15 Day Wonders of New Zealand 2018 Itinerary
15 days
Map not provided by operator
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
Small Group Tour
2 Auckland, 1 Tonagriro National Park, 2 Rotorua, 1 Oamaru, 3 Queenstown, 2 Franz Josef, 1 Christchurch
Overview
Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
Highlights
- Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
- Visit the fabulous Auckland Museum, guided by an expert natural historian
- Descend into the astonishing Ruakuri Caves with its swirling rivers, waterfalls and glow worms
- Stay overnight at the unique Chateau Tongariro renowned for its style and grandeur
- Visit Orakei Korako, one of New Zealand's largest geyser fields
- Home hosted dinner in a traditional New Zealand home
- Discover the lifestyle of the Maori at the living thermal village of Whakarewarewa
- Enjoy a traditionally prepared "Hangi" dinner, cooked in the steaming ground
- Visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin colony, home to the world's smallest penguins
- Explore the dazzling city of Queenstown, the country's adventure capital
What's this trip about?
2 Auckland, 1 Tonagriro National Park, 2 Rotorua, 1 Oamaru, 3 Queenstown, 2 Franz Josef, 1 Christchurch
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityOperator does not provide
End CityOperator does not provide
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Trip includes
- Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
- International flights Los Angeles-Auckland, Christchurch-Los AngelesOther departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- Intra-flight: Rotorua-Christchurch
- 12 nights accommodations 2 nights Auckland 1 night Tongariro National Park 2 nights Rotorua 1 night Oamaru 3 nights Queenstown 2 nights Franz Josef 1 night Christchurch Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers and sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- 25 meals: 12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 9 dinners (including welcome & farewell dinners and home hosted dinner)
- Bottled water during sightseeing excursions. Beer and wine included with all dinners
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
- Active itinerary with unique cultural features
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for New Zealand
Depart for New Zealand
DAY 2, Thursday - En Route
Cross the International date line en route to New Zealand and skip a day ahead
DAY 3, Friday - Arrive in Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Arrive in Auckland, the country's largest city, often called the "City of Sails" because of its lovely harbor side location, and transfer to your hotel. This evening, attend a briefing by your Tour Manager on the exciting adventure that awaits you in New Zealand followed by a Welcome Dinner and drinks with your fellow travelers
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Dinner
DAY 4, Saturday - Auckland
Begin the day at the Auckland Sky Tower, followed by a visit to the fabulous Auckland Museum, guided by an expert New Zealand natural historian. Here, you'll see the monumental carvings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori people along with an impressive collectio...
DAY 5, Sunday - Tongariro National Park
From Auckland travel to the fertile Waikato Plains, stopping in Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori King, and through the country's major dairy region. View the hilly farmlands that mix with indigenous bush as you continue south. A unique experience is in store for you at the...
DAY 6, Monday - Huka Falls, Wai O Tapu Thermal Park, Rotorua
Luxuriate in the chateau's historic lounge, or, take a short walk to see the magnificent landscape and endless mountain views. Then, a scenic drive takes you to Taupo on the banks of the Tongariro River, where anglers come from all over the world to fish for rainbow or b...
DAY 7, Tuesday - Buried Village of Te Wairoa, Whakarewarewa, "Hangi" Feast Dinner
Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Rotorua. In the afternoon, have an informative look into Maori culture. Begin with a visit to the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, New Zealand’s mini version of Pompeii. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Blue and Gree...
DAY 8, Wednesday - Oamaru and the Blue Penguin Colony
Flight this morning to Christchurch in the South Island. A panoramic drive then leads you down the coast where you cross the longest bridge in New Zealand over the Rakaia River. Drive through Ashburton, center of the sheep and wheat farming area to the port city of Timar...
DAY 9, Thursday - Central Otago Wine Region, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown
Traveling south, arrive at Moeraki. Here, view the mysterious large and spherical boulders, known to be over 60 million years old, scattered along the beach, with others emerging from the sandstone cliffs. A change of scenery as you head inland to the heart of the Centra...
DAY 10, Friday - Te Anau, Milford Sound
Depart Queenstown for picturesque Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound. Nestled on the lake's edge, it's the perfect base from which to discover the spectacular glacier carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Follow the glacier-hewn Eglinton River Valley into a magnif...
DAY 11, Saturday - Full Day in Queenstown
A day at leisure for personal discovery in Queenstown. In the morning, perhaps join the optional Lakeshore, Forest & Bird Walking Tour. Embark on a delightful half day guided walk with an experienced guide, who will introduce you to the diversity of New Zealand's flo...
DAY 12, Sunday - Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef
Today, a magnificent drive on your way to glacier country. Depart Queenstown and follow the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell, with its lush vineyards and history dating back to the hectic gold rush days of the 1800s. A short drive along the Clutha River Valley brings you to pic...
DAY 13, Monday - Franz Josef Glacier
After a morning at leisure, an adventurous afternoon. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you on an adventurous walk in the Franz Josef Glacier valley. Learn more about the role of the glacier in shaping this remarkable landscape as you continue through th...
DAY 14, Tuesday - Christchurch
Depart Franz Josef, traveling north on the South Island's West Coast before turning inland. You gradually descend the Southern Alps and emerge in the Canterbury Plains where you enter Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand. Often referred to as the most Eng...
DAY 15, Wednesday - Depart New Zealand
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
*Note: Penguins have sensitive eyes and a bright, sudden flash or unusual light can frighten or disorientate a penguin. To ensure penguins keep coming back to this special area we ask you to not use your cameras, camcorders or camera phones at the Penguin Parade.
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Dates & Availability
Price From $4,139
Price per day$276
Last Updated: 7/15/2018
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Discovery Tours by Gate 1.
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
What's excluded
- *Not Included:Optional tours and gratuities.
Accommodation
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
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It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
Wine on Waiheke Tour Afternoon departure from the downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal on a pleasant cruise through the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and gorgeous beaches. Upon arrival at Matiatia, you’ll be greeted by your knowledgeable driver guide, who will lead you on a tour of the island. The first stop is the stunning Mudbrick vineyard where you will enjoy your first tasting experience while you marvel at the beautiful views of the gulf. The next vineyard, Ridgeview Estate is one of Waiheke's newest wineries. Here, beautiful vistas will take your breath away as your sight extends across to Auckland city and beyond to the Coromandel Peninsula. Savor tastings of their wines accompanied by delicious snacks. The last stop on the tour is the exquisite Te Whau vineyard famous for its 5 star quality wines and acclaimed restaurant. Return back to Matiatia wharf.
*Children under 16 not permitted.*
Pickup details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours. OnDay : 4 Price : $102 Wine on Waiheke Tour Afternoon departure from the downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal on a pleasant cruise through the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island, a haven of beautiful vineyards, olive groves and gorgeous beaches. Upon arrival at Matiatia, you’ll be greeted by your knowledgeable driver guide, who will lead you on a tour of the island. The first stop is the stunning Mudbrick vineyard where you will enjoy your first tasting experience while you marvel at the beautiful views of the gulf. The next vineyard, Ridgeview Estate is one of Waiheke's newest wineries. Here, beautiful vistas will take your breath away as your sight extends across to Auckland city and beyond to the Coromandel Peninsula. Savor tastings of their wines accompanied by delicious snacks. The last stop on the tour is the exquisite Te Whau vineyard famous for its 5 star quality wines and acclaimed restaurant. Return back to Matiatia wharf.
*Children under 16 not permitted.*
Pickup details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours. OnDay : 4 Price : $102 Lakeshore, Forest & Bird Walking Tour Embark on a delightful half day Lakeshore, Forest & Bird guided walk with an experienced guide, who will introduce you to the diversity of New Zealand's flora & fauna. This hike is a unique nature interpretive experience taken at a leisurely pace through native beech forest. Have fun spotting native birds on the edge of the forest as they flit in and out of view. Enjoy morning or afternoon tea/coffee on the lake shore to the sounds of native bird calls and surrounded by majestic mountains. The path winds around the lake shore with an option of a steeper climb to a lookout for breathtaking mountain and lake views.
Pick-up from hotel. Details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours OnDay : 11 Price : $83 Lakeshore, Forest & Bird Walking Tour Embark on a delightful half day Lakeshore, Forest & Bird guided walk with an experienced guide, who will introduce you to the diversity of New Zealand's flora & fauna. This hike is a unique nature interpretive experience taken at a leisurely pace through native beech forest. Have fun spotting native birds on the edge of the forest as they flit in and out of view. Enjoy morning or afternoon tea/coffee on the lake shore to the sounds of native bird calls and surrounded by majestic mountains. The path winds around the lake shore with an option of a steeper climb to a lookout for breathtaking mountain and lake views.
Pick-up from hotel. Details to be advised locally. Approximate tour duration is 4.5 hours OnDay : 11 Price : $83
Additional Information
Accommodation Details: Land only prices do not include arrival/departure transfers.
Trip ID
discovery-DSCV-NZ-15DWNZ-PKG-18
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