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New Zealand Highlights
12 Days
Overview:
Watch New Zealand’s wonders come to life on this immersive tour. Visit the nation’s largest city, Auckland, and enjoy a fine evening cruise and delicious cuisine. Take part in America’s Cup and help your team steer for the gold. Explore the rich Maori culture of Rotorua, take part in Maori Hangi, and watch a live local concert before hiking magnificent glaciers. The fun simply doesn’t stop! This twelve day tour will take you to all the must see destinations in New Zealand like Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Mount Aspiring National Park, Franz Josef Glacier, and more. Between hiking, going on a helicopter, walking amongst the Beech trees, and exploring the city, you’ll open your eyes towards the different cultures that exist and sites that are only home here. This trip is sure to bring you great tastes and experiences that you’ll only want more of.
3 Days in Auckland
2 Days in Rotorua
3 Days in Queenstown
2 Days in Franz Josef
2 Days in Christchurch
The Plan:
Day 1 Auckland
Welcome! Upon arrival, you’ll receive a welcome package from your guide. A private transfer will be arranged for your travel from the airport.
Day 2 Auckland (Half Day Tour)
Take a trip over the Harbour Bridge and visit Mount Eden, the Auckland Domain, Parnell Village, and Tamaki Dr. before heading back downtown. You may also get the rare opportunity to view (and even participate in) the America’s Cup!
Day 3 Auckland- Rotorua (Shared transfer)
Enjoy a day trip to Rotorua, passing the lush farmscape and the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Then, continue to the Agrodome for a transfer to the Hobbiton for an exclusive look at the Lord of the Rings movie set!
Day 4 Rotorua (Half day tour)
Experience the gushing geysers, boiling mud pools, and incredible geothermal activity at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland today. Later enjoy a Waimangu Volcanic Valley nature walk, before a Maori Hangi dinner and cultural concert.
Day 5 Rotorua- Queenstown (Flight not included)
Enjoy a private transfer from Rotorua to the local airport for your flight today.
Day 6 Queenstown (13 hours)
Travel by luxury coach to Milford Sound today- passing Lake Wakatipu and Te Anau. After a break at Te Anau, you’ll continue your journey to Milford Sound, where you’ll board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Enjoy the opulent surroundings at Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, before boarding a return coach back to Queenstown.
Day 7 Queenstown: (Full Day Tour)
Enjoy a full day’s walk in the ancient Beech forests of the Mount Aspiring National Park today. Your tour will start from the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, and lead you all the way Routeburn Flats. Enjoy a terrific lunch before concluding your tour with a hike to Routeburn Falls! Bring a camera!
Day 8 Queenstown - Franz Josef (6 hour transfer)
Today you’ll leave Queenstown and travel through Cromwell, Wanaka, Hawea, and the Haast Pass into Westland. From there, a local shuttle will take you to the glacier base for some spectacular photo ops!
Day 9 Franz Josef (3 Hour hike)
Enjoy a 10 minute helicopter flight to the Franz Josef Glacier for a 2 hour hike on the gigantic ice formation- accompanied by professional guides. All hiking essentials will be provided!
Day 10 Franz Josef - Greymouth - Christchurch (4.5 hour train ride)
Today you’ll head to Greymouth- the largest township and port in the region- before taking the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch. Gaze at the gorges and river valleys as your train climbs into the Southern Alps and on to your destination.
Day 11 Christchurch (Half Day Tour)
Enjoy a three hour sightseeing tour of the city via private vehicle. Your guide will explain some of the city’s highlights- including Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, the Avon River, Town Hall, Christ’s College, and much more!
Day 12 Christchurch (airport transfer home)
Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home today. Bon Voyage!
Must See:
Queenstown:
Coronet Peak, Hollyford Track, Lake Wanaka
Rotorua:
Polynesian Spa, Wharenui, Helium Gallery
Auckland:
Auckland War Memorial Museum, Rainbow’s End, Aotea Square
Franz Josef:
Peters Pool, Robert’s Point Track, Start Alex Knob Trail
Christchurch:
Orana Wildlife Park, International Antarctic Centre, Cardboard Cathedral
Memory Makers:
Queenstown
Queenstown Skyline Gondola and Restaurant
Look at Queenstown from a completely different point of view as you ride a gondola to a skyline restaurant where you can enjoy a meal at the Stratosfare Restaurant and bar.
Skydive Queenstown
Calling all daredevils to complete a bucket list item of skydiving in the beautiful Queenstown, New Zealand’s outdoor adventure capital. You have the choice of tandem skydiving with a jump from 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet where you can gaze at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Rotorua
Rotorua Maori Hangi Dinner and Performance
See and take part in the traditional Maori feast called hangi at the Tamaki Maori Village. You will be escorted by a local guide to learn about the local customs and experience a welcome ceremony and haka song and dance.
Kaituna River White Water Rafting from Rotorua
Calling all the adventurers who want to river raft in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. This class 5 white water rapids will definitely give you a sense of adventure as you paddle through a 21 foot drop down the Tutea Falls.
Auckland
Bay of Islands Day Tour from Auckland
This full day tour will take you to the Waitangi Treaty House and the seaport of Russell in the Bay of Islands for a significant cultural learning experience and fun time as you explore the beaches, cafes, and museums on this beautiful island.
Tiritiri Matangi Island Day Trip from Auckland with Optional Guided Walk
Enjoy a ferry ride from Auckland to the bird sanctuary of Tiritiri Island to see some of the rarest birds like the New Zealand robin, and other wildlife in the world in a protected environment. You can see first hand the Island’s recovery from deforestations and what all the volunteer conservation projects are doing in the area.
Franz Josef
Kayak Adventure from Franz Josef Glacier
Explore the quiet, serene waters of Lake Mapourika on this three hour excursion. Listen as your guide explains the region’s geology, and marvel at the estuaries of the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
Heli Hiking Franz Josef
Explore the icy and glacial terrains of Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter tour and guided hike with a professional guide. If you are looking for an adventure this tour will definitely take you on a trip unlike any other as you use ice crampons as you pass by ice formations of caves and pinnacles.
Christchurch
Lord of the Rings- Journey to Edoras from Christchurch
This full day excursion is perfect for all Lord of the Ring buffs as you visit the places that famous scenes were shot and take pictures with replica props.
Akaroa Day Tour from Christchurch
This full day trip will take you to discover volcanic landscapes and beautifully blue lakes. You will ascend Banks Peninsula and sample local cheeses and lastly, cruise by catamaran into the harbor to visit the area numerous bird and marine species call home.
Weather and climate
New Zealand
A temperate climate with subtropical weather during the summer, and cooler temperatures in the winter. Most of the country lies close to the coast, and experiences mild temperatures, moderate rain, and plenty of sunshine.
Inspiration Tags
Adventure
Beach
Cuisine & Wine
Family
Luxury
