Highlights of New Zealand (non-driving)

20 days
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USTOA

Private Guided
Explore Rotorua's geothermal delights. Experience the famous Blenheim winelands. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of New Zealand's South Island. Take an overnight cruise around the spectacular Doubtful Sound.
From$7,815
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Overview

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

What's this trip about?

    Explore Rotorua's geothermal delights. Experience the famous Blenheim winelands. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of New Zealand's South Island. Take an overnight cruise around the spectacular Doubtful Sound.

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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

  • Culinary & Wine
  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Mt. Wellington
  • Queenstown

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Educational/ learning
  • History
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • River cruise
  • 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

On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your luxury hotel in the centre of town where you can relax after your flights or begin exploring the area as you please. We will furnish you with a list of recommended restaurants before you travel.

Day 4 : Auckland

Today is at leisure in Auckland for you to recover from your flight and settle into the relaxed pace of life here in New Zealand. Why not go for a stroll along the waterfront or adventure up the Sky Tower to see the spectacular views of the city and bay.

Day 5 : Auckland

Today you will enjoy a wine tour of the renowned Waiheke Island in Auckland Harbour. After crossing over by ferry in the morning, you will tour a number of the island's vineyards and wineries. You'll learn all about the wine produced in the region and of course be treated to some tastings too.

Day 6 : Rotorua

Today you will depart Auckland by coach and head towards Rotorua. En route, you'll stop and visit the fascinating Waitomo Caves for a boat ride through the spectacular caverns that are illuminated by thousands of glow worms. After this you will visit Hobbiton and expl...

Day 7 : Rotorua

Today, you'll be able to enjoy all of Rotorua's top attractions at your leisure, from the breathtaking geysers and mud pools of the Te Puia Cultural and Geothermal Center, to the Skyline gondola, to the soothing natural blessing of the Polynesian Spa pools. Bird and reptile fans may wish to visit Rainbow Springs, home to New Zealand's oldest Kiwi conservation center.

Day 8 : Wellington

This morning you'll fly on to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. A shuttle bus will take you to the airport. On arrival in Wellington either take the bus or a taxi to your hotel, both are very easy to do. After checking into your hotel in Wellington, we recommend head...

Day 9 : Blenheim

Heading to the South Island today you will take a short taxi ride to the ferry terminal for your ferry to Picton in the surreal Marlborough Sounds. Upon arrival, disembark the ferry and meet your private transfer to Blenheim in the heart of New Zealand's winelands. Yo...

Day 10 : Blenheim

New Zealand's Blenheim and Marlborough regions are highly renowned for their wine production. Grown on rich volcanic soil, the Sauvignon Blanc made here is considered some of the best in the world. Spend today enjoying a gourmet tour of the area's best wineries, learning of the area's history and development of its wine production.

Day 11 : Hanmer Springs

After a leisurely morning, you will be transferred back to the train station to meet your bus to Hanmer Springs, a pretty Alpine village just inland from Kaikoura. This is a beautiful journey, travelling along the Lewis Pass.When you arrive in Hanmer, go for a walk and admire the scenery, then take a dip in the natural Hot Springs before dinner.

Day 12 : Christchurch

This morning, catch your bus to the centre of Christchurch, then take a taxi to your hotel, drop your bags and explore the garden city. We recommend punting on the River Avon and going to see the 'container city' shopping mall, part of the Christchurch Earthquake rebu...

Day 13 : Christchurch

Today you will head out on a full day trip to Arthur's Pass National Park. This dramatic mountainous area was one of main filming locations of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Be sure to keep an eye out for the playful Kea bird, New Zealand's parrot. After your tra...

Day 14 : Queenstown

After a leisurely morning in Christchurch, take a taxi to the airport for your flight to Queenstown. After settling into your hotel in the centre of town, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore or relax as you please. Perhaps take the gondola up Bob's Peak to see the magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range.

Day 15 : Queenstown

Today you will head out on a Dart River Wilderness Safari which includes an exhilarating jet boat ride followed by a short guided walk and scenic 4WD trip through the wilderness. You'll learn about the local flora and fauna as well as local Maori and colonial history before heading back to Queenstown.

Day 16 : Manapouri

Today you will be collected and driven to Manapouri, where you will meet your tour to doubtful Sound. After a boat journey across Lake Manapouri, you'll meet another coach which will take you across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound itself, here you will board the Fiordland Navigator and spend a magical night in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.

Day 17 : Queenstown

After completing your cruise today you'll and head back across Wilmot Pass and Lake Manapouri to Queenstown. Spend this evening relaxing and looking back over the wonderful experience of the last few weeks.

Day 18 : Queenstown

Your very last day in Queenstown, the day is at leisure for you to do as you wish, perhaps join a tour; very easy to do if you visit the Queenstown i-Site; or perhaps go walking for the day.This evening you'll board the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, and cruise across the lake to Walter Peak farm where you'll enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner and learn about farm life.

Day 19 : International return flight

This morning you will be dropped off at the airport for your onward flights.

Day 20 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,815
Price per day$391
Last Updated: 0/12/2022

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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Trip ID
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