Exploring New Zealand featuring the North & South Islands
Overview
Highlights
- Experience an authentic Hangi dinner and learn about Maori culture.
- Sample local specialties of the South Island at a “Taste of Fiordland” dinner.
- Enjoy a farewell dinner on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu.
- Cruise through the Bay of Islands’ famous “Hole in the Rock.”
- Overnight in the spectacular Mt. Cook region where permanent ice fields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks.
- Visit a working, family-owned farm and learn about daily life in New Zealand’s high country.
- Explore Te Puia, a Maori cultural and geothermal experience.
- Take in the well-preserved Art Deco architecture of Napier.
- Relish a breathtaking cruise through Milford Sound fjord.
What's this trip about?
Details
Destinations
Attractions
Popular Trips
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.
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...
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. The afternoon is yours to explore New Zealand’s largest city on your own. Perhaps you will choose to go on an optional America’s Cup sailing experience.
Depart Auckland and travel north to the Bay of Islands, your home for the next two nights. This sun-soaked region boasts more than 144 islands and warm waters with abundant marine life. Visit the Waitangi Treaty House, the site where Maori and British leaders signed the 1840 treaty establishing New Zealand as a nation.
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, standing nearly 500 feet above se...
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 and come to know the stories surrounding the giant kauri tree that can live for 2,000 years. Discover how the early settl...
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 North Island’s rolling countryside to Taupo, a lakeside town situated in a natural caldera. Stop for a morning tea at a working art glass studio. See the artists work their craft before exploring the colorful sculpture garden. Continue on to Napier, a quaint harbour town situated on the shores of Hawke’s Bay.
Start your morning with a guided tour of Napier. Venture along some of the world’s greatest Art Deco architecture and learn why the city took on such an eclectic design style. Take advantage of an afternoon at leisure, perhaps strolling down the oceanfront promenade or relaxing at an open-air restaurant.
Continue your way south through rural vistas. The rugged Rimutaka Range slowly gives way to Wellington, a coastal city nestled against the mountains. Embark on a tour of New Zealand's capital city, known as the “Windy City.” 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.
Enjoy a day at leisure to relax or explore Wellington. You may want to visit the Te Papa Tongawera Museum, a fascinating center dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture, or perhaps ride the Wellington Cable Car to the suburb of Kelburn for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Board a ferry and sail across Cook Strait. Experience what 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. Continue along the breathtaking east coast to the largest city on the South Island, Christchurch.
The Maori word for Mt. Cook is Aoraki, which means “cloud piercer.” Journey through New Zealand’s unspoiled wilderness and arrive at the Mt. Cook region, where permanent ice fields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks. This is where famed New Zealand mountaineer Sir ...
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!
Make your way through lush farmland and quaint villages to the lakeside town of Manapouri. Stop at a working Alpaca farm and get up-close to these domesticated animals. Meet with a local artist and gain insight into what it’s like to live in remote New Zealand. Contin...
Take a short walk to the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre. This site is your gateway to the natural beauty of New Zealand’s fjords. An expert guide will provide information about the natural and human history of the region, as well as ongoing conservation projec...
During a cruise of the beautiful Milford Sound, you will see why this fjord is one of the most visited sites on the South Island. With rock faces that rise nearly 4,000 feet on either side, the scenery will take your breath away. Depart Milford Sound and enjoy the rug...
Take advantage of a full day at leisure to enjoy Queenstown. The town has earned the nickname of “Adventure Capital of the World” due to its rugged terrain and the adventurous Kiwi spirit. With the Remarkable Mountains surrounding the town and adjacent lake, there is no shortage of natural beauty and outdoor excursions.
Your adventure comes to a close today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful trip.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Collette.
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
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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 ...
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...
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.
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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.
Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown - $325
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.A Blaze of Glory on the Shotover River! - $125
Queenstown Zoom through the sheer canyons of the Shotover River on this thrilling ride. Shotover Jet boats race along in mere centimeters of the glacial water which flows down from the Southern Alps, providing an exhilarating, but safe and enjoyable ride for all ages. You may get a little wet, but it is a unique and fun way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the South Island of New Zealand and absorb a little of the spirit that has made Queenstown a world center for adventure tourism. Many people think adventure is only for the young. Guests on these jet boats consistently illustrate otherwise – this adventure is perfect for the young at heart! Duration approximately 1.5 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Weather may be cold (boat has heated handlebars) and you may get wet during this option. Actual high speed boating time is 25 minutes.Mt. Cook Glacier Flight - $335
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.Te Anau Glowworm Cave - $75
Queenstown Deep in the heart of Fiordland National Park is a hidden cave that remained lost in legend until 1948. Explore this mysterious underground world of rushing water. Cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau to its isolated western shore. Upon arrival, learn about the caves, rock formations and the tiny creatures themselves at Cavern House before heading underground. Discover the caves by path and small boat. See how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glowworm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms is a magical sight. Duration approximately 2.5 hour(s). Transportation is not included A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Guests who purchase this option will still have dinner included but will have dinner at 5:00 p.m. and will not dine with the rest of their group.Take a Steamship to Dinner - $130
Queenstown Step back in time when you board the TSS Earnslaw, the beloved steamship that has been transporting goods and people on Lake Wakatipu since 1912. Nicknamed "The Lady of the Lake," she is the only coal-fired steamship still in operation in the southern hemisphere. Embark on a leisurely cruise across the pristine waters to Walter Peak High 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 included. A minimum of 1 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. This option is only available from July through April as it is drydocked during the other months of the year. When the TSS Earnslaw is undergoing maintenance, the Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Dinner option will be made available to purchase.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.Become a member
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