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New Zealand 3 week winter itinerary
Aotearoa New Zealand is a year-round destination. This tour is designed to showcase New Zealand's culture, flora and fauna, wildlife, museums and activities offered during the winter season.
Being run outside the main tourist summer season you will enjoy New Zealand as the locals do, with less traffic on the streets and more time and tranquility. From the winterless north with Palm trees and hibiscus to the grandeur of the Southern Alps in the south you can expect to enjoy all types of weather in this journey of a lifetime.
Wildlife is also more abundant during the winter months. You’re more likely to see humpback whales at this time of year in Kaikoura and seals are a common sight.
This stunning 20-day itinerary features some of Aotearoa New Zealand's more celebrated destinations such as the Bay of Islands, Rotorua – a geothermal wonderland, our culturally vibrant city of Wellington, the eighth wonder of the world – Milford Sound, adventure-capital Queenstown, glacier country of Franz Josef and so much more!
Your days will be filled with a mixture of included and optional activities and at the end of each day you can relax in 3-4* Kiwi accommodation.
Please note that owing to the time of year, some included activities are subject to change. We will endeavor to incorporate a suitable replacement should this happen.
Be prepared to be awe-struck on this small group journey of New Zealand!
Read more about why travelling in winter is a great idea.
Winter Wonders Tour Tips:
- Optional activities can also be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.
- The tour price includes twin/double-share accommodation but if you would prefer your own space, you have the option to upgrade to a private room for the duration of your tour (subject to availability).
Tour highlights
Meet Tāne Mahuta
Join a guided tour to Tāne Mahuta, the sacred King of New Zealand's forest.
Overnight stay in NZ’s only castle
Stay in the Larnach Castle in Dunedin, where you’ll enjoy the stunning gardens, dinner and surrounds.
Cruise Lake Mapourika
Cruise Lake Mapourika, with exclusive access to a private rainforest trail through the captivating Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
Tour itinerary
Auckland
Kia ora and welcome in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland New Zealand. Today is your orientation day, your day to ease yourself into your holiday.
Auckland to Russell
Enjoy a short Auckland sightseeing tour and then travel up to Russel in the Bay of Islands.
Russell
Explore the picturesque Russell, uncovering its history and jump on a ferry to Paihia for a cultural journey through NZ's colonial past and Māori heritage at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Russell to Whangarei
Travel from Russell to the enchanting Waipoua Forest, where you’ll witness Tāne Mahuta, the revered Kauri tree, followed by a visit to Whangarei to discover the iconic Hundert Wasser Arts Centre.
Whangarei to Rotorua
Journey to Rotorua and explore Waikato's glowworm-filled caves. In the evening, you’ll arrive in Rotorua, renowned for its cultural richness and geothermal wonders.
Rotorua
In Rotorua, revel in geothermal wonders as you choose your activities for the day. Options include the National Kiwi Hatchery, Rotorua City & Lakes Tour or a guided visit to Hobbiton Movie Set.
Rotorua to Wellington
Visit New Zealand's most colourful geothermal park before heading to Wellington, our vibrant capital.
Wellington
Explore Wellington's charm with a walking tour, featuring Te Papa museum, the vibrant waterfront, a cable car ride, and the government centre.
Wellington to Kaikōura
Boarding the morning ferry to the South Island offers stunning views. In the afternoon, take part in wine tasting and enjoy a visit to the local seal colony.
Kaikōura to Christchurch
Kaikōura is yours to explore today! Go ziplining for magnificent views or join a whale watching tour to catch a glimpse of New Zealand's largest residents. Afterwards, you'll travel to Christchurch.
Christchurch to Hokitika
Board the Tranz Alpine for a scenic journey to the West Coast. On arrival, take a short bus ride to a land of the legends at Pounamu Pathways before heading to Hokitika.
Hokitika to Franz Josef
Today's choices: Jade carving for Māori insights and pendant crafting, Kiwi House to discover iconic birds or many stunning walks in the area. Later, explore Franz Josef, the heart of glacier country.
