New Zealand
From:
January 8, 2026
To:
January 24, 2026
Over the course of 17 travel days, with 14 full immersive days spent exploring the wonders of New Zealand, this fast-paced itinerary promises to leave you in awe of the scenic beauty that awaits.
Journey with us from Auckland to Queenstown, concluding our adventure in Christchurch. Your dedicated tour guide will transport the group in a private vehicle to each captivating destination.
We’ll be by your side every step of the way, curating an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and cherished memories.
Pricing
$9,903 per person
Includes:
Does not include:
Flights (SueQ Travel will assist with your flight booking if needed)
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Activities listed as "optional"
Any personal expenses or purchases
Any travel arrangements prior to or after SueQ Travel tour
Visa and/or passport fees
Any gratuities for your SueQ Travel tour leader
Travel Insurance
$500 towards excursions of your choice in-country
Meals and excursions specifically listed in the itinerary
Transfers by your tour guide in a private vehicle (with other group travelers) from the airport on arrival day
Transfers by your tour guide in a private vehicle (with other group travelers) from the airport on arrival day
Tour Leader dedicated to enriching both individual and group experiences
Accommodations in a hotel or vacation rental - we always aim for single accommodations but occasionally a shared room is required because of availability
Any driving to destinations is done by your tour guide if public transportation is not being used
Itinerary
New Zealand Adventure: 17 Days of Scenic Splendor
Day 1: Departure from the US
Day 2: In Transit
As we fly across the Pacific Ocean, the excitement builds as we prepare to cross the International Date Line, marking the start of our adventure.
Day 3: Arrival in Auckland
Meals provided: Lunch
It will have been a long couple days of travel, so we won’t push ourselves too hard today. Everyone will arrive in Auckland in the morning and you’ll be driven in a private vehicle (by your SueQ Travel guide) to your accommodations where you’ll be able to get settled in. A light lunch will be provided at our accommodations before heading out to explore Auckland’s waterfront, Viaduct Harbour, and Wynyard Quarter. You’ll get to enjoy dinner out before heading back to our accommodations for the night.
Day 4: Auckland
Meals provided: Breakfast
Today is a day of Auckland exploration! Your travel guide will be headed to the Domain Wintergardens and Ponsonby Road for cafes and boutique shops. We can walk around the city and explore together or you can choose an excursion for the day.
Optional Paid Excursions:
Take an optional paid sightseeing tour or take a free walking tour (They do recommend a tip for the tour guide!)
You could take an optional paid visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum
Day 5: Auckland to Rotorua via Matamata
Meals provided: Breakfast
We’ll pack up our things and head out of Auckland by car. We’ll enjoy a scenic drive as we make our way to Rotorua for our next night’s stay. For those Hobbit and Lord of the Rings fans, we’ll be taking a stop off at Matamata where you can enjoy an optional added excursion to the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Optional Paid Excursions:
Day 6: Rotorua
Today we’ll wake up in Rotorua where we’ll spend the day exploring! Your tour leader will be heading to the Government Gardens and Redwoods Forest Drive to Lake Tarawera for some scenic views, but there are a lot of other optional activities your guide can help you get to!
Optional Paid Excursions:
Day 7: Rotorua to Taupo
We’ll continue our trek south to Taupo where we will visit Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon (included in your tour price). Huka Falls is a breathtaking waterfall on the Waikato River, where the water surges through a narrow gorge before plunging 11 meters into a turbulent pool below. Nearby, Craters of the Moon offers a unique geothermal experience, featuring steaming craters, bubbling mud pools, and fumaroles in an otherworldly landscape.
Taupo offers some other optional unique opportunities for you to take advantage:
Day 8: Taupo to Napier (2 hours drive)
After a previous full day in Taupo, we’ll make our way this morning to Napier. Napier is a town in Hawke's Bay and known as the Art Deco Capital of the world. After a 7.9 magnitude earthquake in 1931 destroyed much of the city, it was rebuilt in the Art Deco style, as well as Spanish Mission and Stripped Classical architecture. Additionally, a number of local wineries also offer tours and tastings. We’ll take our time today enjoying the city and the Art Deco architecture with our own self-guided walking tour. We’ll stop in at the MTG Hawke’s Bay Museum as well.
If you’d rather explore the wineries and other things Napier has to offer, here are some other optional excursions:
Day 9: Napier to Wellington
We’ll be up early today and make our way to Wellington. Once we get settled into our accommodations, we’ll head off to Visit Te Papa Tongarewa Museum. That evening, we’ll make our way to the waterfront and Cuba Street for some food and shopping!
Day 10: Wellington
We’ll spend this day touring Wellington. We’ll take the Wellington Cable Car and visit the Botanic Garden. We can also explore the Parliamentary precinct and take a tour there as well.
Of course, you don’t have to just do those things, here are a few other optional activities you could choose to do:
Day 11: Wellington to Nelson
It’s going to be a long travel day today as we make our way by ferry to Picton and then drive on to Nelson. It’s bound to be a scenic experience on the 3 hour ferry ride. Weather permitting, when we arrive in Nelson, we’ll make our way to the beach where we’ll relax for the afternoon.
Day 12: Nelson to Punakaiki
We’ll be up early and on the road again as we drive to Punakaiki where we’ll visit the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes and explore the surrounding Paparoa National Park.
