Best of New Zealand with Sydney

17 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
It’s true that sheep outnumber people in New Zealand six to one, but lucky for ewe, this untamed land also boasts an impressive number of soaring mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning fiords. The North Island’s Bay of Plenty sets the stage for the abundance of spectacular sights you’ll see on both of New Zealand’s breathtaking islands. Rotorua’s shooting ...
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$8,679
From$6,779
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Auckland : Sightseeing
    • Bay of islands: Visit the Waitangi Treaty House; scenic cruise
    • Rotorua : Traditional Hangi dinner and Maori cultural performance; visit Rainbow Springs and Te Puia; dinner at a local family’s home
    • Marton : Visit a local farm and enjoy a barbecue lunch
    • Wellington : Sightseeing including cable car ride; visit the botanic gardens and Te Papa
    • Interislander ferry : Scenic cruising across Cook Strait
    • Christchurch : Orientation
    • Tranzalpine train: Scenic train journey
    • Franz josef : Glacier Valley walk
    • Queenstown : Winery visit and tasting; visit Fiordland National Park; cruise on Milford Sound; farewell dinner

What's this trip about?

    It’s true that sheep outnumber people in New Zealand six to one, but lucky for ewe, this untamed land also boasts an impressive number of soaring mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning fiords. The North Island’s Bay of Plenty sets the stage for the abundance of spectacular sights you’ll see on both of New Zealand’s breathtaking islands. Rotorua’s shooting geysers are only surpassed by the South Island’s soaring Southern Alps, which you’ll reach from charming Christchurch by way of the scenic TranzAlpine train. Throughout your tour of New Zealand, you’ll have the opportunity to admire incredible views of the Franz Josef Glacier, warm your toes in natural hot springs, and partake in all of the fun that Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World,” has to offer. With so many ways to work up an appetite, you’ll appreciate a special barbecue on a local farm and dinner at a New Zealand family’s home. With its sparkling harbor, trendy beaches, and happy, go-with-the-flow locals, nothing makes a splash quite like the city of Sydney. Cap off your tour of New Zealand with an extra three days in the “Harbour City” for some Aussie-fueled culture and fun.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start City AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
End CitySYDNEY

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Australia
  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Milford Sound
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Sydney
  • Wellington

Activities

  • Culture

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

A Māori Welcome Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. (Dinner)

AUCKLAND-CITYSCAPE.jpg

Day 2: AUCKLAND–BAY OF ISLANDS

Time & Tides Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. Continue to the Bay of Islands, known for its stunning beauty and history. Befo...

Day 3: BAY OF ISLANDS

Seas The Day This morning, embark on a sightseeing cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to stroll the beach, explore some of the island’s historic attractions, shop for souvenirs, or just relax at your hotel. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT ...

Day 4: BAY OF ISLANDS–ROTORUA

Abundant Adventure Today, travel through the Bay of Plenty region to Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, and a thriving Māori culture (Breakfast)

ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE This evening, you may wish to join an optional outing to e...

Day 5: ROTORUA

The Living Earth This morning starts with a guided tour and visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Next, visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area. This afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to relax in a natural hot spring, zipline through the forest, ...

Day 6: ROTORUA–MARTON–WELLINGTON

Wild & Woolly Travel south today through rolling farmlands and pass massive Lake Taupo. After lunch, continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. (Breakfast,Lunch)

LOCAL FAVORITE COUNTING SHEEP In New Zealand, sheep outnumber people 16 to 1. We’ll m...

Day 7: WELLINGTON

New Zealand Treasures Our day begins with a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Take a scenic cable-car ride, visit the beautiful botanic gardens, see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city and harbour from the top o...

Day 8: WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH

Legendary Landmarks Fly to Christchurch located on New Zealand’s south island. Christchurch was named after the city in England that has the same name and has a history of English heritage. A sightseeing tour highlights some of Christchurch’s famous landmarks and spectacular gardens. This evening is at leisure. (Breakfast)

CHRISTCHURCH-ARCHITECTURE.jpg

Day 9: CHRISTCHURCH–TRANZALPINE TRAIN–ARTHUR’S PASS–FRANZ JOSEF

All Aboard in Christchurch Today, take one of the world’s great train journeys aboard the scenic Tranzalpine. Spend the next two nights in the small town of Franz Josef, located at the base of the impressive Franz Josef Glacier. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIG...

Day 10: FRANZ JOSEF

Ice Sculptures This morning, explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage area. Admire incredible views of the Franz Josef Glacier on a locally guided tour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT SCENIC WONDERS The Franz Josef...

