About this trip
This is a full south-to-north crossing of New Zealand by coach, taking in both islands over seventeen days. You will see a huge range of landscapes in a short space of time, from geothermal geysers to glaciers, gorges to mirrored lakes.
Alongside the scenery, the trip weaves in New Zealand's cities and towns, with chances to learn about Māori culture along the way.
It is fully guided throughout, with a coach handling the moving around, so you can focus on what is outside the window rather than logistics.
What you'll do
- Watch geothermal geysers bubble and steam
- See glaciers up close on the South Island
- Travel past gorges, mirrored lakes and snow-capped mountains
- Learn about Māori culture and traditions
- Pass through subtropical islands in the north
- Explore a mix of New Zealand's cosmopolitan cities and smaller towns
- Coach-based trip covering long distances across both islands, so expect regular travel days
- Fully guided, suiting those who prefer not to plan their own route
- Family-friendly, with a Christmas and New Year departure available
Worth it if you value knowledgeable guides and safe driving. Think twice if you expect premium Auckland accommodation.
- Tour guides Sarah and Gina were genuinely knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and made passengers feel individually valued.
- Drivers prioritised safety with careful, strict driving standards throughout the 17-day journey.
- Auckland hotel accommodation fell noticeably short of expectations for the tour's price point.
- AAT Kings delivers solid value for money across the New Zealand itinerary overall.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Dec is cheapest — from £8,790, about 11% below the priciest month (Sep).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Christchurch · 27 Dec – 28 Dec
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