Day 13: Punakaiki to Franz Josef
We’ll continue our exploration of New Zealand as we make our way over the mountains to the western side of the country, stopping in Franz Josef, a captivating destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities. Here, we can enjoy the breathtaking views. We’ll take a walk around Peter’s Pool.
As always, there are some other optional excursions you could choose to do:
Day 14: Franz Josef to Queenstown
We’ll be up early again to make our way to Queenstown. It takes about 4.5 hours to get there, but get your cameras ready, it will be a lovely scenic drive along the way. Once we get to Queenstown, we can enjoy the town center and Queenstown Gardens together, take a walk by Lake Wakatipu, and enjoy the natural beauty of Queenstown. We may make our way over to Arrowtown and explore its historic sites or take a scenic drive to Glenorchy.
If you want more excitement, you can indulge in an optional excursion:
Day 15: Queenstown to Christchurch
The last big drive we’ll do will be to Christchurch. We’ll be up early and make our 5 ½ hour drive down to the city where we’ll be enjoying the rest of our time together. When we arrive, we’ll get settled into our accommodations and then explore the Botanic Gardens.
Day 16: Christchurch
Today will be full of exploration as we visit the Canterbury Museum and we’ll also take a quick pass by the Cardboard Cathedral. We’ll enjoy the quirky uniqueness of New Regent Street and do some final shopping as we finish up the last full day together.
We’ll finish with dinner together as a group and reminisce about the incredible journey we've shared, the breathtaking landscapes we've explored, and the unforgettable memories we've created. As we reflect on our adventures, we'll celebrate the new friendships formed and the lasting impressions of New Zealand's beauty and culture.
Day 17: Departure from Christchurch
We'll pack our bags and make our way to the airport, carrying with us unforgettable memories of New Zealand's stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and the friendships we've forged along the way.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change.
Flight information
Flights aren't included, but I can help you book them!
Otherwise, you can do a round-trip to Auckland, New Zealand - departing the US on January 4, 2025 and returning to the US on January 19, 2025.
Destination Information
Group Size
This tour requires a minimum of 4 travelers and will accommodate up to 5 people, including the guide.
Travel Documents
Ensure you have a valid passport.
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date and have at least two consecutive blank pages.
US and Canadian citizens must obtain a VISA or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) for New Zealand before travel. Detailed information on obtaining the necessary visas will be provided after final payment.
Air Travel Arrangements
Please hold off on booking flights until the trip is confirmed (once the minimum number of people have signed up). SueQ Travel will then send out the dates and times for in-country arrivals. Once you have booked your flights, forward your itinerary to groups@sueqtravel.com.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour cost. It is your responsibility to choose the amount and type of coverage needed to recoup your travel investment in case of cancellation, inability to complete the tour, or operational issues. Refer to SueQ Travel Terms & Conditions for details on payment procedures if the tour cannot operate.
SueQ Travel is not licensed to sell travel insurance. Highly recommended providers include Allianz Travel Insurance and TravelGuard.
Luggage
Travel lightly, as most travelers regret overpacking.
You may bring one suitcase plus one personal item (i.e., backpack or purse).
All airlines enforce their own baggage policies. You are responsible for any excess baggage fees.
Be prepared to handle your own luggage everywhere you go. This could include trains, buses, or taxis.
There is limited space in the vehicle for large loads of luggage.
Fitness
Suitable for travelers who are comfortable with moderate physical activity. This tour involves regular walking, possibly including some uneven terrain or stairs.
Approx. Walking Distance: 2-4 miles per day. (Walking tours, visits to multiple attractions, short hikes.)
Health Standards
New Zealand has excellent health and hygiene standards. No specific vaccinations are required, but ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
Staying Connected
Contact your cell phone provider about international plans, as most carriers offer flat daily rates.
Manage data usage by using WiFi and communication apps like WhatsApp.
Learn how to make international calls before you leave. Visit www.HowtoCallAbroad.com for guidance.
Adapters and Voltage
Purchase a universal adapter that supports various sockets/plugs. Verify your electronic devices' voltage requirements, as many countries operate on 220V or 230V. Most modern electronics are multi-voltage; consult your owner's manual for details.
Cash and Cards
Budget for meals, snacks, drinks, shopping, and tips. Carry some cash for splitting bills and smaller purchases.
Notify your credit card issuer about your travel dates.
Use ATMs for cash, but be cautious as foreign countries may limit daily withdrawals. Know your PIN for both debit and credit cards.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but be aware of foreign transaction fees. Choose local currency for transactions to avoid conversion fees.
Currency
New Zealand uses the New Zealand Dollar (NZD).
Tipping
You are responsible for tipping wait-staff, porters, or other service providers at hotels or public locations. Tipping is not expected in New Zealand, but a tip exceeding 10% is considered extraordinary for exceptional service.
Consider tipping your SueQ Travel Tour Leader $8-$10 per day for outstanding service, but this is entirely a personal preference.
Do you have questions or need more information?
Send us an email at info@sueqtravel.com
Payment Information:
25% down payment due at the time of booking
Final payment due 90 days before travel.
Monthly payments can be set up.
If you have signed up for the trip and it is confirmed (meaning, we have the minimum number of travelers to go), you will be responsible for the entire tour amount even if you cancel.
This is part of the reason why travel insurance is so highly recommended!
Please refer to our terms and conditions for additional details.