15D14N Highlights Of New Zealand (ONAC)
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.
Tour Highlights
- Marvel at the striking Franz Josef glacier
- Feast on a hangi in a Maori village
- Let loose in Queenstown
- Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound
Good to know
- Physical Rating: 2: Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Auckland
Arrive at any time.
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.
breakfast · dinner
Day 4 Rotorua - Wellington
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
breakfast
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.
dinner
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.
breakfast
Day 9 Franz Josef
Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
breakfast
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.
breakfast
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
breakfast · lunch
Day 13 Queenstown - 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.
breakfast
Day 14 Tekapo - Christchurch
Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
breakfast
Day 15 Depart Christchurch
Depart at any time.
breakfast
What's included
Included
- 14 nights’ accommodation
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
- Meals as per itinerary
Not included
- International air ticket
- Travel insurance
- Others not mentioned
Prices & dates
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Your hotels
Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments
★★★★
Auckland 40 Beach Road, 1010 Auckland, New Zealand
Sudima Lake Rotorua
★★★★
Rotorua 1000 Eruera Street, 3010 Rotorua, New Zealand
Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington
★★★★
Wellington 213-223 Cuba Street, Te Aro, 6011 Wellington, New Zealand
The White Morph
★★★★
Kaikoura 92-94 The Esplanade, 7300 Kaikoura, New Zealand
Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs
★★★★
Hanmer Springs 2 Harrogate Street, 7334 Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
Rainforest Retreat
★★★★
Franz Josef 46 Cron Street, 7856 Franz Josef, New Zealand
Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Godley Hotel
★★★★
Lake Tekapo 2-4 Rapuwai Lane, 7945 Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Bealey Quarter
★★★★★
Christchurch 263 Bealey Avenue, Edgeware, 8013 Christchurch, New Zealand



