Maori carving and meeting house in Rotorua, New Zealand

“The Real Thing” New Zealand Tour: Auckland, Rotorua & Much More

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

New Zealand

Places Visited

Auckland, Rotorua, Nelson, Karamea...

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Suggested Duration

15 Days

Explore spectacular beauty from the northern beaches of the North Island to the southern fiords of the South Island on your 15-day New Zealand tour. The wonder of New Zealand not only lies in its dramatic landscapes, but also beats in the soul-stirring preservation of the country’s culture. From jet boat safaris to feasts beneath the stars, discover New Zealand’s heart by experiencing New Zealand’s culture.

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Tour on top of Franz Josef Glacier
  • Kayak through the beauty of Able Tasman
  • Traverse caves by canyoning in Kahurangi National Park
  • Enjoy a jet boat safari
  • Witness the sensational geothermal landscapes in Wai-O-Tapu
  • Experience a traditional Maori feast
  • Travel one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads through the Oparara River basin

Detailed Description

Witness the majesty of New Zealand that is inextricably linked with its breathtaking scenery, lying within the heart of the people, where the culture beats within the indigenous tribes and settlers alike. This incredible 15-day New Zealand tour will take you through the famous landscapes of the North and South Islands while also bringing you deep into the pulse of the diverse cultural identity of the country. From the erupting geysers of Rotorua to the glowing ice of the Franz Josef Glacier, the cultural phenomena of New Zealand is as much embodied in the landscape as in the people who call the islands home.

Your venture into the depths of Kiwi culture begins in Auckland where the City of Sails welcomes you with wading masts and sails that billow like sheets in the wind. Make your way to Rotorua where the history of the Maori people can be heard in their chants and music, and tasted in their food. Wander through the geothermal wonders of the colorful hot springs at Wai-O-Tapu, where the Lady Knox Geyser sprays water with subterranean heat and immense pressure high into the air.

Continue your adventure into the heart of New Zealand culture on the South Island, beginning in Nelson. Kayak through Able Tasman, where the transparent blue water highlights the life beneath the waves. You will have time to explore Nelson’s surroundings, whether by hiking through the lush forest, relaxing on the warm shores, or venturing around the charming village of Collingwood; there is always more to explore and experience. In Karamea you will dive deep into the cavernous depths of the South Island where water has carved and smoothed the cave over time. Once in Franz Josef the shimmering blue of the glacier takes your breath away. Climb atop the icy expanse on a guided tour and explore the frozen waterway before transferring to Queenstown.

Make your way through the stunning plateau of Haast Pass where the Church of the Good Shepherd offers a sensational panorama of Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook lingers in the distance. Once in Queenstown the Remerakables Mountains decorate the skyline as gondolas cruise up and down Bob’s Peak. Journey through Dart River on a jet boat safari where the mist sprays against your cheeks, the beech forests spread along the riverbanks, and you feel the rush of the boat take you over the shallow waters. Your final day in Queenstown gives you the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings at your own leisure. Whether its adventure or relaxation you’re looking for there is plenty to choose from, including visiting the local vineyards for a decadent taste of New Zealand wines. Your holiday will eventually come to an end; however, the world of New Zealand will open up to you, welcome you in, and show you how wonderful its natural life was and always will be.

For more tour options, please visit the New Zealand tours section or the New Zealand travel reviews page on Zicasso.

Starting Price

$4,870 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

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