CHECK DATES & BOOK INCLUSIONS NEW ZEALAND HIGHLIGHTS 3 WEEK - 21 DAY/20 NIGHT AUCKLAND TO QUEENSTOWN
New Zealand Highlights Group Tour
PRICES START FROM:
AUD GBP EUR
$4999 £2595 £2999

Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your tour date with a deposit today! Booking and Transaction Fees apply. Find out more here.

21-DAY / 20-NIGHT GROUP TOUR

NEW ZEALAND HIGHLIGHTS

3 WEEK GROUP TOUR | AUCKLAND TO QUEENSTOWN

4.8 Stars - based on 2592 ULTIMATE traveller reviews
PRICES START FROM:
AUD GBP EUR
$4999 £2595 £2999

Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your tour date with a deposit today! Booking and Transaction Fees apply. Find out more here.

> AUCKLAND to QUEENSTOWN – 3 WEEK HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the very best of New Zealand with our ULTIMATE Highlights tour. This fast-paced adventure takes you from Auckland to Queenstown, with stops at iconic locations like Hobbiton, Rotorua, Wellington, Mount Cook, and and Queenstown. Sail through the 8th wonder of the world, visit the Lord of The Rings movie set, experience a geothermal wonderland, explore Maori village and much more! This guided group tour includes ALL your travel, accommodation, a fun and experienced ULTIMATE guide and loads of exciting activities.

ITINERARY

Fast Pace 3 week adventure with 8 itinerary stops

WHERE WE STAY

Flashpacker. 4-12 Bed Dorms. Upgrades available.

EXPERIENCE

Guided trip from Auckland to Queenstown

MILFORD SOUND

Day trip to 8th wonder of the world.

MAORI VILLAGE

Traditional Māori village visit and dinner

TRANSPORT

Scania coaches. WiFI. Reclining Seats.

New-Zealand-Highlights-Group-Tour-Map

AUCKLAND TO QUEENSTOWN – 3 WEEKS

Experience the very best of New Zealand with our ULTIMATE Highlights Group tour. From Auckland to Queenstown, This fast-paced adventure will lead you to an unforgettable and unique journey, stopping at top destinations like Hobbiton, Rotorua, Wellington, Mount Cook and Cairns. Sail through the 8th wonder of the world, visit the Hobbiton movie set, experience a geothermal wonderland, immerse yourself with a Māori village experience, and much more! .

New-Zealand-Highlights-Group-Tour-Map

MAORI VILLAGE

Traditional Māori village visit and dinner

TRANSPORT

Scania coaches. WiFI. Reclining Seats.

ITINERARY

Fast Pace 3 week adventure with 8 itinerary stops

WHERE WE STAY

Flashpacker. 4-12 Bed Dorms. Upgrades available.

EXPERIENCE

Guided trip from Auckland to Queenstown

MILFORD SOUND

Day trip to 8th wonder of the world.

INCLUSIONS
TOUR INFORMATION
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
BOOKING INFORMATION
INCLUSIONS

 

20 nights accommodation

Flashpacker hostels in 4-10 bed mixed dorms

Hobbiton

Visit the iconic Hobbiton movie set and experience the iconic Lord of the Rings franchise

Ferry Transport

Ferry ticket between North and South Island included

Fully Guided

Fully trained ULTIMATE Group Leader will be with you every step of the way!

 

 

 

 

 

Hot Water Beach Experience

Cathedral Cove and unique geothermal hot springs

Te Pā Tū Village Experience

Learn about Maori history and culture while enjoying a traditional feast and accommodation for the night

Milford Sound Tour

Day trip to the undisputed 8th natural wonder of the world

Mount Cook Day Trip

Visit NZ's tallest Mountain anf stargaze in Lake Tekapo

 

Whale Watching Cruise

Tick whale watching off your bucket list in Kaikoura

Geothermal Spa Experience

Free entry to the Hell's Gate Spa

Māori Sunset Cruise 

Discover traditional Māori Carvings on a sunset Catamaran cruise

Optional Extras

Opportunities to book optional adrenaline activities 

Please note most meals are NOT included in this package.

