Grand New Zealand 30 Days
North and South Island (Reversible)
Experience the iconic attractions and hidden gems in this 30 day tour exploring the North and South Island in great detail.
Travel Style: Private driver I Self-drive I Independent Coach
Accommodation Style: Motel I Hotel I Boutique Lodges
Talk to us today about planning all the details.
Day 1: Auckland
Suggested activities for Auckland
Explore: Auckland
New Zealand's self-proclaimed "City of Sails" is the country's largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests, and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Central museums and galleries can be explored on foot.
Nature: Boat Cruise to Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto Island is the largest and youngest of the many volcanoes that make up the Auckland volcanic field. It erupted around 600 years ago but is extinct now and safe to explore. During your cruise to and from the island enjoy fantastic views of Rangitoto Island and Auckland's cityscape. On reaching the island you can walk to the summit (1 hour direct) for great views of the Hauraki Gulf and over Waitemata Harbour, looking back towards Auckland.
Day 2: Auckland to The Bay of Islands
Starting in Auckland, travel north to the Bay of Islands. After arriving in Paihia, visit nearby Waitangi for a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds where in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Māori and the British Crown.
Day 3 and 4: The Bay of Islands & Cape Reinga
A visit to New Zealand is not complete without a journey to the very top of the North Island – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Māori culture and tradition. Your driver guide also doubles as a story teller, sharing the stories of this significant site where, according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey home to Hawaiki. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic light house, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean come crashing together. Take a thrilling tour along 90 mile beach, with its golden sand dunes and rich marine life.
Day 5: Paihia to Rotorua
Your journey will take you past scenic native forests and sub-tropical bush, before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge to arrive back into downtown Auckland. Continue south into the rich farmland of the Waikato and onto the cultural heart of the North Island and Rotorua city.
Suggested activities for Rotorua
Culture and Food: Tamaki Maori Village Cultural Tour and Hangi Dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Māori way. Discover the Māori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths, and legends and browse throughout the largest after-hours tribal marketplace in Rotorua. Includes a hangi buffet feast that has cooked slowly underground.
Day 6: Rotorua
Travel to Waitomo Caves and then onto Hobbiton before arriving in Rotorua
Suggested activities
World Famous: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
In the heart of New Zealand, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Hobbiton is located just outside of Matamata - in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region. Here you can visit such iconic Hobbit locations as Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, and the Party Tree, with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and insight into the making of the films.
World Famous: Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead. After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, continue to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.
Day 7: Rotorua
Suggested Activities for Rotorua
Culture and Nature : Te Puia Te Rā Guided Experience
Te Puia is one of the country's premier indigenous experiences, with its spine-tingling ceremonial welcome, and stunning Kapa Haka cultural show which features traditional ancestral storytelling, song and dance. Enjoy food that has been cooked using the geothermal energy used for centuries, quite literally giving you a taste of Māori culture. You choose what you want to be cooked for your lunch before heading off on a special guided tour of Te Puia.
Relax: Hells Gate
Once bathed in by Māori warriors, the mud and waters of Tikitere have soothed battle-scarred bodies for centuries. To this very day our nutrient-rich water relaxes the body, while our mud gently exfoliates the skin. Take the time out to experience this healing for yourself, with a soak in the sulphur pool and full body mud coverage. You’ll leave rejuvenated and fresh, ready for the rest of your adventure.
Day 8: Rotorua to Taupo
Suggested Activity
Adventure: Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride
The Huka Jet is 30 minutes of pure fun and exhilaration, skimming close to cliffs, sliding past trees, feeling the adrenalin of full 360-degree spins. The excitement continues right up to the base of the foaming Huka Falls, where you get a spectacular water-level view of New Zealand's most visited natural attraction.
Day 9: Taupo
Suggested activities for Taupo
Explore: Taupo
The town of Taupo sits on New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo, and this beautiful and serene body of water is reason enough to visit. The lake is actually a volcanic caldera formed following a massive eruption in the year 186 AD, which is considered to be one of the largest and most violent eruptions known.
A host of activities can be undertaken here: bungy jumping, sky diving, fishing for trout in the lake and rivers, kayaking, sailing, horse riding, and walking and hiking to name but a few.
Nature: Private Guided Scenic Highlights Tour of Tongariro National Park with Adventure Outdoors
Experience the best of Tongariro National Park with this Scenic Highlight short walks and drive tour. It has a relaxed pace with stunning views.
Day 10: Taupo to Napier
Suggested Activities
History: Māori Rock Carvings Cruise
Journey to the Māori Rock Carvings in comfort and style with a stunning tour of Taupo’s bays. This unique 90-minute tour should be on your list of ‘top things to do in Taupo.
Day 11: Napier
Suggested Activities for Napier
Explore: Napier and the Hawke's Bay
With its Mediterranean climate and Art Deco style, Hawke's Bay is an attractive holiday prospect. As the nation's first winemaking region, a visit to one of its 30 wineries is a must. For the truly enthused, head out on a tour of the vines. Those into Gatsby can enjoy the chance to view prominent Art Deco landmarks on a 1930s Vintage Car Tour.
