New Zealand Signature Highlights Tour • View Itinerary
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Bay of Islands Cape
Christchurch, New Zealand
Oamaru, New Zealand
Dunedin Railway Station
Milford Sound, Waterfall, New Zealand
TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown
Queenstown
Heli hike, Franz Josef Glacier
TranzAlpine
Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait
Wellington, New Zealand
Huka Falls, Waikato River, New Zealand
Te Puia Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua, New Zealand
Aerial View, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Mudbrick Cellar, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Signature Highlights

16 day Escorted Tour – from £4715 £4615

With flights from £5865

Explore New Zealand’s iconic highlights, from the Southern Alps and Milford Sound to Queenstown, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Wellington’s harbour and the beaches of the Bay of Islands.

Highlights:
  • Cruise through the spectacular fjords and waterfalls of Milford Sound
  • Ride the world-famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps
  • Discover Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital
  • Experience Rotorua’s geothermal landscapes and Māori culture
  • Explore the Bay of Islands, known for its calm waters and rich marine life

Your Itinerary

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You can customise your holiday by adding extra nights or activities before or after your New Zealand escorted tour. Just let us know what you would like to do.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 1 – Arrive in Christchurch

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred…

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

    Distinction Christchurch Hotel

    Dinner
Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 1

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Arrive in Christchurch

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

    Distinction Christchurch Hotel

    Dinner
Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 2 – Christchurch to Twizel

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to…

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Twizel.

    Distinction Mackenzie Country

    Breakfast, Dinner

Day 2

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Christchurch to Twizel

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Twizel.

    Distinction Mackenzie Country

    Breakfast, Dinner
Oamaru, New Zealand

Day 3 – Twizel to Dunedin

Depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its…

Depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time.

    Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

    Breakfast, Dinner
Oamaru, New Zealand

Day 3

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Twizel to Dunedin

Depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time.

    Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

    Breakfast, Dinner
Oamaru, New Zealand
Dunedin Railway Station

Day 4 – Dunedin to Te Anau

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the…

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander through this Garden of International Significance. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

    Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau

    Breakfast, Dinner
Dunedin Railway Station

Day 4

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Dunedin to Te Anau

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander through this Garden of International Significance. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

    Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau

    Breakfast, Dinner
Dunedin Railway Station
Milford Sound, Waterfall, New Zealand

Day 5 – Milford Sound

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for…

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

    Millennium Hotel Queenstown

    Breakfast, Lunch
Milford Sound, Waterfall, New Zealand

Day 5

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Milford Sound

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

    Millennium Hotel Queenstown

    Breakfast, Lunch
Milford Sound, Waterfall, New Zealand
TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown, New Zealand

Day 6 – Queenstown

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your crew are available…

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your crew are available to assist with the many optional activities available, including the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

    Millennium Hotel Queenstown

    Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

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Queenstown

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your crew are available to assist with the many optional activities available, including the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

    Millennium Hotel Queenstown

    Breakfast, Dinner
TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown, New Zealand
Heli hike, Franz Josef Glacier

Day 7 – Queenstown to Franz Josef

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the…

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Franz Josef. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

    Breakfast, Dinner
Heli hike, Franz Josef Glacier

Day 7

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Queenstown to Franz Josef

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Franz Josef. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

    Breakfast, Dinner
Heli hike, Franz Josef Glacier
TranzAlpine

Day 8 – Franz Josef to Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine,…

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

    Sudima Christchurch Airport

    Breakfast, Dinner
TranzAlpine

Day 8

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Franz Josef to Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

    Sudima Christchurch Airport

    Breakfast, Dinner
TranzAlpine
Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait

Day 9 – Christchurch to Wellington

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as…

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

    James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

    Breakfast, Dinner
Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait

Day 9

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Christchurch to Wellington

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

    James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

    Breakfast, Dinner
Interislander Ferry, Cook Strait
Wellington, New Zealand

Day 10 – Wellington

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at…

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.

    James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

    Breakfast
Wellington, New Zealand

Day 10

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Wellington

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.

    James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

    Breakfast
Wellington, New Zealand
Huka Falls, Waikato River, New Zealand

Day 11 – Wellington to Rotorua

Depart Wellington and view the snowcapped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel…

Depart Wellington and view the snowcapped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

    Pullman Rotorua

    Breakfast, Dinner
Huka Falls, Waikato River, New Zealand

Day 11

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Wellington to Rotorua

Depart Wellington and view the snowcapped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

    Pullman Rotorua

    Breakfast, Dinner
Huka Falls, Waikato River, New Zealand
Te Puia Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua, New Zealand

Day 12 – Rotorua

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for…

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before visiting Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert.

    Pullman Rotorua

    Breakfast, Dinner
Te Puia Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua, New Zealand

Day 12

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Rotorua

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before visiting Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert.

    Pullman Rotorua

    Breakfast, Dinner
Te Puia Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua, New Zealand
Aerial View, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand

Day 13 – Rotorua to Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north to Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon…

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north to Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty between the indigenous Māori tribes and the British settlers.

    Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

    Breakfast, Dinner
Aerial View, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand

Day 13

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Rotorua to Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north to Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty between the indigenous Māori tribes and the British settlers.

    Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

    Breakfast, Dinner
Aerial View, Bay of Islands, North Island, New Zealand
Bay of Islands Cape

Day 14 – Bay of Islands

Today you will cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, where a historic…

Today you will cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life before returning to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available, or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

    Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

    Breakfast
Bay of Islands Cape

Day 14

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Bay of Islands

Today you will cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life before returning to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available, or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

    Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

    Breakfast
Bay of Islands Cape
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland

Day 15 – Bay of Islands to Auckland

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit…

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

    Sudima Auckland City

    Breakfast, Dinner
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland

Day 15

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Bay of Islands to Auckland

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

    Sudima Auckland City

    Breakfast, Dinner
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Mudbrick Cellar, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Day 16 – Depart Auckland

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after…

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

    Breakfast
Mudbrick Cellar, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Day 16

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Depart Auckland

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

    Breakfast
Mudbrick Cellar, Waiheke Island, Auckland

This Tour Includes

15 nights hotel accommodation
15 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 12 dinners
Travel by luxury coach
Experiences and activities as detailed in the itinerary

Departure Dates

Check for departure dates that suit you:

2026-01-08

2026-01-31

2026-02-04

2026-02-12

2026-03-11

2026-03-20

2026-04-03

2026-04-17

2026-05-07

2026-09-16

2026-09-30

2026-10-05

2026-10-27

2026-11-01

2026-11-14

2027-01-08

2027-01-31

2027-02-04

2027-02-12

2027-03-11

2027-03-20

2027-04-17

2027-05-07

To confirm availability call 0333 234 3209

Flights & More Options

With FREEDOM, you can book your Signature Highlights escorted tour and flights together, as an ATOL protected package. Our Travel Experts can find the best priced Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for you.

Next Step

Please get in touch with our New Zealand Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.

Signature Highlights

16 day Escorted Tour – from £4715 £4615

With flights from £5865

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.

GPT Tours

Map

New Zealand Signature Highlights Route Map

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