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New Zealand Explorer, a tour by Explore Worldwide

Tour · 18 nights · with Explore Worldwide

New Zealand Explorer

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.

Duration
18 nights
Departures
5 dates
Choose a month below
Countries
New Zealand
Operator
Explore Worldwide
From
£6,720
per person

Highlights

What makes this one worth it

  1. Hobbiton movie set near Matamata

  2. Maori rock carvings and traditional Hangi in Murupara

  3. Art Deco walking tour of Napier

  4. Abel Tasman National Park by water taxi and coastal walk

  5. Fiordland National Park boat cruiseWith glowworm caves

About the trip

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.

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.

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The route in outline: places are joined in the order visited, not by the roads or sea lanes taken.
  1. 1 Auckland
  2. 2 Wellington
  3. 3 Nelson
  4. 4 Fox Glacier
  5. 5 Wanaka
  6. 6 Queenstown
  7. 7 Te Anau
  8. 8 Dunedin
  9. 9 Oamaru
  10. 10 Aoraki / Mount Cook
  11. 11 Christchurch

Itinerary

The route

  1. Auckland

  2. Wellington

  3. Nelson

  4. Fox Glacier

  5. Wanaka

  6. Queenstown

  7. Te Anau

  8. Dunedin

  9. Oamaru

  10. Aoraki / Mount Cook

  11. Christchurch

These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.

When to go

Departures and prices

Lowest price each month, per person.

Explore Worldwide confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.

Need to know

Before you book

Price based on
Per personThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
Travelling alone
Check with Explore Worldwide
Flights
Not included: you book your own to the start
What’s included
Check with Explore Worldwide
Accessibility
Check with Explore Worldwide

For full details of what’s included, check with Explore Worldwide. See the full details on their site

Questions people ask

How long is New Zealand Explorer?
New Zealand Explorer is a 18 nights tour holiday.
Who operates New Zealand Explorer?
New Zealand Explorer is operated by Explore Worldwide.
How much does New Zealand Explorer cost?
Prices for New Zealand Explorer start from £6,720, subject to availability.

The operator

Explore Worldwide

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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