WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 6 nights hotel accommodation
- Return airport transfers
- Coach transportation
- Maori concert and dinner
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Meals as indicated
New Zealand Reflections from Auckland
If you want to explore the “best of New Zealand” on an independent basis but have limited time, try this classic New Zealand Reflections from Auckand where you get to explore sites in Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Milford Sound. From top to bottom (or vice versa) this 7-day itinerary takes in the best of New Zealand’s vibrant cities and natural wonders including Rotorua, Mt Cook and Milford Sound.
New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland seduces visitors with its laid back pace, world class museums, galleries and gardens. Early arrivals can enjoy spectacular city views from Mt Eden, or visit historic Parnell Village.
As you travel thru New Zealand, Believed to be over two million years old, the Waitomo Caves are a major draw for visitors fascinated by their large population of glowworms and beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. You’ll have the chance to explore them on your way to Rotorua, where spouting geysers and boiling mudpools showcase geothermal New Zealand at its best. An included tour of this area includes Rainbow Springs, Te Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and Te Puia Rotorua. Also enjoy a traditional Maori concert and Hangi (feast) for a taste of New Zealand’s indigenous culture.
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.
Room Only; 1 Night: Scenic Hotel Auckland
Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo incl 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.
Room Only;2 Nights: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
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.
Duration 3 Hours
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: Rotorua City Hotel to Rotorua Airport
Duration 30 Minutes
Queenstown Airport to Queenstown City Hotel
Duration 30 Minutes
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 centre. 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.
Meal Plan Room Only
Heartland Hotel Queenstown 3 nights
Day 5: Discover Milford Sound Coach Cruise Coach incl 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.
Duration 12 Hours
Day 6: Day at Leisure
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Day 7: Queenstown City Hotel to Queenstown Airport
Duration 30 Minutes
Your Travel Team agent can easily add extra days, different departure dates or even cities to this package. Ask a Travel Team Agent for details 1-800-788-0829
Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.
Notes:
- Land only package
- 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
