New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud

New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud

Stay in Auckland before traveling to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands– a wonderful region of historic towns and a deeply indented coastline filled with golden coves. Then journey to Hamilton and 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. Continue to the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay, facing the Pacific Ocean, where you'll stay in charming Napier, famous for its unique architecture. From Mount 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 is certainly one of the key regions for producing premium quality wines. Riviera Travel's tour covers the highlights of this remarkable country, such as their trips on the TranzAlpine train and the helicopter flight over the beautiful Franz Josef glacier.

Are you ready to begin your adventure in the lands down under?

What's Included:

• 17 nights accommodation
• Return flights & transfers
• 20 included experiences
• 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.

Heritage Gateway Hotel's Facilities

• 24-hour front desk
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Garden
• Laundry service

Novotel Hamilton Tainui's Facilities

• Lounge & bar
• Restaurant
• Fitness centre
• 24-hour front desk
• Air-conditioning
• Laundry service

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront's Facilities

• 24-hour front desk
• Lounge & bar
• Restaurant
• Air-conditioning
• Laundry service
• Complimentary tea & coffee

Rutherford Hotel's Facilities

• Swimming pool
• Spa & wellness
• Lounge & bar
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Restaurant
• Fitness centre
• Golf
• Games
• 24-hour front desk
• Lift between floors
• Air-conditioning

Distinction Christchurch Hotel's Facilities

• Sauna
• Lounge & bar
• Fitness centre
• 24-hour front desk
• Lift between floors
• Air-conditioning
• Laundry service

Distinction Luxmore Hotel's Facilities

• Lounge & bar
• Restaurant
• Coffee shop
• Fitness centre
• 24-hour front desk
• Air-conditioning
• Laundry service

Distinction Rotorua's Facilities

• Swimming pool
• Spa & wellness
• Lounge & bar
• Restaurant
• Fitness centre
• 24-hour front desk
• Lift between floors
• Air-conditioning
• Free Wi-Fi
• Laundry service

Scenic Hotel Bay of Island's Facilities

• Swimming pool
• Lounge & bar
• Restaurant
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Air-conditioning
• Laundry service

Scenic Hotel Te Pania's Facilities

• Lounge & bar
• Restaurant
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• 24-hour front desk
• Lift between floors
• Air-conditioning
• Free Wi-Fi
• Laundry service
• Terrace

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor's Facilities

• Lounge & bar
• Restaurant
• Coffee shop
• Fitness centre
• 24-hour front desk
• Lift between floors
• Air-conditioning
• Laundry service
• Snacks

Grand Millenium Hotel's Facilities

• Swimming pool
• Sauna
• Lounge & bar
• Restaurant
• Fitness centre
• 24-hour front desk
• Lift between floors
• Air-conditioning
• Laundry service
• Terrace

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier's Facilities

• Lounge & bar
• Restaurant
• Complimentary tea & coffee
• Air-conditioning
• Laundry service
• Terrace

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua's Facilities

• Swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Bar
• 24-hour front desk
• Room service

Heritage Gateway Hotel

About the hotel

The three-star Gateway Hotel is located close to the centre of the small community of Omarama in the Mackenzie Country of the South Island.

Novotel Hamilton Tainui

About the hotel

Located on the banks of the Waikato River, this modern hotel is a short walk to nearby attractions, restaurants and shops.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront

About the hotel

The four-star Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront is located a short downhill walk into the lively centre of Queenstown.

Rutherford Hotel

About the hotel

The four-star Rutherford has a central location in Nelson, within easy walking distance to city’s restaurants and shops.

Distinction Christchurch hotel

About the hotel

Located conveniently in the heart of the city in Cathedral Square, the four-star Distinction Christchurch Hotel is within walking distance of the Botanical Gardens, the Avon River and Cashell Mall as well as restaurants and shops.

Distinction Luxmore hotel

About the hotel

The four-star Distinction Luxmore is located in the centre of the small town of Te Anau, just a few steps away from Lake Te Anau, the largest in South Island and famed for its spectacular sunsets.

Distinction Rotorua

About the hotel

The Distinction Rotorua Hotel is ideally situated near to several popular landmarks.

Scenic Hotel Bay of Island

About the hotel

The four-star Scenic Paihia Hotel is located in a quiet location just a 10-minute easy stroll into the small centre of Paihia.

