Highlights of New Zealand

from€6299
for 9 nights

Your affordable New Zealand tour begins in Auckland with a two-night stay to start exploring this fascinating country. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the Domain — its park surrounding a dormant volcano. You’ll travel through the lush farmland of Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Māori (indigenous Polynesian people) culture, bubbling geothermal sites, and one of the filming locations for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. You’ll learn about the region’s natural wonders, agricultural and creative traditions, and the Māori way of life. Your value-minded New Zealand guided vacation continues with big sights to see throughout the north island. You’ll travel past New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, and enjoy lunch at a local farm in Marton. Take in the vibrant art and dining scene in the New Zealand capital of Wellington. See the Beehive and Parliament buildings, then soak up the sweeping views of the harbor from Mount Victoria.

Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across the Marlborough Sound keeping an eye out for dolphins, penguins, or whales on your way to Christchurch. Explore the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast plains of New Zealand’s south island as you venture on to Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore this “adventure capital” before your breathtaking cruise on Milford Sound. Here, be awed by waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, and tropical rainforests surrounding the marine home of seals, penguins, and dolphins. Enjoy the idyllic and fantastic scenes around each turn in your escorted vacation from Auckland to Queenstown. This budget-minded tour of New Zealand is nothing short of spectacular!

What’s Included

  • Booking advice from your Travel Escapes expert
  • Return flights from Dublin, Cork or Shannon
  • All Airport taxes, charges, and transfers
  • 10 nights accommodation on a room only basis
  • Guided city sightseeing of Auckland
  • Guided tour and admission of Te Puia and the Agrodome
  • Local farm visit with lunch
  • Guided city sightseeing of Wellington including admission to cable car
  • Interislander ferry ride from Wellington to Picton
  • Visit to the Church of Good Shepherd
  • Orientation tour of Christchurch
  • Gondola ride and dinner atop Bob’s Peak
  • Excursion to Milford Sound including lunch
  • The assistance of a tour leader

More On Escorted Tours 

Our full range of Escorted Tours

Hotels :

Auckland – Adina Auckland Britomart

Rotorua – Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Wellington – James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

Christchurch – Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Queenstown – Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown

Holiday Highlights

NEW Tour for 2026
Holiday Highlights
NEW Tour for 2026
Prices
Dates Cabin Type Price
28 Mar 2026 Twin sharing €6299 Book Now
18 Apr 2026 Twin sharing €6539 Book Now
19 Sep 2026 Twin sharing €6539 Book Now
03 Oct 2026 Twin sharing €6539 Book Now
17 Oct 2026 Twin sharing €6539 Book Now
31 Oct 2026 Twin sharing €6645 Book Now
14 Nov 2026 Twin sharing €6645 Book Now
28 Nov 2026 Twin sharing €6599 Book Now
Agent
Eleanor M
Eleanor M
Phone:
01-2941000
Email:
book@travelescapes.ie
Booking Remarks
Booking deposit enquire at time of booking
Prices are per person based on two sharing.
Single Supplement applies
A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
Balance due 16 weeks before departure
Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply)
Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change
Booking terms & conditions apply
Travel Insurance is not included
COS
Itinerary
Day 1-2

Auckland, New Zealand

Depart for your flight to Auckland, on arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 3

Auckland, New Zealand

This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering firsthand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live. See the Domain, the city’s oldest park, developed around an extinct volcano. Highlights also include charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
breakfast
While we include select excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time.
Day 4

Rotorua

Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Máori culture and geothermal wonders. Your first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour takes you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You’ll also have a chance to witness traditional Máori carving and weaving along with a Máori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries–sheep! This evening is at leisure.
breakfast
Day 5

Wellington, New Zealand

Today is free to explore more of Rotorua. You may wish to take an optional excursion to visit magical Hobbiton, the set used as the Shire in the movie trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Other options include a zipline and canopy tour, helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. Hang out with an optional Hangi dinner with a side of authentic cultural performances in the indigenous Polynesian tradition. Indulge in an evening of singing, storytelling, and sizzling meats and veggies prepared on underground hot stones in true Máori fashion.
breakfast
While we include select excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time.
Day 6

Wellington, New Zealand

Today, continue your journey on the North Island traveling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Stop in the historic town of Marton to visit a local farm for lunch. During your time here, take a tour of the farm and learn about the importance of the sheep industry to the local economy. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city known for its vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle.
breakfastlunch
Day 7

Wellington, New Zealand

This morning, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building, and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
breakfast
Day 8

Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand

Today, sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by. Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South IsIand.
breakfast
Day 9

Queenstown, New Zealand

Your journey continues across New Zealand’s South Island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. Stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo for a visit to the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital,” for a 3-night stay.
breakfast
While we include select excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time.
Day 10

Queenstown, New Zealand

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Milford Sound. Cruise to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip! Return to Queenstown late this evening.

NOTE:
The excursion to Milford Sound may occur on Day 10, based on weather and road conditions.

breakfastlunch
While we include select excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time.
Day 11

Queenstown, New Zealand

A full free day to explore on your own. It’s full steam ahead with an optional ride on the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner. Browse your favorite boutique or art gallery or take a heady helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions on the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy a festive farewell dinner with breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below.
breakfastdinner
While we include select excursions on your trip, you may wish to explore other options to enhance your free time.
Day 12

Queenstown, New Zealand

Today we check out and transfer back to the airport for your return flight.

View full itinerary