Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Due to seasonality, and taxes prices of the tour are subject to change without due notice. Please consult with the operator directly for the recent price.
New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes
Overview
Highlights (Bullets)
- Stunning volcanic landscapes
- The intriguing Maori culture
- The South Island’s beautiful bays & beaches
- The spectacular Milford Sound
- Sharing a home-cooked meal with a Kiwi family
Short Description
This island nation is known for its stunningly varied range of natural landscapes; you’ll understand why when you cruise through the fjords of Milford Sound or ascend the peaks of the Southern Alps. Amid these spectacular untamed settings, you’ll get a taste of the welcoming Kiwi culture.
Destinations
New ZealandAttractions & Cities Visited
Abel Tasman National Park Auckland Nelson Queenstown Tongariro National ParkItinerary
Day 1: Travel day
Cross the International Date Line in flight and “lose” a day.
Day 2: Travel day
Your flight continues to New Zealand.
Queenstown 3 nights Hotel info
Day 3: Arrival in Queenstown
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Queenstown! Transfer to your hotel, then meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Day 4: Milford Sound
Meals: Breakfast
Head out to explore the breathtaking Milford Sound in New Zealand’s Fiordland, home to some of the most memorable scenery in the world.
Travel through the Five Rivers farming region and past Lake Te’Anau
Pass through beautiful beech forests and by glittering mirror lakes
Cruise around Milford Sound, in view of Mitre Peak
Day 5: Free day in Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a day at your leisure in Queenstown, or add an excursion.
Optional Excursion - Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Dinner $109pp* Details
Fox Glacier 1 night Hotel info
Day 6: Transfer to Fox Glacier
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a scenic drive through the island’s Southern Alps to Fox Glacier, stopping at Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka, Knight’s Point and Thunder Creek Falls along the way.
Day 7: Transfer to Hokitika
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a free morning at Fox Glacier or add an excursion.
Then, transfer to Hokitika for the night.
Optional Excursion - Fox Glacier Helicopter Ride $219pp* Details
Day 8: Transfer to Nelson via Punakaiki
Meals: Breakfast
Leave Hokitika behind as you set out for Nelson, stopping at Punakaiki en route.
Visit the distinctive “pancake” rocks and tidal blowholes of Punakaiki
Pass through the dramatic Buller Gorge before arriving in Nelson
Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park & Cruise
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Head out to explore Abel Tasman National Park and Kaiteriteri Beach, where you’ll embark on a scenic cruise.
Journey by boat through South Island’s pristine coves and turquoise waters
Visit breathtaking Kaiteriteri Beach
Tonight, dine with a Kiwi family at a traditional home-hosted dinner.
Day 10: Transfer to Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
Included entrances: Wine tasting
On your way to Wellington, make stops in New Zealand’s wine country and the charming coastal town of Picton.
Stop for a wine tasting in Marlborough, a region renowned for its sauvignon blanc
Enjoy free time in the picturesque seaside town of Picton
Board a ferry for a scenic cruise across the Cook Strait to the city of Wellington on the North Island
Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
Get to know Wellington, the southernmost capital city of any sovereign state, on a guided tour led by your Tour Director.
Explore the interactive exhibitions at Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum
Take in views of the city from soaring Mount Victoria
Wander along the Wellington waterfront
Day 12: Transfer to Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Head to Rotorua, in the heart of the North Island’s Maori country.
Stop at Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Sample “Pavlova” a traditional dessert at tonight’s traditional hangi feast
Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Rotorua & Kiwi Wildlife Park
Meals: Breakfast
See the sights in Rotorua on a guided tour with your Tour Director, then pay a visit to a Kiwi Wildlife Park.
Visit the Government Gardens, a public park and site of great historical importance to the local Maori people
Learn about Operation Nest Egg at Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s largest kiwi hatchery
Enjoy a free afternoon in Rotorua or add an excursion.
Optional Excursion - Maori Cultural Tour $109pp* Details
Day 14: Transfer to Auckland via Waitomo
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
En route to Auckland, stop at Waitomo Caves to try your hand at spelunking. Then, take a subterranean cruise to view the remarkable Glowworm Grotto on a guided tour. Later, explore Auckland with your Tour Director leading the way.
