07 Day Iconic New Zealand Coach Tour Package (currently not available until February 2024)

Experience the best of both islands with our New Zealand bus tours.

The 7 Day Iconic New Zealand Coach Tour Package includes many highlights, from the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton to Queenstown and Milford Sound.

Our New Zealand bus tours are the perfect option for hassle-free independent travel.

Read on for the full details of this coach tour package.

7 Day Iconic New Zealand Coach Tour Package | New Zealand Bus tours

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland – the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city and is bordered by two stunning harbours. Make your way to your Auckland accommodation (please enquire for transport options).

In the afternoon, relax and explore downtown Auckland.

Stay 2 nights in Auckland City.

Day 2 Auckland

Experience the best of Auckland’s city highlights with a half-day scenic tour. After that, make a trip up the famous Auckland Sky Tower.

Firstly, travel around the city centre and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge with its stunning views of the harbour and city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and Auckland’s famous Queen Street, and enjoy the lush grounds of the Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park.

Pause for morning tea (own expense) in charming Parnell Village. This historic suburb has been transformed into a unique boutique shopping experience. The tour continues along the waterfront to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, named after a much-respected Prime Minister of New Zealand. With panoramic views of the harbour and beautiful formal gardens, it’s a great spot to take photos.

After a scenic trip back along Tamaki Drive to the city, arrive at Auckland’s Sky Tower. This is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand at 328 metres high. Prepare yourself for breathtaking 360 degree views from the observation deck of this Auckland landmark. On a clear day you’ll be able to gaze as far as 80 kilometres (50 miles) in all directions. It’s the perfect way to get to know the city of Auckland and its surroundings. Includes collection from your accommodation in the morning.

Day 3 Rotorua

Explore the central North Island on a day trip from Auckland to Rotorua, taking in guided tours of both the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves.

Setting off from Auckland, travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions, enjoying your driver guide’s entertaining and informative commentary.

Take a guided tour of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located inside a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep and beef farm near Matamata. Here, the village of Hobbiton was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies.

During your guided tour of this amazing location you’ll see sights like Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-Earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch at the Green Dragon Inn.

At the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45 minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto – glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead.

After visiting Hobbiton and Waitomo, continue to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 4 Rotorua

The Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park is Rotorua’s most active geothermal area featuring a walkway lined with unique geothermal wonders and interactive opportunities. Experience the geothermal features with a self-guided map to show you around or join a guided tour of the reserve to learn more about the history, features and uniqueness of the geothermal area.

See bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, mineral pools, learn about New Zealand’s history and culture, and even try Maori weaving and wood carving! After this, the geothermal waters of the Hell’s Gate Sulphur Spa will rejuvenate and refresh you, as you relax and take in the surreal surroundings of the wondrous geothermal landscape. Includes shuttle pick up and drop off from accommodation.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Maori Cultural Experience including a Hangi Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Maori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Maori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Maori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Maori women welcoming you onto the marae, and a whaikorero (welcome speech). Relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world renowned haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. Learn Maori customs including Maori musical instruments, haka and poi. The dining experience is a culinary opportunity like no other. Following dessert, you will be transported down into the valley to conclude your evening beside the awe-inspiring Pohutu geyser. Includes shuttle pick up and drop off from accommodation.

Day 5 Rotorua > Queenstown

Today, depart Rotorua for Queenstown on a domestic flight (cost of flight not included in holiday package). Please enquire for flight options and approximate costs.

Make your way to your Queenstown accommodation (please enquire for transport options) and relax and explore Queenstown in the afternoon.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 6 Queenstown

Today, get ready for the world’s most exciting Jet Boat ride! It’s a thrilling ride – skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet ‘Big Red,’ you will twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breathtaking speeds. And a major highlight – hold tight for the world-famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins!

Add-on any must do Queenstown activities – ask about our top recommendations to really make the most of your stay in Queenstown!

Day 7 Queenstown > Milford Sound

Enjoy a scenic coach journey through heartland New Zealand to reach Milford Sound. The Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from broad grassy flats, dense rainforest, and towering mountains through to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields. No other road in Fiordland offers such a diverse glimpse into New Zealand’s alpine zone. Your luxury coach has been purpose built for travelling the Milford Road, incorporating the latest technology for comfort and safety. The seats are tiered and angled towards the windows to maximise your views, and the expansive glass roof provides breathtaking sights of the snow-capped peaks. The schedule includes plenty of time for short nature walks and photo opportunities along the way.

Upon reaching Milford Sound you will enjoy a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise. With specialist nature guides on board, Real Journeys Nature Cruises offer a close-up experience of Milford Sound’s rainforest, soaring rock walls, towering snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, hanging valleys and wildlife… words just don’t do it justice, you have to see it for yourself! Throughout the cruise, the guides share stories of the fiord’s history and are happy to answer your questions. After your cruise, relax while your coach drives through stunning scenery before delivering you back to your Queenstown accommodation.

Day 8 Depart Queenstown

Make your way to Queenstown Airport (please enquire for transport options) and depart Queenstown.

Book New Zealand Bus Tours

Our New Zealand bus tours are independent and fully customisable. In other words, you have the option to add, remove, or swap out any activities you would like.

While you will join day tours between each destination, your time in that destination is free for you to explore at your leisure.

Our bus tours of New Zealand include accommodation, activities, and all coach transport.

We take care to select accommodation within easy walking distance of each town centre. In other words, you will be able to explore on foot during your free time.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning your New Zealand coach tour.