Spend three weeks road-tripping through the land of the long white cloud, taking in the very best of both islands at a relaxed, personal pace. Travelling in a small group of no more than 18 in a custom-outfitted Mercedes sprinter with panoramic windows, we cover surf towns, glowworm caves and geothermal wonders in the north before crossing to the mountains, glaciers and vistas of the south.
We soak in the natural hot pools at Hot Water Beach, wander the colours of Wai-O-Tapu, drift beneath glowworms at Waitomo, explore Abel Tasman National Park and the Golden Bay coast, taste Marlborough wine, then head south for the Tekapo Dark Sky Reserve, three nights in Queenstown, a Milford Sound cruise and glacier country at Franz Josef.
Days
- 21 days, 20 nights
Group size
- Maximum 18 guests
Start / finish
- Auckland / Christchurch
Return
- See itinerary for details
Accommodation
- 20 nights in flashpacker dorm accommodation — one at Hahei on the Coromandel, two in Rotorua, two in Taupō, one in Raglan, two in Christchurch across two stays, two at Punakaiki, three at Abel Tasman, one at Kaikōura, one at Lake Tekapo, three in Queenstown and two at Franz Josef.
Transport
- A custom-outfitted Mercedes Sprinter with your guide, the flight from Auckland to Christchurch on day 7, and a cruise boat at Milford Sound.
Meals
- No meals are named as included in the itinerary.
Route
Included experiences
- Milford Sound — a fiord cruise past waterfalls and towering mountainscapes
- Both islands — the North Island by road, then a flight south to Christchurch on day 7
- Abel Tasman National Park — three nights, hiking or kayaking the coastal track
- Golden Bay — the Ngārua Caves, Te Waikoropupū Springs and Wharariki Beach
- Cathedral Cove, and the natural hot pools at Hot Water Beach
- Hobbiton — the movie set on the road to Taupō
- Waitomo — crawling, abseiling and rafting through glowworm-lit caves
- Raglan — the black sand beach and the surf
- Punakaiki — the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole
- Marlborough — wine tasting in Sauvignon Blanc country
- Kaikōura — seals, whales and the chance to swim with dolphins
- Lake Tekapo — lakeside hot springs and the Dark Sky Reserve
- Queenstown — three nights and a free day for skydiving, luging or jet boating
- Franz Josef — a free day for a glacier hike, a helicopter flight or the hot pools
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and the thundering Huka Falls
- Haast Pass and Arthur's Pass — two of the great alpine drives
Pictures / Videos
Reviews
4.9
Based on 43 reviews
Verified from
Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.
AI summary of 43 reviews
Travellers consistently praise the tour's well-organised itinerary that covers both New Zealand islands comprehensively, the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides who share local insights and cultural knowledge, and the small group size that fosters genuine friendships amongst participants. What stands out most often is the exceptional range of activities and scenery encountered across three weeks, from adventure pursuits such as skydiving, bungy jumping and white-water rafting to more relaxed experiences like hiking, kayaking and stargazing, alongside scenic stops that break up the longer driving days. The most common caveat is that the group composition changes week to week on the full three-week tour, as different guides lead the North Island and South Island segments, though most travellers view this as an opportunity to meet even more people rather than a significant drawback.
How we collect and publish reviews
Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour.
Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.
Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.
This reviewer spent three weeks on the New Zealand Discovery Tour, covering two weeks in the South Island and one in the North. The first week's Southern Loop leg included a real highlight at Abel Tasman — kayaking in perfect weather followed by a long walk back to the lodge and a beautiful starry sky — plus swimming with dolphins at Kaikoura, with guide Siobhan praised as professional and relaxed. Her favourite week was the Southern Voyager leg with guide Ben, taking in Milford Sound, stargazing at Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky Reserve, luging in Queenstown and quad biking at Franz Josef, calling Ben an outstanding guide who always went the extra mile.
This reviewer completed the NZ Discovery tour and says it lived up to its billing as the best three weeks of your life, with plenty of once-in-a-lifetime activities alongside slower-paced hikes and beach time for those who wanted it. Guides Tom and Siobhan kept drives short by breaking them up with stops at hidden gems, and Tom's stories about the origins of place names added extra depth. He called the whole trip truly special, with memorably good weather throughout.
