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10 Day Iconic New Zealand Guided Tour

Guided tours includes.

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TranzAlpine

  TranzAlpine

 Private Escort / Tour Guide-Driver & Private Mercedes Touring Vehicle  4-Star Accommodation 10 Nights, 11 Days Touring   Included North Island Tours: • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour • Rotorua Geothermal Reserve Tour & Geothermal Spa • Māori Culture Evening Experience & Maori Hāngi Dinner • Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour Included South Island Tours: • Shotover Jet • Milford Sound Boat Cruise • Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing • TranzAlpine Train 'Ranked amongst the best train journeys in the world' •• Special Deal: Includes FREE Auckland Sky Tower Admission ••

Guided Tours Activities

Milford Sound

  Milford Sound

Heli Flight

  Heli Flight

  Jet Boat

Glow Worm Caves

  Glow Worm Caves

  Hot Tubs

Hobbiton Movie Set

  Hobbiton Movie Set

Maori Cultural Show

  Maori Cultural Show

Geothermal Tour

  Geothermal Tour

Guided Tours Price

As our Guided Tour prices are split between travellers, pricing will vary depending on the number of travellers on the tour. Please make a tour enquiry to receive your personal quote.

*Please note USD pricing and conversions vary.

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Experience the best of New Zealand on this 5* reviewed iconic private guided tour . We offer flexible New Zealand tours by locals, including the highlights of both islands. Your private tour package has no date or itinerary restrictions.

Our New Zealand guided tours by locals are all-inclusive and fully customisable. Travel with a personal tour guide in your private tour vehicle, with accommodation and activities included. Each of our experienced guides are New Zealand locals, which means they add a vast range of knowledge to their tours.

10 Day Iconic New Zealand Guided Tour Itinerary | Tours by New Zealand Locals

Day 1 auckland.

Your fantastic guided holiday begins in New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland.

Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. World-class shopping and phenomenal dining is never too far from harbours, islands, native bush and black-sand beaches.

Explore Auckland with your guide.

If you would like to get straight into nature; skipper an  America’s Cup Yacht  or experience  Whale Watching . Or visit top attractions like the Sky Tower and Mt Eden’s volcanic crater.

In the evening the fairy lights of Federal Street will lure you into some of the finest restaurants in Auckland or head down to The Viaduct, a food and drinks hub in central Auckland.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 2 Hobbiton Movie Set Tour + Rotorua

Travel time Auckland to Matamata – 2 hours

Experience the magic of Middle-earth as you tour the Hobbiton Movie Set, where the charming village from The Lord of the Rings has been brought to life. You will be fully guided around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn. You will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.

Travel time Matamata to Rotorua – 1 hour 

Enjoy the scenic drive through rolling farmland to Rotorua, the geothermal capital of New Zealand. Tour the exciting geothermal attractions with your guide, visiting sulphur springs, mud pools, geysers, and sinter terraces.

Top recommendations for the evening include taking the Skyline Gondola to enjoy a delicious dinner atop the Skyline Complex.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 3 Rotorua Geothermal Reserve Tour & Geothermal Spa + Māori Culture Evening Experience & Maori Hāngi Dinner

In the morning, stroll through Hell’s Gate, a steaming thermal reserve. See bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, mineral pools, learn about New Zealand’s history and culture, and even try Maori weaving and wood carving! After you have explored the thermal reserve, enjoy a relaxing sulphur spa overlooking the reserve. There is no limit on how long you can spend at Hell’s Gate – enjoy the experience at your leisure.

In the evening, enjoy a Maori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Maori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Maori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Maori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Maori women welcoming you into the marae, and a whaikorero (welcome speech). Relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world-renowned haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. Learn Maori customs including Maori musical instruments, haka and poi. The dining experience is a culinary opportunity like no other. Following dessert, you will be transported down into the valley to conclude your evening beside the awe-inspiring Pohutu geyser. 

Day 4 Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Travel time Rotorua to Waitomo Caves – 2 hours

Venture off the beaten track as your guide takes you on a scenic drive to the Waitomo Caves. The land is wilder around here, with limestone outcroppings emerging from farmland and densely forested hills rising all around, but the wildest landscape of all lies underground.

Witness the marvels of these vast caverns as you explore two fantastic caves – the Ruakuri Cave, home to a dizzying array of cave formations, and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you will be dazzled by a galaxy of glowworms overhead.

Travel time Waitomo Caves to Auckland – 2.5 hours

Explore Auckland with your guide this evening. You may want to do a spot of shopping at the Britomart Shopping Precinct, Britomart is a treasure trove for fashion, beauty and specialty boutiques. Its hip bars and eateries are also the perfect place to wind down after you’ve shopped up a storm.

Day 5 Queenstown + Things To Do In Queenstown

Board a domestic flight today from Auckland to Queenstown (price of flight not included in holiday package). Upon arrival in Queenstown, your guide will take you to your Queenstown accommodation.

Queenstown sits on the shore of Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges. Let Queenstown awaken your inner-explorer.

Option to visit Arrowtown. Arrowtown is charming and quirky. The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of heritage buildings that stretches into a tree-lined avenue of tiny miner’s cottages. The buildings in this lovely precinct house shops, galleries, bars and restaurants.

You also have the option to visit top wineries in Gibbston Valley with your guide.

World-renowned for its adventure, Queenstown is home to a huge choice of adrenaline activities including jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting, skydiving and even indoor thrills – all guaranteed to get your blood pumping! Add any adventure activity to your tour.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 6 Shotover Jet + Things to do in Queenstown

Today, get ready for the world’s most exciting jet boat ride! Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. It’s a thrilling ride, you’ll twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. A major highlight – hold tight for the world-famous 360º spins!

In the afternoon discover adventure activities or Queenstown’s Gondola.

Enjoy an iconic Queenstown experience and take the Queenstown Gondola up 450 metres to Bob’s Peak. From the top, enjoy panoramic views. Try your hand at the Queenstown Luge and zoom down the course of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. Add dinner to this experience for a truely memorable experience.

Day 7 Queenstown + Milford Sound Boat Cruise

Enjoy a scenic journey through heartland New Zealand to reach Milford Sound. The Milford Road is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from dense rainforest, and towering mountains through to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields. The schedule includes plenty of time for short nature walks and photo opportunities along the way.

Upon reaching Milford Sound, you will enjoy a 2 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise. With specialist nature guides on board, RealNZ Nature Cruises offer a close-up experience of Milford Sound. See rainforest, soaring rock walls, towering snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, hanging valleys and wildlife. Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions. After your cruise, relax while your guide delivers you back to Queenstown.

*Option to upgrade your return journey to a magical scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Please enquire if you are interested in this option.

Day 8 Wanaka + Things To Do In Wanaka

Travel time Queenstown to Wanaka – 1 hour

Enjoy the scenic drive over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Option to stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel and the Cardrona Distillery.

Wanaka has a reputation for great food and wine, with a wide variety of lakefront bars and restaurants.

You may want to visit Puzzling World, Wanaka’s illusional attraction; the National Toy and Transport Museum or the Wanaka Lavender Farm located just a few minutes from Wanaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields, farm animals & display gardens.

Stroll the streets and be inspired by galleries and stylish shops, visit ‘That Wanaka Tree’ for the perfect photo, or enjoy one of the many famous walking tracks such as Mt Iron.

Stay 1 night in Wanaka.

Day 9 Franz Josef + Glacier Helicopter Flight with Snow Landing

Travel time Wanaka to Franz Josef – 4 hours 

The Haast Pass Highway is one of the most scenic alpine routes in New Zealand. Explore the pass with your guide, stopping to view cascading waterfalls, broad alpine meadows, craggy snowcapped mountains, and the turquoise depths of the Blue Pools.

Continuing along the West Coast, your guide will take you to Lake Matheson, where you can take a 20 minute walk (one-way) to the jetty, to admire the reflected views of the Southern Alps on the surface of the lake.

