07 Day Iconic New Zealand Coach Tour Package

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”, which 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.

Discover Auckland’s diverse range of cuisine and check out the buzzing nightlife of the central city. Favourite spots include Wynyard Quarter, the Viaduct Harbour, the Britomart Precinct, City Works Depot and Federal Street.

With a number of fabulous restaurants and spectacular ocean views, Wynyard Quarter is one of the must do experiences in Auckland. Wynyard Quarter has an amazing mix of International Cuisine available with a diverse range of eating experiences from quick bites to fine dining and everything in-between.

Stay 2 nights in Auckland City.

Day 2 Auckland

Discover the very best of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on a fully guided small-group tour — where culture, volcanic landscapes, and iconic city sights come together in one unforgettable experience.

Your journey begins on Auckland’s vibrant waterfront, where the story of the city’s origins is honoured at Te Toka O Apihai Te Kawau. Travel the stunning Tāmaki Drive coastline to Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, offering sweeping views over Waitematā Harbour.

Continue past the lively beachfront of Mission Bay before arriving at Achilles Point, a breathtaking lookout showcasing Rangitoto — Auckland’s most iconic volcano.

Venture into the historic Auckland Domain, home to lush gardens and the prominent War Memorial Museum, then ascend Maungawhau / Mt Eden for panoramic views from the highest natural point in the city.

Your tour concludes in the heart of Auckland beneath the Sky Tower — the perfect base for exploring more of this dynamic city.

Day 3 Hobbiton + Waitomo Caves > 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.

Start your journey in Auckland, where your guide will set the scene for the day as you head south into the stunning Waikato countryside. You’ll travel through the world’s most extensive farming region, enjoying views of mighty rivers and mountains, before pausing in the idyllic town of Pirongia for a coffee break and passing through Otorohanga, the charming “Kiwiana capital of New Zealand.”

Prepare to be amazed at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You will be guided through ancient limestone galleries featuring intricate stalactites and stalagmites before descending further to board a boat. Here, you will cruise silently along the grotto river, gazing up at thousands of sparkling glowworms—a phenomenon unique to New Zealand.

After a quick stop to meet some friendly local animals, you’ll arrive at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Here, you will step into the real Middle-earth™ on a fully guided two-hour tour. Explore the lush pastures of the Shire™, visit 44 Hobbit Holes™, and hear the secrets of filming before enjoying a complimentary beverage at the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn.

Your adventure concludes with a scenic drive to Rotorua, passing through the unique town of Tirau, known as the ‘Corrugated Iron Capital of the World.’ Upon arrival, enjoy a guided driving tour of Rotorua’s iconic highlights, including the Museum, Government Gardens, and Lake Rotorua, before being dropped off at your accommodation to settle in for the night.

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 Māori 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 central Rotorua.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Māori Cultural Experience including a Hāngī Dinner. Hear stories and learn how Māori traditions live on today. Experience an authentic Māori welcome. Watch a challenge by the Māori warriors, a karanga (call) from the Māori 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 Māori customs including Māori 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 central Rotorua.

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!

This afternoon, you have the option to add the iconic Queenstown Gondola. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the aptly named Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. Try your hand at the Queenstown Luge and zoom down the course of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. To top it off add lunch or dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant.

Day 7 Queenstown > Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise

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. The schedule includes plenty of time for short nature walks and photo opportunities along the way.

Upon reaching Milford Sound you will you will board your cruise with Cruise Milford. The Cruise Milford experience offers a boutique cruise on a smaller boat which is less crowded and a crew that offers a much more informative and personal tour of Milford Sound. The smaller boat means you get closer to the wildlife and nature including the New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks, massive rock faces rising for hundreds of metres out of the sea and the waterfalls cascading from an ancient rainforest high in the mountains. This cruise is unbeatable. While on the boat cruise you will be able to marvel at the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak with its steep triangular peak rising high up above the reflective waters of the Milford Sound.

As the day draws to an end, the tour heads back to Queenstown but your day is not over with a fully guided return trip and stops along the way.

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.