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Ultimate New Zealand Highlights - 19 days
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Auckland - Encounter New Zealand’s largest city on a sightseeing tour
Bay of Islands - Cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, watching for dolphins and marine life in these scenic northern waters
Hobbiton - Step into Middle-earth on a guided tour of the movie set, with lunch and entry to a Hobbit Hole interior
Rotorua - Ride the Skyline gondola and luge, visit Te Puia’s geysers and mud pools, and enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi and concert
Napier - Tour one of the world’s finest collections of Art Deco architecture aboard the Hawke’s Bay Express
Wellington - Explore Te Papa’s Gallipoli exhibition and discover the capital’s rich history and vibrant waterfront setting
Christchurch - Board the TranzAlpine for a spectacular rail journey through river valleys, alpine gorges and Arthur’s Pass
Franz Josef - Admire the dramatic glacier landscapes and West Coast scenery framed by the snow-capped Southern Alps
Queenstown - Sail across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw for dinner at Walter Peak Homestead
Arrowtown - Visit the Lakes District Museum in this historic gold mining village en route to Fiordland
Milford Sound - Marvel at Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls on a scenic fiord cruise with lunch onboard
Dunedin - Uncover Larnach Castle’s scandalous past and wander its acclaimed gardens on the Otago Peninsula
Mount Cook - Witness New Zealand’s highest peak as you follow the Waitaki River into the heart of the Southern Alps
Lake Tekapo - View turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous Sheep Dog Statue
Wellington - Explore Te Papa’s Gallipoli exhibition and discover the capital’s rich history and vibrant waterfront setting
Christchurch - Board the TranzAlpine for a spectacular rail journey through river valleys, alpine gorges and Arthur’s Pass
Franz Josef - Admire the dramatic glacier landscapes and West Coast scenery framed by the snow-capped Southern Alps
Queenstown - Sail across Lake Wakatipu on the vintage TSS Earnslaw for dinner at Walter Peak Homestead
Arrowtown - Visit the Lakes District Museum in this historic gold mining village en route to Fiordland
Milford Sound - Marvel at Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls on a scenic fiord cruise with lunch onboard
Dunedin - Uncover Larnach Castle’s scandalous past and wander its acclaimed gardens on the Otago Peninsula
Mount Cook - Witness New Zealand’s highest peak as you follow the Waitaki River into the heart of the Southern Alps
Lake Tekapo - View turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous Sheep Dog Statue
What's Included
Accommodation
18 Nights in 4 star accommodation
Meals
18 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch, 15 DinnersComplimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome and Farewell Dinner4 Cruises: Milford Sound Overnight Cruise, TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu, Interislander Ferry Crossing (with meal voucher per person), and Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Transport
Transportation in a 32 seat Premium Economy Comfort full-size coach with 2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder; cold water storage; restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance and USB charging portReturn airport transfers in New Zealand
Guide
Professional Coach Captain-guideExperienced Tour Leader
Others
Allowed 1 suitcase and 1 Travel Bag per person (on coach)Meet and greet on arrivalSignature documentation pack including travel bag and ticket walletTranzAlpine Rail JourneyPrepaid attractions as per itinerary, including: Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds guided tour, Hobbiton Movie Set guided tour, Skyline Rotorua Gondola and Luge Ride, Agrodome, Thermal mud pools and geysers guided tour, Te Puia traditional Maori Hangi and Concert, Hawke’s Bay Express guided tour, Te Papa (New Zealand’s National Museum), Lakes District Museum, Larnach Castle guided tour with Devonshire Tea, and City sightseeing tours in Auckland, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
Itinerary
Discover New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch on this 19-day mid-size group tour packed with standout sights and unforgettable experiences. You’ll cruise through the Bay of Islands, explore Hobbiton, and soak up Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Māori culture. Expect Art Deco charm in Napier, time in vibrant Wellington, and a scenic Interislander crossing before heading south for the TranzAlpine rail journey, Franz Josef, and Queenstown. Highlights continue with a cruise on Milford Sound, the vintage TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu, Dunedin’s historic character, and stunning alpine scenery around Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo.
day 1Welcome to Auckland
On arrival in Auckland, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers before dinner. Please note: For arrivals later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.
Meals
1 Dinner
OverNight
Auckland
day 2Visit the Kauri Museum & Travel to Bay of Islands
day 3Free Time in Bay of Islands
day 4Bay of Islands Cruise & Return to Auckland
day 5Hobbiton Guided Tour & Transfer to Rotorua
day 6Uncover Rotorua
day 7Admire Lake Taupo & Continue to Napier
day 8Explore Wellington
day 9Journey from North to South Island
day 10Pass Marlborough and Kaikoura en route Christchurch
day 11TranzAlpine Rail Experience & Transfer to Franz Josef
day 12Travel to Queenstown via the Fox Glacier
day 13Free Time in Queenstown & Lake Wakatipu Cruise
day 14Visit Arrowtown & Continue to Te Anau
day 15Milford Sound Cruise & Return to Te Anau
day 16Explore Dunedin
day 17Admire Mount Cook en route Twizel
day 18Take in Lake Tekapo & Journey to Christchurch
day 19Farewell Christchurch
19 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
32 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 55 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Starts
Ends
Auckland, New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand
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What's Excluded
Good to Know
Travel Insurance
Visa
Other Practical Information
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