In the afternoon, take an unforgettable helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier, where you will land in the snow to enjoy incredible views of the majestic Southern Alps.

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Day 10 Hokitika + TranzAlpine New Zealand Train + Christchurch

Travel time Franz Josef to Greymouth – 2.5 hours 

Train travel time Greymouth to Christchurch – 4.5 hours 

Enjoy more West Coast beauty today. You will find an amazing attraction in the West Coast Treetop Walk. The walkway is 450 metres in total and reaches heights of 20 metres giving you fantastic panoramic views. Hokitika is a great location worth exploring, famous for its rugged beach and arts and crafts scene.

Travel north to reach Greymouth where you will climb aboard the TranzAlpine Train, one of the world’s most famous train journeys. Ascend through thick stands of native beech forest before traversing the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River, then cross the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, before arriving in the Garden City of Christchurch.

Your guide will be waiting for you at Christchurch Railway Station ready to take you to your Christchurch City accommodtion.

Choose from your guide’s range of restaurant recommendations as you celebrate your final night in paradise.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 11 Depart Christchurch

Your guide will deliver you to Christchurch Airport for your departing flight.

Take a look at our 14-day guided tour . Or check out some recommendations for choosing the perfect New Zealand guided road trip itinerary –no matter the length of your stay.

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Hello there, As your private guide, I will be happy to share with you my love and knowledge about the wonderful Bay of Islands … From the very first visit I fell in love with this lovely place … Shortly after settling with my family in Wellington (in 2005) I started my business, which turned out to be my favorite one indeed – Wellington Private Tours. In 2015 my family moved to the stunning Bay of Islands, where I keep doing Private Tours. The best job is the hobby for which you are paid. I'm a really lucky man to get that kind of job. What can be better than meeting new people from all over the world and introducing them to our lovely place? Come to the Bay of Islands and let me share with you my love and knowledge about this wonderful place… Slava - your own guide in the Bay of Islands                                                                                                                                  

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New zealand faqs, do i need a covid vaccine to join a trip in new zealand.

Everyone travelling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage. 

All travellers are required to produce: 

• Proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• All children aged 5 to 17 years old must provide proof of vaccination (if eligible), proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.
• If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional. 

In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.

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How do you get to the South Island?

Getting to the South Island is quite easy and time-efficient with two passenger airports in Christchurch and Queenstown offering several flights per day from popular destinations such as Auckland and Wellington. The price of flights can vary depending on which season you're travelling and which region/city you want to explore. Flying into Christchurch is generally cheaper than Queenstown, especially during ski season when the sleepy, snowy town comes to life. You can also catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton (located at the tip of the South Island) which takes roughly 3 and a half hours. 

Click to read more about getting to the South Island

Is it easy to get around Queenstown?

It's fairly easy and reliable to get around Queenstown with a heap of different options available including public transport, car rentals, and walking. You can easily hire a car in Queenstown with several companies located in the city centre. There is also lots of parking available in Queenstown making it convenient to drive to different locations. You can also catch public transport via the local bus network with tickets starting at NZ$2. Queenstown is also relatively flat so walking is another good option, especially for taking in the beautiful scenery. 

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What's the weather like in Christchurch?

The climate in Christchurch is fairly even and dry throughout the year but temperatures in summer aren't likely to get hot while the temperatures in winter are quite cold. It's very unlikely to experience extreme heat in summer but relatively common for freezes to happen overnight during the winter months. Christchurch still gets sunny though with 2,100 hours of sunlight every year. 

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How do you get to the Bay of Islands?

It's relatively easy to get to the Bay of Islands from various locations within New Zealand. While the Bay of Islands region doesn't have an airport, there is an airport at Kerikeri which is only 23km away. It is easy to catch a flight from major cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Queenstown, making it the most popular way to travel. You can also drive to the Bay of Islands or catch public transport via the InterCity bus services. 

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What's the best time to visit Wellington?

The weather in Wellington is often unpredictable and can change multiple times throughout the day. The city is also known for being very windy which is something to be aware of when you're planning outdoor activities such as cycling. However, the climate in Wellington is quite mild throughout the year with warm summers and cool winters, making it the perfect year-round destination. 

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Are Intrepid trips in New Zealand accessible for travellers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible , regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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• High Country Discovery Tour
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Private Tour Specialists

Private Discovery Tours is a tour company that specialises in taking small groups, couples or families on Private Discovery Tours to our unique mountain and coastal sights in the Queenstown area and National Parks of the South Island.

Explore our tours…

Exclusive access tours.

Exclusive access includes both our Paradise Discovery Tour and High Country Discovery Tours. Perfect for small groups with exclusive access to beautiful untouched regions.

Scenic tours

We have a range of tours perfect for those seeking a unique scenic experience. Check out our options with Skippers Canyon, Catlins, Milford Sound and Queenstown Local Tours.

Hiking tours

For those wanting to get more active, check our hiking options with Paradise Day Walks and Routeburn Valley Walks. Join us as we take you to some of the most beautiful walking areas in New Zealand.

Special interest tours

We happily cater for special interests, such as our Photography Tours and Agricultural Tours. Let us show you the best our region has to offer with tailored tours to suit your interests.

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Enjoy tailored sightseeing or specialised tours privately. Ideal for small family groups or special ocassions, treat yourselves to the beauty of New Zealand backcountry in luxury and comfort.

Experienced kiwi guides

Enjoy local knowledge with our Kiwi guides who will show you unforgettable locations.

Exclusive access

We can take you to places off the beaten track for a unique experience like never before!

Small groups

We are small group guided tour specialists. Guaranteed max. 6 per group. Great for families!

Tailored tours

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Unique landscape.

Mike Darowski, England

Wonderful scenery

Bianca and Joern Neilson, Denmark

excellent idea

Tammy and Geoffrey Poon, Hong Kong

wonderful trip

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Showing NZ at it’s best

Diana McIllwrick, Queenstown

hidden treasures

Diane Howell, England

Patty Cabana, Hawaii

Beautiful and Remote

Kathy and Beatrice, Belgium

more than we expected

Ben and Helen Kuckens, California

James Kirkpatrick and Margaret Macdonald, Scotland

Wonderful day

Marsha and Keith Munger, California

had a nice time

Julia Klopsch, Germany

Amazing trip

Ossyanin Family, Kazakhstan

fantastic trip

Edith Leung, Hong Kong

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Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
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Multi-day tours and packages

Methven Hot air balloon, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Matt Crawford

New Zealand has so much to offer, so why not book a multi-day tour or package holiday. It’s a great, no-hassle way to travel.

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Sightseeing.

There’s also New Zealand tour operators that you can work with to create a New Zealand tour based on your interests. Receive advice on where to go, things to see and places to stay. They’ll also make the bookings for you.

When you're here, there are tours you can arrange on the day and isite visitor centres are on-hand for advice and bookings too.

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5-21 day, all-inclusive, guided adventure tours

FREE PHONE: +64 3 595 2080 +64 3 595 2080 1800 459 511 1-877-796-0416 0800 920 2011

Guided tours of New Zealand – See the real New Zealand with local experts

A guided tour of New Zealand is the best way to discover our beautiful country without the hassle of itinerary planning, route mapping, organising transport and booking accommodation. A good tour should take care of all those nitty-gritty details for you. But a truly fantastic tour takes things a step further. It should feel like you’re exploring with a friend who’s keen to share what they love most about New Zealand with you – their favourite walks and hikes, local haunts and lookouts, as well as that little-known spot to grab a perfectly-made flat white!

But not all New Zealand guided tours are created equal.

Why choose a guided tour of New Zealand with New Zealand Trails ?

