Classic New Zealand from $2,317

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  •  13 Days/12 Nights Accommodation
  • Sightseeing
  •  Return airport transfers
  • Meals as indicated
the classic new zealand tour – from north to south

This 13 day trip offers the perfect mix of New Zealand’s diverse cities, natural wonders and traditional history. Auckland seduces visitors with its laid back pace, world class museums, galleries and gardens. Enjoy spectacular city views from your included visit to Mt Eden. You’ll also explore some of the surrounding rainforest, including the black sand beach that where ‘The Piano’ was filmed.

The North Island of New Zealand is a geology geek’s paradise. Explore the Waitomo Caves on your way to Rotorua.  An included tour of this area includes Rainbow Springs, Te Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and Te Puia Rotorua.

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, and a major political and cultural center. You’ll spend an evening at leisure to explore, before a city tour takes you to the Parliament Buildings. On to Queenstown, in the heart of the South Island’s mountain landscape. An included day trip takes you to Milford Sound. Journey along the West Coast to Franz Josef Glacier. Board the alpine express for one of the most scenic train journeys you’ll ever take, the Tranz Alpine Express through the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

 

 

VIEW ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel

Duration          30 Minutes

Scenic Hotel Auckland

The Scenic Hotel Auckland is conveniently located on Queen Street in the heart of Auckland’s Central Business District. The hotel’s superb location puts some of the city’s best attractions at your doorstep, such as the Edge Entertainment Centre, Town Hall, Aotea Centre and the Civic Theatre. In addition, the hotel is a leisurely walk to the dynamic waterfront and the downtown shopping area. The hotel has 100 rooms, which has a modern apartment style, yet carry the art deco theme through in the finer details such as the eye-catching black and white artworks that complement each room.

Accommodation Scenic Hotel Auckland, 2 Nights

 

Day 2: Best of Both Worlds

A 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Arataki Centre, the gateway to the rain forest, where the sweeping decks give breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer.

With your knowledgeable and experienced guide, your eco-tour continues on to the lush rain forest where you hear native birdsong as you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns.

 

Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo w/ Lunch

Travel south from Auckland, through the rich farmland of the Waikato, and onto Waitomo. Here you will enjoy a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the world famous Glowworm Caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glow worms suspended from the cave ceiling. Following your tour there is time for lunch (included). You will then continue to Rotorua by coach.

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, Sudima Lake Rotorua is the largest hotel in Rotorua. Adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa, Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens, the hotel is a short stroll from Rotorua’s vibrant city centre, Convention Centre and the Energy Events Centre. Sudima Lake Rotorua offers 250 guest rooms in a range of accommodation options, many with superb views across Lake Rotorua.

 

Accommodation Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, 2 Nights

Day 4: Discover Rotorua Morning Tour

Today on your morning tour you will visit Te Puia and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where you can view mighty geysers, boiling mud pools, and the traditional arts and culture of the Maori People. You will also experience Rainbow Springs which is a unique showcase of New Zealand’s flora and fauna including New Zealand’s national icon, a kiwi bird. Last but not least, you will have a hands on experience at the Agrodome Sheep Show, giving you an animated insight into New Zealand’s farming history.

Rotorua Journey of Ages

This evening you will engage in a wonderful experience at the Tamaki Maori Village. Enroute your guide will instruct you on the rules and protocol for visiting Marae (meeting grounds). On arrival at the venue, nobody must enter the fortified village until the Powhiri (formal welcome) has been performed. The host tribe will send out a toa (warrior) who will challenge the guests, via their elected chief to ascertain if they come in peace. A Teka (peace offering) is placed and received by one of the visiting chiefs. At the Village, the Karanga, or “welcome call” will echo across the courtyard, followed by the Powhiri (welcome dance). You will then be able to enter onto the village grounds where the Tangata Whenua (people of the land) will demonstrate different activities such as poi twirling, hand games, weaponry displays, reciting chants and displaying activities of an era gone by.

The buffet style dinner will be held in the meetinghouse dining hall and will have everyone enjoying a succulent Hangi feast. The evening ends with the Poroporoaki, the official closing ceremony and you will be safely transferred back to your accommodation.

Day 5: Rotorua City Hotel to Rotorua Airport

Duration          30 Minutes

Wellington Airport to Wellington City Hotel

West Plaza Hotel occupies a prime position for business or pleasure in Wellington. The hotel is within easy walking distance of the major government departments, commercial offices, and conference and event centres of the central business district. Plus it is only a short walk from the premium shopping of Lambton Quay and the entertainment zones of Courtenay Place and the Cuba Quarter. The West Plaza has over 100 spacious rooms which are fully self-contained with 24-hour room service.

