The Long White Cloud

19 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Traverse New Zealand’s North and South Islands, exploring hidden wonders and iconic landscapes. Witness majestic glaciers, shimmering lakes and ancient rainforests brimming with wildlife. Immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, fresh seasonal fare, world class wines and scenic stays. Experience a journey like no other.
$15,102
From$11,187
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    Traverse New Zealand’s North and South Islands, exploring hidden wonders and iconic landscapes. Witness majestic glaciers, shimmering lakes and ancient rainforests brimming with wildlife. Immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, fresh seasonal fare, world class wines and scenic stays. Experience a journey like no other.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityAuckland
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 40

Trip includes

    • Small group (16 guests max) 32 included meals (18 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 11 dinners) 18 Nights premium and authentic accommodation

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland

Upon your arrival in Auckland, you'll be greeted with a private transfer to QT Auckland hotel for a Welcome Reception with drinks and canapés.

QT Auckland

Welcome Reception

Day 2: Auckland – Tauranga

Explore Auckland starting in historic Parnell, renowned for its boutiques and galleries. Discover New Zealand's cultural heritage at Auckland Museum in the Domain's beautiful surroundings. Wander along the waterfront, enjoying views of the harbor and the lively ambian...

Day 3: Tauranga – Rotorua

Explore Mount Maunganui, a volcanic cone, which offers panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty. Continue to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time.

Pullman Rotorua

Full Breakfast

Day 4: Rotorua

Enjoy a day of leisure at your own pace in magnificent Rotorua. Why not relax in one of the many natural hot springs or go on a leisurely stroll around Lake Rotorua to see the serene views. The day is yours to enjoy. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā ...

Day 5: Rotorua – Napier

Today, you’ll be guided on a tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Together with a packed lunch and your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rainforest on a cultural walking tour where if you’re lucky you might sight an enda...

Day 6: Napier

Gannet Safaris Overland at Cape Kidnappers offers exclusive access to New Zealand's largest privately-owned nature reserve. Explore pristine coastline, farms, and native bush by 4x4 to reach the Gannet Colony. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Cape Sanctuar...

Day 7: Napier – Wellington

Upon your arrival in Wellington see the city sights. Visit Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand, a treasure trove of over 800,000 artworks, scientific specimens, historical archives and artefacts or take in the views on a historic Wellington Cable Car ride; the choice is yours today.

Naumi Hotel Wellington

Full Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 8: Wellington – Marlborough Sounds

Set off on a scenic journey as you cross the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry, bound for Picton. From there, a private sea transfer awaits to whisk you into the serene beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your destination - the remote and tranquil Furneaux Lodge.

Furneaux Lodge

Full Breakfast

Day 9: Marlborough Sounds

Explore Marlborough Sounds at your leisurely pace. Hike the scenic stretch of Queen Charlotte Track or enjoy fishing at Furneaux Lodge with provided equipment. Alternatively, join a Paua Pearl Tour guided by the owners, learning about New Zealand's Blue Pearl cultivat...

Day 10: Marlborough Sounds – Christchurch

Depart from the tranquil Marlborough Sounds and travel to Picton, where you'll begin your journey southward towards Christchurch. En route, pass through the coastal town of Kaikōura, renowned for its marine life and stunning coastal scenery.

Hotel Montreal Christchurch

Full Breakfast

Day 11: Christchurch – Lake Ohau

Begin your day by exploring Christchurch's city sights before journeying to the brilliant blue waters of Lake Tekapo. You'll visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing your adventure to the exquisite Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat. Here, you'll indulge ...

Day 12: Lake Ohau – Queenstown

Travel through Lindis Pass to Cromwell. Visit Mrs. Jones Orchard for fresh produce, then explore the Highlands Museum, a paradise for car enthusiasts and novices alike. See Michael Schumacher’s Benetton Formula One car, learn about New Zealand motorsport history and s...

Day 13: Queenstown at Leisure

Today, explore Queenstown at your own pace. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station (own expense). As the day winds down, prepare for an unforgettable evening at ...

Day 14: Queenstown – Milford Sound

Start your day with a scenic drive along the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local farm, tasting authentic regional flavours. Journey through Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing glaciers, mountains, an...

Day 15: Milford Sound – Wānaka

Leave the serene beauty of Fiordland National Park for the picturesque town of Wānaka, nestled among the Southern Alps. Spend the afternoon at Edgewater Lake Wanaka Hotel, exploring the scenic surroundings. This idyllic town blends natural splendour with leisurely pur...

Day 16: Wānaka – Franz Josef

Start your journey with a scenic drive from Wānaka, passing Lake Hawea and the picturesque settlement of Makarora amidst alpine scenery and lush rainforest. Reach Haast on the West Coast, with diverse landscapes to captivate your senses. Enjoy a thrilling Haast River ...

