Discover New Zealand the way it was meant to be experienced: immersive, seamless, and unforgettable.

Enjoy a premium experience traversing New Zealand with a community of like-minded travelers. From boutique accommodations and scenic lodges to premium hotels, every stay is chosen for quality, location, and character. Traveling by private coach with a dedicated guide throughout, you’ll explore iconic landscapes, cultural highlights, and hidden gems without the stress of having to coordinate logistics.

This tour requires a moderate level of fitness as we will be doing some hikes/walks throughout the journey.

If you've traveled with us before, you know that every trip is packed with real value, adventure, and memories that last, and this one is no different!

Don't have time to do both islands but don't want to miss out?

Check out our packages below for either JUST the North Island, or JUST the South Island!

Early bird pricing ends September 20th.

Deposit is refundable until November 2nd.

Payment plans are available and can be partially customized by request.

Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram (@healthcareescapes) or via email (sierra@healthcareescapes.com)

*Please note: Each trip (North vs South) requires a minimum of 8 guests registered December 20th to operate. Should the tour need to be cancelled for any reason, guests will be notified via email in advanced.

• Full-day Milford Sound tour by scenic glass-ceiling coach and cruise

• Zealandia by Night wildlife experience

• Marlborough region wine tasting (famous for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc)

• Māori cultural experience with traditional Hāngi dinner

• Guided walks and hikes throughout the tour (including Taranaki Falls, Pancake Rocks, Huka Falls, Lake Matheson, and more)

• Designed exclusively for healthcare professionals

Optional Adventure Highlights

New Zealand offers exceptional opportunities for adventure. Throughout the islands, you may choose to participate in optional experiences (fee may be required) such as:

• Ice climbing glaciers

• Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set

• Epic tours to see the world famous Worm Caves

• Iconic hikes including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (guided)

• Bungee jumping, catapult, or canyon swing at the AJ Hackett Adventure Center

• Skydiving, hang gliding, or paragliding in select regions

• AND MORE!

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand!

Check-in at the hotel begins in the afternoon. In the meantime, you are welcome to store your luggage and take some time to explore the area at your leisure.

This evening, we will join together to meet your guide and fellow travelers, and we'll review important details for our epic journey ahead.

Overnight: Christchurch

Our journey takes us through Canterbury, the fertile heart of New Zealand’s South Island, before arriving at our overnight stop of Lake Tekapo.

We'll stop along the way for lunch and a beautiful hike with either stunning vantage point to Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak at 3,724 meters, or an incredible glacier viewpoint.

Tonight you also have the option to partake in some of New Zealand's most epic stargazing with both your naked eye and a telescope!

Overnight: Lake Tekapo
Meals included: Dinner

Today we travel to Queenstown via the Crown Range, a spectacular high-alpine route through the South Island hinterland. We'll stop at Arrowtown, an old gold mining town to explore and hear about the history.

The final stretch provides panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, framed by mountains rising dramatically on either side, perfectly setting the stage for New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Queenstown is renowned for its outdoor activities, excellent dining, and vibrant atmosphere. There's something for everyone!

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy the day in Queenstown at your leisure, or embrace the many adventure opportunities available!

Options are abundant for many different types of activities such as bungee jumping, sky diving, off-road jeeps, vintage steam ships, guided hikes, and relaxing by the waterfront.

As we get closer, we'll give you more information and help you make your selection.

Overnight: Queenstown

All aboard for an adventure to the Fiords! We'll embark on a full-day Coach–Cruise–Coach adventure to the world-renowned Milford Sound.

Departing from Queenstown, relax and take in some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking alpine scenery with our glass ceiling coach. The journey follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu, passes through the rolling countryside of Te Anau, and enters the dramatic landscapes of Fiordland National Park.

Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your vessel for a scenic cruise among towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Keep your camera ready for seals, dolphins, and, occasionally, penguins!

Overnight: Queenstown
Meals included: Lunch

Another free day in Queenstown to grab that dose of adrenaline, trial another activity, or wander at your leisure.

This evening, depart Queenstown for a short drive north over the Crown Range, a spectacular high-alpine route through the South Island hinterland to Wanaka.

This charming town, set on the shores of Lake Wanaka, is a popular destination for its stunning scenery and serves as the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park. The dominating Mount Aspiring is often referred to as the “Matterhorn of New Zealand”, with glacier-carved wilderness and a network of hiking trails suitable for all levels.

Overnight: Wanaka

Today is a free day to explore Wanaka at your own pace. This charming lakeside town offers a variety of activities.

Need some more hikes? There are iconic ones here! How about learning to fly a plane? Maybe you just need a day to stroll along the river and rest. As we get closer, we'll give you more information and help you make your selection.

Overnight: Wanaka

Meals included: Breakfast

Ready to travel through some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery en route to Franz Josef?

Weather permitting, we will stop at one of the region’s stunning lakeside lookouts, Lake Hāwea to admire the clear waters and surrounding mountains. The drive continues through Haast Pass, offering waterfalls, rugged landscapes, and breathtaking coastal views.

Upon arrival in Franz Josef, if the sun allows, there are several options for short or longer hikes to stretch your legs and take in our remarkable surroundings.

Overnight: Franz Josef

Meals included: Breakfast

What's that we smell? MORE ADVENTURE?!

Today we'll explore Franz Josef and experience its unique natural surroundings at your own pace. Options are abundant for many different types of activities such as ATVs, Glacier hikes, scenic helicopters, Jade carving, and more. As we get closer, we'll give you more information and help you make your selection.

Overnight: Franz Josef

Depart Franz Josef and travel along the west coast of the South Island - a wild and romantic landscape.

We'll stop at Lake Matheson for a stroll to a stunning viewpoint before continuing on to Hokitika for lunch.

Our journey includes a stop at one of the region’s highlights: the Pancake Rocks near the village of Punakaiki. Take an easy walk to admire these remarkable limestone formations and observe the power of the Tasman Sea. At high tide, the surf erupts through natural blowholes, while the deep basins of the Devils Bowl and Surge Pool showcase the sea’s elemental force.

Overnight: Beach front stay in Punakaiki

Meals included: Dinner

Departing Punakaiki, we'll travel north along a rugged coastline where dense forest meets the Tasman Sea. Enjoy scenic stops along the way to admire the dramatic landscapes. The Paparoa Mountains, rising up to 1,500 meters, run parallel to the coast and feature dramatic canyon-like gorges.

Our journey concludes inside Abel Tasman National Park. With golden beaches, calm turquoise waters, and relaxed coastal charm, Abel Tasman provides the perfect setting to unwind and prepare for the adventures that await.

Overnight: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore the park at your leisure.

Options are abundant for many different types of activities such as sea-kayaking, sailing, scenic walks, and relaxing on the beaches!

As we get closer, we'll give you more information and help you make your selection.

Overnight: Abel Tasman National Park
Meals included: Breakfast

It's time to travel through the Tasman region, passing orchards, vineyards, and quaint rural communities. Along the way, enjoy scenic stops and take in the mix of farmland and rolling hills as we enter the renowned Marlborough region, famous for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc.

Our day concludes with an included wine tasting, offering the opportunity to sample some of the region’s celebrated varietals before settling in for the evening.

Overnight: Marlborough
Meals included: Breakfast, Wine tasting

Today we leave the South Island and journey to the North Island via a scenic ferry through the Marlborough Sounds, where forest-covered hills rise above the calm waters.

As the ferry approaches Wellington, the bustling harbor and dramatic hills signal our arrival in New Zealand’s vibrant capital.

Upon disembarking, there will be time to explore the city’s lively waterfront, cultural landmarks, and charming neighborhoods.

This is the final day of our South Island tour, and where our North Island tour begins!

If you've booked the Total NZ tour, we'll meet together this evening and welcome our North Island squad to the family!

Overnight: Wellington

Enjoy the day with time to frolic through Wellington! Explore the city, visit the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, LOTR Weta Workshop tour, or perhaps catch up on sleep. We won't judge 😉

This evening we'll join together to ride over to Zealandia Eco Sanctuary where we'll have a magical night time tour. This is one of the best places to spot the famous Kiwi bird so keep your head on a swivel!

Overnight: Wellington

As our North Island tour kicks off, we'll journey to Tongariro National Park, a dramatic landscape defined by the three volcanic peaks of Ruapehu (2,797 m), Tongariro (1,967 m), and Ngauruhoe (2,291 m). The park features black ash deserts, mountain streams, and native beech forests, creating a truly unique environment.

Steeped in Māori legends and mythology, Tongariro was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 for its cultural significance, and again in 1993.

Several scenes from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy were shot here, with Mount Ngauruhoe famously representing the epic Mount Doom.

This afternoon, weather permitting, enjoy a sunset hike to Taranaki Falls, taking in the striking scenery before settling in for the night.

Overnight: Foothills of Mount Ruapehu

Today is a full day to explore Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural landscapes. We are available to assist with booking any optional add-on excursions today.

For those seeking adventure, you may choose to tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 12.7-mile (7–8 hour) hike often regarded as one of the best one-day treks in the world. Guided experiences are available, providing expert guidance, transport, and all necessary gear for a safe and memorable journey.

Want some adrenaline but not a 12 mile hike's worth? No worries! There's other options here as well and we're happy to review those with you before the trip.

Overnight: Foothills of Mount Ruapehu

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we'll to Rotorua, renowned as the center of Māori culture and famous for its geothermal wonders.

Along the way, we will make stops to visit the foaming Huka Falls, and Kerosene Creek, a natural hot spring featuring a 2-meter waterfall and several warm pools nestled in the forest.

Overnight: Rotorua

Meals included: Breakfast

Ready to enjoy Rotorua’s natural beauty, unique culture, and adventure opportunities?

Options are abundant for many different types of activities such as zip lining, visiting the Hobbiton movie set, exploring the natural geothermal pools, or embarking on a glow-worm sightseeing adventure. As we get closer, we'll give you more information and help you make your selection.

In the evening, we'll gather for an awesome cultural experience at Te Pā Tū, featuring a traditional welcome ceremony, storytelling, and a feast celebrating Māori heritage and cuisine.

Overnight: Rotorua

Meals included: Dinner

We'll leave the geothermal wonders and vibrant culture of Rotorua behind as we travel toward Auckland. As the city’s skyline comes into view, notice the transition from Rotorua’s unique landscapes to the lively energy of New Zealand’s largest urban center.

This evening, gather for a farewell drink, with the perfect setting to celebrate an unforgettable journey through New Zealand with your new travel family.

Overnight: Auckland

All good things must come to an end, and sadly today marks the conclusion of our journey through New Zealand.

We hope you have enjoyed this unforgettable adventure and look forward to welcoming you on another Healthcare Escapes journey in the future!

Mā te wā – until we meet again✨

Meals Included: Breakfast