4-Week New Zealand Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 4-week New Zealand itineraries

Compiled by

SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar

• 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 Days in New Zealand, incl. Auckland and Queenstown

  Venture through 15 cities across both islands over 24 days. Highlights feature the Hobbiton tour, Tongariro Crossing, Abel Tasman hike, and Milford Sound cruise. Package includes 23 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, with stays in hostels and cabins throughout New Zealand.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Auckland and Coromandel Region

    Explore Auckland's waterfront and city center before taking a water taxi to Rangitoto Island for volcano hiking and harbor views. Visit the Coromandel Peninsula to dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach and see sunrise at Cathedral Cove. A recent visitor shared: "Getting up early for Cathedral Cove was worth it - the morning light made the rock formations look magical."

    
  • Days 4-6

    Rotorua and Lake Taupo

    Visit Rotorua's mud pools and Redwood Forest. Experience Maori culture at Lake Aniwhenua with a traditional hangi feast. Check out Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, the country's largest lake. If you're feeling brave try skydiving or bungy jumping. Plan your Rotorua activities for the morning when the geothermal areas are most active.

    
  • Days 7-9

    Tongariro and Wellington

    Take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a challenging 19km volcanic hike. Bring layers and water since the weather changes quickly. Continue to Wellington to check out its coffee scene and Te Papa Museum. The 6-hour drive from Tongariro is beautiful but winding. Consider motion sickness pills if you need them.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Abel Tasman and West Coast

    Take the 3-hour ferry to the South Island and explore Abel Tasman National Park's golden beaches. Catch a water taxi to Anchorage Bay for a scenic 4-hour coastal walk back. Drive the rugged West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier and stop at the Pancake Rocks. Book your glacier hikes early before they fill up.

    
  • Days 13-16

    Queenstown and Milford Sound

    Give yourself three full days in Queenstown for adventure activities. Plan a day trip to Milford Sound. It's a long 12-hour day but the fjord views make it worthwhile. One traveler recommended: "The Milford Sound cruise was incredible. Sit on the left side of the bus for the best mountain views on the drive there."

    
  • Days 17-19

    Lake Tekapo and Christchurch

    Stop at Lake Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd and stay for some world-class stargazing. In Christchurch you can see street art and innovative architecture from the rebuild. Take a morning whale watching tour in Kaikoura when the sea is calmest.

    
  • Days 20-24

    Wellington to Auckland

    Ferry back to the North Island and head to Raglan. Try surfing or relax and watch the famous sunsets in this laid-back beach town. Make the 2-hour drive back to Auckland early to avoid traffic jams.

    

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

  Over 24 days, visit 12 key destinations including Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch. The tour features Milford Sound overnight cruise, TranzAlpine rail journey, and Hobbiton Movie Set tour. Includes 43 Scenic Freechoice excursions, 23 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 16 dinners.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Auckland

    Start your journey in the "City of Sails" with two nights. Experience a thrilling America's Cup sailing adventure or take a Waiheke Island food and wine tour. One visitor shared: "The Waiheke wine tour was the perfect introduction to New Zealand's food scene - don't miss the locally-produced olive oils."

    
  • Days 3-5

    Bay of Islands

    Take a 3-hour drive north to Paihia and stop at the Kauri Museum along the way. The calm morning waters are perfect for a Russell Mini-Tour or Hole in the Rock cruise. Make time for Cape Reinga and a drive on Ninety Mile Beach. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to understand New Zealand's rich history.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Rotorua

    Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set before reaching geothermal Rotorua. Start your day with a peaceful redwoods walk before crowds arrive. Book your traditional hangi dinner early since spots fill quickly. Visit Te Puia around 8:30 AM when the geysers are most active.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Wellington

    Travel to Wellington through the Victorian town of Greytown. The capital is compact but hilly. Stay near Cuba Street for easy restaurant access. Take the cable car up for city views and walk down through the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Christchurch

    Cross Cook Strait by ferry to explore Christchurch. Take the 2-hour Botanic Gardens tour to get your bearings. Visit the Riverside Market before 11 AM to avoid tour groups.

    
  • Days 15-18

    West Coast & Queenstown

    Take the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps to Franz Josef Glacier. Book glacier hikes well ahead as weather often affects availability. In Queenstown try jet boat rides and wine tours. A visitor noted: "The Dart River Safari was incredible - dress warmly as the morning canyon winds can be chilly."

    
  • Days 19-24

    Milford Sound and more

    End your trip with a Milford Sound overnight cruise, wildlife watching in Dunedin and time at Mount Cook National Park before returning to Christchurch. For perfect photos visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo around 6:30 AM before tour buses arrive.

    

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