oceania·Multi-day tour·15 days
15-Day Highlights of New Zealand Tour from Auckland【Max 16 Pax Small Group】: Rotorua, Wellington & Queenstown
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What you'll experience
Highlights
• 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners included
• Marvel at the striking Franz Josef glacier
• Feast on a hangi in a Maori village
• Let loose in Queenstown
• Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound
• Marvel at the striking Franz Josef glacier
• Feast on a hangi in a Maori village
• Let loose in Queenstown
• Cruise around the fjords of Doubtful Sound
15 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Auckland
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city.
【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group】
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Nesuto Stadium Hotel & Apartments - 2
Day 2 — Auckland - Rotorua
Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
【Waitomo Cave Excursion】
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Waitomo Glowworm Cave
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Sudima Lake Rotorua - 3
Day 3 — Rotorua
Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment.
Rotorua sits over an active volcanic zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, or go whitewater rafting nearby.
【Mitai Experience】
Visit the Mitai Maori Village and learn the migration story of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Maori Pacifica connection told in dance form. Enjoy a delicious Hangi meal, similar to a Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potato (kumara) and lamb steamed over heated rocks.
【Free Time】
Enjoy free time to visit the geothermal sites around town.
Mitai Maori Village
Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Sudima Lake Rotorua - 4
Day 4 — Rotorua - Wellington
Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington - 5
Day 5 — Wellington
Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens.
【Orientation With CEO】
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
【Free Time】
Spend some time exploring the city.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Naumi Studio Hotel Wellington - 6
Day 6 — Wellington - Kaikoura
Fly to the South Island and travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its diverse marine life. Stop en route for a wine tasting at a local winery.
【Winery Visit】
Stop at a local winery and opt to sample some of the wines produced on site.
【 Plane】
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
【 Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: The White Morph - 7
Day 7 — Kaikoura - Hanmer Springs
Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Opt to go on a whale watching tour and search for giant sperm whales. Or head out on a tour to swim in the open ocean in a place often visited by wild dolphins. In the afternoon, travel to Hanmer Springs. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Drifters Inn Hanmer Springs - 8
Day 8 — Hanmer Springs - Franz Josef
Take in the stunning scenery while travelling across the Southern Alps to the rugged and remote West Coast, before staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Rainforest Retreat - 9
Day 9 — Franz Josef
Enjoy a free day to explore the area around Franz Josef. Opt to explore the glacier with a heli hike.
There are plenty of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, skydiving or lake kayaking.
【Your Discover Moment】
There's plenty to see and do in Franz Josef, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a glacial hike or a helicopter hike. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Rainforest Retreat - 10
Day 10 — Franz Josef - Queenstown
Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, there's something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Heartland Hotel Queenstown - 11
Day 11 — Queenstown
With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving or hiking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
Opt to pre-book the "Queenstown Jet Boating" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
【Your Discover Moment】
There's plenty to see and do in Queenstown, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like mountain biking, bungee jumping, and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Heartland Hotel Queenstown - 12
Day 12 — Queenstown
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Doubtful Sound on a day cruise. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife, then return to Queenstown for the night.
【Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise】
Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Fiordland National Park
Doubtful Sound
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Heartland Hotel Queenstown - 13
Day 13 — Queenstown - Tekapo
Travel north through the centre of the South Island to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, named after New Zealand's highest peak. Spend the afternoon hiking the region, taking in the alpine scenery. Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Visitor's Centre, before a short but scenic journey to Tekapo Village.
【Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre】
Stop by the visitor's centre to learn more about the region.
【Aoraki/Mount Cook Visit】
Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Godley Hotel - 14
Day 14 — Tekapo - Christchurch
Continue on to Christchurch and take in an orientation walk with your CEO. Enjoy one final night together with the group.
Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake.
【Orientation With CEO】
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
【Private Vehicle】
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Bealey Quarter - 15
Day 15 — Christchurch - Home
Depart at any time.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- 14-night accommodations (Hotels/motels (14 nts))
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
- Your Discover Moment: Queenstown
- Waitomo Glowworm caves visit
- Orientation walk in Wellington and Christchurch
- Wine tasting
- Fiordland National Park visit with Doubtful Sound day cruise
- Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)
- Internal flight between Wellington and Christchurch
- Free time in Rotorua, Wellington, Franz Josef, and Queenstown
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners (Allow USD515-670 for meals not included)
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
Not included
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
- Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
- It is not customary in New Zealand or Australia to tip service providers, but if you do experience outstanding service it is good to do so. Such service would only usually be in places like quality restaurants and it would be very rare that you would tip more than 10%. Unless specifically asked to do so at the time (by your CEO) - do not tip your local guides. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Chief Experience Officer did an outstanding job, you may consider a small tip - but it certainly isn't expected.
