Off-the-Beaten-Path New Zealand Tour

Great Walk in Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island, New Zealand

What to expect on this itinerary

Behind New Zealand’s buzzing tourism attractions lies a wealth of hidden gems that you will discover on this luxurious 15-day tour. From the golden beaches of Stewart Island to the magnificent mountains and fabled fiords of Milford Sound, you will explore every inch of untouched New Zealand on this handcrafted tour. Venture behind the scenes and off the beaten path to uncover a side to New Zealand often missed by the hasty traveler.

Countries Visited

New Zealand

Places Visited

Auckland, Rotorua, Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Catlins, Dunedin, Oamaru, Moeraki, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown

Suggested Duration

15 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Auckland - A Taste of New Zealand

Composed of a captivating city skyline and an immaculate stretch of surrounding countryside, the city of Auckland is a stunning destination. Although Auckland's colorful streets will be buzzing with people from the minute you land, you will be pleasantly surprised by the hidden districts of the city. After settling in, a guide will lead you on a walking tour of Auckland's hidden gems. From artisanal chocolates crafted in boutique stores to fascinating pieces of art housed in hard-to-find galleries, you will discover untouched Auckland before venturing out on a yacht to sail through Auckland Harbor.

What's Included:

Transfer
Accommodation
Tour
Day 2

Auckland - Over the Land and Sea

Day 3

Rotorua - Luminescent Cave Discoveries

Day 4

Rotorua - Immersed in Maori Culture

Day 5

Stewart Island - Nocturnal Kiwi Birds

Day 6

Stewart Island - Pure, Undisturbed Wildlife

Day 7

Catlins - Gorgeous Wilderness Scenes

Day 8

Catlins - On the Catlin's Coast

Day 9

Dunedin - Penguin and Sea Lion Encounters

Day 10

Oamaru - The History of Moeraki

Day 11

Wanaka - The Old World of Oamaru

Day 12

Wanaka - Immaculate Beauty

Day 13

Milford Sound - New Zealand’s Fjords

Day 14

Milford Sound - Through Milford Sound

Day 15

Milford Sound - Departure

Trip Highlights

  • Peer behind the veil of Auckland’s bustling cityscape to uncover rare artisanal stores and hidden art galleries on an exclusive tour complete with a yacht-sailing adventure across the harbor
  • Soar above Waiheke Island's flourishing landscape in a seaplane and explore the forested trails of Tawharanui Regional Park
  • Escape the crowds and enter the colossal caves en route to Rotorua that will be illuminated by millions of glow worms 
  • Retreat to an authentic Maori village to experience the traditional tribal lifestyle and a mouthwatering home-cooked meal 
  • Tour the bright beaches of Stewart Island and spot the native Kiwi birds, which reside in a protected and private conservation area
  • Venture through the emerald forests of Ulva Island to capture incredible images of an environment that remains unspoiled 
  • Stroll across the mesmerizing paths of the South Island’s Great Walk to the majestic forested fields of Rakiura National Park
  • Wrap around the absorbing Otago Peninsula and bask in private sightings of the endemic penguins and sea lions 
  • Witness the ancient 60-million-year-old boulders that flank Moeraki and the Yellow-Eyed Penguin colonies that leap off the rocks below the Moeraki Lighthouse
  • Cruise across Lake Wanaka on a tour that will culminate with an opportunity to plant your own tree in the forest
  • Marvel at the sights and sounds of Milford Sound during a tour the immaculate region by jet boat and bicycle

Starting Price

$13,000 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

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Jim V.
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Zicasso's travel agency created a perfect customized trip itinerary for us. They coordinated our many accommodations, flights, tours, car rentals, and transfers without an issue.

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Vicky S.
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We loved our trip! Zicasso's travel agency planned the most perfect trip for our family of four. They listened to my needs and wants, and created a perfect itinerary. We had some unexpected changes to our itinerary while traveling. Both agents were readily accessible and available, and made changes on the spot. The local tour companies we were connected with were excellent and first-class all the way. We were given extra recommendations for restaurants and activities when we had a day off from touring. Everything was perfect and I cannot thank them enough.

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Michelle J.
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Zicasso’s travel agent constructed an excellent itinerary for us!

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Leifang H.
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"The itinerary provided by Zicasso's travel agency was excellent and efficient! It was well balanced with nature, culture, and history!"

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Anne M.
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"Our agent listened to what we were interested in and planned the best trip for us! I would highly recommend our travel company!"

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Loren H.
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"Zicasso’s travel agent did an outstanding job organizing our adventure trip. She provided helpful information and listened well."

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

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