New Zealand Express - 10 days

New Zealand Express - 10 days

tourhub | On The Go Tours | New Zealand Express - 10 days | 2799/NZEX
tourhub | On The Go Tours | New Zealand Express - 10 days | 2799/NZEX tourhub | On The Go Tours | New Zealand Express - 10 days | 2799/NZEX

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10 Days From

$4805

$4565

New Zealand Express - 10 days

10 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand

Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Christchurch

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2799/NZEX

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $4805 $4565 Operator discount: -$240

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through New Zealand with the "New Zealand Express" tour. Begin your adventure in Auckland, exploring its vibrant waterfront and iconic Sky Tower. Discover Rotorua's geothermal wonders and immerse yourself in Maori culture with a Te Pa Tu evening. Fly to Queenstown, where you can indulge in thrilling activities or simply enjoy the stunning alpine scenery. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound on a scenic cruise, and relax by the serene Lake Te Anau. Continue to Twizel, passing through the majestic Southern Alps, and visit the picturesque Lake Tekapo. Conclude your tour in Christchurch, enjoying a traditional punting experience and a farewell dinner. With expert guides, comfortable 4-star accommodations, and seamless transfers, this small group tour offers an unforgettable exploration of New Zealand's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Highlights

  • Auckland – Explore the lively waterfront, Sky Tower, and peaceful bays.

  • Rotorua – Visit the Te Puia geothermal site and experience a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening.

  • Queenstown – Enjoy a free day with options like zip-lining, rafting, or a 4X4 safari.

  • Te Anau – Stay by the largest lake on the South Island, gateway to Fiordland National Park.

  • Milford Sound – Cruise through Fiordland National Park and spot dolphins.

  • Christchurch – Experience punting on the River Avon and a farewell group dinner.

Itinerary

tourhub | On The Go Tours | New Zealand Express - 10 days | 2799/NZEX | Route Map

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Day 1: Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: M Social Hotel

Haere mai - Welcome! Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day and your first evening offer free time for you to explore the local area and find somewhere for dinner.

Day 2: Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Auckland - Rotorua. This morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Auckland, taking in highlights including the Auckland Museum, quaint Parnell Village and the waterfront. We will also admire the panoramic views from Bastion Point. Then it's on to Rotorua, where we also enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. There's some time to relax in the afternoon and we experience a traditional Maori welcome (powhiri), including the traditional hongi - sharing breath.





This evening we visit Tamaki Maori Village to experience Te Pa Tu. An important date on the Maori lunar calendar, we will feast on local cuisine, sing Maori songs and experience this vibrant culture for ourselves.

Day 3: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rotorua - Queenstown. Today we enjoy an included visit to Te Puia with a private local guide. This active geothermal site is also the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts, and a Kiwi conservation project, where you will be able to see New Zealand’s endangered but iconic national emblem. There's plenty of time here to take in the incredible landscape.





In the afternoon, we fly south to Queenstown, New Zealand's premier alpine resort with a rich history of goldmining. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 4: Te Anau Lake

Location: Te Anau

Accommodation Name: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Queenstown - Te Anau. Departing Queenstown today, our first stop is the historic Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village nestled beneath majestic peaks near the Arrow River. We carry on along the scenic road between the Remarkables mountain range and stunning Lake Wakatipu before traversing a glacial valley turned farmland to reach Lake Te Anau, the South Island's largest freshwater lake and the entry point to Fiordland National Park.

Day 5: Cruising Milford Sound

Location: Milford Sound

Accommodation Name: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown. Our journey to Milford Sound involves passing through Fiordland National Park, one of the most scenic drives of our trip. One of the greatest wildernesses in the Southern Hemisphere, the scenery is punctuated with lofty mountains and deep glacial valleys. We reach Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'.





Boarding a comfortable cruiser, we head out onto the waters of Milford Sound. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins, and admire Mitre Peak from the water. Enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. Back on dry land, we complete our drive back to Queenstown by retracing our steps to Te Anau and then heading north.

Day 6: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Scenic Suites Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a free day for you to relax or explore Queenstown and the surrounding area. The list of possible activities is endless; you could go zip-lining or ride the gondola to at Bob's Peak, enjoy white water rafting or cruise picturesque Lake Wakatipu. Other options include a 4X4 safari to Skippers Canyon, a cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw or a visit to a local winery. Your tour leader will be able to advise you on how to spend your time!

Day 7: Twizel

Location: Mount Cook

Accommodation Name: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Queenstown - Mount Cook - Twizel. Our journey continues north, and the scenery continues to impress. Heading through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past idyllic Lake Dunstan and into the Mackenzie Basin, we enjoy views of the Southern Alps. We reach Mount Cook village, offering jaw-dropping views of New Zealand's tallest peak, known in Maori as Aoraki. The night is spent in the rural town of Twizel.

Day 8: Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Twizel - Christchurch. Today we visit a local home on the shore of Lake Tekapo. We learn how to make a traditional Kiwi pavlova and can taste our creation whilst overlooking the lake. We also visit the Church of the Good Shephard, which is one of the most photographed spots in New Zealand. The Southern Alps tower in the background, making for quite the photograph.





Passing through the rural towns of Fairlie, Geraldine and Ashburton, we finally reach Christchurch. The city has been rebuilt following cataclysmic earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, and is once more a modern, thriving city.

