New Zealand Getaway from $3,095

Latest Deals! > New Zealand Getaway from $3,095

Day 1. Arrive Auckland

Be met on arrival into Auckland and transferred to your hotel, which is centrally located within this beautiful harbourside city, known as the ‘City of Sails’.

Stay: Rydges Auckland Hotel

Day 2. Auckland, Bay of Islands

Journey north to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve – one of New Zealand’s most famous kauri forests and the largest of its kind remaining on the North Island. Here, a short walk from the roadside will take you to the base of a giant kauri tree, called Tãne Mahuta or ‘Lord of the Forest’, the largest and most celebrated kauri tree known to stand today. Continue to the stunning Bay of Islands and check in to your hotel, overlooking the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Tonight’s special Welcome Dinner presents the chance to meet your fellow travellers.

Stay: Two Nights: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, in a room with garden views

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 3. Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands providing a stunning aquatic playground off the north coast of the North Island. After breakfast today, you’ll enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the idyllic subtropical surrounds. Perhaps relax on a pristine beach, explore the stunning wilderness areas via one of the many walking tracks, or set off into town and dine at a local restaurant.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast

Day 4. Bay of Islands, Auckland

Like a Local – explore New Zealand’s finest maritime park on a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. This captivating coastline provides sheltered waters for dolphins, whales, seals, penguins and other marine life, so keep a look out while enjoying the scenery. Continue to the Hole in the Rock, a distinctive sandstone arch formation which defines this remarkable coast. Return to Auckland by coach and relax prior to dinner.

Stay: Rydges Auckland Hotel

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 5. Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua

Leaving Auckland after breakfast, travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glowworm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an unmistakable glow. Like a Local – discover the magical natural spectacle of Waitomo Caves with a local guide before continuing to the geothermal capital of New Zealand, Rotorua. Visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier cultural centre, and enjoy a guided tour of the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. You’ll also see the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and witness the phenomenal natural spectacle of erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools. A Taste of New Zealand – enjoy a Maori Hangi Feast with performances of song and dance at Te Puia tonight. Delight in the opportunity to dine and interact with locals who will enchant you with their customs and cheerful hospitality.

Stay: Two Nights: Rydges Rotorua

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 6. Rotorua

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Maori culture and rich heritage. The city is positioned on the Pacific Rim of Fire, and is therefore one of the world’s most active geothermal areas. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions, the Agrodome, with its entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, dog trials and animal nursery. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional helicopter flight for views over the active White Island volcano (own expense).

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast

Day 7. Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington

Departing Rotorua, travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Lake Taupo – the largest freshwater lake in Australasia – and thundering Huka Falls. Continue south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

Stay: Ibis Wellington Hotel

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast

Day 8. Wellington, Cook Strait, Christchurch

The Cook Strait separates the North and South islands and was named after Captain James Cook, the first European to sail across it in 1770. Like a Local – enjoy one of the world’s most scenic voyages as the Interislander ferry traverses Cook Strait through the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds. Weave through unspoilt islands and admire coastlines defined by tiny coves on the way to Picton. Continue to Christchurch via Kaikoura.

Stay: Christchurch, Quality Hotel Elms

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 9. Christchurch, Fox Glacier

Absorb the rural scenery from aboard your coach before beginning the ascent into the Main Divide. Then, sit back and enjoy the vistas as you journey through the Southern Alps. Be sure to keep watch for the icy crests of Fox and Franz Josef glaciers as you travel through Westland National Park. Over thousands of years, these remarkable natural wonders have created immense glacial valleys. Today, their magnificent rivers of ice can be seen cascading down through the lush rainforests.

Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 10. Fox Glacier, Queenstown

Travel past the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps this morning. Journey through spectacular Haast Pass, skirting the tranquil shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. Special Stay – settle in for a two-night stay overseeing the calming blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, all the while admiring the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains capped in snow. Delicious food is always on the menu in Queenstown as it is renowned for its world-class culinary scene and energetic nightlife. This evening, during time at leisure, you may like to dine at one of the many local restaurants set within the heart of town.

Stay: Two Nights: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast

Day 11. Queenstown

Queenstown is the perfect destination for adventurers and leisure seekers alike, offering endless activities to suit every traveller. With an entire day to spend as you please, you have the freedom to simply relax amid the beautiful lakeside setting or pursue your interests and choose one of Travelmarvel’s exciting Optional Experiences. You may wish to step aboard the 100-year-old TSS Earnslaw steamship for a relaxing cruise to Walter Peak Station, or perhaps take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for spectacular panoramic views over Queenstown (both at own expense). Alternatively, if you’re more of a gourmand, perhaps choose to set off into the Central Otago region independently – one of New Zealand’s foremost wine-producing areas.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast

Day 12. Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau

Today, follow The Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along the Milford Road, thought to be one of the world’s best alpine drives, to Milford Sound. Like a Local – cruise the full length of Milford Sound, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, sheer cliffs and the surrounding mountains of this World Heritage-listed area. Afterwards, make your way to your hotel and enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 13. Te Anau, Dunedin

Leaving the Fiordland region, today you’ll journey through rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin. Enjoy a tour taking in the city’s most significant landmarks and learn of its rich history. Later, head to the nearby hills to take an intriguing tour of Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Steeped in scandal and tragedy, filled with magnificent antiques and offering breathtaking views, Larnach Castle provides a memorable holiday highlight. Enjoy some time at leisure before dining with your fellow travellers this evening.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 14. Dunedin, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo

Journey along the east coast to see the Moeraki Boulders. These large spherical stones were formed more than 60 million years ago and can be found along a stretch of Koekohe Beach. Continue to Oamaru to see some of New Zealand’s finest 19th-century architecture. Like a Local – later, en route to Lake Tekapo, journey into Mt Cook National Park to view Australasia’s highest mountain, Aoraki (Mt Cook), and admire the sublime alpine scenery. Special Stay – arrive at your wonderful hotel, situated on the shores of Lake Tekapo. A Taste of New Zealand – this evening, dine on fresh local produce at your hotel’s restaurant during a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Stay: Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner

Day 15. Lake Tekapo, Depart Christchurch

Awake to spectacular vistas of Lake Tekapo just beyond your window. Pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, which was built as a tribute to the region’s early pioneers, before travelling to Christchurch Airport where your journey concludes.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast