24 day Greatest Of All Tours Small Group Tour

Mount Victoria, Wellington, Queenstown



From the secluded beaches and volcanic craters of the north to the glaciers, mountains and fjords in the south, this is our most immersive experience possible.

New Zealand North to South Guided Tour with Lodging and Activities

This 24-day guided tour spans New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch, ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience with accommodation and some meals included.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore natural landscapes across New Zealand’s two main islands
  • Discover Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Rotorua, Waitomo, and more
  • Engage in activities including ferry rides, wine tastings, and city tours
  • Experience mountain hikes leading to lakes and waterfalls

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland, welcome evening with your guide and group.

Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel - visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

Day 3: Coromandel to Waitomo - hike Karangahake Gorge, tour glowworm caves.

Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua - explore Ruakuri Reserve, stay overnight in a Māori village, optional Hobbiton visit, explore Rotorua town and lake.

Day 5: Free day in Rotorua - visit Te Pā Tū Māori Village.

Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo - walk Huka Falls walkway, relax at Spa Park pools.

Day 7: Free day in Taupo - optional activities available via Trip Planner.

Day 8: Taupo to River Valley - hike to Taranaki Falls, stay at River Valley Lodge, enjoy an organic roast dinner.

Day 9: River Valley to Wellington - explore New Zealand’s capital city.

Day 10: Free day in Wellington.

Day 11: Wellington to Kaikoura - Cook Strait ferry, Marlborough wine tasting, visit Kaikoura seal colony.

Day 12: Kaikoura to Christchurch - hike Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, city street art trail.

Day 13: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo - stargazing at the Dark Sky Project, visit Church of the Good Shepherd.

Day 14: Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook - explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Hooker Valley track.

Day 15: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown - buffet dinner at Skyline Stratosphere Restaurant.

Day 16: Free day in Queenstown.

Day 17: Queenstown to Milford Sound - 2-hour Milford Sound boat cruise.

Day 18: Queenstown to Lake Hawea via Wanaka - views from Roys Peak (weather dependent), visit Wanaka tree.

Day 19: Lake Hawea to Franz Josef - visit Thunder Creek Falls and Lake Matheson reflections.

Day 20: Franz Josef - greenstone carving workshop, glacier walk.

Day 21: Franz Josef to Punakaiki - Pancake Rocks walk.

Day 22: Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs - sculpture walk.

Day 23: Free day at Hanmer Springs thermal pools.

Day 24: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch - end of tour.

Included in the Tour

  • Professional tour guide
  • Transportation throughout the tour
  • 23 nights dorm-share accommodation
  • 1 overnight Maori village experience
  • Daily breakfast and 2 dinners (dietary meals on request)
  • Ruakuri Glowworm Caves tour in Waitomo
  • Kiwi Hatchery tour
  • Hells Gate Rotorua visit
  • Te Pā Tū Māori Village cultural immersion
  • Cook Strait ferry crossing
  • Tawanui Farm visit
  • Marlborough wine and gin tasting
  • Milford Sound day trip and cruise
  • Greenstone carving experience
  • Iron Ridge Quarry visit
  • Hanmer Springs thermal pools access
  • Tekapo Hot Springs entry
  • Various scenic hikes as listed in itinerary

Not Included

  • Extra food and drinks
  • Travel insurance

Important Information

  • The tour starts in Auckland and ends in Christchurch.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 30 days before departure for a full refund.

For the best experience, book early and bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a refillable water bottle. The tour operates year-round, but weather conditions may affect some activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes guided trips across New Zealand’s North and South Islands, lodging, activities like mountain hikes, wine tasting, and visits to sites such as Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Rotorua, and Waitomo.
The tour starts in Auckland on the North Island and ends in Christchurch on the South Island.
The tour is designed for small groups, typically accommodating around 10 to 16 participants to ensure a personalized experience.
Yes, the itinerary includes mountain hikes to lakes, waterfalls, and scenic lookout points around Queenstown and other locations.
Yes, all lodging is included throughout the 24-day tour, covering stays in multiple locations including Queenstown.
Basic hiking gear is recommended, but specialized equipment is usually provided or specified in pre-tour information.
The tour runs year-round, but spring to autumn offers more temperate weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Yes, the tour includes wine tasting experiences in regions known for their vineyards near Queenstown.
Yes, transportation between major stops including ferry rides such as the Cook Strait is included in the guided tour package.
You can check the official tour website or contact the tour operator directly for the full itinerary and daily details.

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