New Zealand Explorer

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Auckland

This morning you will head on a half-day tour of Auckland that is packed with city sights and historical landmarks! Board your coach and travel through the city center, along Karangahape Road as you discover its diverse vibe and pass by the fashionable Ponsonby area. Make your way over the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you take in the breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and discover Auckland's famous Queen Street before making your way to the Auckland Domain. The Domain is the city's oldest park, and, at 75 hectares, one of the largest. Developed around an extinct volcano, the park boasts tropical gardens, duck ponds, and public art, and is also home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. After visiting the Domain, your tour will continue to the Parnell Village for a short morning tea stop (at your own expense). The historic buildings of Parnell have been transformed into a trendy shopping area featuring a wide range of boutiques, craft, and specialty stores. From there you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Overnight in Auckland

Optional: Electric bike tour of Auckland by night!
This guided night cycle tour is an ideal way to Auckland from a different perspective. The city is lit up at night with lots of interesting installations, which your local guide will find. Electric bikes make getting around effortless, and your guide will keep you safe on cycle paths and less busy roads. A maximum group size of four means you will get personalized attention. 

Today you will discover the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand along with the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Your tour will also take you to the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo. Depart Auckland in the morning to travel the breathtaking farmlands of the Waikato and King Country regions as you listen to the commentary from your driver guide. Learn about the history of the region as you pass by sites of interest such as Rangiriri, the site of a major battle in the Maori Land Wars in 1863. Your first stop will be in the small town of Waitomo, where you will head on a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Travel through these underground limestone caverns, discovered in 1887, and find out how the incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating rock formations were formed over a period of 30 million years. Your tour will end with a short yet magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto — a subterranean cavern illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. After that you will visit Rotorua, in the heart of the Central North Island. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia's marae (meeting house) where you will receive a traditional welcome and an invitation to see a Maori cultural performance, where ancient and modern stories will be told through songs, dance, poi, and stick games. You will develop an understanding of this unique culture and history as you are entertained by the talented and charismatic performers. You will be transfered back to Auckland by the end of the tour.

Overnight in Auckland.

* We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or book an optional tour.

Overnight in Christchurch

Hop on your coach for a half-day tour of Christchurch. The trip will start by covering the central city highlights including the botanical gardens, the Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance, the city's new pop-up container mall, and many other highlights. As you leave the inner city, the coach will take you to Mona Vale and its historic homestead and gardens. You will travel up to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building boasting breathtaking views of the city, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps, and make your way over the Port Hills to the Port of Lyttleton. Travel through the harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and the cave rock before returning to the central city and the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Christchurch

Today you will board you coach and head to Queenstown. There will be short breaks along the way. 

Overnight in Queenstown 

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book an optional tour.

Overnight in Queenstown

Optional: Full Day Milford Sound Experience
Arguably the most scenic destination in New Zealand, Milford Sound offers a sweeping landscape of jagged snow-capped mountains, shimmering fjords and lakes, towering waterfalls and emerald greenery. Travel with a small group by coach from Queenstown to Fiordland National Park to explore this lush wilderness, including a boat cruise on the Milford Sound. You also see The Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu—New Zealand's longest lake, and Lake Te Anau—the South Island’s the largest lake. 

Optional: The Vintage Steam Ship Cruise
Experience one of Queenstown’s most historic treasures, the legendary TSS Earnslaw, New Zealand’s most iconic boat. This leisurely 90-minute cruise across Lake Whakatipu immerses you in spectacular alpine scenery and a unique piece of living history. Explore the century-old steamship, marvel at its working steam engines in the engine room, and browse historical photos in the onboard mini-museum. Take in the sights from the bridge, or relax at the Promenade Café and Bar with a wine, beer, or a tasty treat. Cruises run regularly throughout the day, offering flexibility to suit your plans. Opt for the cruise alone or elevate your experience with a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Choose from experiences like a Gourmet BBQ Dining experience, a guided Farm Tour, or the conservation-focused Eco Experience. The TSS Earnslaw has carried many famous visitors, including Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and even President Bill Clinton. Undoubtedly, this iconic tour is one not to miss.

Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.

Overnight in Queenstown

Optional: Wine Tour - Includes 4 Vineyards, Lunch & Wine
Pair the fine wines of Central Otago with a gourmet lunch platter on this small-group wine-tasting tour from Queenstown. Visit at boutique wineries during your tour and drive through verdant valleys and vine-clad foothills rich in gold mining history. Numbers are limited to 12 people to ensure an intimate experience with other wine lovers. 

In the morning you will check out of your hotel. If needed, you will be able to store your luggage in the hotel and explore the town before you are transferred to the Queenstown International Airport to prepare for your onward flight home.