Highlights of New Zealand - 15 Days
Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female60%
- Male40%
Average age
Start / End
- Auckland
- Christchurch
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 16Meals included
11Highlights
- Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures of New Zealand, perfectly crafted for adventurers on a tight time-budget.
- Delve into the magical underworld of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, witnessing thousands of flickering glowworms create an ethereal spectacle during a serene boat ride.
- Immerse yourself in the rich Maori heritage and dramatic geothermal wonders of Rotorua, where bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools offer a truly unique experience. Consider an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure or visit an active volcanic site.
- Discover Wellington, New Zealand's relaxed yet lively capital, exploring its vibrant atmosphere, renowned Te Papa Museum, or enjoying panoramic views from the iconic cable car.
- Journey to Kaikoura, a charming seaside town famed for its abundant marine life. Opt for an incredible whale watching tour to spot giant sperm whales or swim with wild dolphins in the open ocean, complemented by a delightful local wine tasting en route.
- Cross the majestic Southern Alps to reach Franz Josef, nestled in a lush rainforest beside one of the world's fastest-moving glaciers. Choose from thrilling optional activities like heli-hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving, or serene lake kayaking.
- Experience the ultimate thrill in Queenstown, the world's adventure capital. Surrounded by stunning scenery, indulge in optional jet boating, bungee jumping, or explore the serene beauty of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound with a captivating day cruise past waterfalls and wildlife.
- Explore the awe-inspiring Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest peak, and hike amidst the dramatic alpine scenery before unwinding in the picturesque Tekapo Village.
- Conclude your grand tour in Christchurch, the 'Garden City', a resilient and charming urban oasis blending English heritage with New Zealand's unique spirit.
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Summary
Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand. For adventurers on a tight time-budget, this 15-day trip wraps up the must-sees of both islands with a nice little bow. Discover ethereal glowworm caves in Waitomo, discover Maori culture, and get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown. Consider this your New Zealand starter kit.
Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland
There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Day 2
Auckland/Rotorua
Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Day 3
Rotorua
Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.
Day 4
Rotorua/Wellington
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
Day 5
Wellington
Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.
Day 6
Wellington/Kaikoura
Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Day 7
Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs
Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
Day 8
Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef
Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.
Day 9
Franz Josef
There are plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving or lake kayaking.
Day 10
Franz Josef/Queenstown
Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.
Day 11
Queenstown
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 12
Queenstown
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.
Day 13
Queenstown to Tekapo
Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.
Day 14
Tekapo to Christchurch
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Day 15
Christchurch
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotels/motels (14nts).
Meals
Breakfasts: 8, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Mar 2026
from £3,979Apr 2026
from £3,979May 2026
from £3,760Jun 2026
from £3,760Jul 2026
from £3,384Aug 2026
from £3,384Nov 2026
from £3,384Dec 2026
from £3,581Jan 2027
from £4,138Feb 2027
from £4,138Mar 2027
from £3,979Apr 2027
from £3,979May 2027
from £3,760Jun 2027
from £3,760Jul 2027
from £3,760Aug 2027
from £3,760Sep 2027
from £3,263Oct 2027
from £3,263Nov 2027
from £3,760Dec 2027
from £3,979
- Thu 2 Sep 2027 > Thu 16 Sep 2027Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 leftPay MonthlyBest offer£3,263Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Thu 16 Sep 2027 > Thu 30 Sep 2027Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 leftPay MonthlyBest offer£3,263Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
- Thu 30 Sep 2027 > Thu 14 Oct 2027Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 leftPay MonthlyBest offer£3,263Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
I like the tour, but would enjoy it more if its itinerary and other organisation have been run differently. I liked the tour in general, but didn't like the way its activities (included and optional) were arranged, in particular the Mutai cultural experience was very artificial and corresponded to the low rating and critics I saw for it earlier, but I could not change/choose the better one. Furthermore, booking optional activities on our own via the Seymour app was quite a mess with the multiple attempts to install and connect it, long delays of any responses on booking requests or declined booking, while there were available places in chosen activities.
Katya Dec, 2025 VerifiedHighlights of New Zealand was an amazing trip showcasing some of the highlights of this amazing country. I enjoyed that some activities were included, such as Doubtful Sound, but there was also scope to make this holiday your own. I added in white water rafting in Rotorua, heli-hiking on Franz Josef Glacier, and jet boating and luge in Queenstown. The booking process for these activities could be improved but being able to experience these more thrilling aspects, along with stunning scenery and wildlife ensured that I had a great time and can?t wait to return some time to explore other parts of this beautiful country. The tour captured the highlights of NZ.. if you are wanting to experience the variance in landscape, scenery and opportunities fun across both north and South Island all in one trip, then this is the ideal way to achieve this.
Rebecca Nov, 2025 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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