18 Days | Journey through New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring landscapes
Dramatic peaks, glittering glaciers and geothermal wonders await on this 18-day Premium adventure through New Zealand’s north and south islands. With a passionate local leader to guide the way, you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years. Taste local wines at picturesque cellar doors and wineries, set out in search of kiwis, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton and explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro. From the pure spectacle of Milford Sound to the simmering geysers of Rotorua, this adventure is sure to blow you away.
Trip overview
- Start
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Finish
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Theme
- Explorer
- Destinations
- New Zealand
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Premium
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- PHPZC
Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service
All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium
Trips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders
- Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during an Exclusive Experience, cellar doors to learn about their production methods, sample some seriously excellent wine and enjoy a winery lunch.
- Explore the concepts, rituals and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine in Te Pa Tu. A local expert will guide you in celebrating the abundant harvest and you’ll hear stories through haka, song and drama before a 2-course feast.
- Be amazed by Tongariro National Park as you spend the day exploring its volcanic landscapes, then retire to your chateau-style Feature Stay where you can sit back and soak in views of Tongariro’s dazzling peaks.
- Cruise the waters of iconic Milford Sound on a Premium day cruise, where you’ll enjoy drinks and canapes on board as you look out for the waterfalls, local wildlife and learn about the area.
- Soak up one of the best parts of New Zealand’s South Island – it's wine! During your Feature Stay in Gibbston Valley, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting, indulge in a 3-course dinner and watch the sunset over the mountains (maybe from the on-site hot tubs)!
- The diversity of the seasons here makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be unpredictable. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. At night the temperature can really drop, so bring your warm clothes.
- There are walking opportunities throughout this trip. We recommend you bring good quality walking shoes if you're keen to enjoy a hike - or two!
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 July 2024 - 30 April 2025
Inclusions
16 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 7 dinners
Private vehicle, Catamaran, Ferry, Jet boat, Cruise boat
Hotel (11 nights), Resort (1 nights), Homestead (2 nights), Cruise boat (1 night)
- Arrival airport transfer
- Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
- Luggage transfer
- Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
- 24/7 on-ground support
- Auckland - Welcome Dinner
- Complimentary Arrival Transfer
- Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
- Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
- Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
- Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
- Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit
- Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch
- Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre
- Rotorua - Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
- Tongariro National Park - Taranaki Falls
- Wellington - Evening Cruise on Wellington Harbour
- Wellington - Ferry Cruise through Marlborough Sound
- Christchurch - Welcome Dinner
- Greymouth - Monteith's Brewery Tour & Tasting
- Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
- Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Lake Brunner - Nature Walk
- Hokitika - West Coast Treetops Walk
- Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre Visit with Ranger
- Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit
- Franz Josef - Glacier View Walk
- Makaroa - Aspiring Biodiversity Trust Lunch
- Makaroa - Guided Flora and Fauna Walk with Local Ornithologist
- Wanaka - Criffel Station Foraging & Lunch Experience with Local Chef
- Gibbston Valley - Wine Tasting
- Arrowtown - Walking Tour
- Milford Sound - Day Cruise
- Queenstown - Walter High Peak Country Farm visit and BBQ dinner
- Queenstown - Lake Whakatipu Steamboat Cruise
- Rotorua - Polynesian Spa - from - NZD40
- Rotorua - Redwoods Treetop Walkway - NZD39
- Taupo - Lake Taupo Sailing Adventure - NZD69
- Franz Josef - Lake Mapourika Scenic Cruise - NZD120
- Franz Josef - Waiho Hot Tubs - from - NZD89
- Franz Josef - Heli-Hiking Tour - from - NZD695
- Franz Josef - Kayaking Excursion - from - NZD145
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 15 (Milford Sound) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3.The Milford Sound Cruise is seasonal and weather dependent. Some departures may require a slight shift in itinerary to make sure the cruise is included. If the Cruise has finished for the season, the Feature Stay will instead be the Milford Sound Lodge.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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