Food and Drink: Twilight Odyssey Progressive Winery Dinner
Take a scenic drive through the vineyards as you learn about the region and its wines. Enjoy a full interactive wine tasting alongside gourmet platters at a boutique winery. Last, take in the breathtaking panoramic views from Te Mata Peak while enjoying a glass of bubbles – you'll see the sun set from 399m above sea level, overlooking the glimmering lights of the Twin Cities.
Day 12: Napier to Wellington
Suggested activity
Explore: Cape Palliser and the South Coast
Just around 45 minutes south of the town of Martinborough will bring you to one of the most spectacular coastlines in the country. View rocky shores and tiny picturesque settlements as you head towards the magnificent views from the Cape Palliser lighthouse. New Zealand fur seals make these rocky shores and outcrops their home and offer some great photo opportunities.
Day 13: Wellington
Suggested Activities for Wellington
Explore: Wellington
Wellington City, New Zealand's capital, sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush-clad hills. The city centre itself is quite compact (only around one square kilometre), so exploring on foot is relatively easy. From your city centre accommodation you can easily stroll to cafes and restaurants around Courtenay Place, and New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa, is also close by.
Nature: Zealandia By Night Wildlife Sanctuary Tour
Taking a night tour of Zealandia wildlife eco-sanctuary is an unforgettable experience and one we highly recommend. It's a conservation success and safe haven for some of New Zealand's rarest native animals like the iconic Kiwi bird and Tuatara lizard.
Day 14: Wellington to Nelson
Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton
The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around three hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'.
From the Cook Strait, spectacular views of the South Island's Kaikoura Ranges can be enjoyed, and dolphins and many sea birds are often seen. The latter part of the cruise takes you through the Marlborough Sounds and this region of bush-covered mountains, small islands, crystal clear waters, and secluded bays, offers remarkable photographic opportunities.
Journey onto the largest city in the South Islands northern region, Nelson
Day 15 and 16: Nelson and Able Tasman National Park
Suggested Activities
Nature: Explore Able Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is situated near the top of the South Island and is accessible by walking, cruising or kayak. The sheltered bays of the Park are perfect for sailing and sea kayaking, also offering opportunities to see the seals and dolphins who regularly play in these coastal waters. If you prefer to explore by land, the Abel Tasman Great Walk follows the coastline through native bush alongside limestone cliffs and along golden beaches.
Adventure: Waka Abel Tasman
Connect. Experience. Explore.
To travel across water is to connect across time and space. We feel the motion and te mauri o te wai, just as our tūpuna did. To do it in a group, connects you in a way nothing else does.
Food and Wine: Sounds Connection Gourmet Wine Tour
The ultimate food and wine experience, the Sounds Connection Gourmet Wine Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at several renowned Marlborough wineries which may include Hans Herzog Estate, Wither Hills, Cloudy Bay, and Johanneshof Cellars, as well as a stop at the Makana Chocolate Factory. (Wineries visited on this tour can vary due to availability.) Meet the makers behind the wines and gain a fascinating insight into the wine-making process.
Day 17: Nelson to Kaikōura
Journey through Marlborough, New Zealand's largest wine growing region, Crossing the ‘dry hills’ of the Marlborough ranges you head towards one of the most incredible coastlines of the South Island, the Kaikoura Coast. The road hugs the shore for around 50 kilometers and offers many chances to view the native wildlife such as seabirds and New Zealand fur seals. .
Day 18: Kaikōura
Suggested activities
Nature: Whale Watching
Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where Giant Sperm Whales can be seen year-round and close to shore. They congregate here because the 2km deep Kaikōura Canyon runs right up against the coast creating a rare system of sea currents that sustain an incredibly rich marine food chain.
Nature: Guided Seal Kayaking
This adventure around the beautiful coastal waters 100% guarantees seal viewing and takes in the breath-taking views of sheer cliff faces, craggy rocks and mountain ranges while searching for chance encounters with dusky dolphins and blue penguins.
Day 19: Kaikōura to Christchurch
Suggested Activity
Explore: Christchurch
New Zealand's garden city is steadily being transformed into a vibrant urban destination. Encompassing a large green belt, it's known for its wide tree-lined avenues and lush gardens. Christchurch is also known for many great restaurants, with the local delicacy being fresh-caught crayfish.
Day 20: Christchurch
Suggested activities
Relax: Visit Akaroa
Just 1.5 hours’ drive from Christchurch, along the incredibly scenic Banks Peninsula, Akaroa is a picturesque little town with unique French heritage. Take in Akaroa's historic cottages and sample fine French cuisine.
World Famous: Swim with Hector's Dolphins (or just watch)
Experience New Zealand’s true eco-tourism adventure as you cruise out into the majestic surroundings of Akaroa Harbour and naturally encounter wild Hector’s dolphins on their terms, in their place. Please note we do not touch any dolphins, this is a pure natural encounter where we enter and respect Hector’s dolphins' environment and behavior..