TOUR INFORMATION

Arriving into NZ:

We recommend flying into Auckland International Airport as this is where the tour departs. You can arrive on the day of or the day before. You can book pre-tour nights at our Auckland accommodation through ULTIMATE. 

 

Tour Start Time:

Your tour starts at 6pm in Day 1 with a welcome evening to meet your ULTIMATE Group Leader and new travel mates!

 

Before the Tour:

Before the tour, make sure you have the necessary travel insurance to travel to New Zealand. You will need a tourism visa or Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand will need to have this organised before you arrive. Luckily, many nationalities are able to visit New Zealand for less than 3 months without a visa. However, if you are not from one of these countries, obtaining your own visa is your own responsibility. You will also need fully comprehensive travel insurance. 

 

Room + Tour Upgrades

You will be accommodated in mixed dorm rooms throughout your stay however you can opt to upgrade to private/double rooms at an extra cost

 

IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

The short answer is YES!!! If you are between 18-35, a global backpacker from anywhere and everywhere or simply someone ready to experience the beauty and adventure-filled paradise of New Zealand then this is the ideal trip for you!

 

This New Zealand group tour is designed for solo travellers and all backpackers aged 18-35 years old. This group tour is designed to enjoy the beauty of New Zealand, meeting tonnes of amazing people and participating in unique and adrenaline pumping activities you'll never forget! 

 

TRANSPORT

We travel from Auckland to Queenstown via coaches, public transport and a ferry. 

 

ULTIMATE GROUP LEADER

Your Ultimate East Coast Group Leader will be travelling with you from start to finish and will showcase the very best of NZ

 

 

 

BOOKING INFORMATION

To book this New Zealand tour, select your chosen departure date.

 

Once you are booked, we will send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour.

If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 deposit.

  • Book your flights into Auckland Airport (not included)
  • Organise your travel insurance (not included)

 

TOUR INFORMATION

Tour starts at with a welcome evening in Auckland.
Tour ends in Queenstown, transport back to Auckland can be organised at an extra cost.

 

EXTRAS

You can pre-book optional activities at time of booking or when you arrive in NZ!

TOUR INCLUSIONS
TOUR INFORMATION
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
BOOKING INFORMATION
TOUR INCLUSIONS
  • ULTIMATE Group Leader
  • 20 nights in dorm accommodation
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
  • All Coach & Ferry Transport
  • Auckland City Walk
  • Visit Huka Falls
  • Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Geothermal Experience
  • Te Pā Tū Māori Village Experience
  • Kaikoura Whale Watching Experience
  • Milford Sound Day Tip
  • Mount Cook guided tour
  • Hell's Gate Geothermal Spa Experience
  • Enjoy an after Catamaran Cruise on Lake Taupo and discover the Maori Rock Carvings
  • Stargaze at a 2 night Lake Tekapo Retreat

We recommend a budget of $100 NZD per day for extra meals/additional activities.

TOUR INFORMATION

Arriving into NZ:

We recommend flying into Auckland International Airport as this is where the tour departs. You can arrive on the day of or the day before. You can book pre-tour nights at our Auckland accommodation through ULTIMATE.

 

Tour Start Time:

Your tour starts at 6pm in Day 1 with a welcome evening to meet your ULTIMATE Group Leader and new travel mates!

 

Before the Tour:

Before the tour, make sure you have the necessary travel insurance to travel to New Zealand. You will need a tourism visa or Working Holiday Visa in New Zealand will need to have this organised before you arrive. Luckily, many nationalities are able to visit New Zealand for less than 3 months without a visa. However, if you are not from one of these countries, obtaining your own visa is your own responsibility. You will also need fully comprehensive travel insurance.

