4-Week New Zealand Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 4-week New Zealand tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar

• 24 Days in New Zealand, incl. Auckland and Christchurch

  A grand 24-day tour weaves through 18 destinations across both islands. The route from Auckland unveils Northland's coastline, Poor Knights Islands, Rotorua's geothermal wonders, and Franz Josef Glacier, concluding in Christchurch via the magnificent TranzAlpine railway.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Auckland & Tutukaka Coast

    Visit the Sky Tower in Auckland for city views in the afternoon to avoid morning fog. Take a 3-hour drive north to Tutukaka and stop at Whangarei Falls. The 26-meter waterfall looks best in morning light. Visit Matapouri Beach in the afternoon, one of National Geographic's top-rated beaches.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Bay of Islands Region

    Stay in Paihia to explore the Bay of Islands. Book a day cruise to Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve in the morning when the water is calmer for water activities. Plan about 3 hours for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. A visitor noted: "The 35-meter ceremonial waka (war canoe) was incredible - try to catch the cultural performances in the morning when groups are smaller."

    
  • Days 6-7

    Coromandel & Raglan

    Head to Hot Water Beach in Coromandel. Visit within 2 hours of low tide to create your own hot pool. Take an evening boat trip in Raglan, famous for its surf spots. The sunset fish and chips are great but pack something warm for the cool evening air.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Rotorua Region

    Stop at Waitomo Caves on your way to Rotorua. Book mid-morning cave tours to avoid crowds. Visit Rotorua's geothermal parks early before the sulfur smell gets stronger. Book the evening hangi dinner and cultural show early. A guest shared: "The traditional hangi meal was incredible, but book ahead as these popular shows fill up fast."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Taupo Area

    Use Taupo as your base for Tongariro National Park. Start the Tongariro Crossing (19.4 km) by 8 AM and prepare for quick weather changes. Book your shuttle ahead during busy seasons.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Wellington

    Drive to Wellington. Start your day at Zealandia wildlife sanctuary to see native birds. Try the free Te Papa Museum tours and pre-book the Weta Workshop visit. Find great local food on Cuba Street.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Kaikoura & Christchurch

    Take the ferry to the South Island. Visit Marlborough's wineries before Kaikoura. Book morning whale watching when the sea is calm. In Christchurch, a visitor recommended: "The cardboard cathedral is fascinating but gets busy - visit before 10 AM for the best experience."

    
  • Days 16-18

    Lakes Region & Queenstown

    Drive to Lake Tekapo through Mackenzie Country. The Church of the Good Shepherd looks best at sunrise. Stay in central Queenstown. A recent visitor advised: "Book the Milford Sound trip on your first Queenstown day - if weather cancels, you'll have backup days to reschedule."

    
  • Days 19-20

    Wanaka

    Drive the Crown Range road to Wanaka. Stop in Arrowtown along the way. Photograph #ThatWanakaTree early when the lake is still. Take the Mou Waho Island boat trip to see a unique lake-within-a-lake.

    
  • Days 21-24

    West Coast & Return to Christchurch

    Book morning helicopter tours at Franz Josef Glacier before weather turns. For the TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch sit on the left for the best mountain views. The 4.5-hour ride through Arthur's Pass offers great photo opportunities.

    

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• 27 Day Antarctica & New Zealand Itinerary, incl. Ross Sea and Dunedin

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Dunedin, New Zealand

    Spend your first three nights in Dunedin, New Zealand's wildlife hub. The city offers plenty to explore, from its Victorian architecture to abundant wildlife. Visit the Huriawa Peninsula to learn about Maori heritage, see the 19th-century Larnach Castle, and stop by the Toitu Otago Settlers Museum. On Day 4, you'll board the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II for your three-week adventure.

    
  • Days 5-10

    At Sea Journey

    Use these sea days to prepare for your Antarctic experience through talks and presentations from polar experts. The ship's Polar Class 6 rating and stabilizers make for comfortable sailing across the Southern Ocean. Look out for wandering albatrosses while enjoying the ship's luxury amenities, including spa services and excellent dining options.

