14 Day Wonders of New Zealand - Monday Feb 9th Departure
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Tour Itinerary
Auckland , Christchurch , Franz Josef , Napier , Queenstown , Rotorua , Wellington
DAY 1, Monday - Depart for New Zealand
Depart for New Zealand
DAY 2, Tuesday - En Route
Cross the International date line en route to New Zealand and skip a day ahead
DAY 3, Wednesday - Arrive in Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive in Auckland, the country's largest city, often called the "City of Sails" because of its lovely harborside location, and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 3 PM
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Dinner
DAY 4, Thursday - Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
From Auckland, travel south through the fertile Waikato Plains to Waitomo. A unique experience is in store for you at the astonishing Waitomo Caves, home to swirling rivers, glow worms and rocks that flow into delicate shawl-like formations. After lunch, drive to Rotorua and check in to your hotel. Tonight, savor a home-hosted dinner with a local family and experience a unique opportunity to learn about their values and traditions
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Friday - Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Haka Ceremony & Dinner
Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Rotorua, or join the optional Hobbiton tour. Travel through the spectacular North Island scenery to Matamata, home to the Hobbiton movie set. Take a guided tour around the set and view Hobbit holes, the Party Tree, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. In the afternoon, journey to Te Puia, in Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity and thermal springs. Discover the unique lifestyle and traditions of the Maori and witness the phenomena of Mother Nature and how the Maori people live in harmony within this unique landscape and environment. You'll meet with a member of the local Maori tribe who shares the many aspects of traditional wood carving and its importance within the Maori culture. In the village observe the weaving demonstrations and traditional ways of creating piupiu (grass skirts). You'll visit the kiwi house to view the nocturnal kiwi bird before continuing to the boiling mud pools and geysers. Then, attend a traditional Haka ceremony and Maori concert. Afterward, have dinner that is partly hangi style, cooked in the steaming ground and hot pools, ending with the most a delectable steamed dessert
Optional: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (AM)
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Saturday - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park, Huka Falls, Redwoods Treewalk Experience
Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park, and admire its steaming geysers and bubbling hot springs. Next, venture to Huka Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in New Zealand, near Lake Taupo. Afterward, head to Rotorua's iconic Redwood Forest. Walk across suspended bridges and platforms, high above the forest floor, amongst giant 120-yesr old redwood trees. Marvel at the stunning natural environment and immerse yourself in the peacefulness of this special forest. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Sunday - Lake Taupo, Wellington
After breakfast this morning, depart Rotorua and drive through breathtaking scenery to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, located at the southern end of the North Island. Along the way, stop at Lake Taupo, a large crater located in the caldera of Taupo Volcano. Afterward, continue the journey, and make a stop in Taihape for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, visit the historic Mangaweka Bridge and later, drive to Wellington. On arrival, take a panoramic tour of the city on the way to your hotel. Check into your room with time to settle in before dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Monday - Walking Food Tour, Afternoon at Leisure
This morning, embark on a walking food tour of Wellington City, known as the "culinary capital.", and sample a range of delicious local food and drinks. During this tour, your local guide will take you on a journey through the heart of the city. Visit some of the best hospitality outlets and gain insight into the city's unique culinary scene. At the conclusion of the tour, return to the hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure for independent explorations in Wellington, including a ticket to ride on the historic Wellington cable car, providing panoramic views over the city
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Tuesday - Flight to Christchurch and Walking Tour
Transfer to the airport this morning, for your flight to Christchurch, in the South Island. The city, is the second largest in New Zealand. Often referred to as the most English of New Zealand's cities, it is also known as the "Garden City", because of its majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, including expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to the hotel. Afterward, take an orientation walking tour of the city. Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Wednesday - TranzAlpine Scenic Train Ride, Kiwi Hatchery, Franz Josef
This morning, board the most scenic train ride in New Zealand, and one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. Traveling west crossing the farmland of the Canterbury Plains, ascend through striking gorges and river valleys towards the Southern Alps. Arrive at the village of Arthur's Pass* and drive to Franz Josef. En route to the hotel, stop to visit a kiwi hatching facility, home to a hatching program of the world's rarest kiwi, the rowi. Learn more about this rare flightless bird from an expert ranger. Then, check in to your hotel overlooking some of New Zealand's tallest peaks. Dinner is at the hotel tonight*For some departures, the train ride will begin in Arthur's Pass and end in Greymouth, followed by a visit to the kiwi facility.
Overnight: Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Thursday - Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown
View Franz Josef Glacier and learn more about glaciology, mountaineering, local history, Maori legends, conservation, and biodiversity of the area. Later, drive to Queenstown, named for Queen Victoria, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown's stunning scenery is inspiring and revitalizing. The city is acclaimed by international travelers and "kiwis" alike as New Zealand's adventure capital. Check in to your hotel before dinner tonight
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Friday - Walter Peak Farm Tour
Embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a vintage steamship the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Admire the beautiful scenery and views of the Remarkables mountain range. Upon arrival, take a walking tour of the farm and lean about New Zealand's farming lifestyle. Following lunch, watch sheepdogs in action, as they demonstrate their remarkable skills rounding up sheep and later, visit the holding pens. Stroll through the lakeside gardens before cruising back to Queenstown. The balance of the day is at leisure to discover picturesque Queenstown on your own
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13, Saturday - Milford Sound
Depart Queenstown for picturesque Milford Sound. Follow the glacier-hewn Eglinton River Valley into a magnificent beech forest before descending into the precipitous Hollyford Valley. Tussock and scrub replace the bush as the road climbs steadily up the Hollyford to the gigantic cirque where sheer rock faces dwarf the Homer Tunnel portal beneath. Beyond the tunnel, you descend into the Cleddau Canyon, between towering, rugged mountains and forests, until the road comes out into the open at spectacular Milford Sound. Board your cruise on Milford Sound and be surrounded by astonishing scenery from atop the viewing decks. Take in the views while savoring lunch on board. An informative commentary on the natural history and wildlife follows you as you stop at waterfalls and points of interest along the way. Afterward, head back to Queenstown. Tonight, share wonderful memories together on your last night in New Zealand. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager at dinner
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, Sunday - Depart New Zealand
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
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Please Note: Land Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.
Package Includes
Other departure cities available.
*Some departures stay 3 nights in Rotorua and have alternative sightseeing on Days 6 and 7. Please review your departure for applicable city stay
**Some departures will travel from Arthur's Pass-Greymouth
Tour Highlights
Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departures transfers, but does include flight Wellington-Christchurch.
Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5 PM. We recommend you select flights that arrive no later than 3 PM.
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Rydges Auckland
This first class hotel is centrally located in Auckland.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
This first class hotel is located in the city of Rotorua, nearby the Polynesian Spa.
Movenpick Hotel Wellington
This first class hotel overlooks Wellington's Cuban Quarter.
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
This first class hotel is situated in the city center of Christchurch nearby Cathedral Square.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
This superior tourist class hotel is situated in Franz Josef Village.
Scenic Suites Queenstown Hotel
This first class hotel offers spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps.
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