11 day North and South Tour

Trip Code:62138

(AUD) Twin Share from $5,909pp

Days 11

Nights 10

Embark on an exhilarating 11-day, 10-night adventure across the captivating landscapes of Aotearoa/New Zealand. This premium coach tour travels both the North and South Islands, starting in Auckland and finishing in Christchurch.

Experience the magic of Waitomo’s glowworm caves, Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and rich Māori traditions at Lake Aniwhenua. Journey through Hawke’s Bay wine country, cross the Cook Strait in style, and explore Nelson, the sunshine capital. The tour includes visits to charming alpine villages, wine tastings in Marlborough and Waipara Valley, and time to discover New Zealand’s vibrant cities and stunning natural landscapes.

Multiple departure dates available from Sep 2027 to Apr 2028

from $5,909 pp twin share
from $7,279 pp solo traveller

* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Day to Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, check in at Oaks Auckland Hotel, meet your group and welcome host at 6:15pm, and enjoy a welcome dinner at 6:30pm.

Day 2 – Auckland to Rotorua

Visit Waitomo glowworm caves for a boat ride through the illuminated cavern, then continue to Rotorua for a group dinner.

Day 3 – Visit Rotorua Local Sites

Journey past Blue and Green Lakes to Lake Tarawera, visit Te Wairoa Buried Village, walk among the redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest, and tour the National Kiwi Hatchery.

Day 4 – Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua to Taupo

Experience Māori rock carvings and a traditional hangi lunch at Kohutapu Lodge on Lake Aniwhenua, then travel to Taupo to see Huka Falls.

Day 5 – Taupo to Napier

Visit Mission Estate Winery for wine tasting and lunch, then explore Napier’s Art Deco architecture and beachside promenade.

Day 6 – Napier to Wellington

Stop in Greytown for lunch, continue to Wellington, and enjoy a group dinner in the capital city.

Day 7 – Wellington to Nelson

Breakfast aboard the Interislander Ferry in the Pohutukawa Lounge, wine tasting at a Marlborough vineyard, then travel to Nelson.

Day 8 – Free Day in Nelson

Free day to explore Nelson’s creative spaces, craft beer establishments, or take an optional day tour to Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 9 – Nelson to Hanmer Springs

Travel through Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs, with free time to explore the thermal pools and alpine village, followed by a group dinner.

Day 10 – Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

Stop for wine tasting in Waipara Valley en route to Christchurch, arriving in the afternoon for a group dinner at the hotel.

Day 11 – Depart Christchurch

Final day of the tour with breakfast before saying farewell to your tour leader and travel companions.

* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed

Highlights

Maximum 24 guests in a luxury touring vehicle with experienced driver-guide
Premium Interislander ferry crossing in the Pohutukawa Lounge with breakfast included
Free day in Nelson to explore Abel Tasman National Park or local craft beer and arts scene

Inclusions

Experienced driver/guide and luxury touring vehicle (max 24 guests)
10 nights’ accommodation
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
Waitomo Caves experience and Lake Tarawera visit
National Kiwi Hatchery and Buried Village in Rotorua
Lake Aniwhenua cultural experience with traditional hangi lunch
Mission Estate Winery lunch and wine tasting
Premium lounge ferry journey across Cook Strait with breakfast
Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum
Waipara Valley wine tasting

Exclusions

Airfares
Travel insurance

FAQs

Accommodation includes 10 nights at quality hotels: Oaks Auckland Hotel, Distinction Rotorua, Anchorage Taupo, Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier, Novotel Wellington, Rutherford Nelson, Heritage Hanmer Springs, and Distinction Christchurch.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch.

Which destinations are included?

The tour visits Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Murupara, Taupo, Napier, Wairarapa, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Kaikoura and Christchurch.

What type of tour is this?

This is a premium coach tour operated by Kirra Tours, with a maximum of 24 passengers. It includes an experienced driver/guide and luxury touring vehicle.

What are some of the main highlights?

Highlights include the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Lake Tarawera, the Buried Village, National Kiwi Hatchery, Lake Aniwhenua cultural experience, Huka Falls, Mission Estate Winery, the Cook Strait ferry, Marlborough wine tasting and Waipara Valley wine tasting.

Is the Cook Strait ferry included?

Yes. The tour includes a premium lounge journey aboard the Interislander Ferry across the Cook Strait from Wellington to Picton.

Is there free time during the tour?

Yes. There is a full free day in Nelson, with optional activities such as visiting Abel Tasman National Park, exploring the city, or taking a wine or beer tour. There is also free time in Rotorua and Hanmer Springs.

Are meals included?

Yes. The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners.

Is wine tasting included?

Yes. The itinerary includes wine tasting at Mission Estate Winery and a Marlborough vineyard, as well as a Waipara Valley wine tasting.

Who operates this tour?

The tour is operated by Kirra Tours New Zealand.

Provided by: ANZCRO

Fine Print

Tours are priced in AUD, per person and are subject to change. Twin share tour prices must be purchased with a travel companion. If an individual purchases a Twin tour without a companion, they will be required to upgrade to a Single prior to departure. A deposit of AU$200 required within 10 days of booking, however if booking inside 45 days of departure, full payment will be due immediately. A minimum of 8 people is required for each tour to run. Standard Kirra NZ Tours’ Terms and Conditions apply. Further departure dates may be released, subject to demand.

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.