New Zealand: A North & South Island Adventure 2024
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
---|---|---|---|---|
Thursday, Sep 19, 2024 | Wednesday, Oct 02, 2024 | $13,990 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Thursday, Sep 26, 2024 | Wednesday, Oct 09, 2024 | $11,990 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Thursday, Oct 03, 2024 | Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 | $13,990 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
Thursday, Oct 10, 2024 | Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024 | $11,990 | Get Our Price | Get Quote |
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Tour Itinerary
Explore Christchurch... go punting on the River Avon... walk on Tasman Glacier... travel by ski plane and helicopter... ride a jetboat on the Dart River and hike wilderness trails... discover a rich Maori cultural heritage... attend a sheep dog demonstration... and have adventures in world-class wine and cuisine along the way. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes, cultures, and cuisines of New Zealand on this 13-day journey far off the beaten tracks. Your journey begins with two nights in Christchurch at a lovely hotel where activities include punting on the River Avon... Stay at a lodge inside Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park where the landscape of rugged peaks and glaciers calls you to its hiking trails; ride a plane and/or helicopter to Tasman Glacier; lose yourself in the spectacular night sky (the park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing)… Ride a jet-boat on the Dart River... Take a 4WD safari – or a scenic flight over Milford Sound – or a helicopter gin tour – while in Queenstown... Stay two nights in the heart of New Zealand's winemaking region at Blenheim, where you'll visit a winery and a sheep farm, and cruise the fjord-like sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds... Discover the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and attend a private Maori dance performance... Fly to Auckland on the North Island for two nights at a waterfront luxury hotel, your base for exploring the city... and more.
Auckland , Christchurch , Napier , Queenstown
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Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
Tour begins 4:30 PM. A transfer is included from Christchurch Airport to your hotel, Crowne Plaza Christchurch, located in the heart of the city. Tonight, join us for an exclusive welcome reception and dinner in the historic Riccarton House – a grand, restored 19th-century homestead.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
Quake City and Sightseeing
Begin the day with a visit to Quake City, a museum that documents the disastrous earthquakes that struck Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region in September 2010 and February 2011; exhibits tell of heroism and loss, the science behind earthquakes, the efforts of emergency workers and volunteers who pitched in to help, and recovery projects still going on. Leave the museum and go punting on the River Avon; punting is among the city's English traditions, like cricket, rugby, gardening, and afternoon tea, and today a punter in Edwardian outfit will pole your flat-bottomed boat along the idyllic Avon from the boatsheds to the Botanical Gardens. Following lunch at a local restaurant, peruse the park, then take your choice of afternoon adventures. Take a walking tour of the city's amazing street art with an art historian; or explore Hagley Park and the riverside on a bicycle* (manual or electric, as you prefer). Spend the rest of the day and evening as you please.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch -
Day 3
Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park
Today, drive to Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park, a land of skyscraping peaks and expansive glaciers in the heart of South Island, a mountain-climbers' mecca; here, the famed mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary practiced his climbing skills on Mount Cook before tackling the conquest of Mt. Everest. After lunch, board a MAC boat* for a close-up look at Tasman Glacier. The 16 mile-long glacier is continually melting and calving, creating an ever-expanding lake with icebergs; cruise the lake and its eerie iceberg-islands to the towering walls of the glacier. Dine at your hotel inside the park this evening; tonight, you'll have a chance to go stargazing with an expert who will guide you through the constellations. The park is one of the few places in world officially recognized as an International Dark-Sky Reserve, and the night skies here are rare and spectacular.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 4
From glaciers to Queenstown
Set off to explore the stunning Tasman Valley and the mountains and glaciers of the South Island from the air on an Ultimate Alpine Experience that combines flights in both a ski plane* and a helicopter*. Soar up to the valley and over glacial lakes and the breathtaking Southern Alps for an eagle-eye's view of the astonishing Hochstetter Icefall and famous Mt. Cook. Touch down on Tasman Glacier for a stroll on its surface before returning to Mt. Cook Airport; during your flight back, your guide shares insights on the area's geology, ecology and history. Depart on a scenic drive to Queenstown after lunch and arrive late afternoon at your acclaimed hotel on Lake Wakatipu, ringed by glacier-carved alpine mountains.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 5
