Best of New Zealand
Best of New Zealand
Best of New Zealand
14 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Bay Of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Tour operator:
Tour code:
PN-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Best of New Zealand" tour and experience the diverse beauty and rich culture of this stunning country. Begin your journey in Auckland with a sightseeing tour of Queen Street, Auckland Domain, and Parnell Village. Explore the historic Waitangi Treaty House and enjoy a scenic cruise in the Bay of Islands. Discover Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Maori culture, and take a scenic cable-car ride in Wellington. Visit Christchurch's famous landmarks and gardens, and enjoy a breathtaking Tranzalpine train journey to Arthur’s Pass and Franz Josef Glacier. Conclude your adventure with an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Milford Sound, in Fiordland National Park. Travel comfortably by coach, scenic train, and domestic flights, and stay in luxurious accommodations throughout your journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Auckland,New Zealand
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: JW Marriott Auckland
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.
Day 2: Auckland,Bay Of Islands
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. Continue to the Bay of Islands, known for its stunning beauty and history. Before arriving at your resort, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House.
Day 3: Bay Of Islands
Location: Bay Of Islands
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, embark on a sightseeing cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to stroll the beach, explore some of the island’s historic attractions, shop for souvenirs, or just relax at your hotel.
Day 4: Bay Of Islands,Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, travel through the Bay of Plenty region to Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, and a thriving Māori culture
Day 5: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Rotorua,Marton,Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel south today through rolling farmlands and pass massive Lake Taupo. After lunch, continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
Day 7: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our day begins with a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Take a scenic cable-car ride, visit the beautiful botanic gardens, see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city and harbour from the top of Mount Victoria. You’ll also spend time at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
Day 8: Wellington,Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Christchurch located on New Zealand’s south island. Christchurch was named after the city in England that has the same name and has a history of English heritage. A sightseeing tour highlights some of Christchurch’s famous landmarks and spectacular gardens. This evening is at leisure.
Day 9: Christchurch,Tranzalpine Train,Arthur’S Pass,Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, take one of the world’s great train journeys aboard the scenic Tranzalpine. Spend the next two nights in the small town of Franz Josef, located at the base of the impressive Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 10: Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11: Franz Josef,Queenstown
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Ramada Queenstown Central
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Ramada Queenstown Central
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late evening return to Queenstown. NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 13 depending on weather and road conditions today.
Day 13: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Ramada Queenstown Central
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Tour some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy, shop for souvenirs, or take a thrilling jetboat ride on the dart river. Tonight, you’re free to enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown’s many restaurants or cafes and sample some of the regional wines.
Day 14: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including JW Marriott Auckland, Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Rydges Wellington, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, and Ramada Queenstown Central.
-
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.
-
Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing tours in Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
-
Cruise
Sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands.
-
Tranzalpine Train Journey
One of the world’s great train journeys aboard the scenic Tranzalpine.
-
Excursion to Milford Sound
Travel into scenic Fiordland National Park and visit Milford Sound.
-
UNESCO Sites
Visit to Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
Small Group Discovery
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
-
Transport
Travel through New Zealand by coach, scenic Tranzalpine train, and domestic flights, ensuring a comfortable and picturesque journey across the country’s diverse landscapes.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities such as jetboat rides, Lord of the Rings tours, and additional excursions are not included.
-
Extra Nights
Extra nights in Queenstown or other locations are available for purchase but are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Te Wahipounamu
Accommodation
Stay in luxurious accommodations including JW Marriott Auckland, Copthorne Hotel & Resort in Bay of Islands, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Rydges Wellington, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, and Ramada Queenstown Central.
Mode of Transport
Travel through New Zealand by coach, scenic Tranzalpine train, and domestic flights, ensuring a comfortable and picturesque journey across the country's diverse landscapes.
Notes
This tour visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour includes travel through New Zealand by coach, scenic Tranzalpine train, and domestic flights, ensuring a comfortable and picturesque journey across the country’s diverse landscapes.
-
What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in luxurious accommodations including JW Marriott Auckland, Copthorne Hotel & Resort in Bay of Islands, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Rydges Wellington, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, and Ramada Queenstown Central.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily, along with 2 lunches and 5 dinners.
-
What sightseeing activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes sightseeing tours in Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Additionally, there is a sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands and an excursion to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park.
-
Is there a limit on the group size for this tour?
Yes, Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
-
What is the policy on optional activities and personal expenses?
Optional activities such as jetboat rides, Lord of the Rings tours, and additional excursions are not included. Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are also not included.
-
What happens if the weather affects the Milford Sound excursion?
The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 13 instead of Day 12 depending on weather and road conditions.
-
Are international and domestic flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
-
Can I extend my stay in Queenstown after the tour ends?
Yes, you may choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Friday - Thursday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Friday - Thursday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Friday - Thursday
Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Friday - Thursday
Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Friday - Thursday
Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025Friday - Thursday
Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025Friday - Thursday
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026Friday - Thursday
Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026Friday - Thursday
Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 12, 2026Friday - Thursday
Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 26, 2026Friday - Thursday
Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 09, 2026Friday - Thursday
Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026Friday - Thursday
Sep 18, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026Friday - Thursday
Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026Friday - Thursday
Oct 30, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026Friday - Thursday
Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 26, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.