Enjoy Domain Park, Parnell shopping area, the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial and Auckland Bridge on a driving tour of New Zealand’s largest city
Take an elevator to the top of the 1,076-foot-high Sky Tower
Tonight, raise a toast to your trip at a farewell dinner with your group.
Day 15: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Fiji.
Availability
- Deposit Price: $ 450
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Go Ahead Tours.
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.
150 Go Ahead Tours Travel Reviews & Ratings
New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes
Company Reviews
Will Refuse to Refund
When I called on last Thursday (11/16/2023) to place my reservation, the agent (Kathy) I talked to stressed about she "cannot" guarantee that I will be able to go on the trip. Before I provided the payment information, I specifically asked if I will be able to get the refund because the trip is coming up so soon. The agent ensured that I will be able to get a full refund back within 60 days if I decided to cancel the trip. I was also told that I am basically on a wait list and someone will contact me once I can go on the trip. No one contacted me about whether the agency was able to process my information at all, so I've been left in the dark about this trip since the beginning.
I called the help line this morning (11/20/2023) around 9:00 Eastern Standard Time to cancel my reservation. I was informed by the agent that I will not be able to get my full refund back since it's too close to the trip date. Basically I was told that Kathy gave me the wrong information, so I will have to pay the cancellation fee. The only reason I provided my payment information is because Kathy specifically stated that I will be able to cancel the trip and receive a full refund.
I've never been so frustrated with a traveling agency. I made sure to ask this agent regarding the refund policy twice before giving her my payment information, and she still couldn't provide me with the correct information. It's unbelievable that such a big traveling agency cannot uniformly train their employees with the correct set of information.
Stay Away - Class Action lawsuit for ripping off children
Wouldn't Refund Full Payment of Tour They Cancelled
I took every additional tour and the tour guides were excellent!
Amazing trip of a lifetime!
By far the BEST Trip EVER
Details
Optional Activities
Extension to Fiji $749 pp
Conjure up your fantasy of paradise on earth: you’re probably imagining Fiji. Gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, colorful coral reefs, lush tropical rainforests and majestic mountains—that’s what makes this island nation in the South Pacific one of the most enticing places on Earth. Paradise, aside, perhaps the true allure of Fiji lies with the warmth of the people and the fascinating blend of cultures that has endured for centuries.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
All internal ground transport
Group Size
Standard Group - 25 + people
Maximum Number of People in Group: 35
Accommodations
Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown
Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, the Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown is only a 5 minute walk along the Lakefront to the center of town. The hotels 255 guest rooms are endowed with contemporary amenities to assure you immense pleasure throughout your stay. All the rooms offer spectacular views of the Lake Wakatipu. The Ben Lomond is a stylish and a casual restaurant that offers delicious contemporary New Zealand cuisine for breakfast and dinner. For your comfort and relaxation, the hotel offers a spa pool, heated outdoor swimming pool and a sauna.
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
Conveniently located in Fox Glacier village (population 280), Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier is the perfect ‘base camp’ for discovering this spectacular area. Have fun exploring the great outdoors by day, then reflect on your adventures each evening as you enjoy our warm hospitality and cozy setting.
Beachfront Hotel Hokitika
The accommodation comprises two very different wings; from comfortable street frontage rooms to modern, luxury beachfront rooms. Full services including restaurant, bar and event facilities for weddings, conferences, meetings and parties are all available. Hokitika is centrally located, making it easy to travel to the main West Coast attractions such as the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Shantytown, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier, as well as numerous rainforest walks and gold mining history. Book your stay at Beachfront Hotel Hokitika and experience the best of the South’s Island’s West Coast.
Grand Mercure Monaco
The award-winning Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco Resort, located in the sunny city of Nelson, is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere. All of its cottages, restaurant and facilities are arranged around a beautiful, village-style setting. Gorgeously landscaped around its own quiet stream and village green, it's the perfect place to disappear and relax.
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Enjoy stylish ambiance and sophisticated amenities – including two highly acclaimed restaurants and bars and a modern fitness room offering a variety of equipment. For corporate guests, high-speed Internet connectivity is available throughout the hotel, and our exclusive 26th floor Club Lounge affords the pinnacle of executive comfort with complimentary full buffet breakfasts, evening bar service and a business centre with spectacular harbor views.
