Highlights of New Zealand image
Save 20% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-06-12
Operated by G Adventures

Highlights of New Zealand

From
CAD 4,519
Duration
15 days
Countries
New Zealand
Activity
easy

The adventure

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.

At a glance

Duration
15 days
Route
Auckland → Christchurch
Countries
New Zealand
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Highlights of New Zealand image

Day by day

Explore the breathtaking mountain landscape of New Zealand featuring rugged peaks and lush valleys.
Your journey through

New Zealand

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Day 2Drive to the lakeside town of 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 3Today is yours to explore Rotorua
Today is yours to explore Rotorua, opt to check out the geothermal area, go whitewater rafting, or one of the many other activities in the area. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Day 4Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North…
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island as you travel to the capital, Wellington. Stop along the way places like the mighty Haka Falls and the 'Gumboot capital of NZ', Taihape.
Day 5Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city
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 6Fly to the South Island and travel…
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 7Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura
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 8Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across…
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 9Enjoy a free day to explore the area…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.
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 10Continue to 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 11With free time here
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.
Day 12Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park…
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 13Travel north through the centre of the South…
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 14Continue on to Christchurch and take…Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Stunning architectural view of the Christchurch Arts Centre, a historic landmark in New Zealand.Christchurch
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
Map showing Christchurch
Day 15Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover New Zealand

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Tranquil coastal landscape at Kereta, Waikato, New Zealand. Rolling hills meet the serene ocean shore under a blue sky.
Picturesque landscape of Lake Pukaki with mountains and winding road at sunset in New Zealand.
Breathtaking landscape of a tranquil lake reflecting mountain views in Otago, New Zealand.
A stunning aerial view of Akaroa Harbor with lush green landscapes and surrounding hills in New Zealand.
Breathtaking aerial view of Queenstown by Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains under clear skies.

Upcoming departures

Last Minute 20% off ONAC260709 · ends 2026-06-12 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
9 Jul 202623 Jul 2026CAD 4,874On requestBook my trip
Operated by G Adventures

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