Jet boating along the Dart River
Head to Glenorchy at the north end of Lake Wakatipu for an exhilarating jet boat ride* through Mt. Aspiring National Park along the Dart River; the park's strikingly diverse landscapes of alpine mountains, forests and valleys are laced with braided rivers and easy hiking trails where local guides will introduce you to the area's rich history and Maori legends. Return by helicopter* back to Queenstown where the rest of the day and evening are yours.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
Adventure sightseeing choices in Queenstown
You have a choice of three excursions from Queenstown today: Head out on a 4WD adventure safari that travels a historic gold mining road along the Arrow River, stop for morning tea and an opportunity to try your hand at panning for gold. Alternatively, you can take a scenic flight over Milford Sound, with impressive aerial views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and waterfalls – or embark on a "helicopter gin tour" (the world's first) that transports you, via helicopter, to a mountaintop gin tasting that's followed by a land journey with additional stops for gin (and other spirits) tastings. Everyone enjoys an evening that's free to spend as you please.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 7
Gardens & Marlborough wine tasting
Fly to Blenheim in the Marlborough region by private charter, then head to a working sheep farm for a sheepdog and sheep-shearing demonstrations followed by lunch at the lovely Wither Hills winery, a perfect place to discover, taste and enjoy the native wines of New Zealand. After checking into your hotel in Blenheim, enjoy dinner tonight at the acclaimed Harvest Restaurant, whose mission is simple: celebrating authentic hospitality. Utilizing local produce and sustainable practices, your meal here is sure to be one for the ages.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 8
Marlborough Sounds Cruise
Sail along the enchanting Marlborough Sounds, a vast network of sunken valleys, islands, secluded bays, and fjord-like vistas at the northern tip of South Island, on a private wine and green-lipped mussel cruise that includes lunch; the sheltered waters are home to dolphins, seals, gannets, and occasionally orcas. Return to the hotel for free time on your own. Dinner is at your leisure at the hotel in Blenheim this evening.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 9
Vintage aircraft, fly to Rotorua, and the Redwoods Nightlights experience
Start your day with a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a museum presenting an astonishing array of vintage aircraft from the world wars, including many World War I planes from filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson's personal collection; not merely displayed, the aircraft are featured in vivid dramatic scenes and settings designed by Jackson's film studios to show them in action. Fly to Rotorua; lunch at Stratosfare is memorable – you'll arrive at the restaurant after ascending Mt. Ngongotaha by the Skyline Gondola; the views are outstanding. Arrive mid-afternoon at your Rotorua hotel; have dinner; then join us for the amazing Redwoods Nightlights experience. It's one is one of New Zealand's top design led tourism experiences that features 34 exquisite lanterns designed by world-renowned designer and sustainability champion David Trubridge. Floating above the forest floor, this award-winning, eco-tourism walk 700 meters (about a half mile) long, spans across 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms and takes about 40 minutes to complete.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 10
A nature adventure or unique hot springs experience today in Rotorua
Today, discover New Zealand's geothermal wonderland. First up is a visit to Te Puia for excellent viewing of the area's geothermal attractions – including the spectacular Pohutu (Big Splash) geyser – and an opportunity to learn about Maori culture and arts and crafts. National schools teaching the Maori crafts of woodcarving, weaving, and stone and bone carving are all represented at Te Puia, and there is also a conservation centre helping to protect New Zealand's avian icon, the kiwi. You have a choice this afternoon of activity. take the Rotorua Canopy Tour – a forested network of swing bridges, platforms, and zip lines – all 22 meters high in the forest and often soundtracked by native birdlife – you'll journey deep into the ancient native forest to complete 6 zip lines and 2 swing bridges. Alternatively, visit Wai Ariki Hot Springs – grounded in te ao Maori principles and Ngati Whakaue culture, traditional healing practices, and manaakitanga, you'll follow a pathway of unforgettable spa experiences that move you from heat to cool, mud to water, air to steam to maximize the therapeutic benefits. Dinner is as you please this evening.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
Adventures in Hawke's BayThis morning, take a private charter flight from Rotorua to the "City of Sails," Auckland. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and an introductory tour of the city; the remainder of the day is free for you to spend as you please.
