Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour
Do you need help from our trip consultants?
If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Our travel experts are ready to help.
Why Book with Bookmundi
in travel credits
Best price guaranteed.
No credit card or booking fees.
100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.
Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.
25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
“
The itinerary was wonderful. It showed New Zealand in its full glory from the flora and fauna to the people. Unfortunately, because of the distances some days were long with extended coach rides, even with comfort stops.
The travel concierge was great and added a lot to the experience.
Stephen A. | Traveled in February
5 - Excellent
Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
The Long White Cloud
BM-23173Share this tour link.
3.7Based on
19 days
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.67/5
Excellent based on 836 customer reviews from
Dudley
The process from finding the tour we wanted to take to getting set up for the tour was an easy process. The other reviews we saw gave us the security of using their website to book our trip. The only item we missed which would have given a 5* was the trip did not include see the Alps up close or a train trip. Well maybe next time there may be one and we would definitely take that trip.
1 week ago
19 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Relaxed
Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.
Starts
Ends
Christchurch, New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand
Availability
Loading availability...
Customer Reviews
3.7
based on 6 reviews
3
0
2
0
1
Highlights
Dunedin: Delight in the rich history of chocolate in Dunedin, uncover the origins of OCHO and learn the art of crafting true, artisanal chocolate. Indulge in an exquisite 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting, elevating your senses to the heights of luxury.
Fiordland National Park: Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.
Doubtful Sound: A warm welcome awaits you at a local farm, where you’ll savour a rustic lunch while listening to captivating tales from landowner Chris. Immerse yourself in the farm's charm, with the chance to interact with friendly animals and enjoy an abundance of fascinating stories—an unforgettable experience in nature.
Queenstown: Ride the scenic trail on an e-bike, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
Queenstown: Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to learn more about New Zealand conservation and contribute to biodiversity.
Cromwell: Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines. Since you only ever see them in the movies or on TV, there’s just something about being in the same room with these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing.
Lake Wanaka: Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wānaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wānaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.
Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.
Franz Josef: Discover the wild beauty of the West Coast with a personalised scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest, where a guided nature walk follows a low-impact track created by your skipper, Dale, and his team. Wander through untouched old-growth forest, rich in native flora and teeming with birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds in this peaceful, otherworldly sanctuary.
Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
Dunedin: On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Napier: Journey from coast to cape in Hawke’s Bay for a rare, close encounter with the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Take in sweeping coastal views as you witness these magnificent birds up close. As part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, a donation is made on your behalf to support conservation at Cape Sanctuary. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Rotorua: Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience on a guided cultural walk through Whirinaki Native Forest. Begin with a traditional Māori welcome before venturing into pristine Whirinaki Forest, discovering ancient trees, waterfalls, native birds, and rich cultural stories. Guided by proud locals, you’ll enjoy forest bathing, a packed picnic lunch, and Kawakawa tea. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Rotorua: Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
Wellington: Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.
Cromwell: Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines. Since you only ever see them in the movies or on TV, there’s just something about being in the same room with these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing.
Lake Wanaka: Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wānaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wānaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.
Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.
Franz Josef: Discover the wild beauty of the West Coast with a personalised scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest, where a guided nature walk follows a low-impact track created by your skipper, Dale, and his team. Wander through untouched old-growth forest, rich in native flora and teeming with birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds in this peaceful, otherworldly sanctuary.
Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
Dunedin: On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Napier: Journey from coast to cape in Hawke’s Bay for a rare, close encounter with the world’s largest mainland gannet colony. Take in sweeping coastal views as you witness these magnificent birds up close. As part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, a donation is made on your behalf to support conservation at Cape Sanctuary. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Rotorua: Enjoy a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience on a guided cultural walk through Whirinaki Native Forest. Begin with a traditional Māori welcome before venturing into pristine Whirinaki Forest, discovering ancient trees, waterfalls, native birds, and rich cultural stories. Guided by proud locals, you’ll enjoy forest bathing, a packed picnic lunch, and Kawakawa tea. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Rotorua: Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
Wellington: Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.Distinction Dunedin Hotel.Fiordland Navigator HotelThe Rees HotelEdgewater Wānaka HotelTe Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. HotelInterContinental Wellington HotelPorters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.Pullman Rotorua. HotelJW Marriott Auckland. HotelIncluded at all hotels.Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
Meals
Breakfast (x18)Dinner (x10)Lunch (x4)Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
Transport
Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
Guide
Experienced Driver Guide
Others
In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
Delight in the wonders of New Zealand on The Long White Cloud, a 19-day guided journey from Christchurch to Auckland crafted for experienced travelers seeking a relaxed, in-depth exploration. Traverse the Southern Alps, marvel at Franz Josef Glacier, and cruise the serene lakes of Wanaka. Enjoy wine tastings in Gibbston Valley, e-bike or embark on an eco farm tour in Queenstown, and soak in the wild beauty of Doubtful Sound on an overnight nature cruise. In Rotorua, walk the Redwoods Treewalk and visit a kiwi hatchery, then descend into glowworm-lit caves. The tour culminates with a traditional Māori feast and a celebratory dinner in Auckland. The USP? A leisurely-paced, immersive itinerary packed with iconic sights, local flavors, and unique wildlife experiences.
day 1Welcome to Christchurch
Your New Zealand luxury tour begins at your boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and just minutes from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Pay a visit to the blooms at the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Tram before meeting your Travel Concierge where youll raise a glass to a grand journey.
Location Visited
Christchurch
Accommodation
Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
day 2Christchurch to Dunedin
day 3Distillery Tour and Dunedin at Leisure
day 4Dunedin to Doubtful Sound (overnight cruise)
day 5Doubtful Sound to Queenstown
day 6Queenstown
day 7Queenstown to Wanaka
day 8Wanaka Relaxed Start
day 9Wanaka to Franz Josef
day 10The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier
day 11Franz Josef to Christchurch
day 12Christchurch to Wellington
day 13Wellington Sightseeing
day 14Wellington to Hawke's Bay
day 15Exploring Napier
day 16Geothermal Rotorua
day 17The Sights of Rotorua
day 18Rotorua to Auckland
day 19Farewell Auckland
Monthly Price Comparison
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Overall, this itinerary was excellent. We chose it because it included both the North & South Islands as well as much of the interior. Plus the travel concierge had great knowledge of history, geography, culture and various other aspects of the country.
S
Stephen A.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
The itinerary was wonderful. It showed New Zealand in its full glory from the flora and fauna to the people. Unfortunately, because of the distances some days were long with extended coach rides, even with comfort stops.
The travel concierge was great and added a lot to the experience.
J
James F.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
1.0 | Very poor
What a disappointing trip it was. “Luxury Gold” did not live up to its name & promises
There was nothing luxurious about this trip. Even water bottles were not offered on the bus while on the road.
Being a vegetarian, i had requested vegetarian meals, however, no appropriate food arrangements were made. it was a total waste of my time & money. The itinerary was a total disaster.
J
James D.Verified Traveler
3.0 | Average
Too much time in a bus seat. Would benefit from more focus on the excellent parks and museums. City highlight tours lacked diversity. Several excellent meals many average.
