14-Nights Highlights of New Zealand - Classic from $4,164

Itinerary Details

G Adventures: Highlights of New Zealand

Day 1: Auckland
Arrive at any time.
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
Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
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
Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
There are dozens of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving, lake kayaking or a hot pools visit.

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
With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
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
Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
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.