Day 17: Franz Josef

Begin your day at a leisurely pace, soaking in the spectacular surroundings of Franz Josef. Then, explore this captivating region with a local guide, who will illuminate the wonders of its majestic glaciers, lush rainforests, and uniquely varied landscapes.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Full Breakfast

Day 18: Franz Josef – Christchurch

Leave Franz Josef for Hokitika, joining an informative walking tour led by a local history expert. Learn about the West Coast's rich heritage, from shipwrecks to gold miners and pounamu hunters. Then, embark on the scenic TranzAlpine journey from Arthur’s Pass to Chri...

Day 19: Farewell from Christchurch

As your extraordinary journey draws to a close, enjoy a seamless transfer to Christchurch Airport. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories made during your exploration of New Zealand.

Full Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,187
Price per day$589
Last Updated: 2/27/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Room (Shared)
Single Room
Availability
13 Oct 2025
31 Oct 2025
$11,187
$14,468
available
27 Oct 2025
14 Nov 2025
$12,430
$16,075
closed
03 Nov 2025
21 Nov 2025
$11,187
$14,468
available
24 Nov 2025
12 Dec 2025
$12,430
$16,075
closed
22 Dec 2025
09 Jan 2026
$11,187
$14,468
closed
05 Jan 2026
23 Jan 2026
$12,430
$16,075
closed
26 Jan 2026
13 Feb 2026
$11,187
$14,468
closed
09 Feb 2026
27 Feb 2026
$11,187
$14,468
available
16 Feb 2026
06 Mar 2026
$12,430
$16,075
closed
09 Mar 2026
27 Mar 2026
$11,187
$14,468
available

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • QT Auckland
  • Trinity Wharf Tauranga
  • Pullman Rotorua
  • Porters Boutique Hotel
  • Naumi Hotel Wellington
  • Furneaux Lodge
  • Hotel Montreal Christchurch
  • Lake Ohau Lodge
  • The Rees
  • Milford Mariner
  • Edgewater Lake Wānaka Hotel
  • Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Cancellation policy

Cancellation by the Traveller
Travel arrangements for any member of the party may be cancelled at any time by written notice by the person who made the booking.

If notice of cancellation is received by the Provider before final payment is due (see The Table), the deposit will be retained. If cancellation is made after final payment is due cancellation fees will apply (see The Table). These cancellation fees represent the costs incurred less any expected recoveries. Please also refer to Air cancellation Section where applicable.Notice of cancellation must be made in writing directly to the Provider or through your Travel Agent. Please also refer to the Provider's Gold Seal Additional Protection.

If a person in a party cancels and there is a room change caused by this cancellation (such as a twin share to Single, or Triple to twin share), charges for the new room type will be the responsibility of the remaining party. The charges detailed in the Summary Terms table (which includes GST), representing costs incurred by the Provider in cancelling your travel arrangements, will apply when notice of cancellation for your trip is given after the booking is confirmed. Please also refer to the Provider's Gold Seal Additional Protection.

If a guest fails to join the trip on the day of departure, cancellation fees will be 100% (unless the guest notifies us of the delay and joins the trip later at their own expense).

Cancellation fees as per The Table apply to additional accommodation and/or chargeable transfers prior to and after the trip, itinerary extensions or cruise reserved through the Provider.

Cancellation fees and charges will include any amounts that we have paid or have contractually committed to pay to third parties to deliver your travel arrangements which we cannot reasonably recover (for example payments made or due to airlines and hotels). Any payments we have made to third parties will only be refunded to you once we have deducted the above cancellation fees and charges and once we have actually recovered the amounts from the third parties.

All cancellation fees as per The Table are additional to any cancellation fees or other charges that may be levied by your Travel Agent.

Gold Seal Protection premiums are non-refundable.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under your insurance, you may be able to reclaim these charges from your insurer. You are responsible for making the claim to your insurer. We will provide you with documentation to support your claim.

Cancellation by the Provider
The Provider reserves the right, to modify or cancel any trip, accommodation, in-destination activity or arrangement, definite or not, at any time.

Cancellation due to Failure to Pay

If full payment is not received by the due date (see The Table), The Provider has the right to cancel your reservation and no refund will be made. The Provider will not be responsible for lost reservations.

Cancellation due to Force Majeure Events

If The Provider cancels a trip as a result of a Force Majeure Event, a future travel credit (FTC) to the value of funds paid to date, less any unrecoverable third-party costs incurred, will be provided. All FTCs will be valid for 24 months from date of issue.

Where a trip is terminated mid-trip due to a Force Majeure event, if we provide you with any alternative services or assistance (such as hotels or travel) then you agree to pay for these costs.

Cancellation due to Events other than Force Majeure Events

If the cancellation by the Provider is not as a result of a Force Majeure Event, the Provider will provide an alternative comparable trip (if available). If an alternative is not available, then a refund will be made. The Provider is not liable for any cancellation or change cost or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air travel, that may be affected thereby.

The Provider is not responsible for other travel arrangements that you or your party have made outside the Provider and which are affected by our cancellations.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.aatkings.com/about-us/booking-conditions-published-5-august-2024/

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 18 Full Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 3 Lunch (L)
  • 2 Local Dining Experience (LD)
  • 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 1 Celebration Dinner (CD)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
aatkin-NZIJ25

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