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
- Marvel at the striking Franz Josef glacier
- Feast on a hangi in a Maori village
- Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound
- LLet loose in Queenstown
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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
Aug 25
from £3,037Sep 25
from £2,881Oct 25
from £2,881Nov 25
from £3,056Dec 25
from £3,723Jan 26
from £3,850Feb 26
from £3,850Mar 26
from £3,703Apr 26
from £3,498May 26
from £3,213Jun 26
from £3,213Jul 26
from £3,213Aug 26
from £3,213Sep 26
from £3,498Oct 26
from £3,498Nov 26
from £3,703Dec 26
from £3,850Jan 27
from £3,213
- Save 2%Thu 9 Oct 2025 > Thu 23 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure🔥1 space of 16 left£3,459£3,390
- Save 2%Thu 16 Oct 2025 > Thu 30 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure4 spaces of 16 left£3,459£3,390
- Save 2%Thu 23 Oct 2025 > Thu 6 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£3,459£3,390
- Save 17%Thu 30 Oct 2025 > Thu 13 Nov 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 16 left£3,459Best offer£2,881Book for£250 today, pay the rest later
Customer reviews & ratings
Two weeks of incredible memories in an incredible country I'll never forget. Thank you. I will definitely use G Adventures again G Adventures offers a brilliant experience. I really enjoyed the trip and the experiences. Also your customer service is great.
Olivia Oct, 2024 VerifiedSuch a great bunch of people. Loved it all. Peter was great and is so good with sharing knowledge. New zealand is some country. I will definitely use gadventures again It was amazing
Robin Oct, 2024 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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