Best of New Zealand:North & SouthIslands
$8399.00
Discovery
17 nights in New Zealand
What to expect
Milford Sound Cruise
Sail through the dramatic fjord
Wonders of Waitomo
Marvel at ethereal Glowworm Caves
TranzAlpine Train Ride
Explore dramatic alpine scenery
Maori Experience
Traditional show, storytelling & feast
About this trip...
What's included?
Return transfers
Room for sole use
Daily breakfast, one lunch & six dinners
Welcome drink
Sightseeing programme as listed in the day-by-day itinerary-
Cruise along the Bay of Islands, Queen Charlotte Sound, Milford Sound & Lake Wakatipu
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Guided Tour of Auckland & Museum
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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Te Puia Geothermal Park & the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Centre
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Maori experience in Rotorua
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Guided tour of Wellington & cable car ride
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Wine tasting in Blenheim
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Guided tour of Christchurch
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TranzAlpine train journey
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- You do not need a visa to enter New Zealand if you are a visitor staying less than 6 months. You do need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) which costs from NZD $17. You will also need to pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL costs NZD $100.
- International flights are not included
- Let us help you book them! Learn more.
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrive in Auckland
- Auckland to the Bay of Islands
- Bay of Islands cruise
- Bay of Islands to Auckland with city tour
- Waitomo Caves
- Rotorua
- Wellington
- Wellington
- Cruise from North Island to the South Island
- Christchurch
- Christchurch
- Traverse the Southern Alps
- Scenic drive to Queenstown
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
- Central Otago
- Mount Cook
- Depart New Zealand
What you will be doing...
Day One: Arrival into Auckland
- Dinner included
Day Two: Journey to the Bay of Islands
- Breakfast included
Day Three: Bay of Islands Cruise to Russell
This morning, we set out on a scenic cruise across the Bay of Islands, weaving past the idyllic beaches and emerald waters that make this region so popular. We continue to Cape Brett and the iconic Hole in the Rock where, conditions permitting, the boat carefully navigates through this remarkable natural formation. The cruise then returns to the charming seaside village of Russell, renowned for its well-preserved colonial character. From here, we take the ferry back to Paihia at our leisure, with the rest of the afternoon free to relax and explore as you wish.
- Breakfast included
Day Four: Sightseeing in Auckland
After a leisurely start to the morning, we depart the Bay of Islands and travel south, following the scenic Twin Coast Discovery Highway through Whangārei and on to Auckland. Crossing the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, we return to the country’s largest city for a comprehensive sightseeing tour of the “City of Sails”. Highlights include sweeping harbour and skyline views from Bastion Point, the trendy boutiques and cafés of Parnell Village, the picturesque bays along the waterfront drive, and the lively buzz of Viaduct Harbour.
- Breakfast included
Day Five: Waitomo Caves and on to Roturua
This morning, we depart Auckland and head south through the city’s southern suburbs, crossing the Bombay Hills and travelling through the lush Waikato Valley, renowned for its fertile farmland and thriving dairy industry. Our journey continues to the Waitomo Caves, where we enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous limestone caverns, including a serene boat ride along an underground river into the magical Glowworm Grotto. We then travel across the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua, set in the heart of New Zealand’s famous thermal region.
- Breakfast included
Day Six: National Kiwi Hatchery & Maori experience
We start the day with a visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, world-leading in kiwi husbandry, egg incubation, hatching techniques and chick rearing. During our visit, we gain insight into vital kiwi recovery programmes and the crucial role they play in bringing this treasured national icon back from the brink of extinction on mainland New Zealand.
Afterwards, we enjoy the Redwoods Treewalk in the Redwood Grove — an elevated adventure featuring 21 suspension bridges strung between 22 Californian coastal redwoods, around 115 years old. Rising up to 12 metres above the forest floor and stretching 553 metres in total, the walkway offers the perfect chance to admire these towering trees and see the undergrowth from a whole new perspective.
After some free time in Rotorua, we visit Te Puia and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Centre for a guided tour, followed by the Te Pō experience — an immersive evening of indigenous storytelling, cultural entertainment and traditional food. The guided tour blends a rich Māori cultural experience with an introduction to the geothermal wonders of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, where we encounter bubbling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and powerful geysers, including the famous Pōhutu Geyser, which can erupt up to 30 metres high depending on its mood. After dinner, we’re treated to an inspiring cultural performance featuring waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and the iconic haka.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Seven: Shores of Lake Taupo and on to Wellington
We depart Rotorua and travel through New Zealand’s largest pine forests en route to Taupō, stopping at Huka Falls to watch the mighty Waikato River thunder through a narrow canyon. We continue through the resort town of Taupō and follow the shores of Lake Taupō — New Zealand’s largest lake and a world-renowned trout fishery. From here, we head south across the dramatic Tongariro Volcanic Plateau, passing the iconic volcanoes of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngāuruhoe.
