3 5-Day Experiences in New Zealand Worth an Early Alarm

1.5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 73 reviews · from $1,300Our pick

This five-day independent touring package links local coaches, hotels, a Milford Sound cruise, and the TranzAlpine train. You will see Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Fiordland, Haast Pass, Franz Josef Glacier, Hokitika, and Greymouth without driving. Drivers such as Stuart, Peter, and Tom provide commentary, but expect a new vehicle and group each day.

“Our South Island itinerary was perfect.We saw snow capped mountains,fiords,rain forests,glaciers and the sea-all in 5 days.Whether traveling by coach,train or taxi/shuttle,because Viator was so organized,we were always on time.Coach drivers,Stuart and Peter, were outstanding with their commentary.”

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2.5-Day New Zealand North and South Island Highlights Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 10 reviews · from $1,364

Travel from Auckland to Christchurch, or reverse, by coach, ferry, and train. Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Whakarewarewa Maori Living Village, Wellington, and Kaikoura. Four hotel nights, ferry passage, seasonal Coastal Pacific rail, and a whale-watch cruise are included. This is independent touring, so expect different vehicles and drivers rather than one continuing group.

“Well, to be honest this is basically two days tour. We got to have a real tour on the first and last day. All those three days we had to fill it up on our own. Not to mention that one day is completely waisted by taking the bus (BTW public bus!), with basically no stopping. Wouldn't recommend!!!”

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3.5-Day Bay of Islands, Auckland, Hobbiton, Rotorua & Waitomo Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $1,362Top rated

Travel from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, then south through Waitomo and Rotorua before returning via Hobbiton. You’ll cruise to Cape Brett, visit Waitangi, see Auckland by coach, tour Te Puia, and walk through the Shire. Local guides, hotel transfers, attraction tickets, and four-star stays are included.

“It’s nice when everything is booked for you. As a solo traveller it takes the worry out of how to get to places, also very helpful when you message operators they are lovely and fast to reply”

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