Discover New Zealand

Discover New Zealand

This once-in-a-lifetime holiday takes you halfway around the world to New Zealand and is packed full of unforgettable moments. Planning such an epic trip can feel exciting and daunting in equal measure. How do you fit in all the must-see sights? How much time should you spend in each place? Fear not, with our many years of experience, we’ve created the perfect itinerary.

Beginning on North Island, you’ll discover the very best of this spectacular country. The vibrant cities of Auckland and Wellington, golden beaches and volcanic landscapes that are alive with geysers and bubbling mud pools. There’s a chance to immerse yourself in traditional Maori culture before venturing across the Cook Strait to South Island. Here, you’ll take in the jaw-dropping natural beauty of immense mountains, vast glaciers and stunning Milford Sound.

We’ve done all the planning and organising, so all you have to do is enjoy. You’re going to see all the highlights. Whatever you dream of doing in New Zealand, this tour has it all and more!

What's Included:

• Return flights from London
• 18 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels plus 3 nights in flight
• 7 nights sailing on Holland America Line's MS Zaandam
• 20 meals: 18 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner and welcome drink
• Scenic Train: 2-day half-board rail journey in SilverLeaf Service on board the Rocky Mountaineer (Crew gratuities included)
• Travelsphere Holiday Director and Driver Guide
• Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights:

• Tour of Auckland
• Visit the Treaty House of Waitangi
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Lake Taupo
• Tamaki Hangi Style Feast
• New Zealand's capital Wellington
• Journey on the TranzAlpine train
• Beautiful Milford Sound including lunch
• Glow Worm Caves
• See the moeraki Beach Boulders

Days 3 -4: Crowne Plaza Auckland

Crowne Plaza Auckland is situated within walking distance from a range of shopping and dining options on Queen Street. It is also in close proximity to main sightseeing attractions of Auckland. Modern rooms feature en-suite facilities, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and sleep-aid aromatherapy kits. Other hotel facilities include gym, sauna, a lobby cocktail bar and a restaurant.

Days 5 - 7: Kingsgate Hotel Paihia

Kingsgate Hotel Paihia, situated at the waterfront, is conveniently located within 5 minutes’ walk of local shops and dining options. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and feature flat-screen TV, minifridge and tea/coffee-making facilities in every room. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Other hotel facilities include a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness centre and games room. International cuisine can be enjoyed in The Reef Restaurant, located on-site.

Days 8 - 9: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel Rotorua is located a short walk away from the Lake Rotorua. Every hotel room is featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor geothermal pool, as well as a fitness centre and a spa with saunas.

Days 10 -11: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

The 4-star James Cook Hotel has a great location in the heart of Wellington, close to Lambton Quay's shopping district.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and fitness room. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, minibar and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Day 12: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Distinction Christchurch Hotel is located in the heart of the city just a few steps away from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and many more attractions. Each hotel room is air-conditioned and features free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minifridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include restaurant and a bar, the perfect place to enjoy delicious cuisine and drinks.

Day 13: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and is just moments from one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. Hotel makes the most of its alpine location and offers quality accommodation in the beautiful surroundings within Franz Josef village. The hotel offers facilities including a restaurant, The Moa Bar with an open fireplace, guest laundry, and complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel. Hotel rooms feature en suite facilities, TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, fridge, heater and hairdryer.

Days 14 -15: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road has a peaceful setting amongst alpine scenery and picturesque lakes, yet it is conveniently close to the city.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sauna and tennis court. Bedrooms have private facilities, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, hairdryer and Wi-Fi.

Days 1 - 2: UK - Auckland

The day has finally arrived. Your much-anticipated trip to New Zealand begins with a flight to Auckland on the country’s North Island.

Day 3: Auckland

Travelling to the other side of the world means that you will arrive in New Zealand on day 3.

Day 4: Auckland

The vibrant city of Auckland - the largest in New Zealand - is situated on the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, this morning we’re going to discover the city on a sightseeing tour. We’ll take in fabulous views of the harbour and see highlights including the imposing War Memorial, St Patrick's Cathedral and the Auckland High Court, which is allegedly modelled on England’s Warwick Castle.

Once you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. You could head up to the observation deck of the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the city from above. Alternatively, if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, why not stroll through beautiful Albert Park or step inside Auckland Art Gallery.