Day 11: FRANZ JOSEF–QUEENSTOWN

Vineyards & Views Our journey today takes us along the coast and the Tasman Sea. Climb through rainforests and over Haast Pass to arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, enjoy a tour and a tasting at a local [LF] winery. Tonight,...

Day 12: QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND

Sights & Sound Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the ...

Day 13: QUEENSTOWN

Timeless Tales & Traditions Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Tour some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy, shop for souvenirs, or take a thrilling jetboat ride on the dart river. This evening, enjoy a spec...

Day 14: QUEENSTOWN–SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

On To Australia Today, depart Queenstown and fly to vibrant Sydney for a 3-night stay. Sydney is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is home to home to first-class restaurants, beautiful beaches, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taronga Zoo. (Breakfast)

SYDNEY-OPERA-HOUSE-AND-BRIDGE.jpg

Day 15: SYDNEY

Spectacular Sydney This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Today’s sightseei...

Day 16: SYDNEY

Sights & Sounds A full day to enjoy more of this beautiful city. (Breakfast)

ENCHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Sydney with an optional trip to the Blue Mountains, a cruise around Sydney Harbour, time to soak up the sun on nearby Manly Beach, or a thrilli...

Day 17: SYDNEY

Until We Meet Again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

SYDNEY-KOALA.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,779
Price per day$399
Last Updated: 10/2/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
17 Jan 2025
02 Feb 2025
$7,069
31 Jan 2025
16 Feb 2025
$7,749
14 Feb 2025
02 Mar 2025
$7,259
28 Feb 2025
16 Mar 2025
$7,259
14 Mar 2025
30 Mar 2025
$7,819
28 Mar 2025
13 Apr 2025
$7,269
05 Sep 2025
21 Sep 2025
$7,159
19 Sep 2025
05 Oct 2025
$7,159
10 Oct 2025
26 Oct 2025
$7,929
17 Oct 2025
02 Nov 2025
$7,349

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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.

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Logistics

Accommodation

JW Marriott Auckland

With its extensive hotel facilities and amenities, JW Marriott Auckland is one of the city's premier accommodation choices. The hotel features a fully equipped recreation center, multiple bars and restaurants, pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Auckland

New Zealand

22 - 26 Albert Street

Copthorne Hotel & Resort

The Copthorne Hotel & Resort commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Enjoy onsite facilities including a tennis court, spectacular free form lagoon style swimming pool, mountain bike hire and courtesy shuttle to downtown. Take it easy in the massage studio or end your day with a long cool drink in the bar.

Paihia

New Zealand

Tau Henare Drive

Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Situated adjacent to the Whakarewarewa Forest, Distinction Hotel Rotorua is located minutes away from the city center of Rotorua. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool and spa, underground private grotto spas, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry facilities and dry cleaning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Rotorua

New Zealand

390 Fenton St. PO Box 983

Rydges Wellington

The Rydges Wellington is in close proximity to Wellington's city center and harbor. The hotel blends modern amenities with timeless comfort. Guests can dine at the restaurant/bar, or maintain their workout regime at the lap pool, spa, sauna and cardio room (guest access to offsite gym). Guests can also stay connected with work or home with Wi-Fi access from anywhere in the hotel.

Wellington

New Zealand

75 Featherston Street

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

The Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square is a landmark hotel featuring 154 contemporary rooms. The hotel is in the heart of the city only moments to main attractions like Cathedral Square and Hagley Park.

Christchurch

New Zealand

50 Cathedral Square

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Situated close to the edge of one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier provides an inviting base in which to explore the dramatic and enticing region. Dine at the Canavans Restaurant or toast to a delightful day at the Moa Bar where both feature local food, wine and beer.

Franz Josef Glacier

New Zealand

36 Main Road

Ramada Queenstown Central

The Ramada Queenstown Central is ideally positioned in the heart of Queenstown with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables Mountain Range, and Walter Peak. The hotel features a fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry services, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Queenstown

New Zealand

Corner Stanley Street & Frankton Road

Swissotel Sydney

The Swissotel Sydney is surrounded by Sydney's most exclusive shopping centres, such as the beautiful Queen Victoria Building and iconic Westfield Sydney and is within walking distance to all of Sydney's famous landmarks and cultural attractions. Enjoy a seasonally inspired dinner menu at JPB or delight in a unique buffet high tea at Crossroads Bar. The hotel offers a wide choice of treatments at the Day Spa as well as a gym, heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.

Sydney

Australia

68 Market Street

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
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Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
globus-PNE

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