
Tour · 18 nights · with Explore Worldwide
Eighteen nights exploring New Zealand’s two islands with small-group touring from Explore Worldwide, including Hobbiton, Maori culture, and the fjords of Fiordland National Park.
Highlights
Hobbiton movie set near Matamata
Maori rock carvings and traditional Hangi in Murupara
Art Deco walking tour of Napier
Abel Tasman National Park by water taxi and coastal walk
Fiordland National Park boat cruiseWith glowworm caves
This escorted tour by Explore Worldwide takes in a broad sweep of New Zealand’s North and South Islands over eighteen nights. Starting in Auckland, the journey moves inland to Hobbiton’s movie set and the Bay of Plenty, then ventures into the heart of Maori culture in Murupara. Along the way, colourful volcanic features at Wai-o-tapu and the art deco buildings of Napier provide steady variety.
Journeys
Crossing to the South Island, the route includes Nelson and the water taxi-accessed Abel Tasman National Park with its sand and suspension bridges. The Great Coast Road takes you to the historical goldmining town of Hokitika, before glacier country around Fox Glacier and the turquoise waters of Lake Matheson. Wanaka and Queenstown add alpine scenery and lakeside towns to the itinerary, as well as a glowworm cave boat trip from Te Anau.
The tour ends with wildlife on the Otago Peninsula near Dunedin, rare boulders on Moeraki Beach, and capped off with Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and its glaciers. Near Lake Tekapo, the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd offers a quiet moment before the journey finishes in Christchurch.
Itinerary
Auckland
Wellington
Nelson
Fox Glacier
Wanaka
When to go
Lowest price each month, per person.
Explore Worldwide confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
For full details of what’s included, check with Explore Worldwide. See the full details on their site
The operator
Small-group adventures, walking and wildlife
Small groups with local leaders, and a fondness for the places at the end of the road. Trips are graded so you know how active they are.
You book with Explore Worldwide directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.

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Queenstown
Te Anau
Dunedin
Oamaru
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Christchurch
These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.