“3 weeks pure New Zealand: The ultimate “NZ Discovery Tour”…”
This reviewer did the three-week NZ Discovery Tour, combining the Northern Voyager, Southern Loop and Southern Voyager stages, and found it a relaxed yet thorough way to see both islands. Highlights included the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island, swimming with dolphins and hiking in Abel Tasman National Park, and the Queenstown luge. She praised guides Tom, Daisy, Tegan and Robbie, and was especially impressed when Robbie flew in at short notice to take over seamlessly after Tegan had to leave. Shared hostel rooms helped the group bond quickly, and she felt it was ideal for solo travellers too.
“Absolute highlight – Northern Voyager with Wild Kiwi!”
This reviewer called the Northern Voyager leg the perfect start to her three-week New Zealand tour, experiencing the North Island intensively through a mix of group activities and free time. Her personal must-do was the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Guide Tom was excellent throughout, always ready with alternative hiking tips, and the shared hostel accommodation helped the group bond quickly, which she felt suited solo travellers well.
“Perfect conclusion to our NZ trip – highly recommended!”
This reviewer described the Southern Voyage leg as the finale of her three-week NZ Discovery Tour, enjoying an intensive exploration of the southern South Island mixed with free time via the trip's activity sheets. She was impressed that guide Robbie flew in specially to take over seamlessly when original guide Tegan had to leave. Standout activities included the Queenstown luge, and she found the shared hostel accommodation great for bonding with the group, especially as a solo traveller.
“Unforgettable week on the South Island – absolutely recommended!”
This reviewer called the Southern Loop leg — the middle stretch of her three-week New Zealand tour — an absolute highlight, exploring the north of the South Island with a good mix of group activities and free time. Guide Daisy was excellent, always ready with insider tips, and her favourites were swimming with dolphins and hiking in Abel Tasman National Park. Shared hostel rooms made for a quick bond with the group, and she felt it suited solo travellers well.
This reviewer called their three-week NZ Discovery tour the best three weeks of her life, praising the itinerary for covering all of New Zealand's best spots. Guides Ben, Vendula and Guy were knowledgeable, experienced, professional and fun, and even guide Telli went out of his way to chat when the tours crossed paths. She loved how the trip turned fellow travellers into lifelong friends, calling the whole experience pure fun and laughter.
“21 DAYS NZ DISCOVERY TOUR”
Natascha did the 21-day NZ Discovery Tour in January and had the best time, crediting guides Ben, Vendula and Siobhan for going out of their way to make it special. She liked how the well-organised itinerary of main stops and smaller ones along the way made the long travel days easier, and the small group size made it easy to build real friendships. She'd highly recommend it, especially to solo travellers.
“New Zeland Discovery Tour (3 weeks)”
Wanting to see New Zealand but not travel alone, this reviewer chose the Discovery Tour across both islands and had an amazing three weeks with great people from all over the world. They thanked guides Vendula and Robbie for their care and organisation, calling the whole experience a blast.
“Amazing holiday”
This reviewer did the 21-day NZ Discovery Tour and had a genuinely great time, noting a different guide each week - Ben on the North Island, then Vendula and Siobhan on the South. Each guide brought their own style, from Ben's impromptu sunset trips and stargazing to Vendula keeping spirits up through a rainy week and Siobhan's fun final-week karaoke. Despite plenty of driving, the buses were comfortable and scenic stops along the way were a favourite, leaving them keen to come back and see more.
Spent three weeks on the NZ Discovery route and said it covered an impressive amount of New Zealand. Each week brought a different mix of travellers and sometimes a new guide, with Ben and Tom singled out for their passion and energy. Six of the group did the full three weeks and still met new people along the way, making for a memorable trip and new friendships.
Did the three-week NZ Discovery tour and loved the range of scenery it covered. Guides Claudia and Tom offered great recommendations for activities and food and organised group dinners, making it an easy way to see New Zealand's highlights while meeting like-minded travellers.
Did the three-week NZ Discovery trip, which is split across three different groups, giving plenty of chances to meet new people as a solo traveller. Guide Ben stood out for his genuine enthusiasm and love of the job, making it a trip the reviewer feels lucky to have done.
“Wild Kiwi’s North Island Loop”
After finishing a 3-week Discovery Tour, this reviewer found the North Island leg just as impressive as the South Island had been, thanks to guide Claudia. She was fun and personable and seemed to know all the North Island's hidden gems, making the experience feel extra special.
“Best time in New Zealand with amazing people”
Sanne did the 21-day Discovery Tour, spending the first week on the North Island and the last two on the South Island. She had the best time of her life thanks to guides Daisy and Tom, and recommends it especially to solo travellers wanting to see all of New Zealand.
“The best 3 weeks of my life”
This reviewer's 21-day tour was split into three seven-day legs — North Island, south of the South Island, and north of the South Island — giving them three different guides in Ben, Claudia and Daisy, all knowledgeable and good fun. Because the groups changed each week, they met even more people over the trip, and enjoyed group meals plus activities like bungee jumping, swimming with dolphins, white-water rafting, canyoning, ziplining and a Maori cultural experience.
“A great trip with experienced guides”
A brilliant three-week NZ Discovery Tour with guides Tegan, Telli and Claudia, all of whom answered questions quickly and could recommend activities from firsthand experience. The reviewer particularly enjoyed Tegan's knowledge of Maori culture, and was encouraged to get out of their comfort zone with white-water rafting in Rotorua plus skydiving and canyoning in Abel Tasman. A like-minded, fun group rounded out a trip they'd recommend to anyone seeking adventure in New Zealand.
This reviewer completed the 3-week NZ Discovery tour and called it truly unforgettable, with a good balance of adventure, relaxation and breathtaking scenery. Highlights included stargazing, skydiving and a bracing swim in a freezing lake, alongside more relaxed moments taking in the landscape. They praised guides Telli, Claudia and Daisy, and said the bonds formed with the group made saying goodbye hard.
“Absolutely amazing!”
After 3 weeks with Wild Kiwi, this reviewer says it was some of the best time of their life and highly recommends it. Tegan guided two of the weeks and Tom one, and they picked up some tips along the way — including skipping Golden Bay on a windy day.
Did the full three-week trip solo and had an amazing time - most people were in their 20s and 30s, so making friends was easy. Guides Robbie and Tom were knowledgeable and kept things interesting despite the long South Island driving days. Accommodation was solid throughout, especially in Queenstown, and the guides made sure everyone got booked into the activities they wanted. An exhausting but brilliant three weeks - just be aware the group can change if your tour is longer than a week.
“The best small group tour around New Zealand you could ask for.”
Ryan's 3-week Discovery Tour looped the North Island and spent two weeks on the South Island, with guides Tegan, Daisy and Ben each adding their own flair. Despite it being his third trip to New Zealand, he says it was his best yet, with the Franz Josef heli-hike, Maori village experience, Rotorua Canopy Tour, Tongariro Crossing, Hobbiton, glow-worm caves and skydiving over Abel Tasman all standing out. His only note was that guides and some group members change from week to week.
Did the 3 Week New Zealand Discovery tour and couldn't recommend it more, especially for solo travellers wanting to see the highlights of both islands. Guides Tegan, Daisy and Ben were all excellent, sharing great local knowledge and Maori culture along the way. Highlights included swimming with wild dolphins in Kaikoura, sunrise kayaking at Cathedral Cove, and the Franz Josef helihike.
Three weeks with Wild Kiwi on the Discovery tour was one of the best experiences of my life - stress-free and well organised, with plenty of room to personalise each day. Tegan led the North Island week with real passion for the culture, Daisy guided the southern loop leg through incredible landscapes, and Big Ben wrapped things up in the third week with his deep local knowledge. Never felt nervous travelling solo - an unreal experience all round.
Had an amazing time on the North Island leg of the New Zealand Discovery Tour. Guide Tegan was fantastic from start to finish, bringing great energy and strong knowledge of Maori culture that really enriched the experience. Couldn't recommend it enough.
“TEGAN YOU LEGEND”
A honeymooning couple took on the NZ Discovery tour, with guide Tegan leading the South Island Loop leg. She made the experience special, bringing constant energy and enthusiasm and ensuring the couple got the most out of it. A strong recommendation for anyone considering the tour.
A solo traveller describes an unforgettable 3-week New Zealand Discovery Tour covering both islands, packed with incredible sights and experiences. They especially credit guides Daisy and Tegan for making the trip so much fun and for helping a solo traveller quickly bond with the rest of the group. They call it one of the best three weeks of their life and would highly recommend it.
This reviewer just finished the 3-week NZ Discovery tour and had an amazing time, praising all three guides (Ben, Deanne and Tom) as lovely, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile. They made great friends and special memories along the way and highly recommend the tour company.
This reviewer had an amazing 3 weeks on the NZ Discovery Tour, with plenty to see and do and good accommodation throughout. They thank guides Robbie, Dee and Claud for their South Island knowledge, and North Island guide Ben for his enthusiasm, which made the final week especially fun and memorable.