New Zealand Trails guests enjoy an impeccable small-group experience on our New Zealand guided tours. We’re very proud of what we do and consistently receive rave reviews from very happy travellers. This doesn’t just give us the warm fuzzies, but it also means that our 2018-19 tours have the industry’s highest rating guest reviews – it’s good for us, but it’s great for you!

This was a TRIP OF A LIFETIME for me. I felt very safe and cared for, learned so much about New Zealand topography and culture, enjoyed the camaraderie of the group and guides, loved the hiking and other activities, ate like a queen, and will always remember the beauty of your country and the kindness of your guides. Gigi Whitmore | USA | January 2019

New Zealand is our home and we’re insanely proud to share it with guests. We’re New Zealand owned and operated, and we ONLY run our tours here. We’re not out for world domination, so the focus is 100% on crafting, running and leading the very best guided New Zealand tours imaginable.

A big part of what makes New Zealand Trails’ trips so special are the guides . We’ve handpicked incredible and experienced New Zealanders to show your around the country. They’re all proud locals, passionate about sharing their culture and scenery with guests from around the globe.

If you’re searching for guided hikes in New Zealand or you like the idea of an escorted tour, then look no further - joining a New Zealand Trails trip ensures that your time in New Zealand is everything you want it to be and more.

Join a New Zealand guided tour with local experts

If you’re looking for the best New Zealand tours, Zealandier Tours New Zealand have a range of guided escorted tours available for you.

If you are interested in our fully escorted small group tours of New Zealand, consider one of our Zealandier New Zealand tour packages. Our NZ tours are ideal as cruise ship shore excursions or for those wanting a full service tour package.

Zealandier group tours are especially designed for those who wish to travel, but not travel alone. Our Senior Travel Club is a great way to explore local day trips, shows and extended overnight trips away.

Leave all the work to us as you enjoy the sights and sounds of your dream holiday locations. Experience the uniqueness of New Zealand on one of our special Cruise Ship New Zealand Day Tours or Boutique Tour packages. Join any of our tours with family and friends, as a solo traveller, or form your own group.

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New Zealand Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable New Zealand tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in New Zealand and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 190132 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of New Zealand travel companies & tour operators with 190132 reviews

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,176 reviews for New Zealand tours

The tour guide was exceptional! The accommodations could have been better.

Excellent tour. Definitely recommend

• Excellent - 1,919 reviews for New Zealand tours

Overall, we enjoyed our tour immensely – but with two (2) exceptions. FIRST: The day when the tour began we looked forward to going to an Australian indigenous museum. I believe it was called “Birrunga”. In particular and on the forms required to go on the tour, I highlighted my desire to learn about the Indigenous People (history, pictures, today in society, future and special beliefs). What we experienced on the tour was an Art exhibition by one artist who was very difficult to hear, who could not answer questions about his own people, who did not have handouts so we could understand some native words and pointed to pictures expressing his interpretation of a particular thought. Others on the tour felt the same way. Then we were taken back to the hotel and told the rest of the day we were on our own. SECOND: We were promised a trip to the exotic Whitsunday Island. We had heard from friends and through reading that this was a must for our tour. However, at the last minute (and almost exactly the last minute) we were told the trip to Whitsunday Island had been cancelled and we would receive a refund. Because of the late notification we were unable to make plans for the cancelled day. We tried to fill that day on our own with other excursions, like dinner cruises, etc. but they were all fully booked. And that was an entire day from tour that Trafalgar failed to meet their obligation. In speaking with other tour members who were upset, we interpreted your decision to cancel shocking, disappointing and not in line with the high expectations we had from your statements about the tour. We did not know if the Whitsunday excursion was cancelled because of mechanical reasons, crew problems, ship problems and were left with the impression we were cancelled because of the size of our group (13) and replaced by a larger group. Although you refunded our money for that, our tour day was lost. Not good! SUMMARY: Christin was wonderful throughout. Regarding the Whitsunday cancellation, she showed her understanding of our disappointment. However, as a result of these two issues, with special emphasis on Whitsunday, we feel Trafalgar did not live up to the high expectations you promised us.

Wonderful trip, Hope and Rick were amazing hosts.

Intrepid Premium

• Excellent - 322 reviews for New Zealand tours

Summer did an excellent job guiding us around and telling us all about her home country.

Summer did a brilliant job in making 12 strangers into a joyous group. Every day was an adventure.

• Excellent - 198 reviews for New Zealand tours

Amazing your. Super professional and well organized. Packs a lot into 7 days but it was perfect for people trying to pack a lot in and see a lot in a short amount of time. Tegan was the best!!! Knew so much and spoke so passionately about New Zealand and Māori culture. Was so nice to learn. And she is just the best

Tom and Robbie both were amazing tour guides. The big south was 10 out of 10 experience. Weather definitely will play a big role in your activities. The flexibility of the guides makes the trip free more like a family and friends on holiday. It was so an illuminating experience with everyone that came. 20 April - 3 May best weather!! First week we had 18 people and the next week, 7.

• Excellent - 99 reviews for New Zealand tours

Tour was good, driver and guide excellent, but the hotel in Auckland was lacking.

I thoroughly enjoyed my tour. The guide, Isobel, paid very good attention to details and the comfort of her tourists.I felt safe and secure in the bus as Mark's driving was very competent and Isobel was delightful, patient and full of fun, a real people person.She and Mark worked well together, meal times, departure times and other important information was provided well in advance. Good provision was made for frequent stops to allow for toilet breaks and the purchase of refreshments. I liked their attention to time keeping. For me, everything worked smoothly which made the tour relaxed and stress free. I would highly recommend Isobel and Mark.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,752 reviews for New Zealand tours

I really enjoyed and had a good vocation with this tour. Our guide (Robbie John) was great taking care of us. The program is good and would recommend friends for this excellent one.

Meals along the way were to rushed with having to find place to eat and eat before getting on the bus. Would be better for preorder, have in a cooler on the bus so we can just stop, relax and eat at nice spot along the way. Loved mix of internationals and ages in the group. Hostels were clean and well located. Guide was organized and kept group together and on time. Coordination and information dispensed was not good between TourRadar, Haka Tours and Intrepid. Questions asked kept being referred to be answered by actual guide when on the trip and felt I would have preferred to know what was possible (subject to weather) before arrival as response several times was advised this might not be tour for me.

• Excellent - 355 reviews for New Zealand tours

this tour was just a huge disappointment, this is overpriced, unorganized and leaves you sorry for all the money you spent. of course the sights you will see are amazing, but the tour itself just makes you sad. the guide had absolutely no plan at anytime what was going on, due to this lack of organization, it was always quite hectic rushing from one place to the next. also I made bookings for activities back when I booked the tour itself months in advance, just to realize once I was at the activity it was not prebooked. here it’s advertised as 18-39, which was actually not true, more like an average of 45+. the hostels are not high-end, they are just normal average youth hostels. I did reach out to them on the second day, explaining the circumstances, but sadly did not receive a very constructive answer and no resulting action. honestly, I‘m just mad.

Everyday was different. A well planned out tour giving a rich experience. You want to know what Maori culture is in a short time? This is it!!!!!!

• Excellent - 74,896 reviews for New Zealand tours

We are on the 20 day New Zealand - Australia tour. We do not recommend this tour. This review is sadly because our bus driver, Glenn, said quite a few obviously racist things about Indigenous Australians on our bus ride to and from Uluru. We have been on several Globus tours over the years, and we are very disappointed that Globus employs a company and people with this kind of harmful and backward thinking. On our trip to Uluru on Nov. 15., Glenn told us that Indigenous people are thieves. He said the Indigenous people specifically are responsible for theft in Alice Springs and along the highways. While passing Mount Ebenezer he told us that the Indigenous people are “true communists” and did a bad job running the gas station in the area, which caused the rest stop to close. Glenn then said that someone else tried to open the station again, but the Indigenous people “showed up with spears” and caused the new owner to close the gas station. He actually said, “showed up with spears.” Perhaps Glenn thinks that because it was a bus full of white people he could get away with being overtly racist. But no we are not ok with it. Racism is wrong. On this Globus trip in Australia we’ve had no access to an Indigenous Australian guide to give us a balanced viewpoint. Instead, we were given racist views about a group of people who were not there to defend themselves and add important context. I wrongly presumed we would be given some kind of properly assembled educational information about Indigenous Australian groups directly from Indigenous people, like we received in New Zealand. The “educational” video we watched on the bus to Uluru romanticized the colonization of Australia, depicting the English colonists as heroes and hard workers who earned their right to be here and makes no mention of how these colonists displaced the Indigenous people and basically stripped them of their land and culture. I had to google everything to learn more. This is literal whitewashing of history and distorts the reality of what happened. We are shocked at how blatantly outdated this driver and company are in the changing world.