- Breakfast included
Day Eight: Sightseeing in Wellington
This morning, we set out on a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Highlights include the Parliament Building, the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens, Mount Victoria, Oriental Bay, Wellington Harbour and Oriental Parade. We also ride the cable car to Kelburn for breathtaking panoramic views over the city and harbour, before finishing with a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s outstanding national museum. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to explore and enjoy Wellington at your own pace.
- Breakfast included
Day Nine: Cruise to the South Island
Today we say goodbye to the North Island as we board the Interislander for a scenic ferry journey from Wellington Harbour, out across Cook Strait and into the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, arriving in Picton. The bustling port town is the terminal for inter-island ferries and the gateway to the ‘Mainland’ — the South Island’s self-proclaimed nickname. After meeting our South Island driver, we continue by coach to Blenheim in the Marlborough region, world-renowned for its wine production, particularly Sauvignon Blanc. Here, we stop at a local winery to sample some of their finest offerings.
- Breakfast included
Day Ten: Kaikoura and on to Christchurch
Today we have a morning at leisure, with the option to take a walk along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway to see the resident New Zealand fur seal colony. Alternatively, we can embark on an optional excursion (additional cost) for a thrilling whale-watching adventure aboard a modern, purpose-built catamaran, offering an unforgettable close-up encounter with the giant sperm whale in its natural habitat. The nutrient-rich upwellings around Kaikōura support an abundant and diverse array of marine life, including dusky dolphins, the rare Hector’s dolphin, New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, a wide variety of seabirds, and even the world’s smallest penguin, the little blue penguin.
- Breakfast included
Day Eleven: Sightseeing in Christchurch
This morning, we set out on a sightseeing tour of Christchurch, taking in highlights such as Cathedral Square, the River Avon and Hagley Park. The remainder of the day is at leisure, with an all-day pass on the restored heritage Christchurch Tram included, allowing time to explore the city in style. Along the way, knowledgeable drivers share insights into Christchurch’s history, landmarks and local attractions.
- Breakfast included
Day Twelve: Traverse the Southern Alps
From Christchurch, we embark on the legendary TranzAlpine rail journey across the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. From the comfort of your carriage, admire the rolling farmland of the Canterbury Plains, followed by spectacular gorges and river valleys carved by the Waimakariri River. The train then climbs into the majestic Southern Alps, offering ever more dramatic alpine scenery as we approach the mountain village of Arthur’s Pass. Here, a coach awaits to continue our journey to the West Coast — or ‘the Coast’, as locals call it. En route, we stop in Hokitika to visit greenstone workshops and glass-blowing studios.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Thirteen: Heading south towards Queenstown
As we travel south along the remote West Coast Road, there is a growing sense of entering a primeval wilderness, where isolation and raw natural beauty prevail. Arriving at Haast, we are immersed in a dramatic landscape of dense rainforest, wetlands, sweeping sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This pristine region forms part of the Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, designated for the exceptional natural value of South Westland and Fiordland, which together showcase some of the world’s most dramatic forest, mountain and coastal scenery.
From Westland National Park, we travel through the Haast River valleys and over Haast Pass to the small settlement of Makarora, then on to the upper reaches of Lake Wānaka, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine waters. Skirting the shores of Lake Hāwea, we arrive in the vibrant lakeside town of Wānaka, set at the source of the mighty Clutha River, New Zealand’s largest river by volume. After time to enjoy the scenery, we travel onward via Cromwell, following the stunning Kawarau Gorge Road, carved between steep rock faces and turquoise river waters, before arriving in the alpine resort town of Queenstown.
This evening is at leisure, offering the opportunity to explore Queenstown’s renowned dining scene, with a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and bars to suit every taste.
- Breakfast included
Day Fourteen: Free time in Queenstown
Today is spent at leisure in Queenstown, allowing you to choose from a wide range of optional sightseeing activities (additional cost). Options include jet boating, guided walks, a four-wheel-drive excursion focusing on film locations used in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, river rafting or, if you dare, bungee jumping!
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Fifteen: Scenic Cruise through Milford Sound
We depart early this morning and travel around Lake Wakatipu, through Te Anau and into Fiordland National Park on our way to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Te Wāhipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, is one of the great wilderness regions of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular, with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved by Ice Age glaciers, alongside clear rushing streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest. We board a comfortable vessel for a scenic cruise along Milford Sound, past towering Mitre Peak and out towards the Tasman Sea. Seals and dolphins are often spotted in the clear waters of the fiord.
