Great Days New Zealand Tours

New Zealand Private Group Tour - New Zealand with Family and Friends

Discovering one of the most exciting and beautiful countries in the world in your own group
with family and friends is a lasting experience. Your personal driver and guide will show you the highlights
of this fascinating country, while you will enjoy breathtaking landscapes and outstanding activities

16 Great Days - Experience New Zealand with Family and Friends
Only Your Group and Your Private Driver/Guide

This is an outstanding New Zealand experience you’ll never forget!

You are your own group, whether friends or family, and will experience our fascinating country with all its highlights, amazing activities, and wildlife. Your personal driver/guide is experienced, knows all corners of the country, and is eager to ensure you have an unforgettable time.

On this private group tour, you will discover New Zealand in its most diverse form! From a whale watching flight to visiting a penguin colony, and meeting our iconic bird – the kiwi – you will experience some of the most famous wildlife of our country.

You’ll marvel at glowworm caves, enjoy boat tours through spectacular fjords, and visit a jade carving workshop.

Of course, an authentic Māori cultural performance with a Haka, including the traditional Hāngi (food cooked in an earth oven), is a must, as well as visiting impressive thermal areas and geysers. You will also experience the famous hospitality and welcoming culture of the Kiwis firsthand.

New Zealand is more than just a travel destination; it’s an explosion of experiences that will awaken every sense and evoke a sense of wonder you’ve never felt before.

You’ll marvel at glowworm caves, enjoy boat tours through spectacular fjords, and visit a jade carving workshop.

This is one of the most exciting New Zealand experiences available!
We invite you to come and make unforgettable memories on this 16-day outstanding adventure. Let’s create your extraordinary story in New Zealand together! Find here the itinerary of your private New Zealand tour.

OVERVIEW

Experience the majestic South Island and diverse North Island featuring a Whale Watch Flight, Dubtful Sound Cruise, Hobbiton, Penguins, Glowworm Caves, Driving Creek Railway, Kiwi Hatchery and Maori Culture.

p.P. in Double/Twin Share:

NZD 10,060

Single Room NZD 12.160
All prices in NZD (New Zealand Dollar)
incl. 15% GST (New Zealand Goods & Services Tax)
Currency converter

Duration: 16 Days
Starts: Christchurch
Finishes: Auckland
Style: Private Small Group Tours
Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star

We can customize this tour to your needs!

If you wish to spend a few days longer or shorter in New Zealand – no problem! We’d be happy to offer you suggestions for a great pre-tour or extension

Experience

Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
Return airport transfers in New Zealand
Depending on group size (12-seater van / 17-seater minibus)
Professional Driver/Guide
15 nights 4 star accommodation
3 two night stays
Whale Watch Flight
Penguin Colony
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
National Kiwi Bird Hatchery
Treewalk Nighlights
Maori Cultural Performance
All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
Extensive Optional Activities
No hidden extras!

INCLUSIONS

Attractions & Highlights:

City tours in Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wellington, and Auckland
Moeraki Boulders
Yellow-eyed Penguin Colony Otago Peninsula ** (not included in tours from July to September)
Larnach Castle & Gardens
Te Anau Glowworm Caves including boat ride **
Doubtful Sound excursion incl. boat ride (8 hours) **
Glacier Panorama Walk (easy hike)
Visit to Hokitika Jade Workshop
Whale Watching Flight Kaikoura (approx. 30-minute flight)
Ferry crossing of the Cook Strait, Picton to Wellington
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland **
Redwoods Treewalk Nightlights
Geysers by Night & Māori Evening with “Hāngī Dinner” & transfers (Te Puia)
National Kiwi Hatchery **
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Matamata **
Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove (weather and tide dependent)
Driving Creek Railway: Narrow-gauge railway in the rainforest and visit to a pottery
Sky Tower Auckland Farewell Dinner

** These activities are also led by a local guide

Accommodation & Meals:

3.5 – 4 Star Accommodation: You will stay at a selection of accommodations in unique locations, or with a spirited ambience that suits the location.

