18 Day New Zealand Small Group Tour: From the Far North to Fiordland

This morning is all about flexibility. If Waipoua Forest wasn’t visited yesterday, explore it today, either en route or via a complimentary local shuttle.

Cross the Far North toward the east coast, stopping at a winery after lunch for a relaxed wine tasting, before arriving in Paihia later in the afternoon. The rest of the day and evening are completely free.

Today is yours to design. Spend it exactly how you like: cruise the Bay of Islands, go dolphin spotting, kayak to secluded beaches, or explore the included Waitangi Treaty Grounds Combo Pass at your own pace.

In the evening, come together for an included Hāngī dinner at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a traditional Maori feast and cultural experience.

We journey south today with a few unforgettable stops along the way. Our final highlight is a stop in the charming Matakana Village, with free time to relax over lunch, browse boutique shops, or sample local wines at The Vintry, before returning to Auckland in the late afternoon.

Depart Auckland and make your way to Tauranga, pausing for a pleasant stroll and lunch in Paeroa. Follow the stunning coastline to Mount Maunganui, where you’ll spend the afternoon at one of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches. The day finishes with a group dinner.

Begin the day with a visit to Hobbiton, the famous movie set from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. On a guided tour, learn about the movie-making process and enjoy lunch at the Shire’s Rest Cafe. Continue to Rotorua, surrounded by natural hot springs and geothermal wonders.

Today is yours to embrace the activities of your choice, from white water rafting on the Kaituna River to a relaxing soak in the Polynesian Spa’s thermal pools, the Redwoods Treewalk, an e-bike tour, or a hike up Mt Tarawera.

Journey to Huka Falls to witness the incredible power of the falls, then stop at Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonders before continuing to Taupo. An optional sunset cruise on Lake Taupo is available in the evening.

Taupo is all about relaxation and exploration. Spend the day at your own pace, with the Tongariro Crossing or jet boating popular for adventure seekers, while fishing, scenic flights, or a soak in hot springs suit a more relaxed pace.

Head to Waitomo Caves for a guided tour through underground limestone formations and glowworms. Continue to Hamilton Gardens for a guided walk, then finish the day in Raglan, a relaxed coastal town with black sand beaches.

Spend the morning in Raglan, known for its black sand beaches and world-class surf breaks. Later, travel back to Auckland, where you are dropped off at the airport to fly to the South Island.

Your South Island journey continues from Christchurch through the stunning Rakaia Gorge, with a lunch stop in Geraldine. Continue to Lake Tekapo, famous for its turquoise water and Southern Alps views. The evening brings a Welcome Dinner among your fellow travelers.

Travel south to picturesque Te Anau. Along the way, pause at Mt Difficulty Vineyard for an included lunch and wine tasting amid stunning Central Otago scenery.

Travel to Milford Sound, often called the eighth wonder of the world, for an included scenic cruise past waterfalls and towering cliffs, plus lunch on board. Continue to Queenstown, nestled among majestic mountains and lakes.

A free day to explore the adventure capital of the world. Options include bungy jumping, skydiving, jet boating, a scenic hike, or a leisurely stroll around town.

Travel from Queenstown to Franz Josef, pausing in the lakeside town of Wanaka along the way, following the scenic west coast route.

A free day to explore Franz Josef at your own pace. Options include a guided glacier walk, a soak in thermal pools, or a helicopter tour.

Travel back to Christchurch, stopping in Hokitika, famous for jade carving, and Arthur’s Pass, known for its stunning mountain landscapes. Visit Castle Hill before finishing the tour back in Christchurch.