New Zealand Journey
11 days from Auckland to Queenstown
From $ 3599
Duration11 days
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Spend 11 days exploring the North and South Islands of this small country packed with wonders. Travelling by train, gondola, boat, and plane, connect with locals in artsy beach towns, walk through an ancient rain forest, and learn about local legends and cuisine from the Maori. Take a deep breath to fill your lungs with the impossibly clean air here – and fill your soul with the legendary Kiwi spirit.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 11 days
    Service level: Upgraded
  • Starts in: Auckland
    Physical Grading: Light
  • Ends in: Queenstown
    Ages: 12+
New Zealand Journey - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Auckland
Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Our CEO will have a welcome meeting this evening.

Auckland is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. Should you want more time to explore on your own, we recommend booking pre-nights.
Arrive at any time. Jump right into your adventure by adding the 'Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience' extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland's Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.

This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like the Hobbiton Movie Set or local wineries, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights.
Day 2: Auckland
Enjoy a morning orientation walk before catching a ferry to Waiheke Island. Visit two local wineries to learn more about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of wine production in the country while sampling some of the local blends, of course.
Meals: B
Day 3: Auckland/Raglan

Start place: Auckland

Drive a scenic route, visiting an eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture. Enjoy lunch, featuring food which has been sustainably produced on the farm. Continue to the artsy town of Raglan, stopping at Bridal Veil Falls en route, and enjoy a cruise on the stunning harbour.

End place: Raglan

Meals: B, L
Day 4: Raglan/Rotorua

Start place: Raglan

Rotorua sits over an active volcano with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. This is a fascinating region with Maori history and culture tied directly to the geothermal aspects of the land.
Drive to Rotorua, stopping for an excursion at Waitomo Caves where you'll take a boat ride through the cave and see thousands of flickering glowworms lighting up the walls.

This evening visit Tamaki Maori Village and enjoy a private welcome and talk from a “Kaumātua” (an elder in Māori society). After, enjoy an extravagant performance about local myths and legends while dining on traditional Hangi cuisine.

End place: Rotorua

Meals: B, D
Day 5: Rotorua/Christchurch

Start place: Rotorua

With free time in Rotorua this morning, opt to relax in one of the hot pools fed by water coming directly from the natural springs.
Enjoy free time this morning in Rotorua before catching a flight to Christchurch. Take an orientation walk with your CEO to get a feel for the city.

End place: Christchurch

Meals: B
Day 6: Christchurch/Franz Josef

Start place: Christchurch
Enjoy one of the world’s great scenic train trips on the TranzAlpine train, crossing the scenic Southern Alps to New Zealand's glacier region. Disembark and finish the journey over the highest pass in the Southern Alps in a private vehicle before transferring to a beautiful rainforest lodge, our home for two nights.

End place: Franz Josef

Meals: B
Day 7: Franz Josef

Start place: Franz Josef

Options are plentiful. Choose from a helicopter hike, ice walking on the glacier, or soaking in the hot pools amongst the stunning scenery.

End place: Franz Josef

Meals: B
Day 8: Franz Josef/Queenstown

Start place: Franz Josef

Early start to travel to the picturesque Lake Matheson. When the weather is right, you can get a great photo of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake. Follow the wild West Coast Road, through the rainforest before stopping for some short walks and waterfall visits.
Travel through the rugged rainforest along the west coast to Queenstown. Enjoy an evening gondola ride with spectacular views of the city.

End place: Queenstown

Meals: B
Day 9: Queenstown/Fiordland National Park

Start place: Queenstown

In the evening, enjoy a delicious three course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar (additional price) and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars.
Embark on an amazing wilderness cruise through Fiordland National Park. Led by onboard naturalist guides, we have the chance to see dolphins, fur seals, birds, and penguins along with an option to kayak. Spend the night onboard in comfortable cabins with time to relax on deck, stargaze, and enjoy some New Zealand wine. *Please note that the itinerary for this day varies in the winter:

Winter Schedule 18 May – 20 Sept Fiordland National Park/Te Anau
Drive the scenic route around Lake Wakatipu to the town of Manapouri. Travel by boat and bus to arrive at an eco cruise boat. Spend the afternoon cruising through Milford or Doubtful Sound, two of the most untouched, remote places in the world. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls. The boat offers excellent chances for wildlife viewing in the area. Dolphins, penguins, seals and a variety of birds are some examples of what you can hope to see. In the evening, head to Te Anau for the night. We take in a screening of the award winning ‘Ata Whenua – Shadowland‘ Fjordland on Film documentary at the local cinema before having a group meal.

End place: Fiordland National Park

Meals: B, D
Day 10: Fiordland National Park/Queenstown

Start place: Fiordland National Park

Enjoy morning wildlife viewing along the fiord as we cruise back to port, then return to Queenstown for the final night. Opt for a farewell dinner with your group.

End place: Queenstown

Meals: B
Day 11: Queenstown

Start place: Queenstown

For more time to explore Queenstown, we recommend booking post nights with your agent if you are interested in the countless adrenaline-packed activities in the town known as the "adventure capital of the world." Jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and sky diving are some of the activities available.
Depart at any time.

End place: Queenstown

Meals: B
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Inclusions

Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet a Maori Elder, Rotorua Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Resourceful Ōtautahi Walking Tour with Local Expert, Christchurch Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Bridal Veil Falls visit
  • Farm visit with local lunch
  • Raglan harbour cruise
  • Waitomo Caves tour
  • Traditional Maori hangi feast and entertainment
  • Orientation walk in Christchurch
  • Scenic TranzAlpine train
  • Ride the Queenstown gondola
  • Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) on Fiordland National Park
  • Internal flight
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

  • Transport

    Private vehicle, Plane, Train, Boat, Walking

  • Accommodation

    Hotels (9 nts), Cruise boat (1 nt, seasonal)

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