Gets to the main places but not the best planned tour. Very compressed timelines for the trip, leave you feeling rushed through many destinations. Sometimes not even enough time to eat, or no place. No suggestions or prep from guide. And yet, there's a lot of time on the bus and/or the plane - 5 hour layover for a plane to get to the hotel at midnight. Often felt disorganized - I get everything had just reopened but seems the hotels were often unprepared for us coming, excursions that people had booked for months suddenly unavailable or not booked by company. Couldn't they call in advance, for example, to make sure there's enough food at a hotel dinner??? Tour guide wasn't great

Thrifty Tours

• Excellent - 64 reviews for New Zealand tours

The tour went really well. The co-ordination of the drivers everywhere we went was amazing. They were prompt,kind and very helpful. I could not fault them. So whoever organises the tour did a great job. We were unaware that we were the only people going on this tour but once we adjusted it was great. I would like to comment on the huge distance we had to do to get to Piahia. If I could suggest maybe a stopover at another place of interest on the way would be great. I would recommend this tour if you want to get an overview of the North Island of New Zealand

The tour was very enjoyable and well organised. Everything went like clockwork and we saw some beautiful and interesting scenery and learned elements of New Zealand history, particularly from the Waitangi Treaty visit. I am happy to recommend this tour.

• Excellent - 2 reviews for New Zealand tours
• This operator has no New Zealand reviews

INTRO Travel

• Excellent - 14,914 reviews for New Zealand tours

Die Reise war super und für den kurzen Zeitraum hat man sehr viel von Neuseeland gesehen

It was my first time doing a tour like this with other people who I didn’t know. Our leader (Jess) broke the ice real quick and we all had a great time with her. Loads of stuff to do but it was also really easy to take yourself away for a bit if you needed. I booked onto another tour (Philippines) before this one had even finished because it was so good. Only thing I can suggest is having a different, longer version which includes things like the coromandel, Wellington, Franz Josef etc but couldn’t fault my experience and I am looking forward to coming back!

• Good - 188 reviews for New Zealand tours

DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen

• Excellent - 6 reviews for New Zealand tours

• Excellent - 5,582 reviews for New Zealand tours

Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way

Get more money for activities you will not regret

• Good - 24 reviews for New Zealand tours

The tour started on a wrong note because we were not met at the airport in Auckland. After some time and effort another gentleman unrelated to the tour drove us to our hotel and wouldn't dream of taking any money. This was the first of many interfaces with NZ people, who seem to be universally friendly and helpful. Once we met with tour director Fernando and the rest of our tour group the trip was terrific. Although this was billed as "rail tour" we spent much more time on the tour bus then on the rails. However, the two bus drivers - John and then Rob - were excellent and provided local insight into all of the areas we visited, in a knowledgeable and humorous manner. We managed to leave our passports in a hotel safe, and Fernando went all out to recover them for us. The tour group were all seniors, and we made some good friends that we hope to see again. The NZ weather was perfect for the whole tour, and we were in warm dry Christchurch when Auckland had their floods Clearly we would have needed a much longer time to see all that NZ has to offer, but what we did see was impressive - incredible greenery, roads and rail lines installed thru impossible terrain, huge cattle and sheep herds, entrepreneurship displayed every where. Terrific tour, nice folks!

Our tour director, Daniel, did a really good job and made our 6 days very enjoyable. The bus driver was also very good and they were both a joy to be around. Their hard work and effort for our benefit was much appreciated.

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10 of the best things to do in New Zealand

Oct 4, 2023 • 8 min read

These are New Zealand's unmissable activities © Nicram Sabod / Shutterstock

Spectacular and diverse, New Zealand (also known as Aotearoa) is one of the world's most memorable destinations.

From its inspirational Indigenous Māori cultural experiences to its epic and otherworldly national parks , it can be hard to narrow down what to do. You can spend your days soaking in the urban energy of Auckland and Wellington, challenging yourself on outdoor adventures around Queenstown, cycling through Central Otago’s historic towns and big-sky landscapes or trying to spot the country’s iconic kiwi bird on Stewart Island/Rakiura.

Craft your own southern hemisphere adventure from this list of the best things to do in New Zealand.

1. Experience vibrant Māori culture

There are countless ways to engage with New Zealand’s Indigenous Māori culture while exploring the country. You can expect to hear greetings in te reo Māori (the Māori language) frequently, but for a deeper dive, the Auckland Museum and Waikato Museum both have displays of centuries-old Māori taonga (treasures). Around Rotorua , families from the local Te Arawa iwi (tribe) entertain and energize visitors with cultural performances and experiences, including the opportunity to take part in a haka (a ceremonial war dance made famous by the country’s All Blacks rugby team) or experience a hāngī (a Māori feast cooked in the ground). 

Detour: From Rotorua, travel 61km (38 miles) southeast to the isolated logging town of Murupara. Stays at the family-owned Kohutapu Lodge include excursions to catch tuna (endemic longfin eels), visits to historic Māori rock art sites and hiking through the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park, a spiritually significant site said to be one of the world’s last prehistoric forests.

2. Be immersed in Auckland’s diversity

Framed by two harbors and built on the sprawling remnants of more than 50 long-inactive volcanoes, Auckland is New Zealand's most diverse and cosmopolitan city. Visit the weekly Otara and Avondale markets to taste Pacific and Asian cuisine from communities drawn to Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori name for Auckland). Or time your visit to experience popular cultural events including Pasifika , Diwali and the Lantern Festival. Good beaches, nearby wine regions, and a dynamic dining scene are other reasons why Auckland is consistently rated one of the world's most liveable cities.

Planning tip: Join Auckland’s most passionate fans while taking in a match featuring the New Zealand Warriors (a rugby league team) or the Auckland Blues (a rugby union team).

3. Hike one of New Zealand’s Great Walks

Hiking (known as “tramping”) is one of New Zealand’s most popular pastimes, with well-established wilderness tracks, shelters (called “huts”) and campsites throughout the country. Highlights include the meandering forest trails of the Rakiura Track on compact Stewart Island/Rakiura and the beach-fringed Abel Tasman Coast Track in the Nelson/Tasman region. Anchoring the rugged geothermal heart of the North Island, Tongariro National Park's most popular trail is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , a single-day wilderness experience skirting two volcanoes and taking in views of craters, iridescent lakes and the sprawling Central Plateau.

Planning tip: All of New Zealand's  10 (soon to be 11) Great Walks are very popular, and New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) caps visitor numbers at a safe and sustainable level. To secure your spot, you’ll need to book in advance when the Great Walks booking system opens , usually from around May. The Great Walks season runs from late October to April, and the most popular experiences like the Milford and Routeburn Tracks often sell out in minutes. If you miss out; don’t worry. There are hundreds of other trails throughout the country to explore. 

4. Negotiate a two-wheeled adventure in Central Otago

New Zealand's first – and arguably best – multi-day cycling experience is the Otago Central Rail Trail . An undulating ride through sunbaked southern landscapes and the heritage streetscapes of former gold-mining towns, it takes four to six days to complete. Along the way, you can feast on locally grown summer stonefruit, visit contemporary vineyards known for world-class pinot noir, and toast the end of each day with a well-earned beer at historic pubs. E-bikes are a convenient option to maximize your enjoyment of this classic South Island experience, with operators throughout the region offering rentals and guided tours.