Rydges Wellington Hotel
The new Rydges Wellington is centrally located downtown on Featherston Street, close to Custom Quay, Westpac Stadium, Victoria University and Wellington Railway Station.
Rydges Wellington features fantastic harbor views and offers you 280 spacious accommodation rooms, all with kitchenettes, and leisure center including a lap pool, spa pool, sauna and exercise room. Valet parking is available. Dine in the retro-chic Plate Restaurant and Bar or order from the Take Inn Menu.
Millenium Hotel Rotorua
Centrally located in the city beside mystical Lake Rotorua, this welcoming, international class Rotorua Hotel is just a brief stroll from the Rotorua Museum, Convention Centres and adjacent to Polynesian Spa. At Millennium Hotel Rotorua, you will find 227 air-conditioned rooms offering you a wide choice of accommodation styles, including the Club floor rooms with complimentary use of the exclusive Club Lounge.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua’s vibrant city center, The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none. Its 248 guest rooms, many with superb views across Lake Rotorua, feature an ensuite bathroom, wireless broadband internet, Sky Television and much more.
Rydges Auckland
March ’10 sees the grand re-opening of the new Rydges Harbour View Auckland. Auckland’s newest and freshest hotel will set a new standard in style, and service. The hotel’s close proximity to the centre of the city makes it ideal for both business and leisure. The central city, SkyCity Casino, Sky Tower, Vector Arena and a variety of thriving bars, cafes and restaurants in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour are just a short walk away. Freshly refurbished, our superior rooms are stylish, spacious sanctuaries. These rooms feature a spacious easy accessible bathroom. Sink into the luxurious new king bed with sumptuous triple sheeting and feather & down duvets or relax with the 32’ flat-screen LCD television and convenient mini bar.
Rydges Lakeland Resort QueenstownCancellation policy
If you cancel your reservation, the cancellation fee schedule below will apply. If you are booked in a double/twin room and your roommate cancels his or her tour more than 45 days prior to departure, you will be responsible for paying the single supplement fee. Upon notifying GAT of your cancellation, you will be given a confirmation number that verifies your cancellation. If you purchased travel protection and are cancelling for a reason covered under the policy guidelines, cancellation fees will be reimbursed to you directly from the insurance company. In the event that you have to cancel your tour on the day of departure, you must notify GAT prior to the departure of your first flight. Any penalties for supplemental services/guarantees (including, but not limited to, flights, hotels or late additions) resulting from cancellations made at your request will be your responsibility, and all service fees are non-refundable. Substitution of travelers is not permitted. If you choose not to travel, but fail to cancel your tour prior to the departure date or if you return home before the scheduled completion of your tour, you will not be eligible for any refund or reimbursement from GAT for any unused portion of your trip or costs incurred by leaving your trip early.
For travelers with the travel protection policy (goaheadtours.com/travelprotection), Go Ahead Tours will reimburse the participant in the form of a credit voucher in the event the participant wants to interrupt their tour due to reasons not covered by their travel protection policy. The voucher is valid for one year from the day of the interruption of the tour and represents the value of the missed time on tour including any unused air, land or sea arrangements already paid for by the participant up to a maximum of $1,000 as determined by Go Ahead Tours. The voucher is personal and non-transferable and may be applied towards a future Go Ahead tour and is not exchangeable for cash. The participant is responsible for any additional costs incurred by interrupting the tour including but not limited to the return flight and other transportation costs due to the interruption. Reservation fees, rebooking fees, change fees, late and returned check fees, revision fees, supplemental fees for international deliveries and special arrangement fees are considered Used Fees once incurred and will not be refundable.
Cancellation of European land tours
If Days Prior to Departure is 71 days or more, then Cancellation Fee (Includes reservation fee) is $ 450
If Days Prior to Departure is 70–46 days, then Cancellation Fee (Includes reservation fee) is 30%
If Days Prior to Departure is 45–8 days, then Cancellation Fee (Includes reservation fee) is 50%
If Days Prior to Departure is 7–0 days, then Cancellation Fee (Includes reservation fee) is 100%*
*Percentages listed above are of the total tour cost, including reservation fee. Listed cancellation fee is applicable per traveler.
Trip ID#:
NewZeaGoa
What's excluded
- International Flight charges
- Passport and visa charges
- Any kind of insurance
- Personal Expenses
Meals Included
13 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners
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