Day 9: Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we explore Christchurch, a most English of New Zealand cities! The day starts with some punting along the River Avon, and yes, our boatmen will be wearing straw hats and traditional dress! We pass through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and ride a beautifully restored heritage tram through the city centre. To round off our trip, there is an included group dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today your adventure in New Zealand comes to an end. A transfer takes you to Christchurch Airport for your flight home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4-star hotels

  • 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners

    Enjoy 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners during your tour.

  • 9 nights 4 star hotels

    Stay in 4-star hotels for 9 nights throughout the tour.

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 10

    Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.

  • Escorted by an expert local guide/driver with specialist local guides at some sites

    The tour is escorted by an expert local guide/driver, with specialist local guides at certain sites.

  • All relevant transfers and transportation in modern air-conditioned vehicle

    All transfers and transportation are provided in a modern air-conditioned vehicle.

  • Economy class flight from Rotorua - Queenstown

    An economy class flight from Rotorua to Queenstown is included.

  • Touring of Auckland, Rotorua & Christchurch

    Guided tours of Auckland, Rotorua, and Christchurch are included.

  • Te Pa Tu Maori experience

    Experience the Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening.

  • Te Puia & Lake Terawera visit

    Visit Te Puia and Lake Terawera.

  • Milford Sound cruise & lunch

    Enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound with lunch included.

show more

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Items of a personal nature (telephone calls, laundry, travel insurance etc)

    Personal items such as telephone calls, laundry, and travel insurance are not included.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities are not included in the tour package.

  • Tip for your tour guide / driver

    Tips for your tour guide/driver are not included.

    It is recommended to allow $4 - 7 USD per day per traveler.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of modern design and comfort at the M Social Hotel in Auckland, with stunning city or harbour views. In Rotorua, enjoy luxurious stays at the Millennium Hotel and Regal Palms Resort, offering access to geothermal wonders. Scenic Suites Queenstown provides a stylish retreat with breathtaking views, while Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau and Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel in Twizel offer cozy havens amidst stunning landscapes. End your journey at the Distinction Christchurch Hotel, centrally located for exploring the city's vibrant culture.

Age Policy

18+The average age of passengers on these tours is between 55-75yrs. Pure Discoveries do not permit children.

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with airport transfers on arrival and departure days, and all relevant transfers in a modern air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy an economy class flight from Rotorua to Queenstown, and explore the scenic landscapes of New Zealand with guided tours and a Milford Sound cruise.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to the Tamaki Maori Village in Rotorua where you will experience Te Pa Tu, a significant event on the Maori lunar calendar. This includes a traditional Maori welcome, local cuisine, and Maori songs.

  • Are there any opportunities to see wildlife during the tour?

    Yes, during the Milford Sound cruise, you may have the chance to see seals and dolphins. Additionally, at the Te Puia geothermal site, you can see New Zealand's endangered national emblem, the Kiwi.

  • What activities are available during the free day in Queenstown?

    On the free day in Queenstown, you can choose from activities such as zip-lining, riding the gondola to Bob's Peak, white water rafting, a 4X4 safari to Skippers Canyon, a cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw, or visiting a local winery.

  • What is the accommodation like during the tour?

    The tour includes stays in 4-star hotels such as the M Social Hotel in Auckland, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, Regal Palms Resort, Scenic Suites Queenstown, Distinction Luxmore Hotel in Te Anau, Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel in Twizel, and Distinction Christchurch Hotel. These accommodations offer modern amenities, comfortable furnishings, and some provide stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an expert local guide/driver, and there are specialist local guides at some sites.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 2 dinners. A picnic lunch is provided during the Milford Sound cruise.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 21, 2025 - Jan 30, 2025
$5475 $5201

Operator discount: -$274

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Feb 04, 2025 - Feb 13, 2025
$5475 $5201

Operator discount: -$274

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Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 06, 2025
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Operator discount: -$274

Tuesday - Thursday

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$5475 $5201

Operator discount: -$274

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$5475 $5201

Operator discount: -$274

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$5475 $5201

Operator discount: -$274

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$5135 $4878

Operator discount: -$257

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May 20, 2025 - May 29, 2025
$4805 $4565

Operator discount: -$240

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Oct 21, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
$5575 $5296

Operator discount: -$279

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Nov 04, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025
$5915 $5619

Operator discount: -$296

Tuesday - Thursday

Nov 18, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$5915 $5619

Operator discount: -$296

Tuesday - Thursday

Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 18, 2025
$5915 $5619

Operator discount: -$296

Tuesday - Thursday

Jan 27, 2026 - Feb 05, 2026
$5915 $5619

Operator discount: -$296

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 10, 2026 - Feb 19, 2026
$5915 $5619

Operator discount: -$296

Tuesday - Thursday

Feb 24, 2026 - Mar 05, 2026
$5915 $5619

Operator discount: -$296

Tuesday - Thursday

Mar 10, 2026 - Mar 19, 2026
$5915 $5619

Operator discount: -$296

Tuesday - Thursday

Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$5915 $5619

Operator discount: -$296

Tuesday - Thursday

Apr 07, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$5575 $5296

Operator discount: -$279

Tuesday - Thursday

Apr 28, 2026 - May 07, 2026
$5575 $5296

Operator discount: -$279

Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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