Detour: Linking the towns of Cromwell and Clyde, the 55km (34-mile)  Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail traverses the spectacular Cromwell Gorge via an 85m-long (279ft) suspension bridge and a spectacular cantilevered wooden biking track.

5. Seek out kiwis on Stewart Island/Rakiura

At the southern tip of the South Island, Stewart Island/Rakiura is New Zealand's third-largest island, home to a rugged community of around 400 hardy souls, where 85% of the land is protected by Rakiura National Park . Birdlife around Stewart Island/Raikura and the adjacent islet of Ulva Island includes rare hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins), raucous kākā (a type of parrot) and mellifluous bellbirds. However, the undoubted avian highlight is viewing tokoeka (Southern brown kiwi) in the wild. Join a twilight expedition with local operators including Beaks & Feathers and Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experiences to see Aotearoa's beloved national bird snuffling about on beaches and in the forest. Visit from March to September to also potentially glimpse the aurora australis (southern lights), the inspiration for Stewart Island's Māori name: Rakiura, which means “glowing skies.”

Planning tip: Ferries take one hour to cross the Foveaux Strait from Bluff on the mainland to Stewart Island/Rakiura. The crossing can sometimes be rough, so an alternative is a 20-minute flight from Invercargill.

6. Commune with marine mammals around Kaikōura 

Attracted by the nutrient-rich waters of the Kaikōura Canyon – a submarine valley just 800m (2624ft) off the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island – the coastal town of Kaikōura is visited by various whale species throughout the year. Join a boat trip with Whale Watch Kaikōura , owned and operated by the local Ngāti Kuri iwi (Māori tribe), to see visiting humpback, orca, southern right and pilot whales. Resident marine mammals include sperm whales, dolphins and kekeno (New Zealand fur seals). The pelagic birdwatching here is also some of the best on the planet.

Planning tip: Kaikōura translates from te reo Māori as "eat crayfish". The spiny crustacean is a popular item on pub menus and roadside food caravans around the region. Try one at Nin’s Bin or Kaikōura Seafood BBQ .

7. Have a capital time in Wellington

Compact and walkable, New Zealand’s harbor capital of Wellington is the ideal urban destination to balance and complement adventures in Aotearoa’s great outdoors. Explore the city’s pioneering craft beer heritage at local breweries including Garage Project, Heyday and Parrotdog, before learning about the movie-making magic of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings franchises at Wētā Workshop . The nation’s capital also boasts a vibrant arts and live music scene, with free events hosted throughout the year.

Planning tip: Visit (and book accommodation well ahead) for the Beervana craft beer festival in August. Also popular is Wellington on a Plate (WOAP), an annual celebration of the city’s dynamic culinary scene.

8. Explore architectural history in Hawke’s Bay

Rocked by an earthquake in 1931, the Hawke’s Bay cities of Napier and Hastings were rebuilt in the popular architectural styles of the day, and now the region boasts some of the world’s best-preserved art deco and Spanish Mission architectural precincts. From Napier’s Norfolk pine-trimmed Marine Parade, join a walking tour of the city’s cavalcade of art deco buildings, some also decorated with the cross-cultural influence of traditional Māori design motifs.

Detour: New Zealand winemaking began in Hawke’s Bay in the 1850s, and the region’s well-established vineyards and excellent winery restaurants are best explored on two wheels. See On Yer Bike online for details of bike hire and recommended wine trails.

9. Get active around Queenstown

Nowhere else in New Zealand reinforces the country’s reputation for adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities like Queenstown . Amid beautiful lake and sub-alpine scenery, definitely sign up for a bungy jump . (It’s almost mandatory – the breathtaking leap of faith was invented in New Zealand, after all.) You can also consider other thrill rides like  Oxbow Adventures ’ exciting combo of jet sprint boats (which can reach up to 100km/h, or 62mph, in just 2.5 seconds) and extreme 4WD offroading. After all the action, adjourn to Altitude Brewing ’s ​lakeside location for great beers and tasty visits from local food trucks.

Detour: Reached via a scenic road over the Crown Range, Wānaka is Queenstown’s less manic Southern Lakes sibling. Catch a boat on Lake Wānaka to explore the island bird sanctuary of Mou Waho .

10. Kayak in pristine Fiordland

Cruising through Milford Sound /Piopiotahi on a day trip is popular, but a better strategy for experiencing the scale, spectacle and stillness of Fiordland ’s most famous sheltered anchorage is to explore it by kayak. Hook up with Roscoe’s Milford Kayaks for the ultimate on-the-water views of the fiord’s cascading quicksilver waterfalls and massive forest-covered cliffs. Sunriser classic tours loop for 10km (6 miles) around Milford Sound and depart well before the inevitable arrival of daytrippers visiting from Te Anau or Queenstown.

Detour: Fiordland’s Doubtful Sound/Patea (meaning "place of silence" in te reo Māori ) is even quieter and less visited than Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Join a guided kayak tour with Te Anau-based Doubtful Sound Kayak or stay overnight on the MV Fiordland Jewel with Fiordland Discovery .

This article was first published Apr 22, 2021 and updated Oct 4, 2023.

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The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling verdant hills, incredibly friendly locals, and abundant world-class wine, New Zealand is as wonderful as you’ve heard. In fact, take what you’ve heard and times it by ten. Because New Zealand will simply blow your mind when you visit.

People think because it’s a small country, you can see it all in two weeks. Unfortunately, that’s not true. There’s a lot to do here. From the north island to the south island, you need a lot of time here to see the highlights. You could literally fill months with activities and still only scratch the surface. New Zealand may be small but it punches above its weight with things to do.

But what if you don’t have months? What do you do then? What route do you take? What island should you start with? Where do you go?

Or what if you do have a month to spend? Then what? Where do you begin planning your New Zealand itinerary?

Below are my suggested itineraries that can help you plan your New Zealand road trip for maximum efficiency. Whether you have two weeks, one month, or even longer, these itineraries will ensure that you see the highlights and get off the beaten path.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

New Zealand Itinerary Highlights

Choosing the right vehicle.

• Two-Week North Island Route
• Two-Week South Island Route
• One Month Itinerary
• Things to Remember

Note : Two weeks is the minimum recommended time for a New Zealand road trip. There’s so much to see and do here, yet you still don’t want to be rushed or spend all your time in the car. If you only have two weeks, focus on one island.  

• Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
• See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Visit Hobbiton
• Experience a Maori Cultural Show
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Go skydiving or bungy jumping
• Explore Fiordland National Park

Want more info on these activities (and many others)? I cover them all below!  

• Travellers Autobarn
• Wicked Campers

Prices vary a lot. Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick up the vehicle, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (in the high season, prices seem to double!).

If living out of a van for a few weeks doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, simply rent a normal car and book accommodation along the way. To book a car, check out Discover Cars , which searches rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.

If you plan to drive New Zealand, you can use this widget to get a free quote for your car rental:

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week North Island Route

Days 1–2: auckland.

Spend some time hanging out on the Auckland Domain, go snorkelling on Goat Island , and if you love wine like I do, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island .

For a list of more things to do in Auckland, check out my guide to the city!

Where to Stay : The Albion – This historic accommodation began as a “pub hotel” in the 19th century. Today there’s still a nice old tavern in the hotel. The rooms are comfortable and the place is quiet.

Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

While you’re here you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (one of the most important historical sites in the country), explore Cape Reinga (the northernmost point of New Zealand), and see wild dolphins on a boat tour .

For a list of more things to do in Bay of Islands, check out my complete guide!

