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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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0
From
US $9,233 per person

Signature | New Zealand Up Close (Option 2, via Rotorua)

17 days
From Auckland to Queenstown
5.0 (1 review)
From
US $9,233 per person

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:
City & Culture
Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
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 - 20
Ages 16+
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Auckland

    Auckland
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Fable Auckland (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Welcome reception with Tour Director and fellow travelers

    Optional Activities

    • Visit Sky Tower
    • Shop along Queen Street
    • Drinks or dining in Vulcan Lane bars and eateries
    Landmarks
    Sky Tower
    Queen Street
    Vulcan Lane
  2. Day 2

    Auckland to Hamilton

    Auckland to Hamilton
    Meals
    Lunch (Zealong Tea Estate Signature High Tea), Dinner (Sunset dinner cruise at Raglan with Fish 'n' Chips)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Novotel Hamilton (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Northern Explorer Scenic Plus Train journey from Auckland to Hamilton
    • Zealong Tea Estate 1.5-hour tour and tea ceremony
    • Zealong Tea Estate Signature High Tea experience
    • Raglan sunset dinner cruise with Fish 'n' Chips
    Landmarks
    Waitemata Harbour
    Waikato Region
    Zealong Tea Estate
    Raglan
  3. Day 3

    Hamilton - Sanctuary Mountain - Waitomo

    Hamilton - Sanctuary Mountain - Waitomo
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Novotel Hamilton (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari guided forest tour (2 hours) with indigenous flora and Māori herbal medicinal practices insight
    • Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour

    Optional Activities

    • Lunch in Otorohanga
    • Dinner at restaurants near Waikato River
    Landmarks
    Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
    Otorohanga
    Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    Waikato River
  4. Day 4

    Hamilton to Tongariro National Park

    Hamilton to Tongariro National Park
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Stop at Government Gardens in Rotorua
    Landmarks
    Government Gardens
  5. Day 5

    Rotorua

    Rotorua
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Millennium Hotel (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Redwoods Treewalk Treetops Experience
    • Summer Harvest Experience at Te Pā Tū with Māori traditions, storytelling, seasonal cuisine, and performances
    Landmarks
    Whakarewarewa Forest
  6. Day 6

    Rotorua to Wellington

    Rotorua to Wellington
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Naumi Wellington (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Northern Explorer Scenic Plus Train Journey to Wellington

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Wellington city areas: Queen's Wharf, downtown, Parliament Buildings, Beehive
    Landmarks
    Wellington Railway Station
    Parliament Buildings
    Beehive
    Porirua Harbour
    Itinerary Image 1
  7. Day 7

    Wellington

    Wellington
    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner with fellow travellers)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Naumi Wellington (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Wellington City introduction tour

    Optional Activities

    • Explore Cuba Street cafés, bookstores, and shops
    • Te Papa (New Zealand's National Museum)
    • Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary
    • Botanical Gardens
    • Botanic gardens exploration
    • Boutique café visits in laneways and side streets
    Landmarks
    Cuba Street
    Te Papa Tongarewa
    Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary
  8. Day 8

    Wellington to Marlborough

    Wellington to Marlborough
    Meals
    Breakfast (Seafarer's breakfast in Premium Lounge on Interislander ferry), Lunch (Three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro with paired Marlborough wine)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Scenic Marlborough (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Interislander ferry journey across Cook Strait with Premium Lounge access and seafarer's breakfast
    • Three-course lunch at Allan Scott Wines Bistro with paired Marlborough wine
    • Boutique winery tastings (2 wineries)
    • Makana Chocolate Boutique visit
    Landmarks
    Cook Strait
    Queen Charlotte Sound
    Picton
    Allan Scott Wines Bistro
    Makana Chocolate Boutique
    Itinerary Image 1Itinerary Image 2
  9. Day 9

    Marlborough - Sounds

    Marlborough - Sounds
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Dinner included with resort stay)
    Accommodation
    Resort (Portage Resort (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre visit with WWI and WWII aircraft and memorabilia
    • Water taxi journey into Marlborough Sounds
    • Dinner included with resort stay

    Optional Activities

    • Relax in a hammock
    • Walk through native bush
    • Kayak in calm bay waters
    Landmarks
    Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
    Marlborough Sounds
  10. Day 10

    Marlborough to Kaikoura

    Marlborough to Kaikoura
    Meals
    Breakfast, Snack (Morning tea with Pāua Pearl Farm Tour)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Sudima Kaikoura (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Pāua Pearl Farm Tour with morning tea, hatchery and tank visit, and fresh pāua tasting
    • Coastal Pacific Scenic Train journey to Kaikoura