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner -
Day 12
A day of choice in Auckland
Today you'll have a choice sightseeing with three excursions to select from. Visit Waitomo Caves – heading south, at Spellbound you'll have a personalized tour where you will visit a scenic back-country farm to see caves. Marvel at thousands of glow worms as you glide gently downstream in an inflatable raft, and enjoy easy walks through stunning limestone caves and landscape. Alternatively, travel along the Matakana Coast with stunning scenery, fresh air, great locally produced food and wine, creativity, and an opportunity to "go local." Visit the Shuckle Ferry Oyster Farm for a boat ride, a lesson in local history, with a chance to learn, hands-on, the story of the life cycle of the oyster, and take a stroll through the Sculpture Trail at your leisure with over 60 works of art. Your third choice is a visit to Hamilton Gardens – rather than focusing on plant collections, at Hamilton Gardens the emphasis is on different types of garden design. Traditional botanic gardens concentrate on plant collections, conservation, research and education, while Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years. The collections of gardens at Hamilton Gardens explore the history, context and meaning of gardens, each telling a story and offerin insights into different civilizations; enjoy a gourmet picnic within the gardens, complete with a picnic blanket. All excursions return to Auckland mid- to late-afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 13
Visit to the All Blacks and free time in Auckland
Today you'll learn about the significance of rugby in New Zealand with a visit to the All Blacks, the New Zealand national rugby union team. Your time at the All Blacks Experience will include a 45 minute guided tour where you learn what it takes to make, shape and be an All Black. This will include learning the story and feeling the passion behind the All Blacks haka; you can then test your rugby skills against All Blacks and Black Ferns in the hands-on, interactive zone. The remainder of the day is free to explore as you choose before joining us this evening for our farewell reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 14
Journey Home
Tour ends: Auckland. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Park Hyatt Auckland to Auckland Airport. Allow three hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Explore Christchurch... go punting on the River Avon... walk on Tasman Glacier... travel by ski plane and helicopter... ride a jetboat on the Dart River and hike wilderness trails... discover a rich Maori cultural heritage... attend a sheep dog demonstration... and have adventures in world-class wine and cuisine along the way. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes, cultures, and cuisines of New Zealand on this 13-day journey far off the beaten tracks. Your journey begins with two nights in Christchurch at a lovely hotel where activities include punting on the River Avon... Stay at a lodge inside Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park where the landscape of rugged peaks and glaciers calls you to its hiking trails; ride a plane and/or helicopter to Tasman Glacier; lose yourself in the spectacular night sky (the park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing)… Ride a jet-boat on the Dart River... Take a 4WD safari – or a scenic flight over Milford Sound – or a helicopter gin tour – while in Queenstown... Stay two nights in the heart of New Zealand's winemaking region at Blenheim, where you'll visit a winery and a sheep farm, and cruise the fjord-like sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds... Discover the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and attend a private Maori dance performance... Fly to Auckland on the North Island for two nights at a waterfront luxury hotel, your base for exploring the city... and more.
- TAUCK EXCLUSIVE — Visit to the All Blacks, the New Zealand national union rugby team
- Cruising the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds
- A jetboat ride on the Dart River
- Wine tastings in Blenheim
- Ride a boat through underground Waitomo Caves, illuminated by glow worms
- Stargazing the night sky over Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park with an expert guide
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Park Hyatt Auckland
QT Queenstown Hotel
Pullman Rotorua
Crowne Plaza Christchurch
Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
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We spent more money on this Tauck tour than a Luxury Gold trip to Spain and Portugal (top of the line) which required international travel and was for a longer duration. Also, I've said this before about Tauck. Although a good company, there is too much food offered and too much time spent sitting down to a meal when we could be sightseeing.
Our goals were met and exceeded by Affordable Tours.
Wonderful Tauck Tours..we will travel with them again..thank you for the suggestion..
This is our 7th Tauck tour/river cruise and they have never disappointed.
Our trip was amazing and we had to he most amazing guide Leah she went above and beyond
Ms Lawren Farias was our agent. She went out of her way to make sure that everything went smoothly and it did I would defiitely use her again. She was outstanding.
Maya was absolutely wonderful! I only want to book with her for any future travel.
The Tauck tour exceeded our expectations.Our tour director was exceedingly well informed and organized.She was the best.
The tour was one of our best. Tauck's attention to detail and covering nearly 100% of our costs or fees and booking 5* hotels is why we liked the trip.
Fantastic vacation! Exceeded all our expectations! Trip of a Lifetime!!!
Tauck delivered as promised and more. The tour director was very helpful and knowledgeable. We wouldn't hesitate to book with them again.
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