Christchurch: Scenic Hotel Cotswold (ROH Standard Room) ***+
Dunedin: Kingsgate Dunedin (Standard Room)
Te Anau: Distinction Luxmore (Standard Room) ***
Queenstown: Heartland Hotel Queenstown (Standard Room) ***+
Fox Glacier: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (Standard Room) ***+
Greymouth: Ashley Hotel / Copthorne Hotel Greymouth (Superior Room) ***+
Kaikoura: Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge (ROH Room) ***+
Wellington: Travelodge Wellington (Standard Guest Room) ***+
Napier: Scenic Hotel Te Pania (Superior Room) ****
Rotorua: Ibis Rotorua (Standard Room) ***+
Coromandel Peninsula: Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge
Auckland: Auckland City Hotel (Standard Room) ***+

Meals:

15 breakfasts
1 lunch (Doubtful Sound Cruise)
3 dinners incl. Māori Hāngi Rotorua; Skytower Auckland Farewell Dinner

Van/Minibus & Guide Features:

Depending on group size (12-seater van / 17-seater minibus)
Professional Driver/Guide: They are carefully selected for their experience, professionalism and attention to detail. They are there from start to finish and will attend to your needs and ensure a personal touring experience.

Enjoy their professional commentary including numerous facts and figures, myths, legends and laughs as you journey through New Zealand.

Not included in the price:

Flights (International flights to New Zealand can be booked here)
Entry and visa fees
Personal expenses
Optional excursions, meals, and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance

ITINERARY

Your daily New Zealand tour details:

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (SL) Specialty Lunch (D) Dinner (SD) Specialty Dinner

Day 1 – Christchurch

Throughout the day, make your way to Christchurch, New Zealand. Get a warm welcome and meet your driver/tour guide, who will go over the details of the upcoming itinerary with you.
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 – Christchurch – Dunedin

In the morning, there will be a short city tour of Christchurch before we continue our journey to the Scottish-influenced city of Dunedin. The route to Dunedin is as flat and straight as anywhere else in New Zealand. On a clear day, the Southern Alps reveal their full beauty. Along the way, we will visit the Moeraki Boulders, a collection of ancient, round boulders with a circumference of up to 4 meters.

Dunedin is characterized by its splendid 20th-century Victorian architecture. During a brief city tour, you can admire the historic buildings, imposing churches, and richly decorated houses of the city. In the early evening, a visit to the Yellow-eyed Penguin Colony on the Otago Peninsula is on the agenda.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 – Dunedin – Te Anau

After breakfast, you will visit Larnach Castle in the morning – a historic 19th-century villa often referred to by New Zealanders as the country’s only castle. The garden is beautifully designed and offers stunning views of the Otago Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Afterward, you will continue with your guide to Te Anau. Along the way, you will pass deep rivers, lush fields, and nature parks.

Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park and is beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Te Anau, where you can look across the lake to Mount Luxmore and the Murchison Mountains. In the evening, you will take a short boat tour on Lake Te Anau to an impressive glowworm cave. The atmosphere in the caves, with thousands of glowworms, is truly unique and will stay with you for a long time.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Te Anau – Doubtful Sound – Queenstown

As the absolute highlight of the tour, today’s program includes a visit to Doubtful Sound. It is ten times larger than the more famous Milford Sound and is less touristically developed, making it a truly unique experience. On a boat tour, you can admire the breathtaking scenery and the diversity of plant and animal life.

The untouched landscape and natural silence are only interrupted by the songs of birds or the sound of waterfalls. Hundreds of waterfalls make their way through the rugged, steep rock formations. In the late afternoon, you will continue to Queenstown, often referred to as the St. Moritz of New Zealand and known as the self-proclaimed adventure capital. The city is located right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by mountain ranges, including the Remarkables.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Queenstown

Today is a free day in Queenstown. Your tour guide will be happy to provide you with tips for individual excursions in the surrounding area.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 – Queenstown – Wanaka – Glaciers

In the early morning, we leave Queenstown heading north towards Wanaka, located in the serene Mt Aspiring National Park. On the way, we will visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and the famous Kawarau River Bridge, where you can watch bungy jumpers taking the plunge. From Wanaka, we continue along the winding road of Haast Pass.