    Optional Activities

    • Waterfront walks in Kaikoura
    • Fresh seafood (kai moana) restaurants in Kaikoura
    Landmarks
    Marlborough Sounds
    Kaikoura
  11. Day 11

    Kaikoura to Christchurch

    Kaikoura to Christchurch
    Meals
    Dinner (Dinner and drinks included with Scenic Plus package on Coastal Pacific train)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rydges Latimer (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Dolphin Encounter in Kaikoura - guided cruise to observe wild dusky dolphins
    • Scenic Plus train journey on Coastal Pacific from Kaikoura to Christchurch with included dinner and drinks

    Optional Activities

    • Swim alongside dusky dolphins (upgrade option)
    • Sample fish and chips at Kaikoura beach
    • Browse local artisan stores and souvenir shops in Kaikoura
    Landmarks
    Kaikoura
    Christchurch
  12. Day 12

    Christchurch

    Christchurch
    Meals
    Dinner (Beautifully curated dinner at a local restaurant)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Rydges Latimer (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Hop-On Hop-Off Tram central city navigation
    • Custom walking tour with Great Journeys New Zealand guide

    Optional Activities

    • Riverside Markets
    • Punting on the Avon
    • Gondola
    • Botanical Gardens
    • Boutique cafés in laneways
    Landmarks
    Riverside Markets
    Avon River
    Christchurch Gondola
    Christchurch Botanic Gardens
  13. Day 13

    Christchurch to Greymouth - West Coast

    Christchurch to Greymouth - West Coast
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Beachfront Hokitika (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • TranzAlpine Scenic Plus Train journey through Southern Alps
    • Custom cultural experience in Greymouth area
    • Guided walk through Hokitika Gorge
    Landmarks
    Southern Alps
    Waimakariri River
    Great Divide
    Otira Tunnel
    Greymouth
    Hokitika Gorge
  14. Day 14

    West Coast - Franz Josef

    West Coast - Franz Josef
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Multicourse dinner with locally sourced ingredients in rainforest setting)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Legacy Te Waonui (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • VIP West Coast Wildlife Centre guided walkthrough with Rowi kiwi conservation learning
    • Multicourse dinner with locally sourced ingredients in rainforest setting

    Optional Activities

    • Scenic walk to glacier viewpoint
    • Local shops browsing
    • Helicopter flight over glacier
    • Wilderness rainforest tour
    Landmarks
    West Coast Wildlife Centre
    Franz Josef Glacier
    Itinerary Image 1
  15. Day 15

    Franz Josef to Queenstown

    Franz Josef to Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner (Winery dinner in Queenstown)
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hilton Resort and Spa (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Haast Pass scenic journey with river boat and private coach
    • Winery dinner in Queenstown
    Landmarks
    Haast Pass
    Queenstown
    Itinerary Image 1
  16. Day 16

    Milford Sound

    Milford Sound
    Meals
    Breakfast
    Accommodation
    Hotel (Hilton Resort and Spa (or similar))

    Included Activities

    • Cruise Milford Coach service to Milford Sound with custom stops
    • Boutique cruise through Milford Sound fjord

    Optional Activities

    • Scenic flight over Southern Alps for return journey
    Landmarks
    Milford Sound
    Bowen Falls
    Stirling Falls
    Mitre Peak
  17. Day 17

    Queenstown

    Queenstown
    Meals
    Breakfast (Final breakfast with fellow travellers)

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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Optional Extras

What's Not Included

  • Insurance
  • Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change
Rating
5.0 (1 review)
Response time
within 3 days
Response rate
50%
Cancellation policy

Reviews from other tours by Great Journeys New Zealand

  • Colleen5.0March 2026
    Overall a great trip with a wonderful tour leader. Everything went smoothly once the tour began. It would have been...
    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 22 Jul, 2026
  • From Wednesday
    7 Oct, 2026
    To Friday
    23 Oct, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,233 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    28 Oct, 2026
    To Friday
    13 Nov, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,233 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    18 Nov, 2026
    To Friday
    4 Dec, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,233 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    9 Dec, 2026
    To Friday
    25 Dec, 2026
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,233 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    20 Jan, 2027
    To Friday
    5 Feb, 2027
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,233 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    10 Feb, 2027
    To Friday
    26 Feb, 2027
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,233 per person
    Multiple Room Types
  • From Wednesday
    3 Mar, 2027
    To Friday
    19 Mar, 2027
    English
    Almost Sold Out
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
    From:
    US $9,233 per person
    Multiple Room Types

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More benefits
Can’t find the answer to your question?
From
US $9,233 per person

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:

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Good to Know

Tour ID: 358025

  • 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 September 15th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after September 15th, 2026, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Great Journeys New Zealand. 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 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
    • Some departure dates and prices may vary and Great Journeys New Zealand will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Great Journeys New Zealand" 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