New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud

New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud

New Zealand is one of those holiday destinations of a lifetime. Explore the very best parts of this beautiful country, discovering the breath-taking mountains, National Parks, rivers, and all the must-see attractions. 

We stay in Auckland before travelling to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands– a wonderful region of historic towns and a deeply indented coastline filled with golden coves. Heading south from Auckland to Hamilton, marvel at the world-famous Hamilton Gardens, before exploring Rotorua, one of the North Island’s greatest areas of geothermal activity with its spectacular geysers. We continue to the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay, facing the Pacific Ocean. Here we stay in charming Napier, famous for its unique architecture. From Mt Victoria, there are outstanding views of the capital city’s harbour. New Zealand has gained a reputation as an outstanding wine-growing nation, and Marlborough on the north-eastern corner of South Island is certainly one of the key regions for producing premium quality wines. Our tour covers the highlights of this remarkable country, such as our trips on the TranzAlpine train and the helicopter flight over the beautiful Franz Josef glacier.

What's Included:

• 17 nights in three-to-four-star accommodation
• Return flights & transfers
• Programme of daily tours & visits
• 20 meals: 17 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 1 dinner
• Expert Tour Manager
• Checked luggage

Included Excursions:

• Experience the warm sub-tropical climate in the stunning Bay of Islands including a dolphin-watching cruise
• Spend time exploring the famous cities of Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown
• Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s great train journeys
• Enjoy an included helicopter flight around the iconic Franz Josef glacier, with an amazing alpine landing
• Get close-up views of snow-capped Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak

Day 1: Overnight flight to Auckland

Today we begin our journey to New Zealand.

Days 2: In flight

Today we continue our journey to New Zealand.

Day 3: Arrival in Auckland

Welcome to New Zealand! You’ll arrive in Auckland around midday and transfer to the four-star Grand Millennium for two nights with breakfast, well-located for all the city’s attractions.

The rest of your day is at your leisure.

Day 4: Auckland

Your sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’ includes the panoramic city and harbour views from Bastion Point, trendy Parnell Village, the bays of the waterfront drive and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area.

We’ll also visit the Auckland Museum which gives an introduction to the legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific including the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori, as well as the diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand.

Your afternoon is free to explore the city further.

Day 5: Bay of Islands

Departing Auckland we’ll head north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge along the Hibiscus Coast to view giant Kauri trees at the Parry Kauri Park.

Continuing our journey over the gentle green landscape of North Island we’ll reach Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands in the afternoon. Here you’ll take a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House, where in 1840, Maori chiefs and the original European settlers signed the Treaty of Waitangi, the basis of the future governance of New Zealand.

Our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Scenic Hotel, with breakfast.

Day 6: Bay of Islands Cruise

This morning we’ll see the Bay of Islands in the best way possible via a boat cruise meandering around the idyllic beaches that make this area so popular. If you’re lucky, there’s a chance you may see wild dolphins which are common in the Bay of Islands.

We’ll continue on to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, through which the boat will sail slowly, conditions permitting, before we’ll disembark at the historic small town of Russell. The first European settlement in New Zealand and just a 10-minute ferry trip from Paihia (ticket included), Russell is an ideal place for a spot of lunch or a relaxing walk along the waterfront.

The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy many of the activities the Bay of Islands has to offer.

Day 7: Hamilton

This morning we’ll leave the Bay of Islands and continue south to Hamilton. On arrival we will visit the spectacular Hamilton Gardens set on the banks of the Waikato River.

The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is ‘the story of gardens’ which is explored through a series of five garden collections. The Paradise Garden Collection is a highlight of the gardens and features a Chinese Scholars Garden, English Flower Garden, Japanese Garden of Contemplation, American Modernist Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden and an Indian Char Bagh Garden.

Our hotel for the night is the four-star Novotel Hamilton Tainui including breakfast.

Day 8: Rotorua

This morning we will visit a 500-acre park-like dairy farm, where we will have a rural tour of the fully functioning dairy and enjoy morning tea featuring delicious home style baking and local produce.

From here we’ll take the short drive to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with mud pools,geysers, hot springs and terrace formations created by the hot, mineral-rich waters. Rotorua is also renowned for its Maori cultural activities.

We’ll visit Te Puia – where our local Maori guide will explain traditional Maori arts and crafts and we’ll view the famous Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley.

This evening you’ll enjoy a visit to the Tamaki Maori Village, a recreation of a typical Maori forest community, where we’ll be treated to an evening of ceremonial rituals, storytelling, and intriguing insights into Maori life, ending with a powerful cultural performance, before dining on the traditional Hangi buffet dinner (Maori feast) cooked the traditional Maori way in an earth oven.

Our hotel is the four-star Distinction Hotel, with breakfast.

Day 9: Napier

Departing Rotorua we’ll travel to the charming lakeside town of Taupo, stopping en-route at Huka Falls to marvel as the mighty Waikato River thunders through its narrow canyon.

Then it’s on to Napier, known as the Art Deco capital of the world. After an earthquake in 1931, the centre of the town was rebuilt in the Art Deco style which was in fashion at the time. On arrival we’ll meet our local guides and take a fascinating walking tour of these beautiful Art Deco buildings.

Our hotel is the excellent four-star superior Scenic Hotel Te Pania, with breakfast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Day 10: Wellington

You’ll continue south to Wellington where we’ll enjoy a night in New Zealand’s capital city, staying at the four-star James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, with breakfast.

