The Wonders of New Zealand Guided Tour w/air – from $4,809

Latest Deals! > The Wonders of New Zealand Guided Tour w/air – from $4,809

DAY 1, Monday – Depart for New Zealand
Depart for New Zealand

DAY 2, Tuesday – En Route
Cross the International Dateline 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 harbor side location, and transfer to your hotel. This evening, attend a briefing by your Tour Manager on the exciting adventure that awaits you in New Zealand followed by a Welcome Dinner and Drinks with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Rydges Auckland, Auckland
Meals: Dinner

DAY 4, Thursday – Auckland
Begin the day at the Auckland Sky Tower, followed by a visit to the fabulous Auckland Museum, guided by an expert New Zealand natural historian. Here, you’ll see the monumental carvings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori people along with an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits depicting the growth of the country. Learn about the significance of Maori and Polynesian history and understand how the melding of diverse cultures helped shape the unique culture that exists in New Zealand today. Stop by Bastion Point, and then return via Mission Bay for an afternoon at leisure to enjoy all of the delights of Auckland on your own. Or, join the optional tour to Waiheke Island, a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and pristine beaches. Highlights include a visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting, an olive oil tour and time to swim or sun on one of the white sandy beaches gently sloping down into the Hauraki Gulf. Explore the unique galleries and craft boutiques in this homeland of artists and enjoy a tasty lunch, on your own, of the delicious New Zealand fresh Pacific Rim cuisine. Return to Auckland on the early evening ferry. Evening at leisure in Auckland
Optional: Waiheke Island Tour (PM)
Overnight: Rydges Auckland, Auckland
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Friday – Tongariro National Park
From Auckland travel to the fertile Waikato Plains, stopping in Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori King, and through the country’s major dairy region. View the hilly farmlands that mix with indigenous bush as you continue south. A unique experience is in store for you at the astonishing Ruakuri Caves with its amazing formations and underground secrets that will surely take your breath away! The caves are home to swirling rivers, echoing waterfalls, glow worms and rocks that flow into delicate shawl-like formations. You’ll also see a deep limestone shaft and an astonishing soaring subterranean cathedral. Afterwards, on to a local farm for a sumptuous barbecue lunch. Then, drive through Te Kuiti and Taumarunui on the way to Tongariro National Park. Your accommodations are at the unique Chateau Tongariro at the foot of Mount Ruapehu, renowned for its classical style and grandeur, fondly referred to as the “Grand Old Lady of the Mountain”. Tonight, dinner together surrounded by history and magnificent antiques in this grand Chateau.
Overnight: Chateau Tongariro, Tongariro National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday – Huka Falls, Wai O Tapu Thermal Park, Rotorua
Luxuriate in the chateau’s historic lounge, or, take a short walk to see the magnificent landscape and endless mountain views. Then, a scenic drive takes you to Taupo on the banks of the Tongariro River, where anglers come from all over the world to fish for rainbow or brown trout. You then skirt the eastern shores of Taupo Lake, the largest in the country, to thundering Huka Falls, with its striking “foamy” rapids that fall into crystal-clear blue waters. Continue to the geothermic wonderland of the Wai O Tapu Thermal Park. Walk through New Zealand’s most colorful geothermal attraction, with its steaming geysers and bubbling hot springs. As you drive past Kaingaroa State Forest, the largest in the North Island, have your first glimpse of Rotorua, where you stay for the next two nights, home of fascinating Maori culture, hot springs and boiling mud pools
Overnight: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Sunday – Rotorua, Whakarewarewa, “Hangi” Feast Dinner
Morning at leisure for independent explorations in Rotorua. In the afternoon, have an informative look into Maori culture. Begin at the Rotorua Museum with a scenic drive to the Blue and Green Lakes and the Redwood Forest to hear about their history and relevance to Maori, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Arrive at 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 piu piu (grass skirts). You’ll visit the kiwi house to view the nocturnal Kiwi Bird before continuing to the boiling mud pools and geysers. Then, you’ll be welcomed into the Whakarewarewa Marae with a traditional haka ceremony and Maori concert. Afterward, enjoy an authentically prepared Hangi Dinner, cooked in the steaming ground and hot pools, ending with the most delectable steamed dessert. Tonight will indeed be a memorable and authentic Maori experience!
Overnight: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside, Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 8, Monday – Oamaru and the Blue Penguin Colony