Day 21: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier
World Famous: The TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Considered one of the world's great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You'll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur's Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys, and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.
Day 22: Franz Josef
Suggested activities for Franz Josef
Explore: Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef is a small but lively town in the heart of the West Coast, known for its 12km long glacier. Surrounded by lush rainforest-clad mountains the township has a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. To see the ice from a viewpoint you can walk along the valley floor to the viewpoint below the terminal face. However, to go on the glacier itself you must take a licensed helicopter tour.
Adventure: Half Day Franz Josef Glacier Eco Tour
Enjoy walking through regenerating forest for your first glimpse of the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier. Your experienced guide will take you off the beaten track as much as they can safely, to discover hidden waterfalls and 'dead' ice, and lots of other treasures.
Day 23: Franz Josef to Queenstown
Heading south, you pass through the small town of Fox Glacier. A short side trip to view the glacier is recommended before heading along the coast and through more classic West Coast bush scenery. At Knights Point Lookout, fur seals and even elephant seals can often be seen basking on the sandy beaches at the far end of the point. Crossing the Haast River, you’ll turn inland and through the mountainous valley studded with waterfalls. Continue on past lakes Hawea and Wanaka into the alpine township of Queenstown
Day 24 & 25: Queenstown
Suggested activities for Queenstown
World Famous: TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
Enjoy a quintessential Kiwi experience – a delicious gourmet BBQ buffet meal and a farm demonstration in a stunning lakeside setting.
Take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and its surroundings as you cruise across the lake to the historic Walter Peak high country farm aboard the TSS Earnslaw Steamship.
After dinner, watch the farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and say hello to the other farm animals.
History and Shopping: Arrowtown Sightseeing Tour
Tour the old gold mining town of Arrowtown, with its quaint shops, world-class restaurants, and amazing history. It’s like stepping onto a movie set. Your guide will amaze you with tales of old and gold, and give you free time to shop and explore at your own pace
Day 26: Milford Sound from Queenstown
Suggested activities
Nature: Tour Cruise Tour 12 Hours
This full-day experience journeys to Milford Sound via road with photo stops in Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park. Next, take a Milford Sound cruise famous for its wildlife and epic waterfalls. The experience ends with a return road tour to Queenstown
Optional scenic flight return to Queenstown (this reduces the tour to 7.5 hours)
Nature: Milford Ultimate Heli-Tour 4 Hours
Relaxed and unhurried, this remarkable tour takes off from Queenstown and flies over high-country peaks before venturing into the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, a wonderland filled with towering mountains, waterfalls, and native rainforest. Take in the majestic Milford Sound, stroll along the wildly beautiful, uninhabited West Coast beaches, see the blue ice glaciers high in the Alps and discover the fiords' coastal rainforests. As you touch down at each of the four landing sites, the helicopter will shut down so you can enjoy the sublime quiet of the mountains.
Day 27: Queenstown to Aoraki/ Mount Cook
Travel through Central Otago past the stone fruit capital of Cromwell and the amazing Lindis Pass. Catch your breath in Omarama before taking in the view of Aoraki Mount Cook (New Zealand's tallest mountain) from the shores of Lake Pukaki, known for its glacier-fed turquoise blue color. Continue along the lake to your final destination, Mount Cook Village.
Food: High Country Salmon
Caught from the crystal clear water of Lake Pukaki, high country salmon is a popular delicacy on the way to Queenstown.
Day 28: Aoraki/ Mount Cook
Suggested activities Aoraki Mount Cook
Scenery: Heli or Ski Plane Flight
This Mount Cook helicopter tour or ski plane adventure is the ultimate way to see the Southern Alps. Traverse the Main Divide to the West Coast and view the magnificent landscape of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Track north along the Tasman Sea before recrossing the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the Tasman Glacier.
Scenery: Glacier Explorer
Cruise around the Tasman Glacial Lake and experience the enormity of NZ's largest glacier. The towering ice wall is really quite incredible, with an astonishing history.
World Famous: Big Sky Star Gazing
Take a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos as you explore the wonders of the night sky, home to planets, stars and a whole other world we only dream about.
Day 29: Aoraki/ Mount Cook to Christchurch
Today you'll drive through the heart of the South Island, you'll come to the picturesque lakeside town of Tekapo then onto the vast Canterbury plains. Catch your breath in Geraldine before continuing to Christchurch.
Suggested activities Tekapo
Relax: Tekapo Springs Hot Pools
Experience the total relaxation of soaking in hot water in an alpine environment 720 meters above sea level. Our three hot pools are filled from an underground source near Tekapo.
World famous: The Church of the Good Shepard
Visit the most photographed stone church in New Zealand. Situated on the shores of Lake Takapō amongst the natural beauty of the lake and the mountains, the Church of the Good Shepherd was built to the glory of God and as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country.
Day 30: Christchurch to Auckland
Take a domestic flight back to Auckland for the end of your 30 day tour