Where to Stay : Haka Lodge – Located in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a lot of common spaces, a large kitchen, and great views over the harbor. Everything is super clean and the beds are comfortable. It’s a good place to meet people.

Day 5: Hobbiton

To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour that starts with a drive through the owner’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, offering epic views over the Kaimai Range. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. Tours start at 89 NZD.

Where to Stay : Cosy Country Stay B&B – This is a cute bed-and-breakfast located in Matamata just a few miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are fantastic, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil, with roaming cats and goats for added atmosphere.

Days 6–7: Rotorua

The Maori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. This is the best area to learn about Maori history and culture . Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural show while you’re here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience is the one I attended).

The region is also known for its geothermal activity, and the dynamic landscape makes for exciting nature walks, trips to smelly sulfuric geysers, and soaks in luxury spas with water from the hot springs.

Where to Stay : Rock Solid Backpackers – This is a centrally located hostel with an expansive array of facilities, including a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.

Day 8: Waitomo

You can walk, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them. A 45-minute rafting trip is the standard visit, but if you want to go abseiling (also known as rappelling) there’s a five-hour option too. Prices start at 55 NZD for a boat tour and 195 NZD for extended tours with abseiling.

For a complete list of things to do in Waitomo, check out my guide on the town.

Where to Stay : Juno Hall – Close to the glowworm caves, Juno Hall has a swimming pool and tennis court on-site. There’s a large kitchen as well as an outdoor grill for barbecuing.

Days 9-10: Taupo

It’s also one of the best places to go skydiving in New Zealand thanks to the views and clear skies (though I didn’t do this while I was there).

I loved the small-town feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and being able to do so many hikes. I could have stayed here for weeks.

For a list of more things to do in Taupo, check out my guide!

Where to Stay : Finlay Jack’s has a huge kitchen, a big common room, a spacious patio with BBQs, fun and welcoming staff, bike rentals, and a super friendly hostel dog. Everything in the hostel is updated, with new, modern pod-style beds so you can get a great night’s sleep. In short, everything a backpacker or budget traveler would want from a hostel.

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

As you wind your way through Tongariro National Park, you’ll walk through volcanic terrain (including where Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), past high peaks and sulfur lakes, and end the day in a dense forest. It’s easy in parts (the beginning and end) and steep in others (especially the portion after “Mount Doom”), so you’ll get a good mix of difficulty levels.

Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, toilet paper, and a sweater or jacket (the weather can change rapidly). Expect to pay around 50 NZD per person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the trail or 325 NZD for a full-day guided hike .

Where to Stay : National Park Alpine Lodge – Located in National Park Village (the best place to stay if doing the trek), this lodge features budget-friendly private rooms, a communal kitchen and common area (with a cozy fireplace for cold nights!), and a helpful staff.

Otherwise, you can stay in Taupo, which is where people usually base themselves when they do this trek.

Days 12–14: Wellington

For a list of more things to do in Wellington, check out my detailed guide to the city.

Where to Stay : The Marion – This boutique hostel is just blocks away from everything you’ll want to see. It’s cozy, with comfy beds and large bathrooms, and the staff really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It’s a clean, social spot to relax and meet other travelers.

If you’ve only got two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you can fly out of the airport here to wherever you need to go next. If you have more time, you’ll take the car ferry (around 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to continue your trip (in which case, follow the following two-week South Island itinerary, but in reverse).  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week South Island Route

If you choose the South Island for your two-week road trip, start in Queenstown. Even if your international flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you can easily get a cheap flight to Queenstown. Queenstown also has direct flights to many major cities in Australia if your trip to New Zealand is part of a larger adventure in Oceania.

Days 1-3: Queenstown

Known as “the adventure capital of New Zealand” (it’s the launching pad for every sort of adventure activity you can think of), Queenstown lives up to the hype. Even though it has become hugely popular, I cannot express my love of Queenstown enough. I love sitting by the lake, watching the sunset with a bottle of wine, and hiking the nearby trails.

Explore nearby vineyards, enjoy the waters of Lake Wakatipu, or go bungy jumping, ziplining, rafting, or skydiving . There’s a lot to do here.

For a list of more things to do in Queenstown, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms have balconies, the showers have excellent water pressure, and the pillows are thick. There are activities every night and a free dinner and quiz night on Sunday. Overall, this is a great place to stay.

Days 4-6: Fiordland

Milford Sound is an amazing fjord that’s best known for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You can walk the wooded trail along the sandy shore for perfect views of the peak, or take the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to get close to powerful waterfalls.

The fjord itself is home to seal and penguin colonies. You can often see pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters too. Explore by boat and check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see rare black coral and other underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the only company doing cruises that include the Underwater Observatory. Cruises start from 165 NZD .

While less well-known than Milford, Doubtful Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord in the country. You can only get to Doubtful via boat. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound costs 299 NZD.

Where to Stay : Milford Sound Lodge – This is quite literally the only place to stay within about 50 kilometers (31 miles). It’s not cheap, but the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is delicious, and the contemporary rooms are cozy yet modern. Otherwise, if you have a car, you can stay in the closest town, Te Anau where you’ll find cheaper accommodation.

Days 7-8: Wanaka

For a list of more things to do in Wanaka, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Mountain View Backpackers – This hostel has a huge outdoor space with a grill, space to lie in the sun, and a big table to congregate around (there were many enjoyable nights spent drinking wine outdoors).

Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

Hiking the glaciers here is an unforgettable experience. Sadly, because they have receded and are melting quickly due to climate change, the caves and walks have been shut down. Now, the only way to trek on the glaciers is via heli-hike ( an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience ). These are expensive (500 NZD), but the helicopter ride, trekking, and experience as a whole are worth the price in my opinion.

Conversely, you can just hike to the glacier face and take photos from a distance. There are tons of viewing points (and you’ll see photos of just how far the glaciers have receded over the years).

Where to Stay : Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Just a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging offers free homemade soup every night, free breakfast (homemade waffles and pancakes!), two communal kitchens, and a hot tub.

Days 10–11: Abel Tasman National Park

The best way to see the park is by kayak, so you can explore the little coves and beaches that really make the area special. Full-day rentals start at around 110 NZD, or you can join a guided kayaking tour starting at 190 NZD. You can also take a scenic cruise around the park for 95 NZD.

Where to Stay : Marahau Beach Camp – Offers both dormitories and small private cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are also tent and campervan sites if you want to save money.

From here, pick your last stop: either drive onwards to Christchurch and end there or take the ferry over to Wellington (an adventure in and of itself!) and end there. Either way, you’ll be able to catch a cheap and quick flight back to Auckland for your international flight home.

If you’re heading to Christchurch, keep reading. If you’d like to visit Wellington, scroll back up and follow the tips in the North Island itinerary section.

Days 12-14: Christchurch

While there’s not a lot “to do” per se, the vibe here is really relaxed, and it’s worth not rushing through if you aren’t short on time. Be sure to ride the gondola , visit the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake City (a unique and interactive museum that recounts personal stories from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For a list of more things to do in Christchurch, check out my city guide.

Where to Stay : Urbanz – This is an awesome hostel located in downtown Christchurch with friendly staff and a huge kitchen. There’s also a hostel bar, a pool table, fast Wi-Fi, laundry, movies, and comfy couches, as well as a parking lot.

If you need to get back to Queenstown, it’s a 6 hour drive from here. Alternatively, you can fly to Auckland. The flight is just over an hour and tickets can be found for as low as 65 NZD if you book in advance.  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month

Again, these are just recommended itineraries — I encourage you to adapt as needed!  

