24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour
Mount Victoria, Wellington, Auckland
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.
New Zealand North to South Small Group Guided Tour
This 24-day guided tour starts in Auckland and covers New Zealand’s North and South Islands, ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive cultural and natural experience.
Highlights
- Explore New Zealand’s two islands with breathtaking natural landscapes
- Guided journey from north to south with accommodation and some meals included
- Visit Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Rotorua, Waitomo, and other key destinations
- Enjoy activities like a Cook Strait ferry ride, wine tasting, and city tours
- Experience mountain hikes leading to lakes and waterfalls
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland, welcome evening with your tour guide and group.
Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel – Visit Cathedral Cove and relax at Hot Water Beach by digging your own spa pool.
Day 3: Coromandel to Waitomo – Hike Karangahake Gorge and explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua – Explore Ruakuri Reserve, overnight in a Māori village learning local history and culture; optional Hobbiton visit, plus Rotorua town and lake.
Day 5: Rotorua free day – Visit Te Pā Tū Māori Village to learn about local culture and history.
Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo – Walk Huka Falls walkway and soak in Spa Park’s natural hot pools beneath a waterfall.
Day 7: Taupo free day – Leisure time with optional activities available through the Trip Planner.
Day 8: Taupo to River Valley – Hike to Taranaki Falls, stay at River Valley Lodge by the Rangitikei River, and enjoy an organic roast dinner.
Day 9: River Valley to Wellington – Explore New Zealand’s capital city.
Day 10: Wellington free day – Day at your own pace.
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, city street art trail in Christchurch.
Day 13: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo – Stargazing at Dark Sky Project, visit Church of the Good Shepherd.
Day 14: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook – Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit, Hooker Valley Track hike.
Day 15: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown – Buffet dinner with panoramic views at Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant.
Day 16: Queenstown free day – Independent exploration.
Day 17: Queenstown to Milford Sound – Two-hour Milford Sound boat cruise.
Day 18: Queenstown to Lake Hawea via Wanaka – Roys Peak hike (weather dependent), visit Wanaka tree.
Day 19: Lake Hawea to Franz Josef – Thunder Creek Falls hike, scenic views of Aoraki/Mount Cook from Lake Matheson.
Day 20: Franz Josef – Design and carve greenstone jewelry, glacier walk.
Day 21: Franz Josef to Punakaiki – Walk Pancake Rocks.
Day 22: Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs – Sculpture walk.
Day 23: Hanmer Springs – Relax in thermal pools.
Day 24: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch – End of tour.
Included
- Professional tour guide
- Transportation throughout the tour
- 23 nights dorm share accommodation
- 1 overnight experience in a Māori village
- Daily breakfast and 2 dinners (dietary requirements available on request)
- Ruakuri Glowworm Caves tour in Waitomo
- Kiwi Hatchery tour
- Hells Gate geothermal park in Rotorua
- Te Pā Tū Māori Village cultural experience
- 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
- Tekapo hot springs
- Various scenic hikes throughout the tour
Exclusions
- Additional food and drinks
- Travel insurance
Important Information
- The tour begins in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 30 days before departure for a full refund.
For best experience, pack comfortable hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