 

Room + Tour Upgrades

You will be accommodated in mixed dorm rooms throughout your stay however you can opt to upgrade to private/double rooms at an extra cost

 

IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

The short answer is YES!!! If you are between 18-35, a global backpacker from anywhere and everywhere or simply someone ready to experience the beauty and adventure-filled paradise of New Zealand then this is the ideal trip for you!

 

This New Zealand group tour is designed for solo travellers and all backpackers aged 18-35 years old. This group tour is designed to enjoy the beauty of New Zealand, meeting tonnes of amazing people and participating in unique and adrenaline pumping activities you'll never forget! 

 

TRANSPORT

We travel from Auckland to Queenstown via coaches, public transport and a ferry. 

 

ULTIMATE GROUP LEADER

Your Ultimate East Coast Group Leader will be travelling with you from start to finish and will showcase the very best of NZ

 

 

 

BOOKING INFORMATION

To book this New Zealand tour, select your chosen departure date.

 

Once you are booked, we will send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour.

If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 deposit.

  • Book your flights into Auckland Airport (not included)
  • Organise your travel insurance (not included)

 

TOUR INFORMATION

Tour starts at with a welcome evening in Auckland.
Tour ends back in Queenstown, transport back to Auckland can be organised at an extra cost.

 

EXTRAS

You can pre-book optional activities at time of booking or when you arrive in NZ!

> THE ITINERARY

* The below comes into effect from 1st July 2026

DAY 1 WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND

Today our New Zealand Highlights Tour kicks off in Auckland with a City Orientation tour followed by a Welcome Meal. We will visit all the local sights and hotspots of New Zealand’s largest and busiest city. Today you’ll also meet all your new travel buddies and learn about what the next 3 weeks has in store!

DAYS 2 & 3 AUCKLAND & HOT WATER BEACH

Head to the Coromandel Peninsula on a guided day trip. Known for its pristine beaches and volcanic springs, here you’ll visit  Cathedral Cove Beach which is one New Zealand’s most iconic photo spots, Cathedral Cove is renowned for its picture-perfect archway. That evening you’ll arrive at Hot Water Beach, a natural geothermal hotspot where you can create your very own spa! Dig yourself a hole in the sand, the hole will fill with hot water and relax, watching the sunset.

DAY 4 HOBBITON

Depart Auckland to The Shire for your guided Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. This the award-winning attraction was made famous by the popular Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Here you’ll see all the Hobbiton highlights including charming Hobbit holes, hear all the behind-the-scenes secrets and enjoy a complimentary drink at the iconic Green Dragon Inn. You will also have a lunch included! At the end of the day you’ll carry on your journey southbound to Rotorua.

DAYS 5 ROTORUA | Te Pā Tū Maori Village

Rotorua is the heart of both New Zealand’s Māori culture and it’s geothermal activity. Visit a traditional Māori Village with a 3-course banquet dinner. Te Pā Tū presents culture and cuisine, while proudly sharing Māori history and traditions. You will dive right into the Maori culture and learn all about it’s rich history in this unique and authentic experience

DAYS 6 ROTORUA | Hell’s Gate Geothermal Spa

Today you will also be given a day ticket to the famous Hell’s Gate Geothermal Mud Spa, for a full Geothermal experience! This includes a guided bush walk around the geothermal wonderland followed by a 2 hour mud spa experience in the natural hot springs. Hell’s Gate is nicknamed as the place where the centre of the Earth meets the sky! Your free time in Rotorua is where you can decide to tap into your adrenaline and book White Water Rafting, sailing down in the world’s tallest commercial waterfall! (extra cost)

DAYS 7 & 8 TAUPO

Your next stop is Taupo, home to Australasia’s largest river! Lake Taupo is roughly the size of Singapore and not only that, it leads to Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most powerful waterfall. You will get to experience the river first hand with an afternoon private catamaran charter. Onboard you’ll get to swim in the river, watch the sunset and sail past the famous Māori Rock Carvings.

