TripFinder

Compare multi-day small-group tours from independent operators, then ask a Canadian travel advisor for help.

Explore

Find tripsDestinationsTravel stylesDealsCompare trips

TripFinder

How it worksTalk to an agentAbout usContact

Good to know

Privacy PolicyCookie choicesTerms of UseTravel guides
TripFinder.ca helps you compare small-group trips from independent operators and book with a TripFinder travel advisor. Trips are operated by the tour companies under their own terms. © 2026 HighBar Enterprises Ltd.Made for adventurers in Canada 🍁
TripFinder
Find trips
DealsAsk TheoCompareHow it worksBrowse all trips
Highlights of New Zealand image
Find trips›New Zealand›Highlights of New Zealand
◆Save 20% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-06-12
GOperated by G Adventures

Highlights of New Zealand

From
CAD 5,649
Duration
15 days
Countries
New Zealand
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 16

The adventure

Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand. For adventurers on a tight time-budget, this 15-day trip wraps up the must-sees of both islands with a nice little bow. Discover ethereal glowworm caves in Waitomo, discover Maori culture, and get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown. Consider this your New Zealand starter kit.

◆Arrive at any time.
◆Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
◆Today is yours to explore Rotorua, opt to check out the geothermal area, go whitewater rafting, or one of the many other activities in the area. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
◆Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island as you travel to the capital, Wellington. Stop along the way places like the mighty Haka Falls and the 'Gumboot capital of NZ', Taihape.
◆Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.
◆Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
◆Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
◆Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.
◆Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
◆Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.
◆With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
◆Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.
◆Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.
◆Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
◆Depart at any time.

At a glance

Duration
15 days
Route
Auckland → Christchurch
Countries
New Zealand
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Food & Drink, National Parks & Wilderness, Trekking & Hiking, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Highlights of New Zealand image

Day by day

Explore the breathtaking mountain landscape of New Zealand featuring rugged peaks and lush valleys.
Your journey through

New Zealand

Showing Days 1-7

15-day itinerary

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
Day 2Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua
Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Day 3Today is yours to explore Rotorua
Today is yours to explore Rotorua, opt to check out the geothermal area, go whitewater rafting, or one of the many other activities in the area. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Day 4Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North…
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island as you travel to the capital, Wellington. Stop along the way places like the mighty Haka Falls and the 'Gumboot capital of NZ', Taihape.
Day 5Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city
Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.
Day 6Fly to the South Island and travel…
Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
Day 7Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura
Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
1 / 3

Discover New Zealand

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Tranquil coastal landscape at Kereta, Waikato, New Zealand. Rolling hills meet the serene ocean shore under a blue sky.
Picturesque landscape of Lake Pukaki with mountains and winding road at sunset in New Zealand.
Breathtaking landscape of a tranquil lake reflecting mountain views in Otago, New Zealand.
A stunning aerial view of Akaroa Harbor with lush green landscapes and surrounding hills in New Zealand.
Breathtaking aerial view of Queenstown by Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains under clear skies.

Upcoming departures

Last Minute 20% off ONAC260709 · ends 2026-06-12 · auto-applied
DatesPrice / personAvailability
6 Aug – 20 Aug 2026
CAD 6,499Availability on request
Book my trip
G
Operated by G Adventures

TripFinder compares the available catalog facts and can help with the booking. You travel under the operator's terms; final price and availability are confirmed before purchase.

Book my trip →
Ask Theo about this trip
From
CAD 5,649 CAD / person
Twin share · prices may vary by departure
Next departures
Aug 6, 2026CAD 6,499
Sep 3, 2026CAD 5,649
Sep 17, 2026CAD 5,649 · available
See all 99 departures →
Book my trip
No payment now — tell us a few details and an expert confirms everything & finishes your booking.
✓No payment & no obligation to send a request
✓An expert confirms by email or phone — your choice
Prefer to talk first? Send a request and choose phone as your contact preference.
Operated by G Adventures · view on operator site ↗

More Oceania adventures

OpeningAustralia & New Zealand:  A Month Down Under image
GG Adventures
Save 25%

Australia & New Zealand: A Month Down Under

New Zealand, Australia · 38 days · Moderate

fromCAD 8,999
Next: 15 Aug
OpeningAustralia and New Zealand: Surfing & National Parks image
GG Adventures
Save 25%

Australia and New Zealand: Surfing & National Parks

New Zealand, Australia · 33 days · Moderate

fromCAD 7,757
Next: 06 Aug
OpeningAustralia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks image
GG Adventures
Save 25%

Australia and New Zealand: Surf, Sun & Epic Parks

New Zealand, Australia · 29 days · Moderate

fromCAD 5,439
Next: 15 Aug
From
CAD 5,649/ person
Book my trip