American Travel Abroad Since 1946
1-888-710-8747 (8AM to 6PM EST)
Highlights of New Zealand: A Tale of Two Islands
From US$1,608

Highlights of New Zealand: A Tale of Two Islands

Escorted Tour
Created: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Ref ID: 51203647
price per person From
US$1,608
Based on 2 adults
Created: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Overview
Tours
More pictures (3)

Tour Code: GOW-04 - 9 Days Guided Group Tour)

Cities: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Christchurch


Click on "Customise with Flights" and choose your Departure City and Departure Date to see the price, including airfare.


This 8 Night Itinerary includes:

Top-rated, centrally located hotel accommodation

Intercity Transport, as mentioned in the program (depending on the group size)

Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program

Local English-speaking Guide


For more Details: Contact us at 1-800-710-8747 || info@amta.com.


Detailed Itinerary


Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Arrival in Auckland.


Day 2: Full Day Highlights of Auckland City & Bush Tour

Let Bush and Beach take you on a day tour to experience the best of Auckland sightseeing. We combine an Auckland city tour in the morning with an afternoon nature tour to the black sand beach and rainforest at Piha - a day of variety and a great introduction to Auckland and New Zealand. Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Maori history of the city and see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitmata harbour and it is known as the "City of Sails". This city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as The Auckland Domain, Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven Marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities all day. Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes, you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland's two harbours. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Maori carvings, and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns. Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged West Coast. Feel the black sand of Piha beach beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. The perfect Auckland day trip. During the afternoon, we also include a New Zealand-style afternoon tea, including biscuits, tea and coffee or juice.


Day 3: Full Day Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Tour

This trip from Auckland to Rotorua includes the Hobbiton movie set tour. Departing from Auckland, this is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton movie set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills, reminding you that you are approaching the Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way down with insights about the areas you are travelling through and insights to the backgrounds to the movies. On arrival at Shire's Rest, you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location, you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee (which is included in the price) you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour you will travel on to Rotorua (drop off at selected inner city Rotorua accommodation included).


Day 4: Full Day Rotorua Highlights & Evening Experience Tours

This tour visits Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks: Wai O Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt and boiling mudfields. Our local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. Your clients will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activities; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moonlike landscapes are the key features, along with the famous Lady Know geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886. Tour costs include entry to both thermal parks. In the afternoon, visit Rotorua’s most popular attractions Te Puia and views of our beautiful lakes, including Tarawera, Okareka and the Blue/Green lake. Spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand’s Maori culture and nature. Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Includes a visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and NZ’s largest geyser Pohutu. Includes entry to Te Puia. Upon conclusion of your tour, you will be transferred back to your accommodation.


Day 5: Rotorua to Queenstown

Departure transfer from Rotorua City Centre to Rotorua Airport. On arrival in Queenstown, transfer from Queenstown Airport to Queenstown City Centre.


Day 6: Full Day Excursion to Milford Sound & Fiordland National Park

This Milford Sound day tour was established in 1994 and is a top-rated small group Milford Experience. It allows guests to escape the crowds and offers a truly unique day, showcasing this world-famous region. On this full-day tour to Milford Sound, enjoy guided commentary touring to and from Milford Sound with our experienced guides. These small group tours give guests the ability to get to know the driver and each other, creating a more personal and memorable experience. Once in Milford Sound, join a stunning 1-hr 45-min small boat nature cruise on the fiord - see waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy fun and informative commentary from your nature guide, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds. Enjoy custom-made, 16-seat, glass-roof Mercedes touring vehicles. This is business class travel with extended legroom, leather interior and panoramic windows for the best views. Travelling to Milford is a 12-13-hour day from Queenstown. The smaller vehicles give the opportunity to stay away from the crowds as well as more flexibility with where we stop on the journey.


Day 7: Full Day at Leisure in Queenstown

Enjoy the day as you wish. If you would like to arrange an activity, excursion, or other experience, please contact your Tripcorner Destination Specialist

.

Day 8: Full Day Queenstown to Christchurch via Aoraki / Mount Cook Tour

Today, transfer from Queenstown to Christchurch while exploring some of New Zealand's most spellbinding landscapes. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the region, including the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park, Lindis Pass, and the Church of the Good Shepherd, making it the ultimate way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch. Your tour is led by passionate tour guides notorious for bringing the journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge. The land's native bush birds.


Day 9: Depart from Christchurch

Departure transfer from the hotel to the Airport to connect to a flight to the onward destination.


For more Details: Contact us at 1-800-710-8747 || info@amta.com

price per person From
US$1,608
Based on 2 adults
Book Now
Enlarge map
Trip summary
2 Adults
Nights 8
This idea includes
Destinations 4
Accommodations 4
Tours 1
Tour summary
Included
  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Auckland
  • 2 nights first-class accommodation in Rotorua
  • 3 nights first-class accommodation in Queenstown
  • 1 night first-class accommodation in Christchurch
  • Small group Best of Both Worlds tour Auckland (max 21 guests)
  • Small group Auckland to Rotorua including Hobbiton tour (max 21 guests)
  • Shared Geothermal Wonderland tour
  • Shared Evening Experience at Tamaki Maori Village
  • Shared full-day Milford Sound excursion
  • Shared Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook tour
  • 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Excluded
  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
Planned accommodations

Auckland: The Chancellor on Hobson (formally Hotel Grand Chancellor)

Rotorua: Regent of Rotorua

Queentstown: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Christchurch: Distinction Christchurch Hotel: