New Zealand Gateway

Overview

New Zealand is a destination that rewards curious travellers with a blend of dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Our New Zealand Gateway 16-Day Escorted Tour has been designed to showcase the best of both the North and the South Islands, giving you a complete journey across this unforgettable country.

Travelling with one of our expert Tour Directors means you can focus on the adventure while we take care of the details. From Maori heritage in the North Island to the towering peaks and fiords of the South, every day brings something new and inspiring.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

• Experience both North and South Islands in one seamless itinerary
• Cruise the world-famous Milford Sound surrounded by waterfalls and mountains
• Immerse yourself in Maori culture with a traditional feast and performance in Rotorua
• Explore the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves
• See the serenity of Lake Tekapo and the beauty of Mount Cook National Park
• Travel with an expert Tour Director and like-minded companions
• Enjoy carefully chosen hotels in excellent locations throughout the tour

Tour Highlights

North Island

• Auckland and Bay of Islands – Begin your journey in Auckland before heading north to the Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands and some of the country’s most scenic coastal views. Enjoy a dolphin-spotting cruise and sail through the Hole in the Rock.
• Waitomo and Rotorua – Visit the famous glowworm caves before arriving in Rotorua, known for its geysers and strong Maori culture. Witness a hangi feast and traditional performance after exploring bubbling mud pools and erupting geysers.
• Lake Taupo and Wellington – Journey south through the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park to the capital, Wellington, renowned for its café culture and vibrant waterfront.

South Island

• Marlborough and Blenheim – Cross the Cook Strait by ferry and take in the Marlborough Sounds before enjoying time in the wine country of Blenheim.
• Kaikoura and Christchurch – Look out for whales in Kaikoura before continuing to the garden city of Christchurch.
• Fox Glacier and Southern Alps – Travel through the Southern Alps to Glacier Country, with the option to ride the famous TranzAlpine train.
• Queenstown – A hub for food, wine, and adventure. Choose from optional activities such as gondola rides, wine tasting, or cruising Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship.
• Milford Sound and Te Anau – Cruise this dramatic fiord with sheer cliffs, lush rainforest, and cascading waterfalls.
• Dunedin – Explore New Zealand’s Scottish heritage and visit the historic Larnach Castle.
• Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook National Park – Finish with stargazing skies, a farewell dinner, and inspiring views of Aoraki / Mount Cook.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Auckland – Arrive in Auckland and transfer to your hotel. Leisure time in the city.
Days 2–4: Bay of Islands & Auckland – Cruise the Bay of Islands, explore Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock, return to Auckland.
Days 5–6: Rotorua via Waitomo – Glowworm caves, Maori culture, geysers, hangi feast, and geothermal wonders.
Day 7: Lake Taupo to Wellington – Stop at Huka Falls and Tongariro National Park before reaching the capital.
Day 8: Wellington to Blenheim – Scenic ferry crossing through Marlborough Sounds, then onwards to Blenheim.
Day 9: Blenheim to Christchurch via Kaikoura – Whale watching (weather permitting), then onward to Christchurch.
Day 10: Christchurch to Fox Glacier – Journey through the Southern Alps or upgrade to the TranzAlpine train.
Days 11–12: Queenstown – Free time to explore with optional excursions.
Day 13: Milford Sound & Te Anau – Cruise Milford Sound and overnight in Te Anau.
Day 14: Dunedin – Visit Larnach Castle and enjoy the historic city.
Day 15: Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo – Admire the Moeraki Boulders and Aoraki before a farewell dinner by Lake Tekapo.
Day 16: Christchurch – Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before returning to Christchurch where the tour concludes.

Why Book with Travelisto?

At Travelisto, our Nomadic Travel Designers are seasoned explorers who’ve personally experienced New Zealand. We work with carefully selected partners to ensure your journey balances iconic highlights with authentic cultural encounters.

Every holiday booked with us is ATOL-protected, giving you complete peace of mind from the moment you reserve your place to the day you return.

New Zealand’s North and South Islands are places of natural beauty with much to explore. Combine nature with culture in Rotorua, known for its steaming geysers and rich Maori heritage, where you will feel immersed with a traditional feast and performance. See the dramatic cliffs and spectacular waterfalls of Milford Sound from a cruise and compare it to the serenity of an overnight stay on the banks of Lake Tekapo in Mackenzie Country. Then, journey into Mt Cook National Park to see Aoraki (Mt Cook), Australasia’s tallest peak.