Meals included: B

Day 5: Auckland - Paihia

There's a scenic treat in store today as we travel along the beautiful Hibiscus Coast to Paihia, in the Bay of Islands. As the name suggests, this forest-covered region is home to more than one hundred islands and is scattered with idyllic paradise-like beaches.

En route, we'll visit the Treaty House of Waitangi, the country’s first British residency. Here you will learn about the history of the 1840 agreement with the Maoris that formalised New Zealand’s status as a British colony.

Meals included: B

Day 6: Paihia - at Leisure

You can choose how you spend today. If you want some time to yourselves, perhaps take a stroll along the Wharf and have lunch overlooking the water or relax on a nearby beach.

Alternatively, if you’d like to join an organised excursion we offer an optional trip to Cape Reinga, at the very top of North Island. To reach this vast, untouched region, you’ll journey along the sandy shore of Ninety Mile Beach and negotiate the Te Paki Quick Sand Stream, travelling beside towering dunes. When we arrive in Cape Reinga, you’ll visit a lighthouse and take in exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the Tasman Sea, don’t forget your camera!

Meals included: B

Day 7: Paihia - at Leisure

You’ve another full day at leisure to relax in beautiful Paihia or you can explore more of the stunning Bay of Islands on an optional cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of marine life, including dolphins and seals as we sail past islands and secluded beaches to the Cape Brett Peninsula. Here, if conditions are right, we’ll sail through the Hole in the Rock, a narrow arch, carved by the forces of nature before enjoying some free time on one of the islands.

Meals included: B

Day 8: Paihia - at Rotorua

New Zealand’s North Island was shaped by volcanic activity and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua. We’re going to head here today on a journey that takes us through the Waikato farming region.

Later, we offer an optional float plane or helicopter flight to Mount Tarawera. As you fly over this volcanic peak and its surrounding scenery, you’ll have a birds-eye view of sparkling crater lakes and the rugged barren landscape.

Meals included: B

Day 9: Rotorua

Today’s tour takes you to Te Puia Thermal Reserve, an incredible geothermal park, where a Local Guide will take us to see the bubbling mud, pools of boiling water and dramatic spouting geysers. There will also be an opportunity to see craftsmen at work in the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Later, you could join a tour of Hobbiton™, the amazing set created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. As you step into Middle-earth™, you’ll see brightly painted Hobbit Hole™ doors, the interior of a Hobbit dwelling and the iconic Green Dragon™ Inn.

Tonight, we are going to immerse ourselves in Maori culture with a visit to Te Pa Tu. In this spectacular forest setting, we’ll learn about the history and traditions of New Zealand’s indigenous people. We’ll experience ceremonial rituals and watch an authentic performance of haka and song before enjoying a meal created by a Maori chef.

Meals included: B,D

Day 10: Rotorua - Wellington

We’re driving to Wellington, the country’s capital today. Our journey takes us through the Wairakei Thermal Valley, where we’ll admire the turbulent Huka Falls, pass forested slopes and take in breathtaking views of Lake Taupo. When we arrive in Wellington, we’ll get our bearings on a short tour and see highlights including the harbour and Mount Victoria.

Meals included: B

Day 11: Wellington

After breakfast, we'll explore Wellington in more detail on a walking tour. There is so much to see here, from an array of museums and galleries to historic architecture and fabulous shopping. We'll explore the lively waterfront area and take a trip on the historic Wellington Cable Car for fabulous views over the city. At the top, there will be time to visit the delightful Wellington Botanic Garden, a 64-acre oasis of calm and tranquillity. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Wellington at leisure. Perhaps head to the National Museum of New Zealand and discover the diverse array of exhibits exploring everything from the country's wildlife to its role in the Gallipoli campaign. Wellington is a city brimming with coffee shops, bars and award-winning restaurants so you will be spoilt for choice if you want to head out this evening.

Meals included: B

Day 12: Wellington - Christchurch

Today we're heading to South Island and will cross the Cook Strait by ferry. A scenic journey of around three and half hours, we’ll travel past dramatic cliffs and rugged landscapes, and navigate fjord-like channels on our way to Picton. After disembarking the ferry, we’ll drive to Christchurch for an overnight stay.