Flight this morning to Christchurch on the South Island. A panoramic drive then leads you down the coast where you cross the longest bridge in New Zealand over the Rakaia River. Drive through Ashburton, center of the sheep and wheat farming area to the port city of Timaru, with one of the world’s largest man-made harbors. Then, on to the pretty town of Oamaru, with its impressive display of charming Victorian architecture. This evening, visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony, home to the world’s smallest penguins who nest under the cliffs along the foreshore of the harbor. Watch from the outdoor observation area as they walk up the stony ramps in front of you, returning home to the breeding colony at the end of the day. Keep your cameras ready! Dinner this evening at the hotel
Overnight: Brydone Hotel, Oamaru
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday – Central Otago Wine Region, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown
Traveling south, arrive at Moeraki. Here, view the mysterious large and spherical boulders, known to be over 60 million years old, scattered along the beach, with others emerging from the sandstone cliffs. A change of scenery as you head inland to the heart of the Central Otago Wine Region, the fastest growing wine area in New Zealand, with its unique climate and rich soil that creates ideal growing conditions. After a Barbecue lunch, drive through Alexandra & Clyde to the Clutha Valley and view the rugged scenery of the Kawarau Gorge following the river to Queesntown. The drive then takes you 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. Before arriving at the hotel sample some of the fine wines at one of the locally owned boutique vineyards in the Gibbston Valley. Leisure time to explore this dazzling city on your own
Overnight: Rydges Lakeland Resort Hotel, Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 10, Wednesday – Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Depart Queenstown for picturesque Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound. Nestled on the lake’s edge, it’s the perfect base from which to discover the spectacular glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park. 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. An informative commentary on the natural history and wildlife follows you as you stop at waterfalls and points of interest along the way. Return to Queentown for dinner
Overnight: Rydges Lakeland Resort Hotel, Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday – Queenstown
A day for personal discovery in Queentown. There is so much to see, and so much to do! In the afternoon, perhaps join the delightful optional cruise on the vintage TSS Earnslaw, a perfect way to enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery. This 100 year-old steamship, known as the “Lady of the Lake” is the only remaining passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the Southern Hemisphere. Ride the steamship on Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, founded in 1860 where you can savor a gourmet Barbecue Dinner, with an extensive menu, followed by a Farm Show before returning back to Queenstown
Optional: TSS Earnslaw Cruise, Farm Visit and Barbecue Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Rydges Lakeland Resort Hotel, Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Friday – Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef
Today, a magnificent drive on your way to glacier country. Depart Queenstown and follow the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell, with its lush vineyards and history dating back to the hectic gold rush days of the 1800s. A short drive along the Clutha River Valley brings you to picturesque Wanaka nestled on the crystal clear waters of Lake Wanaka. View the rugged coastal scenery as you cross the rivers and streams flowing from the upper reaches of the mighty Southern Alps. Enjoy a country-style lunch en route to the destination of Franz Josef. Upon arrival, views of the famous glacier discovered by Europeans in 1865, named after the Austrian emperor. Although the glacier has retreated considerably, its frozen past is still visible in the present landscape. Dinner at the hotel tonight
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 13, Saturday – Franz Josef Glacier
After a morning at leisure, an adventurous afternoon. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you on an easy walk to the Franz Josef Glacier. Learn more about the role of the glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape as ou continue through the regenerating rainforest and along the glacier valley up to the receding terminal face of the glacier. The rest of the day is at leisure in this stunning setting. Spend time in the charming and hospitable town with its cafes and international restaurants. Or, if you’re looking for more adventure, opt to take a heli-hike, aerial sightseeing, or a guided ice walk atop the glacier on your own
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 14, Sunday – Christchurch
Depart Franz Josef, traveling north on the South Island’s West Coast before turning inland. You gradually descend the Southern Alps and emerge in the Canterbury Plains where you enter Christchurch, the second largest city 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. An informative stop follows at Quake City, coordinated by the Canterbury Museum. Visit this unique multi-sensory attraction aimed at informing and educating New Zealanders and travellers. Tonight, share wonderful memories together on your last night in New Zealand. Bid a fond farewell to your Tour Manager and new-found friends at a special Farewell Dinner
Overnight: Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 15, Monday – Depart New Zealand
Bon Voyage! Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast