Kia Ora New Zealand
Auckland
This epic New Zealand journey spans both Islands of this small, proud nation, revealing majestic snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines, ice-blue lakes and sweeping rural vistas. Stories of the history and traditions of Maori culture and the intrepid settlers of Central Otago emerge as you travel from the stunning Bay of Islands in the north to the vibrant, multicultural city of Queenstown and awesome Milford Sound in the spectacular South Island.
Highlights
- Cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands & through ‘Hole in the Rock’ and dicover and cruise through Waitomo’s famous Glowworm Grotto
- Feast on a Maori Hangi at a unique dinner experience with the Tamaki family and discover the arts & traditions of New Zealand’s Maori culture
- Explore New Zealand’s capital Wellington and visit Te Papa the Museum of New Zealand
- Set sail on Queen Charlotte Sound, see spectacular Lake Tekapo & Lake Te Anau and cruise on breathtaking Milford Sound
- Let loose in the adventure capital Queenstown and sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a unique Highlight Dinner
- See awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier
- Visit a green stone factory & watch the jade artists at work
- Tour through Christchurch to witness the incredible rebuild of the city
- Day 1 - Welcome to Auckland
- Day 2 - Auckland – Bay of Islands
- Day 3 - Bay of Islands Free Time
- Day 4 - Bay of Islands – Auckland
- Day 5 - Auckland – Rotorua
- Day 6 - Rotorua
- Day 7 - Rotorua – Wellington
- Day 8 - Wellington – Picton
- Day 9 - Picton – Christchurch
- Day 10 - Christchurch – Omarama
- Day 11 - Omarama – Dunedin
- Day 12 - Dunedin – Te Anau
- Day 13 - Te Anau – Queenstown
- Day 14 - Queenstown Free Time
- Day 15 - Queenstown – Franz Josef
- Day 16 - Franz Josef – Christchurch
- Day 17 - Farewell from Christchurch
- Additional Information
After settling in to your hotel, you'll have time to explore Auckland at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director.
Meals Included: RoVR Queen Street - Hotel & Suites
A brand new 4.5 star hotel with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD.
Travel along the scenic Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands. See spectacular scenery as you cruise to Cape Brett, and the ‘Hole in the Rock’. As you return to Paihia, pass through picturesque islands with deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays.
Meals Included: Breakfast and DinnerCopthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. With 180 guest rooms including four suites, the hotel provides individual patio or balcony from which to enjoy the bay, estuary or garden views while the rooms offer a serene escape with designs inspired by nature. Onsite facilities include tennis court, spectacular free form lagoon style swimming pool, mountain bike hire and courtesy shuttle to downtown Paihia.
Explore the Bay of Islands at leisure today. Consider one the optional experiences. Perhaps sail on a historic tall ship, take the ferry to the charming town of Russell, the country’s first sea-port, or explore the culturally-significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Meals Included: BreakfastCopthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
This welcoming Bay of Islands hotel commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. With 180 guest rooms including four suites, the hotel provides individual patio or balcony from which to enjoy the bay, estuary or garden views while the rooms offer a serene escape with designs inspired by nature. Onsite facilities include tennis court, spectacular free form lagoon style swimming pool, mountain bike hire and courtesy shuttle to downtown Paihia.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before travelling through lush farmlands on your farmland on your way back to Auckland.
Meals Included: Breakfast and DinnerVR Queen Street - Hotel & Suites
A brand new 4.5 star hotel with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD.
After a tour of Auckland’s city highlights, trace the Waikato River to the Waitomo Caves, where you’ll explore the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto by boat. Your journey continues to Rotorua, for an orientation tour with views of Lake Rotorua.
Meals Included: BreakfastIbis Rotorua
Hotel Ibis Rotorua is located on the picturesque shores of lake Rotorua, just five minutes walk from the central business district, convention centre, cafes and restaurants and some of Rotorua's most popular tourist attractions. The fully air-conditioned hotel offers 145 rooms providing exceptional comfort and value. Room configurations can be one king or two doubles. A number of triple rooms with three single beds are also available. Bedrooms feature in-room safes, internet with broadband connectivity, showers, flat screen TV's and refrigerators. 24hr reception, an internet kiosk and guest laundry facilities. The I-Restaurant and Bar welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Conference rooms and other facilities at the neighboring Novotel Rotorua Lakeside are also available to guests.
Experience the multi-awarding-winning Agrodome Farm Show, for insights into agriculture in New Zealand. Your afternoon is free. You might like to visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a glimpse of the New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird, or Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi feast highlight dinner and concert at the Tamaki Maori Village.
Meals Included: B hdIbis Rotorua
Hotel Ibis Rotorua is located on the picturesque shores of lake Rotorua, just five minutes walk from the central business district, convention centre, cafes and restaurants and some of Rotorua's most popular tourist attractions. The fully air-conditioned hotel offers 145 rooms providing exceptional comfort and value. Room configurations can be one king or two doubles. A number of triple rooms with three single beds are also available. Bedrooms feature in-room safes, internet with broadband connectivity, showers, flat screen TV's and refrigerators. 24hr reception, an internet kiosk and guest laundry facilities. The I-Restaurant and Bar welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Conference rooms and other facilities at the neighboring Novotel Rotorua Lakeside are also available to guests.