Enjoy the waterfalls and river landscapes on the way to the “Rainforest Land.” The Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers are unique remnants from the last Ice Age. Powerful rivers of massive white ice cascade into the rocky valleys. Nowhere else in the world can you find glaciers so close to the sea.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Glaciers – Punakaiki – Greymouth

Today, we will explore the Franz Josef Glacier more closely with a short hike. If the weather is good, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a helicopter tour over the Southern Alps and glacier landscape (optional).
Next, we head along the “Wild West Coast” towards Hokitika, a small town that was first settled in 1860 after gold was discovered on the West Coast. Greenstone (New Zealand jade) is now the town’s treasure.
Our next destination is Punakaiki, the gateway to Paparoa National Park. This area is full of mysterious caves, hidden rivers, and impressive river valleys. The main attraction in Punakaiki is a visit to the famous Pancake Rocks. In the late afternoon, we head back to Greymouth, the largest city on the West Coast.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Greymouth – Kaikōura

After breakfast, we leave the West Coast today and travel inland along the Buller River. First, we head up into the mountains via the Lewis Pass and then follow the Waiau River to Kaikōura. The small coastal town of Kaikōura is nestled between a breathtaking mountain backdrop and the Pacific Ocean. Here, you will again have the opportunity to encounter New Zealand’s wildlife. On a 30-minute scenic flight in a small plane, you may have the chance to see whales or dolphins. Experience the beauty and wonder of Kaikōura’s marine life from the air and enjoy this unique whale-watching experience!

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Kaikōura – Picton – Wellington

Today, we continue our journey to Picton, a picturesque coastal town that serves as the gateway to the famous Marlborough Sounds. This is also where the ferries depart that connect New Zealand’s North and South Islands. In the early afternoon, we begin our 3.5-hour ferry crossing through the Cook Strait Passage and the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. Highlights along the way include the Red Rocks seal colony, Tory Channel, Cook’s Lookout, and the stunning bays of the Sounds.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, offers a dynamic urban atmosphere, cultural and historical landmarks, combined with impressive nature. The city is beautifully located in a nearly circular bay and stretches across many green hills. The main attractions in Wellington include the Te Papa National Museum, the Mount Victoria lookout, and a ride on the Cable Car.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Wellington – Mt. Bruce – Napier

After breakfast, you will take a short city tour of Wellington. Then, you will drive through the picturesque Hutt Valley and over the Rimutaka Range down into the Wairarapa region, continuing on to Napier. The city was nearly completely destroyed by a severe earthquake in 1931. It was rebuilt in a contemporary style and is now known as the Art Deco capital of the world. During a walk through the city, you can admire the unique architecture for yourself.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Napier – Taupo – Rotorua

Enjoy the fantastic views along the Thermal Explorer Highway on your way from Napier to Taupo. The resort town of Taupo is located on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake. On the way from Taupo to Rotorua, we will visit the Huka Falls, where massive amounts of water crash through a narrow channel into the Waikato River.

Rotorua sits directly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and volcanic activity is a part of the city’s past and present. Explore the geothermal area with a walk through the impressive “Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.”

In the evening, a very special experience awaits you. On the Redwoods Nightlight Walk, you will walk over 28 beautifully illuminated suspension bridges up to 20 meters high through the 120-year-old giant redwood forest.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Rotorua

Today is a free day for you. Enjoy a relaxing bath in one of the many hot pools or take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Mount Ngongotaha to enjoy the breathtaking view over the city and Lake Rotorua.
In the evening, you will visit Te Puia, where you will gain insight into the history and culture of the Māori and take part in a traditional Hāngī dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Hāngī)

Day 13: Rotorua – Matamata – Coromandel

In the morning, we will visit the “National Kiwi Hatchery,” where you will get a unique behind-the-scenes look at a breeding center for New Zealand’s national bird. From Rotorua, we continue on to Matamata. Experience Middle-earth up close with a guided tour of the picturesque film sets of Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where numerous scenes from the famous film trilogies “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” were filmed.
In the afternoon, we head to the Coromandel Peninsula. Here, you will experience one of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes: rolling hills, dense forested ranges, endless beaches, and rugged coastlines. On the Coromandel, time seems to slow down, as you won’t find any rush here. Instead, the locals embrace a more alternative lifestyle.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Coromandel

Today, we will explore the highlights of the Coromandel Peninsula – Hot Water Beach and the famous Cathedral Cove, a massive arched cave that cuts through the land between two bays. Pohutukawa trees line the sandy beach. A few meters offshore, there is a large rock made of pumice and breccia, known as “Te Hoho.” Shaped by wind and water, it presents a very impressive and unusual sight, resembling the bow of a ship sailing onto the shore.

