Small Group Tours - New Zealand Coach Tours
11 Day New Zealand Small Group Tour: Coastal Discovery
price from
NZ$ 7015
per person (twin share)
New Zealand - Both Islands 
Small Group Tour 
11 days 
Auckland 
Christchurch 11 Day New Zealand Small Group Tour: Coastal Discovery | Included Experiences, Accommodation & Meals Included – 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners | Max. 14 Passengers
New Zealand’s far north and coastal south rarely appear in the same itinerary, yet together they tell the country’s story from beginning to end. This Coastal Escape tour links both over eleven unforgettable days. First, you begin in Auckland and head into the ancient kauri forests of the Far North. Then you fly south to experience the wild beauty of the South Island’s coastline.
Along the way, you will stand beneath Tane Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree in New Zealand. Walk through the legendary Waipoua Forest, home to trees over a thousand years old. Next, you will spend a free day exploring the Bay of Islands, including an included Waitangi Treaty Grounds pass and a traditional Hāngī dinner. This 11 day South Island and North Island tour also carries you south aboard the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, before reaching the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park.
Wine lovers will enjoy tastings at Marsden Wineries in the north and at Marsden Wineries in Marlborough further south. The journey finishes in Kaikoura, famous for whale watching and dolphin encounters, before a final drive to Christchurch. Small groups and expert local guides make every stop effortless, and premium twin share accommodation ensures comfort throughout.
For more options, explore our tours collection. Or, if you prefer a shorter South Island-only trip, browse our South Island Pioneer tour. Few itineraries connect the Far North and the South Island coastline quite like this Coastal Escape tour.
Tour Photo Gallery
Tour Information, Departure Dates & Price
Transportation
- Minibus
Tour Departures
- Check the tour departures below
Airport Transfers
- Not Included
Pricing
-
From NZD 7,015
Meals
- x6 Breakfast
- x2 Dinner
Accommodation
- Superior Hotels
Cities/Regions Visited
-
Omapere – Paihia – Bay of Islands – Punakaiki – Abel Tasman – Marlborough – Kaikoura
Group Size
- maximum 14 travelers
Tour Code
- WK0720265
Pre & Post Accommodation
- N/A
11 Day New Zealand Small Group Tour: Coastal Discovery Days
Head north from Auckland into New Zealand’s Far North, stopping at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, where exhibits tell the story of the country’s giant kauri trees and the pioneers who once logged them.
After lunch in Dargaville, cool off at the crystal-clear Kai Iwi Lakes before continuing into Waipoua Forest to see Tane Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree in New Zealand, estimated to be well over a thousand years old.
The day finishes beachfront in Omapere with an included fish and chips dinner overlooking the Tasman Sea.
Included activities:
- Stop at Kauri Museum in Matakohe
- Venture into Waipoua Forest to see Tane Mahuta
Accommodation: The Sands Hotel (or similar)
Cross the Far North towards the east coast, stopping for a wine tasting at a local winery, before arriving in Paihia in the Bay of Islands.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel (or similar)
A free day to design as you choose: cruise the Bay of Islands’ 144 islands, join a dolphin-spotting excursion, kayak to secluded beaches, or explore the included Waitangi Treaty Grounds pass, home to the site where New Zealand’s founding document was signed in 1840.
The evening includes a traditional Hāngī dinner at Waitangi, featuring food slow-cooked in an underground earth oven.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel (or similar)
Stop in Matakana Village for lunch and wine tasting at The Vintry, then return to Auckland for your flight to the South Island.
Accommodation: Wyndham Garden Hotel (or similar)
Ride the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps to Greymouth, one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, then continue to Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
The evening includes a group dinner.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel (or similar)
A free day to explore the Pancake Rocks, coastal rainforest walks, limestone cliffs and caves, or a kayaking trip through Paparoa National Park.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel (or similar)
Travel the wild West Coast, taking in seal colonies and lighthouse vistas, then head inland through the Nelson Lakes towards Abel Tasman National Park.
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort (or similar)
A full free day in Abel Tasman National Park, with options including kayaking, hiking the coastal track, canyoning, or skydiving.
Accommodation: Kimi Ora Eco Resort (or similar)
Drive through the Marlborough region, famous for its vineyards and Sauvignon Blanc, with an included lunch and wine tasting stop.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel (or similar)
Continue to Kaikoura, known for dramatic coastal scenery. The afternoon is free to spot seals, go whale watching, or swim with dolphins.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel (or similar)
A relaxed morning taking in the Kaikoura mountains, then a return journey to Christchurch, stopping at a local winery along the way. Arrive Christchurch around 4pm, with airport drop off included.
Inclusions & Highlights
- Mercedes Sprinter Luxury Bus with expert local guide driver throughout
- 3 to 4 star twin share accommodation with private ensuite bathrooms
- Breakfast every day
- 2 group dinners, including Welcome Dinner and a traditional Hāngī dinner at Waitangi
- Domestic flight between the North and South Island
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey, Christchurch to Greymouth
- Guided 40 minute walk to Tane Mahuta, New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds Combo Pass
- Wine tasting at Marsden Wineries in Northland
- Wine tasting and lunch in Marlborough
- Free day to explore Abel Tasman National Park
- Free day to explore Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
- Kaikoura coastline, with free time for whale watching or dolphin swimming
- Ohau Point and Cape Foulwind seal colony viewing along the drive
- Guide handles all optional activity bookings on the road, nothing to book in advance
Tour Departure Dates
2026 Departure Dates
December 8 – Please note: This specific departure will spend two nights in Nelson instead of Abel Tasman National Park, with a return shuttle provided to explore the park.
2027 Departure Dates
January 9 – Please note: This specific departure will also spend two nights in Nelson instead of Abel Tasman National Park, with a return shuttle provided to explore the park.
March 2
March 13
December 7
December 21
Accommodation
- Omapere Hotel or similar, 1 night (Day 1), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Paihia Hotel or similar, 2 nights (Days 2 to 3), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Punakaiki Hotel or similar, 2 nights (Days 5 to 6), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Abel Tasman Hotel or similar, 2 nights (Days 7 to 8), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Marlborough Hotel or similar, 1 night (Day 9), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
- Kaikoura Hotel or similar, 1 night (Day 10), Twin Share Room with private ensuite
Note: departures on 26 December 2026 and 9 January 2027 spend two nights in Nelson instead of Abel Tasman, with a return shuttle offered to explore the park.
Included activities
Accommodation
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