Exploring New Zealand featuring the North & South Islands
Overview
Highlights
- Experience an authentic Hangi dinner and learn about Maori culture.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu.
- Cruise through the Bay of Islands’ famous “Hole in the Rock.”
- Visit spectacular Mt. Cook National Park where permanent ice fields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks.
- Visit a working, family-owned sheep farm and learn about daily life in New Zealand’s high country.
- Explore Te Puia, a Maori cultural and geothermal experience.
- Enjoy intimate wine tastings in the famous Marlborough wine region.
- Relish a breathtaking cruise through Milford Sound fjord.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
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Itinerary
Your tour opens in Auckland, the “City of Sails,” consistently rated one of the best places in the world to live. Auckland’s Polynesian population instills into its chic atmosphere the vibrant feel of the Pacific Islands. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
The morning is yours to enjoy the town of Blenheim. Next, we continue our introduction to the world-famous wine region of Marlborough with a visit to another of the family-owned wineries in the region for a tasting and tour. The area is famous for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and late harvest Riesling wines, all of which you will taste today.
Come to know the best of Auckland during a panoramic city tour featuring the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, bustling Queen Street, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Next, depart Auckland and travel north to the Bay of Islands, your home for the next two night...
Begin the day with a cruise that features the bay’s famous Hole in the Rock and a stop off at picturesque Urupukapuka Island. Relax on the beach or walk to a higher elevation to enjoy 360° views. Look out at the Cape Brett Lighthouse which stands nearly 500 feet above...
Leave the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands behind and head to Matakohe in the heartland of the North Island. Make a stop at the Kauri Museum where you will come to know the stories surrounding the giant kauri tree that can live for 2,000 years. Discover how the ...
Today, find yourself amid the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. With over one-third of its population boasting Maori roots, this city is known as the Maori capital of New Zealand. Visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. T...
Travel through the rolling countryside of the North Island. The rural vistas and the rugged Rimutaka Range slowly give way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.
This morning we embark on a tour of Wellington. See the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament; historic St. Paul’s Church; and the Old Government Building – the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, visit the Te Papa Tongawera Museum, a fascinating center dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
Board a ferry and sail across Cook Strait. This has been called “the most beautiful ferry ride in the world.” Arrive in Picton on the South Island where you will have free time for lunch. Next, drive along the coast to the picturesque village of Havelock where you wil...
This morning depart Blenheim and travel to the historic city of Christchurch. Devastated by an earthquake in early 2011, see firsthand how the “Garden City” is recreating itself during a sightseeing tour that highlights the city’s magnificent gardens and elegant park district. Tonight, enjoy dinner in the region’s earliest home, Riccarton House.
The Maori word for Mt. Cook is Aoraki, which means “cloud piercer.” Journey through New Zealand’s unspoiled wilderness and arrive at Mt. Cook National Park, where permanent ice fields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks. This is where famed New Zealand mountaineer S...
Travel to Dunedin, on the southeast coast of New Zealand. One of the earliest European settlements on the islands, Dunedin holds proudly to its Scottish heritage and traditions.
This morning's panoramic drive reveals Larnach Castle as well as Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest public road. Later, visit the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland breeding location in the world for these magnificent birds. Their epic wingspan can reach nearly 10 feet!
Set off today for one of the world’s prettiest towns. You may choose to embark on an optional trip on the spectacular Taieri Gorge Railway; this line was begun in 1879 to serve the inland region of Otago and includes 10 tunnels and 35 bridges. Before arriving in Queen...
En route to Milford Sound, enjoy the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley. You’ll travel through ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the breathtakingly beautiful Milford Sound you will see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away.
Journey into the heart of New Zealand’s high country to visit an authentic, family-owned merino sheep farm. En route, enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Bob’s Cove and Mt. Earnslaw as you cruise across spectacular Lake Wakatipu to Mt. Nichol...
Your adventure comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful trip.
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Dates & Availability
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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.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
Other Collette Reviews
Great itenerary both cultural and spectacular scenery
This was a tremendous trip. Nice mix of New Zealand s spectacular scenery and cultural highlights. In Australia Cairns was interesting for culture and great barrier ...
It was a wonderful trip and experience!
It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
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Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
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Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).
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From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.
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Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.
Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.
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What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Accommodation
Mt. Cook Glacier Flight - $350
Mount Cook Fly over the pristine wilderness of Mt. Cook National Park for once in a lifetime views of the mountain range surrounding Mt. Cook – named Aoraki by the Maoris. New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt. Cook soars to 12,316 feet. Nineteen peaks in the park climb to over 9,800 feet and 40% of its surface is covered by glacial ice. The ski plane carries you over the Tasman Glacier and gently lands on the ice field. Experience the magical silence of the remote ice field and capture remarkable photos of this extreme environment. Spectacular! Duration approximately 1 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Flight Time: 40 minutes (including 10 minute glacier landing). This option is only available to purchase while on tour through your Tour Manager. Flights are weather dependent. This option does have a weight restriction which your Tour Manager will advise as it varies by aircraft type.Taieri Gorge Railway - $80
Dunedin Begin your journey at the historic Dunedin Railway Station, the country’s busiest station during its early years. Board your train and become immersed in breathtaking and spectacular scenery. Travel along the Taieri Gorge, carved by the Taieri River which flows far below you. Photo stops will allow these memories to last forever! Onboard commentary will provide further insight into the railway’s origin and the surrounding areas. Experience the history of the railway firsthand as you pass through hand-carved tunnels dating back over 100 years. End your journey at the Pukerangi Railway Station. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Dinner - $130
Queenstown All aboard! Board a Fiordlander and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Country Farm. Enjoy the hospitality of the Colonel’s Homestead at an impressive buffet where you can indulge in the best of New Zealand meats and seafood, fresh vegetables and garden salads. You are sure to find the house dessert specialties hard to resist! An after-dinner visit to the farm provides an entertaining glimpse into farming life in the high country. Cruise back to Queenstown, relaxing or joining in the revelry of the lively sing-along. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option is only available from May 11 through July 2 while the TSS Earnslaw is undergoing yearly scheduled maintenance.Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown - $310
Queenstown Soar over the plunging cliffs, snowfields and alpine lakes of the pristine Southern Alps on a flightseeing plane that carries you back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. Seeing Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park from the air will give you a whole new perspective on the overwhelming beauty of this region. You’ll be captivated by 9,000 foot peaks and frozen lakes that can only be seen from above. Enjoy amazing views and skip the lengthy return coach ride to Queenstown. A truly spectacular trip! Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Availability for flightseeing is limited. This option is only available to purchase while on tour through your Tour Manager. This option operates on a weather permitting basis only. Duration: 40 minutes. This option does have a weight restriction, which your Tour Manager will advise as it varies by aircraft type.Dinner with the Maori - $90
Rotorua Tonight, immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of the Maori as you travel to a traditional village nestled in the rainforest. Learn about the warm-hearted Maoris and their lives before European colonists arrived in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and since. Enjoy an in-depth experience featuring authentic Maori entertainment such as the poi dance and the famous “Haka” war challenge. Finish your evening with an authentic Hangi dinner, pulled from the cooking pits right before your eyes. Come away with an appreciation of a unique culture, thousands of years in the making. Duration approximately 4.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.Become a member
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