Journeys: Discover New Zealand Tour with 12 Reviews by G Adventures

12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Auckland, New Zealand

Ends

Queenstown, New Zealand

Highlights

Sample wine with local experts on Waiheke Island.

experience the geothermal mysteries of Rotorua.

glide along the TranzAlpine railway.

experience farm life in New Zealand with a sheep herding and shearing demonstration.

witness the stars in the protected International Dark Sky in Lake Tekapo.

cruise through Fiordland National Park searching for wildlife and waterfalls.

Itinerary

New Zealand’s dazzling scenery and rich heritage come alive on the "Journeys: Discover New Zealand" tour, a 12-day active exploration from Auckland to Queenstown. Tailored for experienced and senior travelers, this trip weaves together plane, train, van, and boat journeys, revealing the country’s breathtaking fjords, glowworm caves, snowcapped peaks, and vibrant cities. Taste wine at picturesque vineyards, cruise through Fiordland National Park, and immerse yourself in Maori culture. The seamless blend of adventure and comfort makes this tour package stand out as the ultimate way to experience both the North and South Islands’ natural and cultural highlights.

day 1 - Auckland

Arrive at any time.
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.

Accomodation:CityLife Auckland (or similar)

Included Activity:Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Auckland Sailing: America's Cup Experience (Pre Tour)

day 2 - Auckland

Take an orientation walk in Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. We’ll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit wineries to learn about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of viticulture in the country while sampling some of the local blends.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:CityLife Auckland (or similar)

Included Activities:Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr, Waiheke Island Wineries Duration : 3.5 hr - 4.0 hr

Optional Activities:Maritime Museum Visit Tour the museum’s seven galleries to learn more about New Zealand’s relationship with the sea. Be inspired by the country's most celebrated mariner, Sir Peter Blake, and his many accomplishments, and see maritime art that speaks to the sentiment of a nautical nation.

day 3 - Auckland/Rotorua

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
Rotorua sits over an active geothermal zone 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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Millennium Rotorua (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 7.0 hr - 8.0 hr Distance : 275 km

Included Activity:Waitomo Cave Excursion Duration : 2.5 hr

day 4 - Rotorua

Begin your full-day excursion with a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Then head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand's indigenous culture. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way-—buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch see ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Millennium Rotorua (or similar)

Included Activity:A day at Kohutapu

Optional Activities:Hot Springs Soak tired muscles in the area's natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don't miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city's naturally heated waters.

day 5 - Rotorua/Christchurch

This morning, spend some time learning about New Zealand's most iconic species-the kiwi. Enjoy a private tour at the National Kiwi Hatchery with an expert guide and learn how the chicks are reared and cared for in this incredible conservation effort protecting the endangered kiwi. In the afternoon, catch a flight to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island.
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.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Distinction Christchurch Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Plane Duration : 1.0 hr

Included Activities:The National Kiwi Hatchery, Orientation With CEO Duration : 0.5 hr - 1.0 hr

day 6 - Christchurch

Board the TranzAlpine train—one of the world’s most scenic rail routes—for a breathtaking journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass—the highest pass in the Southern Alps - and choose to grab a coffee and spend some time exploring this alpine area. Descend into the Canterbury Plains to visit a working sheep farm. On arrival, dig into a bbq lunch prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Then spend the afternoon with the sheepdogs learning about how the dogs work in tandem with their human owners to care for the farm. Watch a sheep shearing demonstration and hear from the farmers about the their life and work in this fascinating industry. Return to Christchurch later in the afternoon, with time to explore on your own and take dinner at your leisure.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Distinction Christchurch Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:TransAlpine Train, Sheep Shearing Experience

day 7 - Christchurch/Lake Tekapo

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Christchurch. Choose to stroll the Christchurch Botanic Gardens or wander the city. In the afternoon, head west to Tekapo at the base of Aoraki/Mt Cook. This evening after dinner, join local experts for an exclusive astronomy experience in one of the worlds official Dark Sky Parks in Tekapo. Expect breathtaking perspectives of the stars, planets, and distant galaxies. You'll have the rare opportunity to capture stunning celestial images with expert guidance, while experienced guides take you on a journey through the Southern Skies.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Woolshed Suites (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 225 km

Included Activity:Tekapo Dark Sky Experience

Optional Activities:Christchurch Botanic Gardens

day 8 - Lake Tekapo

Set off this morning for the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Sir Edmund Hillary, New Zealand's most famous explorer, made some of his very first ascents here at the south face of Aoraki/Mt Cook which set the foundation for his world-changing summit of Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953. In a July 1954 issue of National Geographic Hillary was quoted as saying “We are there. Nothing above us, a world below.” Spend time at the visitor centre that honors Sir Edmund Hillary and his achievements in the exploration of so many fascinating parts of the planet. Later in the afternoon, embark on your own explorations with a guided trek along the Kea Point track. This 1.8 mile trail offers views to Mount Sefton, Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake and Aoraki/Mt Cook.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Woolshed Suites (or similar)

Included Activities:Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Aoraki/ Mt Cook Kea Point Trek Duration : 1.0 hr - -2.0 hr Distance : 2 km

day 9 - Lake Tekapo/Queenstown

Set off this morning heading further west towards Wanaka. Enjoy some free exploration time in Wanaka and grab some lunch at leisure. This afternoon, join your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for a brief orientation of Arrowtown before enjoying some time to explore this historic mining town. Choose to go on a walking tour starting at the Lakes District Museum. Then stroll around the historic miner's cottages, old churches, and explore the Chinese Settlement to learn about the gold mining past that shaped Arrowtown. In late afternoon, head to Queenstown and enjoy dinner at leisure.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Novotel Queenstown Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle

day 10 - Queenstown

Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night.

Meal:Breakfast and Lunch

Accomodation:Novotel Queenstown Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 250 km

Included Activity:Fiordland National Park Wilderness Cruise

day 11 - Queenstown

Enjoy a Day at leisure in Queenstown to explore the myriad things that make this southern city so famous. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region’s award-winning vintages. Choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for a delicious farewell dinner on this final evening in New Zealand.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Novotel Queenstown Hotel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Vineyard Tour , Shotover Jet Boating Jet boating is a typical New Zealand activity— go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs., Gondola Ride Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below. , Earnslaw Steamship Cruise Discover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103 year old traditional steamship. This 90 minute cruise highlights that stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown, and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck.

day 12 - Queenstown

Depart at any time.
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 and mountain biking are some of the activities available.

Meal:Breakfast

Included Activity:Departure Day

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels – 11 nts.

Meals

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches
Note: Allow USD370-485 for meals not included.

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Included activities

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: A day at Kohutapu, RotoruaYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Sheep Shearing Experience, Canterbury PlainsYour Journeys Highlight Moment: Tekapo Dark Sky Experience, Lake TekapoWaiheke Island WineriesWaitomo Caves tourKohutapu Local Maori Community InitiativeGuided tour of the Kiwi HatcheryScenic TranzAlpine trainSir Edmund Hillary Alpine CentreAoraki Mount Cook Kea Point TrekFree time in Wanaka and ArrowtownWilderness day cruise in Fiordland National ParkFree time in QueenstownInternal flight

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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based on 12 reviews

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