Looking for something special for your “Trip of a Lifetime”? The Kakapo is the most comprehensive three-week itinerary with all our favourite Kiwi holiday spots rolled into one unique tour. You’ll cover our country from north to south and see famous sights and treasures off the beaten track.
New Zealand small group tour
This suggested tour costs from NZD$11,790 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Auckland, finishes in Christchurch
21 days/20 nights
Hotel 4 star
Pre and post tour options? YES
Viewed 51 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Start your tour today in Auckland
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga (or similar)
Day 2: Cruise the Hokianga harbour before ending the day with a visit to Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands (or similar)
Day 3: Explore more of the Bay of Islands
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands (or similar)
Day 4: Enjoy the Kawiti Glow worm caves before you head back to Auckland
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Auckland (or similar)
Day 5: Check out a kiwifruit orchard on the way to Rotorua
Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
Day 6: Choose how you spend the morning in Rotorua before lunch at beautiful Lake Tarawera
Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
Day 7: Today is all about experiencing the countries geothermal treasures
Accommodation: Bayview Chateau Tongariro (or similar)
Day 8: Check out the view before from Mt Ruapehu before we reach Wellington
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Day 9: This morning check out the National Museum
Accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington (or similar)
Day 10: Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the South Island before a delicious wine tasting
Accommodation: Trailways Hotel (or similar)
Day 11: At your own pace weave in and out of the bays in the Abel Tasman
Accommodation: Trailways Hotel (or similar)
Day 12: Follow the coast south to Kaikoura
Accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikoura (or similar)
Day 13: Todays highlight includes lunch at the Akaunui farm homestead
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel (or similar)
Day 14: Travel through the mountains as you near Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Day 15: A tour highlight! Today you fly-cruise in Milford Sound
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Day 16: You will have plenty to choose from today in Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Day 17: See some gold mining history in Arrowtown on the way to Wanaka
Accommodation: Edgewater (or similar)
Day 18: From Wanaka start the journey north
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (or similar)
Day 19: The morning is free to enjoy the spectacular glaciers
Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort (or similar)
Day 20: Discover the obscure Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki
Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort (or similar)
Day 21: Finish up today in the city of Christchurch
Explore the beautiful Northland, Abel Tasman National Park and Kaikoura coastlines. You'll see Tongariro National Park, Aoraki (Mt Cook), Milford Sound and the West Coast rainforests. Stay at Aoraki/Mt Cook and drive to Milford Sound to cruise by Mitre Peak. Relax in Queenstown and discover the West Coast's rainforests, glaciers, Punakaiki Pancake rocks and Arthur's Pass.
Your adventure begins with a stroll to the gannet colony above Muriwai Beach on the West Coast. You'll visit the Kauri Museum at Matakohe and in Waipoua Forest, accompanied by our Maori guide, see the greatest kauri of all, Tane Mahuta, Lord of the Forest. Tonight your waterside hotel Copthorne Omapere has stunning views over the Hokianga Harbour.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga (or similar)
Situated at Omapere, right on the waters edge of the Hokianga Harbour with a stunning view to huge sand dunes across the bay the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Hokianga is a perfect place to discover the rich history and beauty of the Hokianga Harbour.You cruise across the harbour to the magnificent golden sand dunes, the perfect place to try sandboarding or walk along the deserted beach. Then cross to the East Coast to visit Kerikeri's historic Stone Store and Waitangi where Maori signed the Treaty with Queen Victoria's representatives in 1840.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands (or similar)
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is located within the Waitangi Treaty grounds, surrounded by native bush and the beautiful Bay of Islands Harbour.Meals included: Breakfast
Look out for dolphins on your relaxed cruise among the islands to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole in the Rock". You come ashore at Russell, a pretty town with a rollicking 19th century past, once known as the "Hell Hole of the Pacific" and the first capital of New Zealand. Later return by ferry to Paihia and Waitangi.
Your accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands (or similar)
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands is located within the Waitangi Treaty grounds, surrounded by native bush and the beautiful Bay of Islands Harbour.Meals included: Breakfast
At Kawiti Caves thousands of twinkling glow worms are a breath-taking sight on our guided walk through the limestone cave. Still owned today by descendants of Maori chief Kawiti, the first visitors were shown through the caves in the 1950s. This afternoon you call into Whangarei and continue down the East Coast to stay at the Grand Mecure, Auckland.
Your accommodation: Grand Mercure Auckland (or similar)
Located in the heart of the Auckland Waterfront district the Mercure Auckland overlooks the spectacular harbour and bustling city. Within walking distance of downtown shopping and attractions it is the ideal hotel for your Auckland stay.Meals included: Breakfast
Your Karangahake Gorge walk combines dramatic river scenery, native bush and relics of early goldmines. At a Kiwifruit orchard, you'll hear all about this famous fruit. This afternoon enjoys a private cruise aboard a 53ft catamaran on Lake Rotoiti, a special highlight, calling into secluded bays and hot pools reached only by water.
Your accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
Novotel Lakeside Rotorua is a 4.5 star property located on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua and set in park surroundings. Just minutes from the city centre, cafes and restaurants plus the numerous tourist attractions including water activities on the lake, a golf course, museum, and thermal reserves.Meals included: Breakfast
There’s time to enjoy one of Rotorua’s unique optional activities or simply wander beside Lake Rotorua near your hotel. Drive out to beautiful Lake Tarawera for lunch with the Walmsley family who have many stories to tell of their Maori and Pakeha (European) history in this region once famous for the Pink and White Terraces.
Your accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua
Novotel Lakeside Rotorua is a 4.5 star property located on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua and set in park surroundings. Just minutes from the city centre, cafes and restaurants plus the numerous tourist attractions including water activities on the lake, a golf course, museum, and thermal reserves.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
The surreal, geothermal reserve Wai-O-Tapu is alive with bubbling mud pools, silica terraces and deep pools of unforgettable colours. Stop at thundering Huka Falls and Lake Taupo and stay the night in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. Relax at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel or walk the gentle trail to Taranaki Falls to enjoy the alpine views.
Your accommodation: Bayview Chateau Tongariro (or similar)
Bayview Chateau Tongariro, nestled at the foot of Mount Ruapehu, was completed in 1929 and still retains many of its original features. It is one of New Zealand's few hotels located in a World Heritage Park and offers the most prestigious accommodation in the region.Meals included: Breakfast
Drive-up Mt Ruapehu to the Top o’ the Bruce for panoramic views of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro before continuing down the centre of the island to Wellington. Tour the city and check out the sights from Mt Victoria, stay two nights at The Bolton Hotel in “the coolest little capital in the world”.
Your accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington (or similar)
The Bolton Hotel offers contemporary apartment-style accommodation in the heart of Wellington. Just steps from the Parliament buildings and central business district, Bolton Hotel is conveniently close to the best of the city's shops, cafes and restaurants and is within walking distance of Wellington's vibrant waterfront.Meals included: Breakfast
The day is yours to enjoy. The waterfront is just a short walk away and Te Papa National Museum. There's a selection of activities to choose from plus great cafes and boutique breweries. Wellington is also the spiritual home of The Lord of the Rings and you can visit Weta Workshop too.
Your accommodation: Bolton Hotel Wellington (or similar)
The Bolton Hotel offers contemporary apartment-style accommodation in the heart of Wellington. Just steps from the Parliament buildings and central business district, Bolton Hotel is conveniently close to the best of the city's shops, cafes and restaurants and is within walking distance of Wellington's vibrant waterfront.Meals included: Breakfast
You cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry and up to the stunning Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton to step ashore on the South Island. At Forrest Estate Wines you call in for a tasting and lunch in this premier wine region before continuing to Nelson and Trailways Hotel.
Your accommodation: Trailways Hotel (or similar)
Centrally located within a few minutes walk of Nelson’s central shopping precinct, theatres, eateries, the information centre, and close to the scenic waterfront. Located right on the river, many of the rooms open onto a river view. Also overlooking the river is their award-winning restaurant: The Tides Restaurant and Bar.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
At Kaiteriteri Beach meet a local guide and cruise by catamaran and walk, as much or as little as you choose, along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline of islands, sheltered bays, estuaries and golden, sandy beaches. There’s time to relax on the beach with a picnic lunch and take a swim before returning to Nelson.
Your accommodation: Trailways Hotel (or similar)
Centrally located within a few minutes walk of Nelson’s central shopping precinct, theatres, eateries, the information centre, and close to the scenic waterfront. Located right on the river, many of the rooms open onto a river view. Also overlooking the river is their award-winning restaurant: The Tides Restaurant and Bar.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
The road hugs the spectacular coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Your afternoon is free to see Kaikoura’s bountiful marine life, the result of the ocean canyon close offshore. Optional excursions include whale watching cruises, flights and kayaking at sunset. You'll stay not far from the seal colony at The White Morph.
Your accommodation: The White Morph, Kaikoura (or similar)
Set on the Esplanade in Kaikōura, The White Morph enjoys commanding views of the ocean and mountains. Just a 10-minute walk into town, The White Morph has been beautifully placed so that you can take in the spectacular scenery of Kaikoura while enjoying the variety of attractions on offer.Meals included: Breakfast
From Kaikoura, the Hunderlee Hills lead to the Canterbury Plains where you join hosts Di and Ian Mackenzie for a memorable lunch at their Akaunui farm homestead set amid beautiful gardens. The turquoise-coloured lakes, Tekapo and Pukaki, are unforgettable photo stops on your way to stay at The Hermitage Hotel in the alps.
Your accommodation: Hermitage Hotel (or similar)
The Hermitage Hotel ringed by magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, is a world-renowned tourist destination and has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884.Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the magnificent landscape crowned by Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, on an easy walking track from the village or treat yourself to a scenic flight or cruise on a glacial lake. Later drive over the golden tussock lands of the Lindis Pass and onto Queenstown.
Your accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Scenic Suites Queenstown offers guests exquisite style, comfort and spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The hotel prides itself on its four star hospitality that will make your stay in Queenstown even more memorable.Meals included: Breakfast
From Queenstown, follow the shores of the great lakes Wakatipu and Te Anau into the mountains and waterfalls of Fiordland National Park. Cruise on Milford Sound dominated by iconic Mitre Peak and home to seal colonies and dolphins. After this enjoy a magnificent scenic flight back over the Southern Alps to Queenstown concluding the most fantastic day.
Your accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Scenic Suites Queenstown offers guests exquisite style, comfort and spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The hotel prides itself on its four star hospitality that will make your stay in Queenstown even more memorable.Meals included: Breakfast
Today is yours to make the most of the infinite number of activities Queenstown has to offer. Your Kiwi Guide is right there to help you choose from a jet boat ride on the Dart River in The Lord of the Rings scenery, wine tasting at the vineyards or a day walk on the famous Routeburn Track and many more.
Your accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown
Scenic Suites Queenstown offers guests exquisite style, comfort and spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The hotel prides itself on its four star hospitality that will make your stay in Queenstown even more memorable.Meals included: Breakfast
In the leafy village of Arrowtown, gold mining history comes alive beside the Arrow River. Drive over the Crown Range and stop for the last views of the Wakatipu basin then call in for refreshments at picture-perfect Cardrona Hotel. From Edgewater, tonight's lakeside hotel, you can bike the waterfront trail or kayak on the lake.
Your accommodation: Edgewater (or similar)
Edgewater is Wanaka's leading hotel located right on the edge of Lake Wanaka. A short stroll to the town centres shops, cafes and restaurants and close to many walking trails the resort is ideal to explore this wonderful Alpine setting.Meals included: Breakfast
The pristine Haast Pass in Mt Aspiring National Park has well-maintained short tracks leading to cascading waterfalls and clear blue pools. Discover the beauty of Westland Tai Poutini World Heritage Park’s wild West Coast beaches and lush, primaeval rainforest and stop at Fox Glacier and Lake Matheson before you reach Franz Josef.
Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (or similar)
Located in the heart of Franz Josef Village the hotel offers all the amenities you would expect and is close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer.Meals included: Breakfast
The morning is free to walk to Franz Josef Glacier lookout or take an optional helihike or flight or cruise out on Okarito lagoon in search of the rare Kotuku, White Heron. In Hokitika, the home of Pounamu (greenstone), meet the carvers of this treasured stone. Your home for two nights is beside the beach at Punakaiki Resort.
Your accommodation: Punakaiki Resort (or similar)
The Punakaiki Resort is a modern, award-winning hotel complex, architecturally designed to harmonise with the local environment. Nestled in the foothills of Papaproa National Park the resort has spectacular views of the Wild West Coast beaches while all rooms have rainforest and/or ocean views.Meals included: Breakfast
Close to our hotel is the leading local attraction, the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, limestone stacks weathered by the sea. Paparoa Park has towering limestone cliffs and karst rock formations with river valleys draped in a subtropical forest. Walk to an isolated beach or the seal colony at Cape Foulwind. A favourite option is the glow worm cave at Charleston.
Your accommodation: Punakaiki Resort (or similar)
The Punakaiki Resort is a modern, award-winning hotel complex, architecturally designed to harmonise with the local environment. Nestled in the foothills of Papaproa National Park the resort has spectacular views of the Wild West Coast beaches while all rooms have rainforest and/or ocean views.Meals included: Breakfast
Leaving the West Coast head eastwards to Christchurch through the alpine beech forests of Arthur's Pass National Park. Stop to enjoy the mischievous antics of the Keas (alpine parrots) and take short walks in the forest and to the rock formations at Castle Hill. The dramatic landscapes make a fitting finale to your adventure with MoaTrek.
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19 days, from Auckland to Christchurch
19 days, from Auckland to Christchurch
19 days, from Christchurch to Auckland
9 days, from Auckland to Wellington
10 days, from Auckland to Queenstown
17 days, from Auckland to Christchurch
16 days, from Auckland to Christchurch
9 days, from Auckland to Queenstown
At NZ Coach Tours we choose only the best coach tours out there. We have up to date knowledge and experience, so we can give you the best advice on which tour is right for you. We can combine tours, maybe one tour that offers the best in the North Island and one that offers something different for the South Island. Our range of independent tours depart daily and can be custom designed to suit you perfectly. We have loads of accommodation options, activity ideas, and sell a beautiful destination that is guaranteed to blow you away!
Put simply - we have something for everyone and we are confident you will not be left disappointed.
In summary