DAY 9 & 10 WELLINGTON

After a busy few days, you’ll get to unwind in the nation’s vibrant capital, Wellington. You can enjoy the vibrant art and nightlife scene of Wellington with a free evening and group dinner. On your free day you can ride the famous cable cart or visit the historic Te Papa Museum if you wish!

DAYS 11-12 KAIKŌURA

Now is the time to make the journey to the south island. You will then board the Interislander Ferry across the Cook Strait with your group and head to relaxed and beautiful seaside town of Kaikōura, which is New Zealand’s home of marine wildlife and the undisputed BEST fish ‘n’ chips in New Zealand! On your free day, you will experience a proper bucket list activity – an included Whale Watching cruise! Take a 2 hour trip around the bay enjoying all the marine wildlife – enjoy seeing heaps of Whales, sometimes we even see some dolphins and Orcas too!

DAYs 13 CHRISTCHURCH

Spend a night enjoying the chilled and cultural vibes of Christchurch, visit the Botanical Gardens. Christchurch is nicknamed ‘Garden City’ because of how many different gardens and botanics it has to offer! It’s also know for a diverse music scene and has large variety of vibrant music venues.

DAYs 14-15 LAKE TEKAPO

Enjoy a 2-night lakefront style retreat in Tekapo. Known as THE #1 spot in the southern hemisphere to Stargaze, fingers crossed the weather plays it part and you and your group will have a night you’ll never forget! During the day you can visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd or take a dip in the Tekapo Hot Springs. You’ll have a front row seat to the ice-blue Tekapo waters with your lakefront hostel’s large panoramic windows.

DAY 16 MT COOK VISIT & QUEENSTOWN ARRIVAL

Today you’ll leave Tekapo behind to make your way south to Queenstown. On the way you’ll make a stop venturing the foothills of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook. This fully guided half-day trip will have you enjoy the scenery of the Southern Alps and take a group tour around the base. You can decide to upgrade to an Alpine Scenic Flight if you wish. Then carry on your journey to New Zealand’s Adventure Capital – Queenstown!

DAYS 17-21 QUEENSTOWN

Spend 5 epic days in the backpacker and adrenaline capital of New Zealand – Queenstown! After you check into your ski lodge style hostel you can choose to join the party of Queenstown’s legendary nightlife with a local bar crawl if you wish! Then, repeat the fun for the next few days, adding some epic, once-in-a-lifetime experiences! Here you can take the leap with a 15,000 ft Skydive, ride on the QT Jetboat or brave the Canyon Swing. Queenstown is also home to the AJ Hackett Nevis Bungy – the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere, offering an exhilarating 7 seconds of freefall! If you’re after a more laid-back vibe, explore the cafes and boutique shops in this ski town.

DAY 19 MILFORD SOUND

Enjoy a day trip to the undisputed 8th wonder of the world! Experience an unforgettable boat cruise through the Milford Sound, taking in the landscapes, huge waterfalls and mountains.

 

> WHERE WE STAY

The New Zealand Highlights Tour includes 20 nights accommodation in flashpacker dorm room accommodation. We partner with well reviewed properties in the areas we visit! You can be assured that after a adventurous day exploring, a comfortable bed is waiting.  Your accommodation features

  • Dorm Rooms
  • Upgrades to Private Single Rooms available at the booking process*
  • Breakfast included in select hostels
  • Free WIFI available
  • Accomodation is a mixture of hostles, lodges, cabins and unqiue retreats

BOOK TOUR

  • MAKING YOUR BOOKING

    To make your booking, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. If you are unsure about optional extras or if you need additional accommodation before or after your tour, you can let us know later via email. If you have a travel date in mind but you’re not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 deposit. We’ll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour.  Your final payment is due 45 days before your tour date and you will be sent an automatic reminder. You can make payments on your tour balance sooner or regularly via our website here.   A non refundable 5.25% booking processing fee applies to each booking.

