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  • Anonymous4.0•January 2012
    We went on the Southern Sensation premier plus tour. It was absolutely amazing!! We live in the North Island and i...
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Dates & Prices

Select departure month

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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  • From Friday
    21 Jan, 2028
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Good to know

Tour ID: 353850

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  • Deposit only

    Book now with just a $750 deposit. The remaining balance is due 120 days before departure.

  • $ - New Zealand Dollar

    You’ll encounter New Zealand Dollar in New Zealand.

  • Plug type I

    You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in New Zealand.

  • Currency

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    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

      Used in New Zealand

  • Visa

    Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.

    This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.

  • Payment information

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    A $750 deposit
    Balance due
    120 days before departure
    Currency
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    Booking fee
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    Book now with just a $750 deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 120 days before departure, charged automatically to your card. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before March 3rd, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.

    Accepted for APT tours

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    Cancellation terms may vary per tour. Please check for the full cancellation policy here.

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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 departure month

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
Pay only $750 today. The rest is due 120 days before departure. Learn more

Best price guarantee Learn More

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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