Exploring New Zealand
21 Day escorted group tour of both North and South Islands
28 Meals Included
From the steaming geothermal vents of Rotorua, to the ice sheets of Franz Josef Glacier, to the genuine warmth of a homestay with a local family, experience all of New Zealand’s many facets on this 19-day journey. Cruise Milford Sound in dramatic Fjordland. Sip wine at a Marlborough vineyard. See the adorable flightless kiwi bird. Overnight at the foot of massive Mt Cook. Dine in a restored Christchurch mansion. Listen to the rhythms of Maori music.
Auckland - Bay of Islands - Rotorua - Wellington - Tranz Apline Train - Franz Josef Glacier region Queenstown - Te Anau - Mount Cook
21 October 2012 from £4199 / 21 April 2013 from £3999
More dates throughout 2012 and 2013 available on request
Itinerary at a glance
Air 1: Depart from Home
Today, your New Zealand adventure begins when you board your trans Pacific flight. Crossing the International Dateline en route, you skip a day ahead.
Day 2: Auckland, New Zealand - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” consistently rated one of the best places in the world to live. Auckland has the highest Polynesian population in the world, imbuing the vibrant cultures from many Pacific islands into its chic atmosphere. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Day 3: Auckland
Get to know the best of Auckland during a panoramic city tour featuring America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the top of Mt. Eden, one of 53 dormant volcanoes throughout the area. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the city. Perhaps visit one of the city’s amazing museums or galleries, or just enjoy some of the wonderful shopping that is available in the city.
Day 4: Auckland - Bay of Islands
Leave the city and travel north to the Bay of Islands, your home for the next two nights. This Maritime region boasts more than 144 islands, warm bays, a colourful history and abundant marine life. Visit the Waitangi National Trust & Treaty House. It was on these lush grounds that Maori and British leaders signed the 1844 treaty establishing New Zealand’s nationhood.
Day 5: Bay of Islands
Begin your day with a cruise through the bay’s famous Hole in the Rock and view the Cape Brett Lighthouse which stands nearly 500 feet above sea level at the edge of the Cape Brett Peninsula. The rest of the day is yours to explore Paihia – the quaint town known as “the jewel of the Bay of Islands” – at leisure.
Day 6: Bay of Islands - Rotorua
Today you’ll head to the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. One-third of Rotorua’s population has Maori roots dating back to their arrival in New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, making this city a thriving cultural centre. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner and a home stay*! This is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you make new friends, learn about the customs of the “Kiwi’s” and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Day 7: Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! The National Carving School and National Weaving School are also located here, where age old customs are passed on by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of traditional weaving methods. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Then, meet the skilled carvers who work with pounamu, a New Zealand jade, at a local jade factory. Next, visit the Agrodome where you will see a fun and interactive sheep-shearing demonstration and learn about the different sheep and wool that come from New Zealand. Tonight visit a recreated traditional Maori village to learn about Maori life before Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand) was colonized. Enjoy an immersive experience before a Hangi meal and authentic Maori entertainment, such as the famous Haka dance.
Day 8: Rotorua - Wellington
Journey south through the rolling countryside of the North Island, dotted with white sheep grazing, making your way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.
Day 9: Wellington
During your panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington, view the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the government building - the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour you will visit the Te Papa Tongawera Museum, a fascinating centre dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture.
Day 10: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Climb aboard a ferry and sail across Cook Strait to experience what Wine Spectator called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world.” Arrive in Picton, on the South Island. Discover why the Marlborough region is one of the world’s best wine regions when you tour a local winery. Later, arrive in Christchurch, situated on the Avon River and considered “the most English city outside of England.”
Day 11: Christchurch - Franz Josef Glacier Region
All aboard! The Tranz Alpine train whisks you away on a journey past farmlands, through the deep gorges of the Waimakariri River valley and into the rugged snowcapped mountains of the Southern Alps, as you wind your way into the subtropical rainforest region of New Zealand’s spectacular west coast. Before arrival in Franz Josef, visit the new West Coast Wildlife Centre where you will see a kiwi bird up close and learn about other types of wildlife native to the region. Arrive for your overnight in the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier Region, where glaciers live in close proximity to temperate climates.
Day 12: Franz Josef - Queenstown
Enjoy a picture stop of the famous Franz Josef Glacier before leaving the South Island’s lush west coast. Take in the stunning scenery as you pass through rainforest surrounded by the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy beautiful ocean vistas as you travel the twisting coastline. This picturesque route is comprised of one lane bridges, green glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls and dramatic landscape changes. After crossing the Haast Pass, arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and one of New Zealand’s most gorgeous spots. Enjoy a memorable dinner at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu.
Day 13: Queenstown
This morning travel to historic Arrowtown, a gold rush town set on the picturesque Arrow River. More than 60 restored buildings date back to the 19th century in this town lined with boutiques and cafés. Stroll along Main Street where you’ll discover a wealth of New Zealand handcrafts. This afternoon, venture into New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave for a tasting at an award-winning wine producer in the Central Otago region. This charming boutique winery houses a stunning selection of fine wines to quench your palate. This unforgettable experience is followed by lunch at the winery’s fabulous restaurant. Later, return to Queenstown and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Day 14: Queenstown
Today is yours to discover Queenstown at your leisure. Set amidst spectacular scenery, Queenstown is not only an adventure centre, but offers excellent shopping and dining. Perhaps you’ll opt to take “A Journey Through Middle Earth” and experience the South Island’s Tolkienesque landscape as you explore the cinematic backdrop that brought The Lord of the Rings to life on the big screen.
Day 15: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Your ride to Milford Sound is lined with unforgettable beauty, taking you through beech forest into Hollyford Valley’s rugged grandeur and through the Homer Tunnel. Arriving at mesmerizing Milford Sound, sail away on a leisurely cruise that brings you through the deep fjord, surrounded by sheer mountains rising almost six thousand feet from the water’s surface. Enjoy an overnight on the southern shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island.
Day 16: Te Anau - Mt. Cook Region
The Maori word for Mt. Cook is Aoraki, which means “cloud piercer.” Journey through New Zealand’s unspoiled wilderness and arrive at Mt. Cook National Park, where permanent ice fields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks. This is where New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary honed his mountaineering skills before attempting Everest. Explore the park up-close during a nature walk. Maybe you’ll choose to partake in an optional flightseeing tour (weather permitting) to witness breathtaking aerial views of Mt. Cook and the glaciers.
Day 17: Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Travel back to Christchurch this morning and visit a family farm in Canterbury. See the workings of the farm and learn firsthand how this New Zealand family farm operates. A sightseeing tour of the city features the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the downtown park district and stunning Victorian-style buildings. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this quaint city, named for the college at Oxford University, and exuding a decidedly English feel. Stroll through the gardens, wander through the shops or simply relax.
Day 18: Christchurch
Spend your morning at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the famous Christchurch botanical gardens and learn why Christchurch is known as the Garden City of the South Pacific. Tonight, celebrate the amazing sights you have seen and the new friendships forged as you dine in a restored mansion - once the homestead of the first family to settle in Christchurch.
Day 19: Christchurch - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Christchurch. Depart for home with countless fond memories to share with friends and family.
Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing a room. Prices are subject to change and availability at time of booking.