Ultimate New Zealand Small Group Tour • View Itinerary
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Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua, New Zealand
Fable hotel, Christchurch
Mount Cook, South Island
Oamaru, New Zealand
Lanarch Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand
Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
TSS Earnslaw
Fox Glacier Heli Hike, Group on Glacier
TranzAlpine
Interislander Ferry, Whekenui Bay
Museum of New Zealand
Huka Falls
Te Puia
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Hole in the Rock Cruise
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Auckland skyline

Ultimate New Zealand Highlights

16 day Escorted Tour – from £5459 £5315

With flights from £6611

Natural wonders, coastal backdrops, breathtaking scenery and memorable activities make this one of the best New Zealand small group tours available.

Highlights:
  • Enjoy a Milford Sound Cruise and lunch
  • Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
  • Experience a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert
  • Gaze upon the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Taupo
  • Marvel at the thermal mud pools and geysers of Rotorua

Your Itinerary

Expand All

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

Fable hotel, Christchurch

Day 1 – Arrive 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 as you meet your travelling companions.

    The George or similar

    Dinner
Fable hotel, Christchurch
Mount Cook, South Island

Day 2 – Christchurch – Mt Cook

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.

    The Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki Wing)

    Breakfast, Dinner
Mount Cook, South Island
Oamaru, New Zealand

Day 3 – Mt Cook – Dunedin

Depart Mt Cook, see Lake Benmore and follow the Waitaki River to Oamaru. Continue south to…

Depart Mt Cook, see Lake Benmore and follow the Waitaki River to Oamaru. Continue south to Dunedin, enjoy a city tour followed by free time. You might be interested in a tour to see local wildlife in their natural habitat (optional).

    Distinction Dunedin Hotel

    Breakfast, Dinner
Oamaru, New Zealand
Lanarch Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand

Day 4 – Dunedin – Te Anau

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

This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. 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 Te Anau Hotel & Villas

    Breakfast, Dinner
Lanarch Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand
Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

Day 5 – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown

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 at leisure, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

    Heritage Queenstown

    Breakfast, Lunch
Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
TSS Earnslaw

Day 6 – Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You…

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy 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.

    Heritage Queenstown

    Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
TSS Earnslaw
Fox Glacier Heli Hike, Group on Glacier

Day 7 – Queenstown – Franz Josef

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the…

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel.

    Te Waonui Forest Retrea

    Breakfast, Dinner
Fox Glacier Heli Hike, Group on Glacier
TranzAlpine

Day 8 – Franz Josef – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch

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

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to 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 Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

    The George

    Breakfast, Dinner
TranzAlpine
Interislander Ferry, Whekenui Bay

Day 9 – Christchurch – Picton – 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 and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.

    InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room)

    Breakfast, Dinner
Interislander Ferry, Whekenui Bay
Museum of 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.

    InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room)

    Breakfast
Museum of New Zealand
Huka Falls

Day 11 – Wellington – Taupo – 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.

    Regent of Rotorua

    Breakfast, Dinner
Huka Falls
Te Puia

Day 12 – Rotorua

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on…

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Free time is available this afternoon before travelling to 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.

    Regent of Rotorua

    Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
Te Puia
Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Day 13 – Rotorua – Bay of Islands

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

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north through 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 Māori tribes and the British.

    Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

    Breakfast, Dinner
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Hole in the Rock Cruise

Day 14 – Bay of Islands

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island…

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island visit aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia, enjoy a free afternoon where 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 at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

    Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

    Breakfast
Hole in the Rock Cruise
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland

Day 15 – Bay of Islands – Auckland

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

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville 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 farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

    Crowne Plaza Auckland

    Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Auckland skyline

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
Auckland skyline

Your Itinerary

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

Day 1

|

Arrive 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 as you meet your travelling companions.

    The George or similar

    Dinner
Fable hotel, Christchurch

Day 2

|

Christchurch – Mt Cook

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.

    The Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki Wing)

    Breakfast, Dinner
Mount Cook, South Island

Day 3

|

Mt Cook – Dunedin

Depart Mt Cook, see Lake Benmore and follow the Waitaki River to Oamaru. Continue south to Dunedin, enjoy a city tour followed by free time. You might be interested in a tour to see local wildlife in their natural habitat (optional).

    Distinction Dunedin Hotel

    Breakfast, Dinner
Oamaru, New Zealand

Day 4

|

Dunedin – Te Anau

This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea in the Grand Ballroom. 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 Te Anau Hotel & Villas

    Breakfast, Dinner
Lanarch Castle, Dunedin, New Zealand

Day 5

|

Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown

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 at leisure, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

    Heritage Queenstown

    Breakfast, Lunch
Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

Day 6

|

Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy 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.

    Heritage Queenstown

    Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
TSS Earnslaw

Day 7

|

Queenstown – Franz Josef

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel.

    Te Waonui Forest Retrea

    Breakfast, Dinner
Fox Glacier Heli Hike, Group on Glacier

Day 8

|

Franz Josef – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to 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 Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

    The George

    Breakfast, Dinner
TranzAlpine

Day 9

|

Christchurch – Picton – 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 and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.

    InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room)

    Breakfast, Dinner
Interislander Ferry, Whekenui Bay

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.

    InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room)

    Breakfast
Museum of New Zealand

Day 11

|

Wellington – Taupo – 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.

    Regent of Rotorua

    Breakfast, Dinner
Huka Falls

Day 12

|

Rotorua

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Free time is available this afternoon before travelling to 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.

    Regent of Rotorua

    Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
Te Puia

Day 13

|

Rotorua – Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north through 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 Māori tribes and the British.

    Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

    Breakfast, Dinner
Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Day 14

|

Bay of Islands

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island visit aboard a luxury catamaran. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia, enjoy a free afternoon where 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 at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

    Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

    Breakfast
Hole in the Rock Cruise

Day 15

|

Bay of Islands – Auckland

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville 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 farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

    Crowne Plaza Auckland

    Breakfast, Specialty Dinner
Viaduct Harbour, Auckland

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.

    Breakfast
Auckland skyline

This Tour Includes

15 nights hotel accommodation
15 breakfasts and 12 dinners
Travel by luxury air conditioned coach
Professional and experienced driver
Activities and experiences as detailed in the itinerary

Departure Dates

Check for departure dates that suit you:

2024-04-15

2024-04-20

2024-05-06

2024-09-04

2024-09-27

2024-10-10

2024-10-28

2024-11-12

2024-11-17

2024-12-04

2025-01-11

2025-01-26

2025-02-13

2025-03-10

2025-03-26

2025-04-01

2025-04-18

2025-05-04

To confirm availability call 0333 234 3209

Flights & More

With FREEDOM, you can book your Ultimate New Zealand 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.

You can also personalise your holiday. Why not add:

  • Extra nights in Christchurch or Auckland, before or after your tour
  • A stopover to New Zealand in Singapore, Dubai or another destination

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.

Ultimate New Zealand Highlights

16 day Escorted Tour – from £5459 £5315

With flights from £6611

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room and include meals shown. Seasonal supplements may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations to confirm departure dates and availability.

Map

Ultimate New Zealand Explorer Map