Meals included: B

Day 13: TranzAlpine Train

You have a spectacular journey ahead as you board the TranzAlpine train and head into the Southern Alps, a mountain range that spans almost the entire length of South Island. The journey takes us through narrow gorges and past towering snow-capped peaks, so be sure to have your camera at the ready. When we leave the train in the village of Arthurs Pass, we’ll continue our journey by coach to the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions. Here, vast valleys of ice, hundreds of metres deep, flow down the hillside towards the riverbed. For the ultimate adventure, if the weather conditions are right, this afternoon you can take in sensational views of the glaciers on an optional helicopter flight.

Meals included: B

Day 14: Franz Josef Glacier - Queentown

The road through the Westland National Park has to be one of the most scenic ever built and as we drive along it today, we’ll make stops to take in the wonderful views. We’re heading to Queenstown, New Zealand's capital of adventure, so if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you've come to the right place! Why not start by joining an optional ride on the Kawarau Jet boat. On this thrilling excursion, you will travel at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and make 360-degree spins in the shallow waters of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers.

Meals included: B

Day 15: Queenstown - at Leisure

Today has been left free so you can spend some time at leisure and discover Queenstown at your own pace. You could take the Skyline Queenstown gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak for incredible views of the town and Lake Wakatipu or stroll through the manicured Queenstown Gardens.

If you're feeling adventurous, we have another optional action-packed excursion for you to join. Board a jet boat for an exhilarating ride along the Dart River.

This evening, you can enjoy a more relaxing experience, with an optional steamboat cruise on Lake Wakatipu and dinner in a restaurant at the foot of Walter Peak.

Meals included: B

Day 16: Milford Sound

Today is the day you visit one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand – Milford Sound. Located deep within Fiordland National Park, this inky-blue expanse of water is surrounded by forest-covered hills, waterfalls and dramatic mountain peaks. The area is also home to an abundant array of wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins – so remember to keep your eyes peeled. If the weather conditions are good, we'll take in the fjord's majestic beauty on a cruise.

Meals included: B,L

Day 17: Te Anau - Dunedin

This morning you are going to visit the incredible Glow Worm Caves. After sailing across Lake Te Anau, you will explore this fascinating labyrinth of limestone caverns, rocks and whirlpools on foot. The grotto lit by thousands of glittering glow worms, is a mesmerising and unforgettable sight.

Next, we make our way to Dunedin, the city that takes its name from the Gaelic version of Edinburgh.

Meals included: B

Day 18: Dunedin - at Leisure

You can spend your time exploring at leisure today. Admire the stunning architecture of Dunedin Railway Station, step back in time to the early 20th century at Olveston Historic Home or just enjoy the town's vibrant shops and restaurants.

There is also the chance to join an optional trip to the Royal Albatross Centre on the Otago Peninsula. This is the world's only mainland breeding colony of Northern Albatross, and during your visit, you'll learn more about them, watch a short film and visit the observatory to hopefully see them nesting.

Meals included: B

Day 19: Dunedin - Omarama

As we travel northwards to Omarama, we'll make a stop at the Moeraki Beach Boulders. These huge spherical rocks are scattered along the sand and are shrouded in Maori legend. The largest boulders are estimated to have taken around four million years to reach their current size. Some weigh several tonnes and the largest measure more than two metres in width. Our route then follows the Waitiki River inland.

Meals included: B

Day 20: Omarama - Christchurch

We're bound for the Mount Cook region this morning. On the way, we'll make a stop at Lake Tekapo, a picturesque, turquoise-coloured body of water with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. We'll then head over Burkes Pass, a mountain passageway, and continue across the Canterbury plains. This vast patchwork of agricultural land nestled between the mountains and the sea produces more than 80% of the country's grains, crops and seeds.

Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand, towering to more than 3,700 metres. If weather conditions are favourable you might be tempted to view it from above on an optional scenic flight.

Our journey ends as we arrive back in Christchurch and take a short tour of its highlights. We’ll see the pyramid-shaped Transitional Church, the beautiful Botanic Gardens and the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building with views across the city.

Meals included: B

Day 21: Christchurch - UK

You’re free to make the most of your final few hours in New Zealand before we drive you to the airport for your flight home.

Meals included: B