  • BOOK OPEN DATED

    Book open dated when you have not decided on a tour date yet, but want to confirm your travel plans and secure a price. Once you have booked an open dated tour, you can book on to any available start date of your choosing, subject to availability. Book open dated here.

  • MEETING OTHER TRAVELLERS

    Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on tour will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates! Join the conversation here.

  • BOOKING WITH CONFIDENCE

    Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled tour date. Date changes are permitted without additional change fees up until 30 days before your scheduled tour date! Check out our full booking policy here.

> TOUR FAQS

WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?
WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY AND WILL I NEED CASH?
ARE THERE MEALS INCLUDED?
DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND?
WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
CAN I BOOK OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES?
IS THERE FREE TIME ON THIS TOUR?
WILL I NEED ID & WHAT IS THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE?
WHAT IF I AM TRAVELLING WITH SOMEONE ELSE?
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
IS TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED?
HOW DO I BOOK?
WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?

The 21 Day New Zealand Highlights Group tour starts in Auckland and ends in Queenstown. 

WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?

You’ll be travelling with a group of 18-35 year olds from all over the world, this is a fully guided tour!

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

You’ll be staying in mixed dorm rooms throughout your New Zealand Group tour in 4-6 bed accommodation.

CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?

Sure! We recommend searching and comparing flight prices using Skyscanner.com – get a flight quote.

Find the best insurance policy for your Ultimate adventure with the help of our recommended travel insurance provider.

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY AND WILL I NEED CASH?

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. Everywhere you will be staying accepts card so you don't necessarily need to withdraw any cash.

 

$1 NZD is roughly £0.45 GBP, €0.52 EUR or $0.92 AUD.

ARE THERE MEALS INCLUDED?

Mostly, no. However some hostels and activities have meals included. Generally we recommend around $100 NZD per day for food, drink and activities.

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO NEW ZEALAND?

Most nations do not require ano officak visa to enter New Zealand, however some do. If you are from the UK or most other European countries you require an NZETA which is a Visa Waiver Visitor Visa. This needs be applied for and granted before arrival and costs around $50NZD to complete. This grants unlimited access to NZ for 3-6 months but has no working rights.

 

For information, or to apply visit here

WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

Make sure to include any dietaries when you book. Vegetarian, vegan and GF options are available for the breakfasts and meals included

CAN I BOOK OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES?

YES! You can pre-book a few of the adrenaline pumping activities at the time of booking. If not, no stress! You can book these on Day 1 of your New Zealand Highlights Tour through your ULTIMATE Group Leader.

IS THERE FREE TIME ON THIS TOUR?

Our New Zealand Highlights tour is fast paced and energetic. There is a key activity included at every stop and your Group Leader will be sure to tell you when you have free time throughout the itinerary. But yes, you'll have time to zen too!

WILL I NEED ID & WHAT IS THE LEGAL DRINKING AGE?

The legal drinking age in NZ is 18 years old. You will need ID to be served and please be aware most placed do not accept international driving licenses therefore you will need your passport. 

WHAT IF I AM TRAVELLING WITH SOMEONE ELSE?

More the merrier! Book together and our supplier will do their best to put you together or book seperately and make sure you tell us beforehand!

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON MY TOUR?

Anywhere between 10-24 backpackers exploring the world just like you!

 

IS TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED?

Yes. It is mandatory that you travel with a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. By joining us on tour, you acknowledge that you have obtained a policy and are covered. You are responsible for reading and understanding the details of the policy that you are taking out. You should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.

HOW DO I BOOK?

To book our New Zealand Highlights tour, select your chosen departure date, enter your details and we’ll send you a booking confirmation as well as useful information about your tour and where you can meet others booked onto your start date! Got a travel date in mind but not ready to pay in full? Choose to pay a non-refundable $300AUD deposit to secure a spot on your chosen departure date. Need someone to talk through your travel plans with? Get in touch!

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