- Breakfast & lunch included
Day Sixteen: Arrowtown & Central Otago
Today we retrace our journey back to Queenstown, where we’ll call into Arrowtown — a township with a colourful history set on the banks of the Arrow River. Many of the original deciduous trees, planted by the goldminers, shade the town’s cottages and stone buildings. In its heyday, Arrowtown was a rough-and-ready frontier town. There are many beautiful and interesting walks around this historic area, or we may wish to visit some of the excellent art galleries, cafés or boutiques that now line the main street.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Seventeen: Mount Cook
This morning, we depart Twizel and follow the shimmering shores of Lake Pūkaki into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. At the heart of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine landscape stands Mount Cook, rising to 3,724 metres as the highest peak in Australasia. We enjoy some time at leisure in Mount Cook Village, surrounded by dramatic mountain vistas. Retracing our journey along Lake Pūkaki, we continue to Tekapo to admire the striking blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Here, we visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the statue of the Mackenzie Sheepdog, both set against a stunning alpine backdrop. Our journey then continues across the vast Mackenzie Basin, over Burke’s Pass and through Fairlie, Geraldine and Ashburton, before crossing the Canterbury Plains into Christchurch.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Eighteen: Flight home
After breakfast, we will be transferred from the hotel to Christchurch Airport for our flight back home.
- Breakfast included
Accommodations
Best of New Zealand: North & South Islands
- Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland - 1 night
- Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia - 2 nights
- Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland - 1 night
- Distinction Hotel Rotorua - 2 nights
- James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington - 2 nights
- Sudima Hotel Kaikoura - 1 night
- Hotel Elms Christchurch - 2 nights
- Scenic Hotel Franz Josef - 1 night
- Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront Queenstown - 2 nights
- Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau - 1 night
- Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel Twizel - 1 night
- Hotel Elms Christchurch – 1 night
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Enjoy an unforgettable whale-watching adventure aboard a modern, purpose-built catamaran, offering an exciting close-up encounter with the giant sperm whale in its natural habitat. The nutrient-rich upwellings off the coast of Kaikōura create a thriving marine environment, supporting a remarkable diversity of fish, marine mammals, and seabirds. Along the way, you may also spot Dusky Dolphins, the rare Hector’s Dolphins, New Zealand fur seals, sea lions, and a wide variety of seabirds, including the world’s smallest penguin, the Little Blue Penguin.
The full experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, with 2 to 2.5 hours spent on the water. The remaining time allows for check-in, pre-trip briefing, and transport to and from the vessel.
Currently $100 USD per person
This 20-minute helicopter flight is the perfect opportunity to get up close to a glacier and touch snow. You’ll be captivated as you lift off and fly up and over the dramatic expanse of the Franz Josef glacier and experience the solitude of a snow landing in this wonderful natural alpine environment.
Operates weather permitting and subject to minimum numbers.
Currently $200 USD per person
These excursion must be pre-booked with the Solos Holidays office at the time of booking. Please note that this is an on-request, join-in tour, and non-Solos holidaymakers will also be taking part. Prices subject to change.
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
Whether you'd like us to arrange your flights or prefer to book your own, we're here to make the process easy. Our team can secure flights from the location that suits you best or provide all the arrival and departure details you'll need if booking independently.
Arrival & departure airport transfers are included for the majority of our trips EXCEPT our UK Breaks, regardless if you book your own flights or if we book them for you. To learn more about flight options, payments, and transfers, click here.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance before any trip — it safeguards you against unexpected issues like illness, cancellations, or lost luggage. It also protects your health and travel investment, giving you peace of mind to fully enjoy your journey. Click here to learn more.
- Luggage is restricted to one item of ‘checked in’ luggage and one smaller item of ‘underseat’ or hand luggage per person.
- Due to limited storage capacity in the motorcoaches used on tour, each ‘check in’ luggage item should have dimensions not exceeding 30” x 20” x 12” (76x51x30cm) and weight not exceeding 50lbs (23kg).
- ‘Underseat’ or hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 17” x 13” x 8.7” (43x33x22cm). ‘Underseat’ or hand luggage handling is the responsibility of each guest and must be taken on and off the motorcoach by you each day of the trip.
DISTANCES
On this tour there are some long distance drives, below is an approximate time some of these may take:
- Auckland to Bay of Islands: 4 hours. (Please note this will be repeated in reverse a couple of days later).
- Auckland to Waitomo Caves: 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Waitomo Caves to Rotorua: 2 hours.
- Rotorua to Wellington: 5 hours 30 minutes. With stop in Taupo.
- Picton to Kaikoura: 2 hours.
- Kaikoura to Christchurch: 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Christchurch to Arthur's Pass: 5 hours. Arthur's Pass to Franz Josef: 3 hours. With stop in Hokitika.
- Franz Josef to Queenstown: 5 hours.
- Queenstown to Milford Sound: 4 hours.
- Milford Sound to Te Anau: 2 hours.
- Te Anau to Twizel: 4 hours 20 minutes.
- Twizel to Christchurch: 3 hours 45 minutes.