Franz Josef
Explore Lake Mapourika and the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Return to glacier country where you can choose to experience a thrilling heli-flight over the glaciers.
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Journey to Queenstown, an adventure resort town nestled by Lake Wakatipu amid majestic mountains. En route, explore Arrowtown's gold rush history.
Queenstown
With a full day in Queenstown, start ticking off your bucket list activities! Options are endless and they promise a day of unforgettable adventures.
Queenstown to Te Anau
Today, your guide will offer you a 3hr walking tour up Queenstown Hill for stunning views. You are also free to enjoy more activities instead of the walk before heading to Te Anau.
Te Anau to Invercargill (via Milford Sound)
You journey to Milford Sound, the 8th Wonder of the World, to marvel at stunning fiords and thundering waterfalls. Later on, leave Te Anau for parts less travelled and arrive in Invercargill.
Invercargill to Dunedin
In Dunedin, you'll visit a boutique gin distillery, see the steepest road in the world and stay at Larnach Castle Estate for the night, which is New Zealand's only castle.
Dunedin to Christchurch
Explore Moeraki's unique boulders, visit Oamaru's Steampunk museum, then journey to Christchurch for a farewell dinner. Your guide will confirm next day's transfers and bid goodbye.
Christchurch
Today your New Zealand Winter Wonder Tour comes to an end. A transfer will have been organised for you to bring you to the airport.
What’s included?
What's included on every winter tour:
- Small groups, up to 14 people
- Passionate Kiwi guides
- Comfortable bus transport
- 3-4* hotel accommodation
- Tasty continental breakfasts every day
- Experiences to teach you about our unique Māori culture
What's also included on this tour:
- Small groups – max 14 guests
- 19 nights in twin-share accommodation in 3-4* hotels
- Daily breakfast (cooked or continental)
- Dinners x 6
- 2x airport transfer shuttles (non-exclusive shuttle bus)
- Russel ferry transfers
- Visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with guided tour and cultural performance
- Meet Tāne Mahuta – the oldest known living kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest
- Marvel at an original architecture project at Hundertwasser Art & Wairau Māori Art Gallery
- Discover NZ’s fascinating glowworms in Waitomo with a cave tour
- Visit New Zealand's most colourful geothermal park Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Visit Te Papa Museum in Wellington, showcasing New Zealand's rich cultural and natural heritage
- Take the Wellington Cable Car for some of the best views in town.
- Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait
- Taste delicious wines in New Zealand’s world-renowned wine region, Marlborough
- Check out Kaikōura’s cutest residents at a local seal colony
- Cross the stunning Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train*
- Gin Tasting at an artisanal distillery (also carbon-neutral)
- Become immersed in local Māori culture at Pounamu Pathways
- Cruise Lake Mapourika, with exclusive access to a private rainforest trail through the captivating Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
- Explore the “8th Wonder of the World”, Milford Sound Cruise, where you’ll sail beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces
- Visit Oamaru’s Steampunk Museum – where interactive art comes to life.
*Please note that the TranzAlpine unfortunately will not be running on all departures. Where this is the case, you will instead continue to the West Coast in the vehicle with your guide. If your departure does not include the TranzAlpine Train then you will have an included cruise and dinner in Queenstown on board the TSS Earnslaw.
ENHANCE YOUR TRIP WITH ADD-ON ACTIVITIES AND UPGRADES
Your tour includes all the essentials but you can add extra wow-factor to your tour by adding on the activities and accommodation upgrades that suit you best.
New Zealand Winter Wonders
- Days
- 20
- Price from (NZD)
- Deposit only
- $99
GUEST REVIEWS
Available dates
Only $99 to secure your seat unless you book within 60 days of departure. Once your spot is booked, you can log in and customise your tour with any extra experiences or activities up to 60 days before departure.
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FAQ - New Zealand Winter Wonders
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