    
  • Days 11-14

    Ross Sea Region

    Visit the historic sites of Ross Island, including Shackleton's Hut at Cape Royds and Scott's Hut at Cape Evans. Your Discovery Team will guide you to Adélie penguin colonies. You can also take helicopter flights over the McMurdo Dry Valleys for an extra cost. These valleys look so unusual they're often compared to Mars.

    
  • Days 15-19

    Deep Antarctica Exploration

    Your journey includes Terra Nova Bay, the Drygalski Ice Tongue, and Inexpressible Island, where Scott's team survived a brutal winter. Weather allowing, you'll visit the Adare Peninsula, home to Antarctica's biggest Adélie penguin colony with 250,000 breeding pairs. A recent traveler shared: "Nothing prepares you for the scale of the Ross Ice Shelf. It's like sailing past an endless wall of white that towers above the ship."

    
  • Days 20-26

    Return Journey North

    The trip back gives you time to reflect on your Antarctic experiences. Join educational programs and photo workshops, or relax in the ship's luxury facilities. You can attend expert talks about Antarctic conservation and wildlife or treat yourself to spa services and fine dining.

    
  • Day 27

    Return to Dunedin

    Your journey ends back in Dunedin (Port Chalmers), carrying memories of Earth's southernmost continent.

    

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• 24 Day New Zealand Itinerary, incl. Auckland and Christchurch

  A spectacular 24-day tour visits 17 cities across both islands. Highlights include 2 nights in Queenstown, overnight Māori village stay in Rotorua, and stops at Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, and Mount Cook. Guided activities and inter-island ferry through Marlborough Sounds included.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Auckland & Coromandel

    Begin in Auckland before exploring the Coromandel Peninsula. Book Cathedral Cove kayaking trips in the early morning when the water is calmest. For Hot Water Beach visits check local tide tables and get there 2 hours before low tide. A traveler tip: "Bring your own spade to dig at Hot Water Beach - rentals can be expensive and often run out during peak times."

    
  • Days 4-7

    Rotorua & Taupo Region

    Plan carefully for Waitomo Caves and geothermal sites. Wear non-slip shoes and bring a light jacket for the caves which stay at 16°C year-round. Schedule Rotorua outdoor activities in the morning before the sulfur smell gets stronger. If you're doing the Tongariro Crossing from Taupo start by 7:30 AM and pack layers since mountain weather changes quickly.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Wellington & Ferry Crossing

    Take 2 full days to see Wellington's cultural spots. Visit Te Papa museum early Sunday morning to beat the crowds. Book morning ferry crossings to the South Island when the water is usually calmer. You'll get great views of the Marlborough Sounds during the 3.5-hour trip.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Kaikoura & Christchurch

    Morning whale watching tours in Kaikoura have the best success rates and calmest seas. For the farm visit near Christchurch wear closed shoes and appropriate clothing since you'll be outside most of the time.

    
  • Days 14-17

    Queenstown & Milford Sound

    Book Queenstown adventure activities early as they fill up quickly. The Milford Sound trip takes 12-13 hours round-trip from Queenstown. As one traveler noted: "The Milford Road journey is just as spectacular as the cruise - plan photo stops at Mirror Lakes and The Chasm."

    
  • Days 18-20

    West Coast Glaciers

    Franz Josef glacier experiences depend on weather. The valley walk is free but glacier hiking needs advance booking. Have backup dates ready since weather often causes cancellations. This is one of New Zealand's rainiest areas so come prepared.

    
  • Days 21-24

    Hanmer Springs & Return to Christchurch

    Finish your trip relaxing at Hanmer Springs thermal pools. Visit early or late to avoid crowds. The drive to Christchurch takes about 2 hours. In winter (May-September) allow extra time for icy alpine roads.

    

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