24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour
Mount Victoria, Wellington, Christchurch
From the secluded beaches and volcanic craters of the north to the glaciers, mountains and fjords in the south, this is our most immersive experience possible.
Overview
This 24-day guided tour travels from Auckland to Christchurch, exploring New Zealand's North and South Islands. It suits travelers seeking an active cultural and natural experience.
Highlights
- Explore diverse landscapes across New Zealand’s North and South Islands
- Guided trip with lodging and some meals included
- Visit iconic locations like Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Rotorua, and Waitomo
- Participate in activities such as ferry rides, wine tasting, and city tours
- Enjoy mountain hikes leading to lakes and waterfalls
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland; meet your tour guide and group at the hostel.
Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel; visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
Day 3: Coromandel to Waitomo; hike Karangahake Gorge and explore Waitomo glowworm caves.
Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua; visit Ruakuri Reserve, stay overnight in a Māori village, optional Hobbiton tour, explore Rotorua town and lake.
Day 5: Free day in Rotorua; visit Te Pā Tū Māori Village to learn local history and culture.
Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo; walk Huka Falls walkway, relax at Spa Park’s natural thermal pools.
Day 7: Free day in Taupo; optional activities available through the Trip Planner.
Day 8: Taupo to River Valley; hike to Taranaki Falls, spend day at River Valley Lodge, enjoy an organic roast dinner.
Day 9: River Valley to Wellington; experience New Zealand’s capital city.
Day 10: Free day in Wellington.
Day 11: Wellington to Kaikoura; ferry across Cook Strait, wine tasting in Marlborough, visit Kaikoura seal colony.
Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch; hike Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, explore Christchurch street art trail.
Day 13: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo; night sky viewing at Dark Sky Project, visit Church of the Good Shepherd.
Day 14: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook; explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, walk Hooker Valley track to Hooker Lake.
Day 15: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown; dinner at Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant overlooking Queenstown.
Day 16: Free day in Queenstown.
Day 17: Queenstown to Milford Sound; two-hour Milford Sound boat cruise.
Day 18: Queenstown to Lake Hawea via Wanaka; hike Roys Peak (weather dependent), visit Wanaka tree.
Day 19: Lake Hawea to Franz Josef; visit Thunder Creek Falls, view Lake Matheson’s reflections.
Day 20: Franz Josef; greenstone jewelry carving workshop and glacier walk.
Day 21: Franz Josef to Punakaiki; hike Pancake Rocks walkway.
Day 22: Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs; explore Hanmer Springs sculpture walk.
Day 23: Relax in Hanmer Springs thermal pools.
Day 24: Return to Christchurch for departure.
Included
- Professional tour guide
- Transportation throughout the trip
- 23 nights in dormitory-style accommodation
- One overnight stay in a Māori village
- Breakfast daily and two dinners (dietary options available on request)
- Ruakuri Glowworm Caves tour in Waitomo
- Kiwi Hatchery tour
- Hells Gate geothermal park experience in Rotorua
- Te Pā Tū Māori Village cultural immersion
- Cook Strait ferry crossing
- Tawanui Farm visit
- Marlborough wine and gin tasting
- Milford Sound day trip and cruise
- Greenstone carving experience
- Iron Ridge Quarry visit
- Hanmer Springs thermal pools admission
- Tekapo Hot Springs access
- Various scenic hikes
Not Included
- Additional food and drinks
- Travel insurance
Important Information
- The tour begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation available up to 30 days before the tour start date.
Booking Tips
Book in advance to secure your place. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera. The best time to visit is during New Zealand’s spring to autumn months for favorable weather.