Journey south through pine forests today to Lake Taupo and mighty Huka Falls, in the heart of the North Island. Continue along the eastern shoreline of the lake and on through rich farmlands to Wellington, the nation’s capital.
Meals Included: Breakfast and DinnerTravelodge Wellington
Travelodge Wellington offers fantastic Wellington accommodation at great value.
Enjoy a tour of Wellington this morning. See the national Parliament and the ‘Beehive’, home to New Zealand’s politicians, and explore the Te Papa Museum and Art Gallery. Then cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island, to picturesque Picton.
Meals Included: Breakfast and DinnerPicton Beachcomber Inn
Located in Picton, Picton Beachcomber Inn is minutes from Picton Harbour and Picton War Memorial. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Picton Museum and EcoWorld Aquarium.
Travel to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore (an optional whale-watching flight is available). Travel along the Pacific Ocean coast and across the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Meals Included: BreakfastIbis Christchurch Hotel
Nearby to the Cashel Street. START mall - this "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. The Hotel is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access local activities, outer lying attractions and the airport. The ibis features 155 contemporary rooms, Oopen Restaurant & Bar and a meeting room.
Explore Christchurch at leisure this morning, then travel over the fertile Canterbury Plains to serene Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the scenery of Mt. Cook National Park (optional scenic flight available).
Meals Included: Breakfast and DinnerHeritage Gateway Hotel
The Heritage Gateway Hotel is situated in Omarama, at the crossroads of MacKenzie Basin, Lindis Pass and Waitaki Valley. It offers panoramic views and excellent hiking and biking opportunities.
Visit the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and the monumental spillway of the nearby Benmore Dam. Then travel to the town of Oamaru, with its celebrated white limestone buildings. Continue to Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. The afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.
Meals Included: Breakfast and DinnerScenic Hotel Dunedin City
The stylish Scenic Hotel Dunedin City features a stunning contemporary award-winning design, with spacious guest rooms, modern facilities and attractive local artworks all in a handy inner-city location. Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is just two blocks from the Octagon in the heart of the city. As our guest you will enjoy: Generously proportioned rooms with plenty of space and light. Quality room amenities and services, including excellent bedding and high speed Internet access. Memorable street-side dining in Princes on Dowling Restaurant - the perfect place to watch the city go by. Or get comfortable beside the fire in their lounge bar. Their great central location in the heart of the city. Ideal for business guests and convenient for visitors wanting to explore the city and local attractions.
Enjoy free time in Dunedin. You might like to visit Larnach Castle. Then travel across the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago en route to Te Anau. Tonight you may choose to cruise the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (own expense).
Meals Included: Breakfast and DinnerDistinction Luxmore Hotel
Located in the heart of the town, Distinction Luxmore Hotel is a popular choice with both visitors and locals alike. Basing yourself in Te Anau enables you to easily explore Milford Sound and the Fiordland World Heritage National Park. Distinction Luxmore has 180 rooms offering Standard, Superior & Deluxe rooms and suites, some with spa bath as well as wheelchair accessible rooms. Free unlimited WiFi, parking and gym. Guest Laundry facilities. Elevators on every floor. Two on site Restaurants and Bars and Conference facilities.
Your experience in magnificent Milford Sound today is sure to be one of the highlights of your journey. Travel first through the tall native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park, then cruise the serene waters of this natural wonder. On the way to Queenstown see Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, then travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy an informative orientation tour of the city before settling in for your two-night stay.
Meals Included: BreakfastCopthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
The Copthorne Hotel & Apartment Queenstown, Lakeview has 66 studio rooms and 19 two bedroom apartments, every one of them offering views of Queenstown's mountain and lake wilderness. The apartments are self contained and extremely spacious with large private balconies so you can enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range from the comfort of your room.
Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital at your own pace today. Late afternoon, enjoy a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and an entertaining afterdinner farm show.
Meals Included: B hdCopthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
The Copthorne Hotel & Apartment Queenstown, Lakeview has 66 studio rooms and 19 two bedroom apartments, every one of them offering views of Queenstown's mountain and lake wilderness. The apartments are self contained and extremely spacious with large private balconies so you can enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range from the comfort of your room.
Visit the faithfully-restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown and travel on to Cromwell to taste its sensational stone fruit. You will then travel over Haast Pass and view the sheer drop of Thunder Creek Falls on your way to the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier (an optional scenic flight is available).
Meals Included: Breakfast and DinnerScenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is close to the edge of one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, welcoming you to this enticing and dramatic region.
This morning’s destination is Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone, Pounamu (its Maori name). Then continue to Arthur’s Pass to board the iconic TranzAlpine train and take one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Pass through the Southern Alps to the lush pastureland of the Canterbury Plains. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner.
Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
Meals Included: Half BoardIbis Christchurch Hotel
Nearby to the Cashel Street. START mall - this "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. The Hotel is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access local activities, outer lying attractions and the airport. The ibis features 155 contemporary rooms, Oopen Restaurant & Bar and a meeting room.
Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Flight Information
LABC: Auckland to Christchurch
Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport
Day 17 – flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport
LCBA: Christchurch to Auckland
Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
Day 17 – flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport
Flights are not included in the holiday price.
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