“Best NZ group tour!!!”
Every minute of the three-week NZ Discovery tour was loved by this reviewer, with guides Robbie, Ben and Claudia making it outstanding. The itinerary packs a lot in, with smaller stops breaking up the longer drives, and the small group size meant everyone got to know each other well.
This reviewer joined the three-week NZ Discovery tour covering both islands and called booking it one of the best decisions they've made, praising the kind, fun group and variety of activities. Ben guided the South Island leg and was reunited with the group on the North Island in the final week, while Claudia guided the middle week; both were described as passionate, skilled and funny.
This reviewer booked the 21-day NZ Discovery tour and said no words could describe how great it was, highlighting the nature, activities and friends made along the way. Guides Ben and Tom were praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, and the reviewer would love to return and do another Wild Kiwi tour.
This reviewer completed the three-week NZ Discovery tour, praising office staff for helping them catch up with the group after missing the start due to Auckland flooding. Guide Ben made a strong first impression on the North Island, where Hobbiton and a Maori village were highlights, while guide Claudia led an enjoyable South Island leg that included canyoning, Milford Sound and the canyon swing.
Neil's Discovery tour with Wild Kiwi was unforgettable, with a well-organised itinerary and a guide who went out of his way to make sure the group had a good time. Milford Sound was a particular highlight, and Queenstown gave him the chance to try bungee jumping and jet boating. He left with lasting memories and new friendships, and highly recommends the tour.
Charlotte completed the three-week NZ Discovery tour and found it an excellent, well-organised way to see the country in a whistle-stop format. Guides Tom and Mark were fun, knowledgeable and helpful throughout. She notes there's a fair amount of time on the bus, though it's comfortable with great views, and would recommend it especially to solo travellers wanting a hassle-free trip.
“Claudia and Julien were superb!”
Despite being cut short by the Coronavirus outbreak, the Wild Kiwi NZ Discovery tour was a fantastic experience thanks to guides Claudia and Julien, who were friendly, knowledgeable and always helpful. The office team, including Charlotte, handled the disrupted circumstances well, and the group, accommodation and itinerary were all excellent.
Guide Ben went well above expectations, genuinely getting to know everyone in the group. His unmatched knowledge of New Zealand came through in creative ways, like a playlist of Kiwi artists, and he helped the group bond through introductions and games. He drove safely, joined in the fun on his nights off, and was, overall, a great person to travel and learn from.
Ben was the best of the three guides the reviewer had across the trip. The tour was great fun overall, with the only downside being the long drives in the South Island.
“Amazing 21 Day Tour with Wild Kiwi”
This reviewer took the 21 Day NZ Discovery Tour with guides T and Telli, covering both the North and South Islands in a comfortable small group with wifi and included accommodation and breakfast. Highlights included surfing, black water rafting in the Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, the Shotover Jet, learning about Maori culture, and a heli-hike and skydive at Franz Josef. She made lasting friendships with fellow travellers and called it a very memorable trip.
We did the full 21-day tour and loved every moment -- it covers just about every major highlight you'd want on a three-week New Zealand trip. The van was super comfortable and the guides were great, and the small group size (8-15 people rather than a big bus of 50) made for a much better experience.
I've just returned from the 24-day New Zealand Discovery Tour and it was fantastic from start to finish. Our guide Robbie was incredibly organised, energetic and knowledgeable, with a great sense of humour, and as someone who usually avoids group travel, that mattered a lot to me. There was a lot of driving to cover so much ground, but the stops along the way uncovered hidden gems and gave the group time to bond -- by the end, 24 days together felt like a lifetime of friendship. I'd highly recommend Wild Kiwi to any traveller who's hesitant about touring in a group; the small numbers and personal touch make all the difference.
“24 Day Discovery Tour”
This reviewer's Discovery Tour exceeded expectations, with a well thought-out itinerary packed with scenery and adventure every day. Optional activities were fun and there was always a free alternative, like a walk, if she preferred. Guide Robbie kept everything running smoothly, and the small group meant she made lifelong friends.
“The way to see NZ!”
This reviewer describes the NZ Discovery tour as a wonderful way to experience the very best New Zealand has to offer, covering all the key destinations plus a few hidden gems she might have missed travelling solo. Guide Robbie was well organised and knowledgeable, and the friendships she made with fellow travellers made it one of her most memorable trips. She says Wild Kiwi Tours won't disappoint.