Accommodation: West Plaza Hotel, 2 Nights

 

Day 6: Wellington City Tour

Highlights of your tour include city, harbour and hill views from some of the city’s most spectacular vantage points, as well as visiting many of Wellington’s most famous sights, landmarks, and icons. These include: the famous Beehive and Parliament Buildings, Old Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the finest example of revival Gothic architecture in the Southern Hemisphere, exquisite Lady Norwood Rose Gardens, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere, and various other buildings exemplifying classic early Wellington architecture. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Wellington City, hills and harbour from the summit of Mount Victoria, and drive around the rugged and pure scenic bays of Wellington Harbour. A ride on the historic cable car is an optional extra, but well worthwhile.

Duration          2 Hours

Seal Coast Safari Silver

This half-day safari offers a unique view of the rugged beauty of Seal Coast, situated on the South Coast of Wellington, you’ll also traverse a large coastal ranch or station, where many wild goats and horses may be seen, as well as deer, ostriches, and beef cattle, as you’ll listen to tales of the early farmers’ exploits. You have a mini tour of Wellington before exploring Wellington’s fault-line on the way to the Seal coast. Enjoy fabulous views of the city spread out below you, with equally great views of the South Island. The impressive coastline and the seals are, of course, the main ticket of this safari, and again, stories abound as you drive right on the beach around to Tongue Point, which is home both to the awesome New Zealand Fur Seal and the famous Leaning Lighthouse. Tea or coffee with a fine muffin is enjoyed with the seals, before undertaking the return journey back to Wellington.

Duration          3 Hours

Day 7: Wellington City Hotel to Wellington Airport

Duration          30 Minutes

Queenstown Airport to Queenstown City Hotel

Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Heartland Hotel Queenstown is perched just above the town centre – an excellent vantage point where you can feel tucked away’ and enjoy magnificent views, yet you are only a few minutes walk to the town center. With 81 comfortable, well-appointed guest rooms, including five family rooms, Heartland Hotel Queenstown provides all you need for a comfortable rest at the end of another action-packed Queenstown day.

Accommodation Heartland Hotel Queenstown, 3 Nights

Day 8: Discover Milford Sound Coach Cruise Coach w/ Lunch

Travel by luxury coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Journey through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your Red Boat vessel for a spectacular cruise where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1,200m vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below. Return by coach to Queenstown.

Day 9: Day at Leisure

Today enjoy a full day at leisure. You may like to do some additional sightseeing, shopping, or simply relax.

Day 10: Queenstown to Franz Josef – Glenfern Villas Franz Josef

Glenfern Villas offers one and two bedroom villas for the discerning traveller. Set just outside the main Franz Josef Glacier village, Glenfern Villas is an ideal base for you to enjoy everything the Glacier region and the glorious West Coast has to offer.

Accommodation Glenfern Villas Franz Josef, 2 Nights

Day 11: Day at Leisure

Today enjoy a full day at leisure. You may like to do some additional sightseeing, shopping, or simply relax.

Day 12: Franz Josef to Greymouth

Duration          4 Hours

Trans Alpine Rail     Greymouth to Christchurch

Christchurch Rail Station to Christchurch City Hotel

Heartland Hotel Cotswold

Full of character, Heartland Hotel Cotswold is warm and welcoming, and the perfect place to relax during your visit to Christchurch. The hotel has 77 spacious rooms and its spacious grounds feature award-winning gardens. Located on the edge of the central business district it’s an easy stroll to boutique shopping at Merivale Mall, Christchurch Casino and the beautiful Hagley Park. Just a 20 minute drive from Christchurch airport Heartland Hotel Cotswold is well-positioned for travelers visiting Christchurch.

Accommodation Heartland Hotel Cotswold, 1 night

Day 13: Christchurch City Hotel to Christchurch Airport

 


Pricing & Departures

Daily departures $2,317
Your Travel Team agent can easily add extra days or even cities to this package. Additional travel dates are available, call a Travel Team Agent at 1-800-788-0829 for details.
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Notes:
  • Land only package
  • Prices based on availability & may be subject to change
  • Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
  • We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
  • All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
  • Prices reflect cash discount
  • Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
  • Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
  • Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
  • UBI-600-307-872-WA