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
Save up to £100 on selected 2026 & 2027 departures! Please call for the best price and availability.
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou 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.
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
Day 1
| 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
Day 2 – 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
Day 2
| 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
Day 3 – 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
Day 3
| 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
Day 4 – 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
Day 4
| 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
Day 5 – 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
Day 5
| 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
Day 6 – 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
Day 6
| 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
Day 7 – 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
Day 7
| 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
Day 8 – 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
Day 8
| 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
Day 9 – 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
Day 9
| 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
Day 10 – 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
Day 10
| 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
Day 11 – 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
Day 11
| 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
Day 12 – 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
Day 12
| 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
Day 13 – 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
Day 13
| 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
Day 14 – 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
Day 14
| 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
Day 15 – 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
Day 15
| 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
Day 16 – Depart Auckland
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Day 16
| Depart Auckland
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
This Tour Includes
Departure Dates
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
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
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