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Tour · ANZCRO · 17 nights

18 Day Ultimate New Zealand

  • Maximum 24 passengers in luxury touring vehicles for an intimate experience
  • 17 nights accommodation with 17 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 8 dinners included
  • Premium lounge ferry crossing and stays in geothermal Rotorua, alpine Queenstown, and glacier country
From
$10,159 pp twin share
$12,845 pp solo share
17 nights
Enquire
Departs 17 September 2027 Returns 8 May 2028
Duration17 nights
OperatorANZCRO
StyleTour
HighlightSmall-group coach tour through both islands of New Zealand with premium experiences, most meals, and expert local guides included
Explore golden beaches, Māori heritage, towering mountains and glacier valleys. Experience glowworm caves, Doubtful Sound cruise and the TranzAlpine train journey. Visit Larnach Castle, Mission Estate Winery, and the National Kiwi Hatchery

Experience the very best of New Zealand from golden beaches and Māori heritage in the north to towering mountains, serene lakes, and glacier valleys in the south, it's the most magical way to explore Aotearoa.

This small-group tour is operated by Kirra Tours and travels from Auckland in the North Island to Christchurch in the South Island, visiting destinations including Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, and Franz Josef.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
17 September 2027
Returns 8 May 2028
Returns
8 May 2028
Duration
17 nights
From pp twin share
$10,159 pp
From pp solo cabin
$12,845 pp

Multiple departure dates available from Sep 2027 to Apr 2028

  • from $10,159 pp twin share
  • from $12,845 pp solo traveller

* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Arrival Day to Auckland

    Arrive in Auckland, check in at Oaks Auckland Hotel, meet your group and welcome host at 6:15pm, and enjoy a welcome dinner at 6:30pm.

  2. 2

    Auckland to Rotorua

    Visit Waitomo glowworm caves for a boat ride through the cavern, then continue to Rotorua for a group dinner.

  3. 3

    Visit Rotorua Local Sites

    Journey to Lake Tarawera, visit Te Wairoa Buried Village, walk among the redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest, and stop at the National Kiwi Hatchery.

  4. 4

    Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua to Taupo

    Experience a cultural tour at Lake Aniwhenua with Māori rock carvings and traditional hangi lunch, then travel to Taupo to see Huka Falls.

  5. 5

    Taupo to Napier

    Visit Mission Estate Winery for wine tasting and lunch, then continue to Napier to explore its Art Deco architecture.

  6. 6

    Napier to Wellington

    Depart Napier, stop in Greytown for lunch, then continue to Wellington for a group dinner.

  7. 7

    Wellington to Nelson

    Enjoy breakfast aboard the ferry in the Pohutukawa Lounge crossing Cook Strait, visit Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum in Blenheim, wine tasting, then continue to Nelson.

  8. 8

    Free Day in Nelson

    Free day to explore Nelson, take a wine or beer tour, visit Abel Tasman National Park, or hike to the centre of New Zealand.

  9. 9

    Nelson to Hanmer Springs

    Travel inland through Buller Gorge and Lewis Pass to Hanmer Springs, with time to soak in the thermal pools, followed by a group dinner.

  10. 10

    Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

    Depart Hanmer Springs, stop for wine tasting in Waipara Valley, then continue to Christchurch for a group dinner at the hotel.

  11. 11

    Christchurch to Dunedin

    Journey south along the east coast, stop in Oamaru to see heritage buildings, visit the Moeraki Boulders, then arrive in Dunedin.

  12. 12

    Dunedin to Te Anau

    Visit Larnach Castle and its gardens, explore the Hokonui Moonshine Museum in Gore, then arrive in Te Anau.

  13. 13

    Te Anau via Doubtful Sound to Queenstown

    Cruise across Lake Manapouri, travel over Wilmot Pass, then board a catamaran to explore Doubtful Sound before continuing to Queenstown.

  14. 14

    Day at leisure in Queenstown

    Free day to experience Queenstown's adventure activities, take the gondola to Bob's Peak, or relax by the lake.

  15. 15

    Queenstown to Haast

    Travel through Arrowtown and Wanaka, continue along the West Coast through Haast Pass, then arrive in Haast for a group dinner.

  16. 16

    Haast to Franz Josef

    Travel north through Westland National Park, stop at Lake Matheson for mirror views of Mount Cook, then arrive in Franz Josef with optional helicopter flight.

  17. 17

    Franz Josef to Christchurch

    Depart Franz Josef, stop in Hokitika, then board the TranzAlpine train for a scenic journey to Christchurch, followed by a farewell meal.

  18. 18

    Depart Christchurch

    Final day of the tour, enjoy breakfast and say farewell to your tour leader and travel companions.

    * Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Experienced Driver/Guide
  • Small Group Tour – Max 24
  • Luxury Touring Vehicle
  • 17 nights accommodation
  • 17 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • Waitomo Caves Experience
  • Lake Tarawera Visit
  • Buried Village in Rotorua
  • National Kiwi Hatchery Visit
  • Lake Aniwhenua Cultural Experience
  • Huka Falls
  • Mission Estate Winery Lunch and Wine Tasting
  • Premium Lounge Ferry journey across the Cook Strait
  • Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum
  • Waipara Valley Wine Tasting
  • Moeraki Boulders
  • Larnach Castle visit
  • Hokonui Moonshine Museum
  • Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
  • Visit Arrowtown, Wanaka
  • Overnight in a World Heritage Area
  • TranzAlpine Train Experience from Arthurs Pass

Not included

  • Airfares
  • Travel insurance
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

At the end of each touring day, you will relax in hand-selected, premium room accommodations in superior hotels and unique boutique properties. Tailored for mature travelers, these stays are carefully chosen for their exceptional comfort, superb amenities, and stunning locations.

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

What destinations are included?
The tour visits Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Haast and Franz Josef, with highlights including Doubtful Sound and the West Coast.
What are the main experiences included?
Highlights include the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, National Kiwi Hatchery, Māori cultural experience at Lake Aniwhenua, Mission Estate Winery, Cook Strait ferry, Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, Larnach Castle, Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise and the TranzAlpine Train.
Is there free time during the tour?
Yes. The itinerary includes free days in Nelson and Queenstown, as well as free time in Rotorua and Hanmer Springs to explore independently or relax.
Is the helicopter flight in Franz Josef included?
No. A helicopter flight with a snow landing is available as an optional experience and is subject to weather conditions.
Who operates this tour?
The tour is operated by Kirra Tours New Zealand.
Ready to lock in?

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this tour
The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

Tours are priced in AUD, per person and are subject to change. Twin share tour prices must be purchased with a travel companion. If an individual purchases a Twin tour without a companion, they will be required to upgrade to a Single prior to departure. A deposit of AU$200 required within 10 days of booking, however if booking inside 45 days of departure, full payment will be due immediately. A minimum of 8 people is required for each tour to run. Standard Kirra NZ Tours' Terms and Conditions apply. Further departure dates may be released, subject to demand.

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Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

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