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–31 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 31 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 32–61 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 32 days to 61 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 62+ days before | 90% | Cancellation Made 62 or more days prior to departure, Refund 90% of total purchase amount |
Read the full cancellation terms
• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.
Important info
Special notes
- Be prepared before you leave for your trip
Please carefully read all of the info below as it's designed to help you have a smooth travel experience.
* One of our core values is to lead with service. Our Global Connection Officers (or GCOs, the people who answer when you call us) and travel agent partners will do their very best to provide you with the latest information before your trip. There are, however, certain things that are the responsibility of the traveller.
* All the travellers are responsible for arranging and obtaining the required entry documentation for the countries they intend to visit.
* In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, entry requirements and restrictions dictated by foreign governments can change frequently and irrespective of your intended date of travel. These requirements and restrictions may depend on different factors such as your country of residence, passport nationality, destination and transit points, as well as previous travel history. Given these considerations, it is the traveller’s responsibility to research and to understand the latest travel and health requirements and restrictions by destination which are most relevant to them at the time of travel and to the destination(s) they are planning to visit, as well as to keep themselves up to date. - Dossier Disclaimer
* The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
* VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. - Itinerary Disclaimer
* While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
* Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. - Important Notes
* Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in New Zealand as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.
* Over public holidays in Australia and New Zealand (such as Christmas, New Years Day, Easter, and Anzac Day) there may be some limitations of services and disruptions to schedules. In general our tours still operate effectively over public holidays, but there may be closures of optional activities and restaurants, and slight itinerary adjustments in order to provide all tour inclusions.
* ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessar.
* IMPORTANT NOTE: Bookings for the America's Cup are at either 11am, 1pm or 2pm - this is dependant on the season and availability. Please be sure to reconfirm your sailing 24 hours prior by phoning Explore (while in New Zealand): 0800 397 567 or International: +64 9 359 5987. - Group Leader Description
* This group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders, otherwise known as a Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The CEO will be the group manager, leader and sometimes the driver - this person is knowledgeable in the routes travelled and will organize and lead the meal preparations and has experience in cooking a variety of local and international dishes for large groups.
* As the group coordinator and manager, the aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. They will also offer suggestions for things to do and to see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends.
* We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds. - All included meals will be prepared from goods bought en route from supermarkets, local shops and markets. Breakfasts will generally consist of breads and cereals, if time allows a warm breakfast may be prepared. Many lunches will be provided en-route and will be light meals such as sandwiches and/or salads. All evening meals will be freshly-prepared hot meals, and will consist of a variety of continental and local dishes.
- About our Transportation
* Our vans are mini-coaches. Occasionally with smaller group sizes we will use smaller, equally comfortable 13-seater vehicles. All mini-coaches tow a trailer for luggage. All groups have one CEO, who is also the driver.
* The vehicles are factory built with comfortable seats and air-conditioning. It is mandatory to wear a seatbelt while riding in our vehicles. - What to Take
* The max luggage allowance on most domestic flights within New Zealand is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person.
* You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible.
* We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. Heavy luggage is not recommended for the health of the CEO, who will take a lead in loading the storage trailer. Due to space in the trailer, we will not be able to accommodate more than one piece of main luggage per person. A good size day-pack (20-35L) is also essential to carry your personal gear for the day, as access to luggage between destinations will be limited. This daypack will be used to carry your personal gear for the day, your lunch and a water bottle.
* New Zealand weather can be quite variable, even in summer, and layers are recommended throughout the year. - Please note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
- Laundry can be done at least once a week while on tour. Some private campgrounds and most cities have laundromats where you can buy soap and wash your laundry in coin-operated machines. Your CEO will advise you along the trip where you will be able to do your laundry.
- Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
- Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of local currency (preferably smaller bills, 5's, 10's and 20's), traveller's cheques and credit cards is best. Currency exchange is best obtained prior to travel or at the airport, currency exchange is easy to find in New Zealand in the gateway cities and most banks do accommodate.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price for Double applies when two people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people.
* This trip uses comfortable 3 star hotels, lodges and inns, well located in cities or near park entrances. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a very good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.
* Children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour.
* All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Child shares the same price as adult.
* Maximum room capacity: 2 people.
* This trip uses comfortable 3 star hotels, lodges and inns, well located in cities or near park entrances. Our chosen hotels vary in size, character, and amenities, but are of a very good standard, and the rooms are double occupancy with a private bathroom.
Tour operator
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$4829
NPR 6,51,908