A special experience is the Driving Creek Railway, New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge railway, which travels through the regenerating native Kauri forest. Unique ceramic sculptures and tiled murals line the path, offering spectacular views over the Hauraki Gulf.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Coromandel – Auckland

Our journey takes us through the lush Hauraki Plains and the Bombay Hills to the final destination of our tour: Auckland. Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is located between two large harbors and is famous for its wide variety of water sports and boat tours.

During a city tour, you will get to know New Zealand’s largest city in more detail. In the evening, a farewell dinner awaits you at the famous Sky Tower in Auckland. At 328 meters high, the Orbit Restaurant offers a unique experience with stunning 360-degree views of the city, the Hauraki Gulf, and beyond.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: Depart Auckland (B)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Stunning and proven New Zealand itineraries

Passionate and knowledgeable local Kiwi guide | Accommodations and meals | Activities package: All admissions, tours and activities marked as included in the tour itinerary
Premium New Zealand Coach Tour

Comfortable and air-conditioned bus transport.
Enhance your trip with numerous Add-on Activities and Upgrades

Whilst your tour package includes an extensive range of pre-paid attractions and sightseeing, the Optional Activities are available to enjoy during your free time. They will provide the ‘icing on the cake’ experience that will hold memories for a lifetime. Optional Activities will be booked with your Crew once on tour.

ENQUIRE HERE

"What I loved about this tour was that the guide was not afraid to get off the beaten track and show us the real country. This was an experience I would definitely want to come back to."

Alene Elvine

HR Manager

“Our tour was everything I hoped for, and more. Great Days really makes a difference, I would have never discovered the beautiful places we stopped at."

Jona Gerber

Designer

Get in touch for your unforgettable New Zealand holiday. That’s what we are here for. Behind this website are real people who are at your disposal with expertise and passion for this extraordinary place in the world. We know where to go as we live here – and we are looking forward to sharing our hidden gems with you.

Enjoy the Holiday of a lifetime

Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

Great Days New Zealand Tours

New Zealand Private Group Tour - New Zealand with Family and Friends

16 Great Days - Experience New Zealand with Family and Friends Only Your Group and Your Private Driver/Guide

This is an outstanding New Zealand experience you’ll never forget!

You are your own group, whether friends or family, and will experience our fascinating country with all its highlights, amazing activities, and wildlife. Your personal driver/guide is experienced, knows all corners of the country, and is eager to ensure you have an unforgettable time.

OVERVIEW

p.P. in Double/Twin Share:

NZD 10,060

Experience

INCLUSIONS

Attractions & Highlights:

Accommodation & Meals:

Van/Minibus & Guide Features:

Not included in the price:

ITINERARY

Your daily New Zealand tour details:

Day 1 – Christchurch

Day 2 – Christchurch – Dunedin

Day 3 – Dunedin – Te Anau

Day 4 – Te Anau – Doubtful Sound – Queenstown

Day 5 – Queenstown

Day 6 – Queenstown – Wanaka – Glaciers

Day 7: Glaciers – Punakaiki – Greymouth

Day 8: Greymouth – Kaikōura

Day 9: Kaikōura – Picton – Wellington

Day 10: Wellington – Mt. Bruce – Napier

Day 11: Napier – Taupo – Rotorua

Day 12: Rotorua

Day 13: Rotorua – Matamata – Coromandel

Day 14: Coromandel

Day 15: Coromandel – Auckland

Day 16: Depart Auckland (B)

Stunning and proven New Zealand itineraries

Premium New Zealand Coach Tour

Enhance your trip with numerous Add-on Activities and Upgrades

ENQUIRE HERE

Enjoy the Holiday of a lifetime

16 Great Days - Experience New Zealand with Family and Friends
Only Your Group and Your Private Driver/Guide