Highlights of New Zealand

16 days
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USTOA

Private Guided
New Zealand has the kind of scenery that demands a standing ovation — and it’s all in such close proximity. Our specialists are passionate about helping you get out to explore it all. There are Milford Sound’s arrow-headed peaks, and stretches of sand so vast they earn outlandish names (‘Ninety Mile Beach’). Caves spangle with glow-worms like a million fairy ...
From$5,274
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Overview

Trip type
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    New Zealand has the kind of scenery that demands a standing ovation — and it’s all in such close proximity. Our specialists are passionate about helping you get out to explore it all. There are Milford Sound’s arrow-headed peaks, and stretches of sand so vast they earn outlandish names (‘Ninety Mile Beach’). Caves spangle with glow-worms like a million fairy lights. Stratovolcanoes rise above grassy plains. Ice fields career down almost to the edge of the Tasman Sea. And that’s just for starters. Whether you’re keen to explore on foot or by car, bicycle or even helicopter (or a combination of them all), our specialists can help. They’ll devise a New Zealand holiday that allows you to take in the major destinations, as well as more out-of-the-way spots or lesser-known activities. They can recommend everything from the best Maori guides to the best places for viewing New Zealand’s unique panoply of birdlife.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAuckland
End CityQueenstown

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Queenstown

Activities

  • Dolphin Swim
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Wine Tasting

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Itinerary

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 2 : International outbound flight

On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.

Day 3 : Auckland

Upon arrival in Auckland you will be welcomed by one of our representatives and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation. We will also have arranged for a set of documents to await you, which will include a detailed driving atlas and local information guid...

Day 4 : Rotorua

This morning enjoy a half day small group Auckland highlights tour, which is a fantastic introduction to both the city and New Zealand. You then collect your car and make the three hour drive south to Rotorua. We'll have organised your car to be ready at your closest ...

Day 5 : Rotorua

You have the whole day at leisure to explore the thermal plateau region. Take a drive to Lake Taupo and en route, stop at Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Reserve to see Lady Knox Geyser and the bubbling mud basins known as the Devil's Ink Pots. This evening, you have tickets to a Maori cultural evening, where you'll experience traditional performances and a delicious 'Hangi' feast.

Day 6 : Tongariro National Park

Depart for Tongariro National Park where you will spend tonight. You may wish to try one of the many shorter walks available within the park and will notice how dramatically different the scenery here is compared to Rotorua.

Day 7 : Wellington

Depart today for Wellington. Stop en route for coffee and lunch at one of the small rural service towns you will pass through. Once in Wellington, you will have time at leisure to explore the capital city. An excellent recommendation is the national museum, Te Papa, w...

Day 8 : Blenheim

Make your own way to the ferry terminal this morning and board the InterIslander ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island. The crossing takes around three hours. Upon arrival in Picton you collect your hire car from the ferry terminal and make the short 30 min...

Day 9 : Hanmer Springs

This morning take the beautiful inland drive to Hanmer Springs, this is a very scenic drive and there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way.Spend the rest of today at leisure in Hanmer Springs, you might like to take a relaxing dip in the natural hot pools and then go for a walk to take in the beautiful alpine scenery.

Day 10 : Christchurch

Today, drive to Christchurch where you will have time to explore the city this afternoon, check out the Re-Start container mall and perhaps visit the Antarctic centre.Try out one of the fabulous restaurants in the city tonight, the Tram restaurant is a great way to see the city whilst dining.

Day 11 : Franz Josef Glacier

Drop your car at the airport and take a taxi to the train station this morning where you board the TranzAlpine train. This three hour scenic journey takes you across the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass National Park to South Island's west coast.Upon arrival in Gre...

Day 12 : Franz Josef Glacier

Today you will enjoy a fabulous heli hike on the Franz Josef glacier. You will be flown up over the glacier before landing where you will put on your crampons and your guide will pick out a path with his pick axe, enabling him to show you the best ice formations on th...

Day 13 : Queenstown

This morning, you will drive south to Queenstown. On the way, there are plenty of short walks to take in the Haast Pass and scenic spots to enjoy. Stop off for the afternoon in Wanaka, a beautiful lakeside town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Then take the road over the Cardrona range to Queenstown which offers you spectacular views of the Queenstown area.

Day 14 : Queenstown

You will join the Dart River Wilderness Safari today - a great half day excursion including an exhilarating jet boat ride followed by a short guided walk and scenic 4WD trip through the forest where you will learn about the local flora and fauna as well as local Maori...

Day 15 : International return flight

Today make your own way to the airport in time for your onward flight.

Day 16 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,274
Price per day$330
Last Updated: 0/11/2022

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.

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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Our trips don’t come off the shelf. There’s no set recipe. Each itinerary is tailor-made down to the finest detail, built around your tastes and interests. Quite simply, we listen to what you want and then carefully design an individual trip to match, working to your budget and with an absolute commitment to quality.

We have experts for each and every one of our destinations, with the knowledge that comes from having visited many times or even lived there. Our specialists will design a trip around you, show you the highlights from a different angle, and introduce you to places and experiences that others might miss.

Our flexibility promise

As the world adjusts to travel in times of uncertainty, we want you to be able to look ahead to your next trip knowing you can change your plans if needed. And, with specialists who are experts in their destinations and remain your single point of contact before and while you travel, we promise you can book with us in absolute confidence.

Our flexibility promise

Change your plans free of charge up to 30 days before departure

We’ll move your travel dates or switch the value of your booked trip to another destination at no expense to you up to 30 days before you’re due to depart. You’ll receive a 100% travel credit equivalent to the amount you paid toward your original booking.

Valid for new bookings made on or before October 31, 2020, for travel by Dec. 31, 2021. Travel dates may be moved to departures up to December 31, 2022. Excludes select cruises and airfare. Additional charges may be incurred based on changes to your trip such as accommodation and/or seasonality.

Full-refund guarantee on trips close to home

14-day cancellation policy for trips to the US, Canada or Caribbean

We want to help you navigate the uncertainty that remains around travel by giving you the flexibility to book a trip to any of our destinations in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean this year in complete confidence. With our 14-day cancellation policy, you can cancel your trip up to two weeks before you’re due to depart for any reason and receive a full refund, when you book your trip on or before October 31, 2020 for travel before December 14, 2021**.

Valid on new bookings within the US, Canada or Caribbean made on or before October 31, 2020 for travel by December 14, 2021. Certain policy variations may apply dependent on property selection and dates. Specific details will be provided by your specialist. Any portion of a new booking paid with an existing travel credit will be refunded in the form of a travel credit. Excludes flights and select properties.

 

Set your travel plans in motion with a video appointment

 

Talking face to face with your specialist can be an invaluable starting point for sharing thoughts and ideas as you begin to imagine your next trip. You can take as much time as you need to speak to your specialist and discuss all your plans with one of our video appointments. Just think of it as your own personal webinar — your specialist will share a wealth of insight, aided by images, maps and other visuals, to inspire you and provide advice for your trip, based on what you want to experience.

It's easy to arrange

  • Book a video appointment (we’ll ask you for a few details about your travel plans).
  • One of our specialists, who’s an expert in your chosen destination, will get in touch to arrange a time and date to suit you. If your travel companions are in different households, we’ll invite them to join, too, so you can all chat together.
  • Your specialist will send you a link to your video appointment by email. We suggest using a computer or laptop, which means there’s no software to download.
  • Settle down with a drink, click on the link to join the appointment and your specialist will be there to welcome you.
 

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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
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
audley-audley-travel-44174

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