18 Day Ultimate New Zealand

Trip Code:62139

(AUD) Twin Share from $10,159pp

Days 18

Nights 17

Experience the very best of New Zealand from golden beaches and Māori heritage in the north to towering mountains, serene lakes, and glacier valleys in the south, it’s the most magical way to explore Aotearoa.

This small-group tour is operated by Kirra Tours and travels from Auckland in the North Island to Christchurch in the South Island, visiting destinations including Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, and Franz Josef.

Multiple departure dates available from Sep 2027 to Apr 2028

from $10,159 pp twin share
from $12,845 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* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.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 cavern, then continue to Rotorua for a group dinner.

Day 3 – Visit Rotorua Local Sites

Journey to Lake Tarawera, visit Te Wairoa Buried Village, walk among the redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest, and stop at the National Kiwi Hatchery.

Day 4 – Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua to Taupo

Experience a cultural tour at Lake Aniwhenua with Māori rock carvings and traditional hangi lunch, then travel to Taupo to see Huka Falls.

Day 5 – Taupo to Napier

Visit Mission Estate Winery for wine tasting and lunch, then continue to Napier to explore its Art Deco architecture.

Day 6 – Napier to Wellington

Depart Napier, stop in Greytown for lunch, then continue to Wellington for a group dinner.

Day 7 – Wellington to Nelson

Enjoy breakfast aboard the ferry in the Pohutukawa Lounge crossing Cook Strait, visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum in Blenheim, wine tasting, then continue to Nelson.

Day 8 – Free Day in Nelson

Free day to explore Nelson, take a wine or beer tour, visit Abel Tasman National Park, or hike to the centre of New Zealand.

Day 9 – Nelson to Hanmer Springs

Travel inland through Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs, with time to soak in the thermal pools, followed by a group dinner.

Day 10 – Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

Depart Hanmer Springs, stop for wine tasting in Waipara Valley, then continue to Christchurch for a group dinner at the hotel.

Day 11 – Christchurch to Dunedin

Journey south along the east coast, stop in Oamaru to see heritage buildings, visit the Moeraki Boulders, then arrive in Dunedin.

Day 12 – Dunedin to Te Anau

Visit Larnach Castle and its gardens, explore the Hokonui Moonshine Museum in Gore, then arrive in Te Anau.

Day 13 – Te Anau via Doubtful Sound to Queenstown

Cruise across Lake Manapouri, travel over Wilmot Pass, then board a catamaran to explore Doubtful Sound before continuing to Queenstown.

Day 14 – Day at leisure in Queenstown

Free day to experience Queenstown’s adventure activities, take the gondola to Bob’s Peak, or relax by the lake.

Day 15 – Queenstown to Haast

Travel through Arrowtown and Wanaka, continue along the West Coast through Haast Pass, then arrive in Haast for a group dinner.

Day 16 – Haast to Franz Josef

Travel north through Westland National Park, stop at Lake Matheson for mirror views of Mount Cook, then arrive in Franz Josef with optional helicopter flight.

Day 17 – Franz Josef to Christchurch

Depart Franz Josef, stop in Hokitika, then board the TranzAlpine train for a scenic journey to Christchurch, followed by a farewell meal.

Day 18 – Depart Christchurch

Final day of the tour, enjoy breakfast and say 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 passengers in luxury touring vehicles for an intimate experience
17 nights accommodation with 17 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 8 dinners included
Premium lounge ferry crossing and stays in geothermal Rotorua, alpine Queenstown, and glacier country

Inclusions

Experienced Driver/Guide
Small Group Tour – Max 24
Luxury Touring Vehicle
17 nights accommodation
17 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 8 Dinners
Waitomo Caves Experience
Lake Tarawera Visit
Buried Village in Rotorua
National Kiwi Hatchery Visit
Lake Aniwhenua Cultural Experience
Huka Falls
Mission Estate Winery Lunch and Wine Tasting
Premium Lounge Ferry journey across the Cook Strait
Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum
Waipara Valley Wine Tasting
Moeraki Boulders
Larnach Castle visit
Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
Visit Arrowtown, Wanaka
Overnight in a World Heritage Area
TranzAlpine Train Experience from Arthurs Pass

Exclusions

Airfares
Travel insurance

FAQs

At the end of each touring day, you will relax in hand-selected, premium room accommodations in superior hotels and unique boutique properties. Tailored for mature travelers, these stays are carefully chosen for their exceptional comfort, superb amenities, and stunning locations.

What destinations are included?

The tour visits Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Haast and Franz Josef, with highlights including Doubtful Sound and the West Coast.

What are the main experiences included?

Highlights include the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, National Kiwi Hatchery, Māori cultural experience at Lake Aniwhenua, Mission Estate Winery, Cook Strait ferry, Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, Larnach Castle, Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise and the TranzAlpine Train.

Is there free time during the tour?

Yes. The itinerary includes free days in Nelson and Queenstown, as well as free time in Rotorua and Hanmer Springs to explore independently or relax.

Is the helicopter flight in Franz Josef included?

No. A helicopter flight with a snow landing is available as an optional experience and is subject to weather conditions.

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.