Scenic Hotel Te Pania

About the hotel

The four-star superior Scenic Hotel Te Pania is in a prime position right on Marine Parade overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with the centre of town just a few steps away.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

About the hotel

The four-star James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel is right in the centre of Wellington, close to the waterfront, with several restaurants nearby.

Grand Millenium Hotel

About the hotel

The four-star Grand Millennium Hotel is located right in the centre of the city, within easy walking distance of the Sky Tower and Queen Street.

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

About the hotel

The hotel is located just a few steps from the small centre of Franz Josef which is in Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

About the hotel

The Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel is located on the shore of Lake Rotorua, offering stunning views of the water. It's conveniently situated a short stroll from the lively Central Business District of Rotorua, where you can find a variety of shopping and dining options.

Day 1: Overnight flight to Auckland

Begin the journey to New Zealand.

Day 2: In flight

Spend the day in the air as we continue our journey to New Zealand.

Day 3: Arrival in Auckland

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

The rest of your day is at your leisure.

Day 4: Bay of Islands cruise

In the morning you’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.

You’ll continue on to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, through which the boat will sail slowly, conditions permitting.

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

Day 5: Bay of Islands cruise

In the morning you’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.

You’ll continue on to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, through which the boat will sail slowly, conditions permitting.

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

Day 6: Auckland

In the morning we leave the Bay of Islands, travelling south on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway through Whangarei and across Harbour Bridge arriving in Auckland for a sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’. See this panoramic city and harbour views from Bastion Point, the trendy Parnell Village, the bays of the waterfront drive and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area.

You’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.

Day 7: Waitomo Caves & Rotorua

Leaving Auckland, you'll head south through some of New Zealand’s lush farmlands within the Waikato Valley and journey along the east bank of the country’s largest river – the Waikato – arriving in the rural area of Waitomo. Here, we’ll go underground to explore the famous Waitomo Caves – an ancient labyrinth of caves and grottos famous for their fascinating limestone stalagmites and stalactites formed over thousands of years. You can also enjoy a silent boat ride within the underground waters to the starry wonderland of the magnificent glowworm grotto.

Back up above ground, the journey will continue across the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges to 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.

You’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.

After your guided tour, your evening begins with a delicious buffet dinner in the Pātaka Kai Restaurant, including food from the hangi - a traditional Maori method of cooking.

The evening concludes with a powerful cultural performance in the fully carved Te Aronui-a-Rua meeting house, featuring waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poiand haka.

Day 8: Middle Earth

This morning, you'll step into the pages of JRR Tolkien's famous novels - or as close as we can get - with a guided visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire which featured in Peter Jackson's films, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and, more recently, ‘The Hobbit’.

It begins with a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. We'll then follow our guide around the ten-acre site as they recite fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. We’ll see structures made for both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films - including The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, and the Mill - and learn more about how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

After your walking tour, you'll return to the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary drink and return to The Shires Rest, before heading back to Rotorua for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 9: Napier

Departing Rotorua you’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 guide and take a fascinating walking tour of these beautiful Art Deco buildings.

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

Day 10: Wellington

Today we’ll continue south through Hastings and the Hawkes Bay sheep and cattle farming country to Woodville, before driving onto Wellington.

On arrival we will enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing passing Parliament Buildings, Ols St Paul’s Cathedral, the lovely Botanical Gardens, Victoria University and a visit to Te Papa – the National Museum of New Zealand.

Day 11: Nelson

Today you’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.

You’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 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 Pit Head Loop walk (approx 2hrs), where the boat will pick you up at Anchorage on its return down the coast.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Nelson.

A packed lunch is included today.

Day 13: Christchurch

Travelling south through the Maruia 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 Botanic Gardens.

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

Day 14: Tranzalpine train & helicopter flight

Today you’ll traverse the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Arthur's 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 Arthur's Pass, you’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 (subject to poor weather conditions. Alternative flights are in Queenstown or Mount Cook). Our hotel tonight is the four-star Scenic, with breakfast.

Day 15: Queenstown

Continuing south, you’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.

You’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.

Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the city - 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 town has to offer. The centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away or you may choose to join one of our additional optional excursion.

Day 17: Milford Sound Cruise

Leaving Queenstown you’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 within the Fiordland National Park part of the UNESCO South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.

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.

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

Day 18: Omarama

Today you’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.

You’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 Ōmarama.

Day 19: Mount Cook

We’ll continue towards the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo and visit the exterior of 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: Journey home

Say goodbye and start your journey home.

Day 21: Arrive home

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