You’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington with free time to explore the vibrant waterfront and beautiful gardens.

We’ll also visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s outstanding National Museum, to learn about the shaping of its land, the spirit of its diverse peoples, its unique wildlife, landscapes and its popular culture.

Day 11: Nelson

Today we’ll cruise to South Island, across the Cook Strait by Interislander ferry, through the Marlborough Sounds, including the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound and into Picton.

We’ll continue to Blenheim and the famous wine-producing region of Marlborough where we’ll stop for some wine tasting.

Our final destination today is Nelson, New Zealand’s sunshine town, known for its many art and craft galleries, and relaxed atmosphere.

Our hotel for the next two nights is the excellent four-star Trailways or Rutherford Hotel Nelson, with breakfast.

Day 12: Abel Tasman Cruise

This morning we’ll join a catamaran cruise along the stunning shoreline of Abel Tasman National Park.

En route you’ll learn about the history of the park and view the famous Split Apple Rock, a fur seal colony and the park’s golden beaches and clear waters. For the more adventurous, there is the option of landing ashore at Anchorage and take the pithead loop (approx 2hrs).

Our boat will collect the walkers at Anchorage on its return down the coast.

A packed lunch is included today. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Nelson.

Day 13: Christchurch

Travelling south through the Golden Downs Forest and over the Lewis Pass we’ll arrive at the alpine village of Hanmer Springs for a lunch stop (not included) before joining the upper reaches of the Canterbury Plains to the ‘garden city’ of Christchurch.

Since the earthquake of 2011, the city’s rebuilding programme is in full swing and there will be an opportunity to visit to the Re-Start Mall, the controversial ‘Cardboard Cathedral’ and the Botanic Gardens.

Our hotel is the four-star Distinction Christchurch Hotel, with breakfast.

Day 14: Tranzalpine train & helicopter flight

Today we’ll traverse the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Arthurs Pass. From your modern panoramic carriage, you’ll see the farmland of the Canterbury Plains give way to the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, crossing bridges and viaducts en route.

At Arthurs Pass, we’ll be met by our coach for the journey to the West Coast, stopping in Hokitika to visit a Greenstone workshop where the local jade-like stone, highly prized by pre-European Maori, is crafted into exquisite jewellery.

We’ll continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, to the village of Franz Josef.

This afternoon prepare yourself for what will be one of your trip’s highlights!

On arrival you will experience this magnificent glacial alpine environment with a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight. View the incredible phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the ice-carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you. This exhilarating experience finishes with an alpine landing.

Our hotel tonight is the four-star Scenic, with breakfast.

Day 15: Queenstown

Continuing south, we’ll travel past deserted beaches, through vibrant rainforests and settlements.

This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest, mountain scenery and natural resources in the world.

We’ll travel over the scenic Haast Pass to the popular Lake Wanaka, and then on to the beautiful year-round resort of Queenstown where our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Copthorne Lakefront Resort, with breakfast.

The centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away.

Day 16: Free day in Queenstown

Nestled below the rugged Remarkable Mountains, Queenstown enjoys an exceptionally scenic setting and is known as the ‘adventure capital of the world.

Today is at leisure to enjoy all that this resort has to offer.

Experience the thrill of a jet-boat ride along the Shotover River, a 4x4 safari, helicopter trips, guided walks, a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the 100-yearold vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw, or ride the Skyline Gondola high above Queenstown for superb views of the area.

Day 17: Milford Sound Cruise

Leaving Queenstown we’ll skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and travel via Te Anau through the Homer Tunnel into the spectacular Cleddau valley and famous Milford Sound, arguably the most spectacular fjord in the country.

A boat trip on the deep fjord Thermal pool in Waiotapu, Rotorua waters between sheer granite cliffs rising thousands of feet, affords wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and the 500-foot Stirling Falls.

There is a good chance of seeing dolphins, fur seals or penguins during our trip before we’ll return to the charming small lakeside resort of Te Anau. A packed lunch is included today.

Our hotel in Te Anau is the four-star Distinction Luxmore, with breakfast.

Late in the afternoon there will be time for an optional visit to the nearby Glow worm caves, unique to New Zealand.

Days 18: Omarama

Today we’ll travel back north and visit Arrowtown, a township with a colourful history - in its heyday this was a rough and ready frontier gold-mining boomtown.

Nowadays, its popular main street is lined with some excellent art galleries, cafés and boutiques.

We’ll continue through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, pass pretty Lake Dunstan, cross the distinctive Central Otago countryside (where many scenes from the Lord of the Rings were filmed) and over the dramatic Lindis Pass to the vast Mackenzie Basin.

Your overnight accommodation is the three-star Heritage Gateway Hotel, with breakfast, in the small rural community of Omarama.

Day 19: Mount Cook

A day with some more spectacular sights.

We’ll head north alongside the azure glacier-fed Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook, at 12,316ft New Zealand’s highest mountain and surrounded by jagged snow-covered peaks.

There’s time for short walks in the spectacular Hooker Valley (depending on the weather) and a visit to the Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre (entrance fee), or for an optional helicopter flight over the spectacular West Coast glaciers.

We’ll continue towards the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, before crossing Burkes Pass and the Canterbury Plains back into Christchurch, and the Distinction Christchurch Hotel for our last night in the country.

Day 20: Return home

It's time to say goodbye and start your journey home.

Day 21: Arrive home

Arrive back home after an incredible once-in-a-lifetime tour.