Things to Remember When Road-Tripping New Zealand

To help you make the most of your road trip, please remember the following rules:

• Traffic flows on the left here (not the right, like in the US or Canada).
• You must always park your car in the direction that traffic is going (or risk a fine).
• There are plenty of pull-off points for taking photos — use them instead of stopping at a random spot along the side of the road, which can be quite dangerous given how tight the roads are here.
• Roads here are winding, so remember that it might take longer than you expect to cover a particular distance.
• As long as your current and valid driver’s license is in English, you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit.
• If you’re traveling by campervan, use the CamperMate app to find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable country, loaded with epic landscapes, friendly Kiwis, and a rich culture. Due to its remote location, visiting is usually a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most travelers. Taking a road trip is the best way to make the most of your time here, tailoring your itinerary to your own preferences and New Zealand bucket list.

Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for specific places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Ski Mask The Slump God Announces 11th Dimension Tour

Supported By DJ Scheme And Danny Towers Across All Dates Hardrock And Molly Santana Join As Support In North America

General onsale begins friday, june 14 at 10am local on  livenation.com.

Today, multiplatinum Florida spitter  Ski Mask The Slump God  announced his 2024  11th Dimension Tour . Produced by Live Nation, the 20-city North America leg kicks off on Wednesday July 10 at Akvarium in Budapest making stops in Brooklyn, Toronto, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, and more before wrapping up in Perth on November 14. This will be his first headline run in 5 years. Close friends and collaborators  DJ Scheme  and  Danny Towers  will support him across all tour dates. While in North America, he will also be joined by emerging stars  Hardrock  and  Molly Santana  for support.

It also marks his first tour in support of his first full-length album in six years and one of 2024’s most anticipated hip-hop records,  11th Dimension , out now via  Victor Victor Worldwide / Republic Records . Listen  HERE .

Renowned for his unmatched stage presence and high-energy shows, this promises to be an unforgettable jaunt as he ignites classics from the stage as well as new material from  11 th  Dimension .  Ski Mask The Slump God  always delivers undeniable, unique, and unforgettable shows, and he’s leveling up again on the  11th Dimension Tour .

TICKETS:  Tickets will be available beginning Friday June 14 at 10am local time at  LiveNation.com . Pre-sale tickets are available now.

11TH DIMENSION TOUR DATES:

Sat Jun 15 – Chicago, IL – Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash^

Fri Jul 05 – Ebreichsdorf, Austria – Rolling Loud Austria^

Tue Jul 09 – Prague, Czech Republic – Lucerna Music Bar*

Wed Jul 10 – Budapest, Hungary – Akvarium

Fri Jul 12 – Munich, Germany – Tonhalle*

Mon Jul 15 – Krakow, Poland – Studio*

Wed Jul 17 – Vilnius, Lithuania – Lukiskes 2.0

Fri Jul 19 – Riga, Latvia – Positivus Festival*

Thu Jul 25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount

Fri Jul 26 – Boston, MA – House of Blues

Sun Jul 28 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS

Mon Jul 29 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY

Wed Jul 31 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues

Thu Aug 01 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore

Sun Aug 04 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore

Tue Aug 06 – Denver, CO – Summit

Fri Aug 09 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

Sun Aug 11 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

Mon Aug 12 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre

Wed Aug 14 – San Francisco, CA – The Midway

Thu Aug 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium

Fri Aug 16 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

Mon Aug 19 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

Tue Aug 20 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

Wed Aug 21 – Austin, TX – Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater

Fri Aug 23 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore

Sun Aug 25 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy

Wed Aug 28 – Miami, FL – The Fillmore

Thu Sep 05 – Glasgow, United Kingdom – SWG3 Galvanizers

Fri Sep 06 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Olympia Theatre

Sat Sep 07 – Birmingham, United Kingdom – O2 Institute

Mon Sep 09 – Manchester, United Kingdom – O2 Ritz

Wed Sep 11 – London, United Kingdom – O2 Forum Kentish Town

Fri Sep 13 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg Max

Sat Sep 14 – Cologne, Germany – Hype Festival*

Sun Sep 15 – Paris, France – Le Bataclan

Tue Sep 17 – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix

Thu Sep 19 – Milan, Italy – Fabrique*

Sat Sep 21 – Zurich, Switzerland – Komplex 457

Sun Sep 22 – Berlin, Germany – Astra*

Mon Sep 23 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega

Tue Sep 24 – Hamburg, Germany – Grosse Freiheit 36*

Thu Nov 07 – Auckland, New Zealand – Spark Arena

Sat Nov 09 – Melbourne, Australia – Festival Hall

Sun Nov 10 – Brisbane, Australia – Fortitude Music Hall

Tue Nov 12 – Sydney, Australia – Enmore Theatre

Thu Nov 14 – Perth, Australia – Metro City

*Not A Live Nation Date

^ Festival Date

ABOUT SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD

Flipping the script with a middle finger to all expectations, Ski Mask The Slump God has consistently pushed himself to progress, taking hip-hop along with him. He blazed a trail of his own out of Broward County to his platinum-certified full-length debut, Stokeley, bowing in the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 in 2018. His elite lyricism, offbeat references, and distinct emotionality bled through the double-platinum “Faucet Failure” and platinum hits “Catch Me Outside,” “Take A Step Back,” “Nuketown,” “Babywipe,” and “Foot Fungus.” A sense of vicious versatility has enabled him to seamlessly collaborate with everyone from close cohort and gone-too-soon brothers XXXTentacion and Juice WRLD and J. Cole’s DreamVille to Lyrical Lemonade, Trippie Redd, Sxmpra, and Danny Towers. Beyond sharing the stage with $uicide Boy$ and the late Juice WRLD and XXXTentacion, he has emerged as a powerhouse headliner in his own right. Moreover, he incited the applause of Pitchfork, The FADER, UPROXX, and Complex, to name a few. After stacking up billions of streams, earning multi platinum plaques, and fueling the explosion of South Florida as a 21st century hip-hop mecca, Ski Mask The Slump God didn’t merely aim to make another album for his long-awaited sophomore offering. Instead, he chose to architect a living and breathing world with his second full-length LP, 11th Dimension [Victor Victor Worldwide/Republic Records]. Over the course of 21 tracks, that world finds the Florida spitter entrenched in layers of not only the mind-blowing rap he’s known for, but also alternative, heavy metal, and even Jamaican and island stylings. As such, it unfolds as not only a worthy successor to his legacy, but also as a harbinger of the future.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit   www.livenationentertainment.com .

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Ski Mask The Slump God

Kierra Felton |  [email protected]

Beau Benton |  [email protected]

Live Nation Concerts

Monique Sowinski |  [email protected]

Navier Grimes |  [email protected]

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6 eco-friendly things to do in New Zealand to celebrate World Environment Day 2024

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Enjoy travelling sustainably to celebrate World Environment Day. Photo / 123rf

Today marks World Environment Day. Here are six green adventures you can experience as a traveller.

This year, the overall theme for the 2024 World Environment Day (June 7) focuses on land restoration, halting desertification, and building drought resilience under the slogan “Our land. Our future. We are #GenerationRestoration.”

According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, 40 per cent of the planet’s land is degraded, affecting half of humanity. Droughts have increased by 29 per cent since 2000 and could impact over three-quarters of the population by 2050 if no urgent action is taken.

Being sustainable and eco-friendly does not have to be hard. In New Zealand, you can engage in eco-friendly activities that contribute to these goals, ensuring a sustainable future for our planet. Here are five green adventures that will leave you in awe of nature while treading lightly on the land.

