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New Zealand Grand Explorer
Auckland • Wai-O-Tapu • Waitomo Glowworm Caves • Christchurch • Queenstown
12 Days / 11 Nights Premium New Zealand Tour Package
Destination: New Zealand
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Route: Auckland → Rotorua (Wai-O-Tapu) → Waitomo → Christchurch → Queenstown
Best For: Families, Couples, Honeymooners, Nature Lovers, Adventure Seekers, and First-Time Visitors
Tour Overview
Experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand on this carefully crafted 12 Days / 11 Nights journey through the country's most spectacular landscapes. Discover Auckland's vibrant waterfront, the geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu, the magical glowworms of Waitomo Caves, the charming English-inspired city of Christchurch, and the adventure capital of Queenstown.
This itinerary combines modern cities, volcanic landscapes, underground caves, alpine scenery, crystal-clear lakes, wildlife, vineyards, adventure activities, and unforgettable scenic drives.
Tour Highlights
Auckland
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Sky Tower
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Viaduct Harbour
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Auckland Harbour Bridge
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Mission Bay
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Auckland Domain
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Mount Eden
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Queen Street Shopping
Rotorua & Wai-O-Tapu
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Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
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Lady Knox Geyser
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Champagne Pool
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Mud Pools
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Te Puia Cultural Centre
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Māori Cultural Performance
Waitomo
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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Underground Boat Ride
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Limestone Caverns
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Cathedral Chamber
Christchurch
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens
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Hagley Park
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Avon River Punt Ride
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Canterbury Museum
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New Regent Street
Queenstown
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Skyline Gondola
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Lake Wakatipu
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Milford Sound
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Arrowtown
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Kawarau Bungy Bridge
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Shotover Jet (Optional)
Day 1 – Arrival in Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand.
Arrive at Auckland International Airport and meet your tour representative before transferring to your hotel.
Evening Orientation Tour
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Viaduct Harbour
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Wynyard Quarter
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Queen Street
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Auckland Waterfront
Enjoy a welcome dinner overlooking the harbour.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Auckland
Day 2 – Auckland City Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided city tour.
Visit
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Sky Tower Observation Deck
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Auckland Harbour Bridge
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Mission Bay Beach
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Auckland Domain
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Wintergardens
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Mount Eden Volcano Lookout
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Parnell Village
Afternoon free for shopping or harbour cafés.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Auckland
Day 3 – Auckland to Rotorua via Wai-O-Tapu
Travel through New Zealand's beautiful countryside to Rotorua.
Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Explore:
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Champagne Pool
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Artist's Palette
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Devil's Bath
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Colourful Hot Springs
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Bubbling Mud Pools
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Walking Trails
Witness the famous Lady Knox Geyser eruption (subject to schedule).
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Māori cultural performance and Hāngī dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Rotorua
Day 4 – Rotorua Exploration
Visit:
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Te Puia Geothermal Valley
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Pohutu Geyser
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Māori Arts & Crafts Institute
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Redwood Forest
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Government Gardens
Optional:
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Polynesian Spa
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Zorbing
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Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Rotorua
Day 5 – Rotorua to Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Drive through picturesque farmland to Waitomo.
Explore Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Experience:
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Guided limestone cave tour
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Underground river boat ride
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Thousands of glowing bioluminescent glowworms
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Cathedral Chamber with remarkable acoustics
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Incredible rock formations and stalactites
Continue to nearby accommodation or return toward Auckland depending on flight schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Waitomo / Hamilton Area
Day 6 – Fly to Christchurch
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Christchurch.
Evening
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Cathedral Square
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Riverside Market
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New Regent Street
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Avon River Walk
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 7 – Christchurch City Tour
Explore the Garden City.
Visit
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Christchurch Botanic Gardens
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Hagley Park
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Canterbury Museum
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Avon River Punt Ride
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Christchurch Tram
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Riverside Market
Enjoy local cafés and shopping.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 8 – Leisure or Optional Excursion
Choose one:
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Akaroa Harbour & Dolphin Cruise
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Arthur's Pass National Park
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Waipara Wine Region
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Free day in Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 9 – Christchurch to Queenstown
Travel by scenic domestic flight or coach through the Southern Alps.
Upon arrival:
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Lake Wakatipu
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Queenstown Gardens
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Waterfront Walk
Enjoy spectacular mountain views.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 10 – Milford Sound Excursion
One of New Zealand's most famous experiences.
Visit
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Fiordland National Park
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Mirror Lakes
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Homer Tunnel
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Milford Sound Cruise
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Stirling Falls
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Mitre Peak
Watch for dolphins, seals, and penguins (seasonal).
Return to Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 11 – Queenstown Adventure
Choose from exciting optional activities:
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Skyline Gondola
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Luge Ride
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Shotover Jet Boat
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Kawarau Bungy Bridge
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Wine Tour in Gibbston Valley
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Arrowtown Heritage Village
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Lake Cruise on TSS Earnslaw
Enjoy a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 12 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Queenstown Airport for your onward journey.
Leave New Zealand with unforgettable memories of magnificent mountains, glowing caves, geothermal wonders, crystal-clear lakes, rich Māori culture, and world-class scenery.
Meals: Breakfast
Package Includes
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Airport transfers
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11 nights hotel accommodation
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Daily breakfast
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Welcome dinner and Māori cultural dinner
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Domestic flight (North Island to Christchurch)
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Scenic transfer from Christchurch to Queenstown (flight or coach, depending on package)
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Professional English-speaking guide
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Sightseeing tours and entrance tickets as per itinerary
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Hotel taxes and service charges
Package Excludes
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International airfare
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New Zealand visa or NZeTA fees (if applicable)
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Travel insurance
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Personal expenses
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Optional adventure activities
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Lunches unless specified
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Tips and gratuities
Best Time to Visit
September–November (Spring): Blooming gardens, pleasant weather, and ideal sightseeing.
December–February (Summer): Best for outdoor adventures, hiking, cruises, and long daylight hours.
March–May (Autumn): Beautiful fall colours, vineyards, and comfortable temperatures.
June–August (Winter): Snow-covered mountains and excellent skiing in Queenstown.
Recommended Hotels
Auckland
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SkyCity Hotel Auckland
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Cordis Auckland
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Grand Millennium Auckland
Rotorua
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Pullman Rotorua
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Millennium Hotel Rotorua
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Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Christchurch
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Crowne Plaza Christchurch
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Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
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Sudima Christchurch City
Queenstown
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Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
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Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
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Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Travel Tips
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Carry a valid passport and the required New Zealand travel authorization.
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Weather changes quickly, so pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.
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Book Milford Sound cruises and adventure activities well in advance during peak season.
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Bring a camera with extra storage—New Zealand offers spectacular photography opportunities.
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Respect protected natural areas by staying on marked trails and following local environmental guidelines.
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Credit cards are widely accepted, though carrying a small amount of New Zealand dollars (NZD) can be helpful.
This itinerary offers a perfect balance of vibrant cities, geothermal wonders, glowworm caves, alpine landscapes, Māori culture, and adventure, making it one of the most popular 12-day New Zealand holiday experiences..
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