18 Days • 17 Nights
Grand New Zealand: The Complete Journey
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll cruise the Bay of Islands, explore Auckland and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, discover the harbour capital of Wellington, cross Cook Strait, ride the TranzAlpine, walk on a glacier, cruise Milford Sound, and soak up the alps, lakes and adventure of Queenstown and Mount Cook. Maori culture, wine country and unforgettable landscapes thread it all together.
With hand-picked hotels, scenic touring and all experiences arranged, it is New Zealand in full — the trip of a lifetime.
Trip Highlights
- The subtropical Bay of Islands
- Auckland, Rotorua's geysers and Maori culture
- The harbour capital of Wellington and Te Papa
- The Cook Strait crossing and the TranzAlpine
- The Franz Josef glacier and the West Coast
- A cruise on the majestic Milford Sound
- Queenstown, Mount Cook and the Mackenzie skies
- The complete north-to-south journey
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 18-day journey.
Arrive in the 'City of Sails' and settle in, with a welcome dinner.
A city tour and a harbour cruise, the Sky Tower and the museum.
Travel north to the beautiful Bay of Islands.
A cruise among the islands to the Hole in the Rock, with dolphins and historic Russell.
Travel south to the Waitomo glowworm caves, then geothermal Rotorua.
The geysers of Te Puia, the Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland and a Maori hangi feast and concert.
Travel south to the harbour capital of Wellington.
A city tour, the cable car and the superb Te Papa national museum.
Cross Cook Strait by ferry or fly to the South Island, arriving in Christchurch, the 'Garden City'.
Ride the TranzAlpine across the Alps, then travel to the Franz Josef glacier.
A glacier walk or scenic flight, then the spectacular Haast Pass drive to Queenstown.
The Skyline Gondola, a TSS Earnslaw cruise and your choice of adventure.
A full-day journey to the majestic Milford Sound, overnighting in Te Anau.
Return to Queenstown via Arrowtown and a Gibbston Valley wine tasting.
A scenic drive to Glenorchy and the paradise landscapes at the head of the lake.
Travel through the Mackenzie Country, past the turquoise lakes, to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Explore Mount Cook — a glacier valley walk, an optional scenic flight and the famous dark skies.
A scenic drive to Christchurch for your onward flight, with a final breakfast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and scenic touring throughout
- 17 nights in hand-picked hotels across both islands
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and a Maori hangi feast
- A Bay of Islands cruise, Rotorua geothermal and Maori experiences
- The Waitomo glowworm caves, Wellington and Te Papa
- The Cook Strait crossing, the TranzAlpine and the Franz Josef glacier
- A Milford Sound cruise, Queenstown and Aoraki/Mount Cook
- Inter-island travel and all listed activities
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from New Zealand
- NZeTA and International Visitor levy fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional domestic flights beyond those stated
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional activities and adventure experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Visitors from visa-waiver countries must obtain an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) online before travelling, which includes the International Visitor levy. Others need a visitor visa; we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the New Zealand Dollar. New Zealand is largely cashless, with cards and contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
- Driving: New Zealanders drive on the left. Roads are scenic but often winding, and distances take longer than they look, so we build in realistic drive times (or you can self-drive)
- Seasons reversed: New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so summer is December to February and winter (with skiing in the south) is June to August. Spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful
- Four seasons in a day: The weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains, so pack warm and waterproof layers even in summer, along with strong sun protection for the intense UV
- Biosecurity: New Zealand has strict biosecurity, so declare all food, plant and animal items on arrival and clean any hiking boots or camping gear to protect the country's unique nature
- Sandflies: The West Coast and Fiordland (including Milford Sound) have persistent sandflies, so bring insect repellent for those areas
- Best time: New Zealand is a year-round destination; summer is best for hiking and the outdoors, winter for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden landscapes and wine country
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary or expected in New Zealand, which keeps things simple
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM or eSIM gives good coverage in towns and along main routes. Power is 230V with the Australian-style type I plug, so bring an adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as a Maori hangi feast or a wine-country lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy New Zealand's superb food and wine.
Are transfers and touring arranged?
Yes — your airport transfers, scenic touring and activities are arranged for you, with the option of private guides, coach touring or a self-drive itinerary to suit your style.
Do I need a visa for New Zealand?
Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an NZeTA, applied for online before travel. We guide you through the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (December-February) is ideal for hiking and the outdoors, winter (June-August) for skiing in the south, and autumn for golden colours and wine. New Zealand is beautiful year-round.
Should we do a self-drive or guided tour?
Both work wonderfully — self-drive gives freedom and flexibility on New Zealand's scenic roads, while a guided or private tour takes care of everything. We can tailor either to you.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, islands, activities and hotels can all be tailored, and we can add Milford Sound, a glacier, wine country, adventure sports or luxury lodges. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the islands?
By a short scenic flight or the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait between the North and South Islands — both included and arranged as your route requires.
Is eighteen days too long for New Zealand?
Not at all — New Zealand is compact but astonishingly varied, and eighteen days lets you experience the full length of both islands, from subtropical bays to southern fiords, without rushing.
Do we cross Cook Strait by ferry?
Yes — the Interislander ferry crossing between Wellington and the South Island is a scenic highlight in itself, though we can fly instead to save time if you prefer.
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