Read more: Sustainable travel: New Zealand’s best naturally eco-friendly tourism activities

1. Support an eco-friendly cafe

Home to great coffee, finding an eco-friendly and sustainable spot in New Zealand that serves a great cup is not hard. Little Bird Organics in Ponsonby, Auckland is a cafe dedicated to organic, plant-based cuisine to enjoy a nutritious breakfast made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Their commitment to sustainability includes maintaining a zero-waste policy and using eco-friendly packaging. Owners Megan and Jeremy are dedicated to reducing highly processed food in Kiwis’ diets, creating high-quality, organic, raw foods that also support sustainable food practices and promote healthy soils and local farming. Check out their menu at littlebirdorganics.co.nz

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Bird Kitchen (@littlebirdkitchennz)

2. Dine at a three-time Brewers’ Guild Sustainability Award winner

If you’re looking for a restaurant that is eco-friendly, Sawmill Brewery & Smoko Room is doing everything in their power to maximise sustainability. Being a three-time Brewers’ Guild Sustainability Award winner, Sawmill Brewery & Smoko Room is advancing toward decarbonisation. Their sustainability efforts are in collaboration with B Lab, and over the years, they have collected one million litres of rainwater annually, reduced aquifer dependence, and used wastewater for irrigation, informing chemical choices. Their composting, recycling, and waste processes have cut landfill waste to under 10kg weekly. On top of all of these great practices, they also take pride in providing unique dining experiences as part of their ‘trust us’ set menus. Book a table at sawmillbrewery.co.nz

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sawmill Brewery (@sawmillbrewing)

3. Tour an ecosanctuary

Spend your day exploring the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne in Wellington. Aside from seeing rare and endangered species like the tuatara and the little spotted kiwi, taking a guided tour also supports Zealandia’s extraordinary 500-year vision and efforts in restoring native flora and fauna and reviving the valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to its pre-human state. The tour also serves as a public education, making it a shining example of sustainable tourism. Book a visit now to support their mission and help preserve New Zealand’s natural heritage, contributing to land restoration and biodiversity. visitzealandia.com

4. Appreciate the beauty of nature by walking or cycling

Being surrounded by nature is truly one of the best ways to appreciate it. From the fresh air to the chirping birds, a walk in the forest never fails to provide a sense of tranquillity. What’s more, it’ll surely spark your passion to preserve and save it for generations to come.

New Zealand has an abundance of walks (short and long) that weave through century-old forests, as well as beautiful biking trails that weave their way through woodland.

For walking enthusiasts, the Waipoua Forest in Northland is definitely a striking location and well worth a visit. Here, you will see the ancient world of towering trees and rare birds, including two of the most iconic kauri trees in the country: Tāne Mahuta or ‘The Lord of the Forest’, claimed as the largest kauri in the country, and Te Matua Ngahere or ‘Father of the Forest’, an ancient kauri tree estimated to be between 2500 and 3000 years old.

For cyclists, there are a ton of locations to choose from, but the Otago Central Rail Trail offers one of the best cycling experiences in the country with its 152km trail that follows an old railway line, taking you through charming towns, vineyards, and dramatic scenery. Rent a bike and embark on an eco-friendly journey at your own pace. Along the way, take the chance to support local businesses that champion sustainability and eco-friendly practices, ensuring your adventure promotes healthy land use and conservation efforts.

For more Great Rides in New Zealand, visit nzcycletrail.com

5. Volunteer for a tree planting activity

To support this this year’s World Environment Day goal to focus on land restoration and fight desertification, one of the best activities to engage in is a tree planting activity, hosted by New Zealand organisations dedicated to reviving forests and landscapes with native species. This hands-on experience helps combat climate change, restore habitats, and improve soil health, and by participating, you actively contribute to land restoration and help build resilience against drought and desertification. Join a tree planting event in any of the major project areas such as tree planting projects for the Waitākere Ranges, or volunteer for year-long events with organisations like Conservation Volunteers. conservationvolunteers.co.nz/volunteer-in-auckland-wellington-christchurch-and-punakaiki/

6. Stay at NZ’s first hotel-led regenerative travel experience

For travellers who would prefer a unique experience, The Hotel Britomart in Auckland is proud to unveil its new “Nourishing Nature,” a transformative regenerative travel experience. Starting June 1, 2024, guests are invited to reconnect with nature through a half-day visit to Velskov in the Waitakere Ranges, a serene native forest farm located 25km west of Auckland’s CBD. In a journey that begins with an electric van ride, tourists will forage native herbs, delve into local customs, and plant a tree to aid in forest restoration. This experience is designed to foster a deeper understanding of sustainability, aligning with New Zealand’s vision of a net-zero carbon future by 2050.

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Chinese premier li and new zealand’s luxon hail close ties as they sign trade deals in wellington.

Charlotte Graham-Mclay

Associated Press

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, centre, stands with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, left, and New Zealand Governor General Dame Cyndi Kiro during the official welcome ceremony in Wellington, New Zealand, Thursday, June 13, 2024. Li has arrived in New Zealand at the start of a weeklong tour that also includes Australia and Malaysia. (Mark Mitchell/NZ Herald via AP)

WELLINGTON – Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Thursday in Wellington, where the two leaders played up the ability of “good friends” to respectfully disagree — while publicly diverging on little.

Li, China’s No. 2 official, is the first Chinese premier to visit New Zealand since a 2017 visit by Li Keqiang. He will also travel to Australia and Malaysia , China’s Foreign Ministry said this week. The trip coincides with easing tensions between Australia and China that have vexed the relationship in recent years.

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After their meeting, Luxon and Li announced new agreements on trade, environmental and other issues.

China is the South Pacific nation’s largest trading partner, with two-way trade worth 36 billion New Zealand dollars ($22 billion). They signed a bilateral free trade agreement in 2008 — China’s first with an Organization for Cooperation and Development nation — and Li's visit marked the 10th anniversary of a pledge to bolster ties signed in 2014 when China’s President Xi Jinping last visited Wellington.

New Zealand has long sought to diversify its export market away from dependence on China, but Luxon on Thursday hailed Li's visit as a renewed opportunity for business, adding there were “huge” opportunities for more trade, citing China’s “rapidly rising middle class.”

Wellington in recent years has struck a more moderate tone with Beijing on security matters than many of its Western partners — including the U.S., U.K., Australia and Canada — and has sought a consistent foreign policy approach to Beijing that spans political parties and administrations.

That has often prompted milder remarks from New Zealand on Chinese human rights or security issues than its allies, but Luxon said Thursday the countries' “longstanding” relationship permitted disagreement.

“The ability to be able to talk very directly and very upfront about issues that we might disagree on, have differences of opinions around, is actually a very good thing,” Luxon said. “It might be uncomfortable at times for both parties, but at least we’re actually able to do that.”

Li, too, affirmed the two countries’ willingness to diverge.

“It’s natural that we don’t always agree with each other on everything,” he told reporters. “But I think differences should not become a chasm that blocks our exchanges and communication. Instead, it should be a driving force for us to learn from each other and help each other develop.”

The countries were “good friends,” Li added.

Luxon, when asked by reporters how much of his meeting with Li had covered common ground and how much concerned the countries’ differences, replied: “Probably 50-50.”

Luxon said he told the Chinese premier he would have “no tolerance” for foreign interference in New Zealand’s affairs. Luxon said Li had raised concern about Wellington’s possible participation in a trilateral security pact with Australia, the United States and Britain known as AUKUS.

Li arrived in New Zealand's capital to a mostly warm public welcome, with supporters who lined the streets in the capital far outnumbering protesters denouncing China’s human rights record.

Asked by reporters whether China was a good citizen in the global community, Luxon stopped short.

“It’s an important one,” he said.

Li’s upcoming visit to Canberra will cap two years of efforts to rebuild China-Australia relations after a period of intense challenges, including over regional security and human rights.

It will mark the first visit there by a Chinese premier in seven years, and follows Albanese’s trip to Beijing last November and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to Australia and New Zealand in March. China has been steadily rolling back tariffs and other restrictions it placed on imports from Australia as relations soured in 2020.

China opposes to Australia’s plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines with assistance from the U.S. and the U.K., which it sees as part of American efforts to constrain China by deepening military ties with other countries in the region.

But with Australia unlikely to bend on that issue, Li’s focus will likely be on moving past their differences and deepening economic ties. Australia, which has a trade surplus with China, is a major supplier of iron ore and other minerals to the world’s second-largest economy.

Associated Press journalist Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.