New Zealand: A North & South Island Adventure 2024

14 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
New Zealand is one of the world's favorite travel destinations – and our 14-day journey explores the North and South Islands in-depth, experiencing daily life in dramatic landscapes from fjords to forested valleys and coastal pleasures, with sightseeing choices ranging from outdoor adventure to wine tasting.
From$11,990
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Explore Christchurch... go punting on the River Avon... walk on Tasman Glacier... travel by ski plane and helicopter... ride a jetboat on the Dart River and hike wilderness trails... discover a rich Maori cultural heritage... attend a sheep dog demonstration... and have adventures in world-class wine and cuisine along the way. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes
    • cultures
    • and cuisines of New Zealand on this 13-day journey far off the beaten tracks. Your journey begins with two nights in Christchurch at a lovely hotel where activities include punting on the River Avon... Stay at a lodge inside Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park where the landscape of rugged peaks and glaciers calls you to its hiking trails; ride a plane and/or helicopter to Tasman Glacier; lose yourself in the spectacular night sky (the park is one of the best places in the world for stargazing)… Ride a jet-boat on the Dart River...Take a 4WD safari – or a scenic flight over Milford Sound – or a helicopter gin tour – while in Queenstown... Stay two nights in the heart of New Zealand's winemaking region at Blenheim
    • where you'll visit a winery and a sheep farm
    • and cruise the fjord-like sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds... Discover the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and attend a private Maori dance performance... Fly to Auckland on the North Island for two nights at a waterfront luxury hotel
    • your base for exploring the city... and more.

What's this trip about?

    New Zealand is one of the world's favorite travel destinations – and our 14-day journey explores the North and South Islands in-depth, experiencing daily life in dramatic landscapes from fjords to forested valleys and coastal pleasures, with sightseeing choices ranging from outdoor adventure to wine tasting.

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start City Christchurch, New Zealand
End CityAuckland

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Mount Cook
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua

Activities

  • Culture

Trip includes

    • TAUCK EXCLUSIVE — Visit to the All Blacks, the New Zealand national union rugby team Cruising the sunken valleys of the Marlborough Sounds A jetboat ride on the Dart River Wine tastings in Blenheim Ride a boat through underground Waitomo Caves, illuminated by glow worms Stargazing the night sky over Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park with an expert guide

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch

Tour begins 4:30 PM.
A transfer is included from Christchurch Airport to your hotel, Crowne Plaza Christchurch, located in the heart of the city. Tonight, join us for an exclusive welcome reception and dinner in the historic Riccarton House – a grand, restored 19th-century homestead.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Crowne Plaza Christchurch

PORTOFCALL : Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 2 Quake City and Sightseeing

Begin the day with a visit to Quake City, a museum that documents the disastrous earthquakes that struck Christchurch and the surrounding Canterbury region in September 2010 and February 2011; exhibits tell of heroism and loss, the ...

Day 3 Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park

Today, drive to Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park, a land of skyscraping peaks and expansive glaciers in the heart of South Island, a mountain-climbers' mecca; here, the famed mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary practiced his climbing skil...

Day 4 From glaciers to Queenstown

Set off to explore the stunning Tasman Valley and the mountains and glaciers of the South Island from the air on an Ultimate Alpine Experience that combines flights in both a ski plane* and a helicopter*. Soar up to the valley and o...

Day 5 Jet boating along the Dart River

Head to Glenorchy at the north end of Lake Wakatipu for an exhilarating jet boat ride* through Mt. Aspiring National Park along the Dart River; the park's strikingly diverse landscapes of alpine mountains, forests and valleys are la...

Day 6 Adventure sightseeing choices in Queenstown

You have a choice of three excursions from Queenstown today: Head out on a 4WD adventure safari that travels a historic gold mining road along the Arrow River, stop for morning tea and an opportunity to try your hand at panning for ...

Day 7 Gardens & Marlborough wine tasting

Fly to Blenheim in the Marlborough region by private charter, then head to a working sheep farm for a sheepdog and sheep-shearing demonstrations followed by lunch at the lovely Wither Hills winery, a perfect place to discover, taste...

Day 8 Marlborough Sounds Cruise

Sail along the enchanting Marlborough Sounds, a vast network of sunken valleys, islands, secluded bays, and fjord-like vistas at the northern tip of South Island, on a private wine and green-lipped mussel cruise that includes lunch;...

Day 9 Vintage aircraft, fly to Rotorua, and the Redwoods Nightlights experience

Start your day with a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a museum presenting an astonishing array of vintage aircraft from the world wars, including many World War I planes from filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson's personal collec...

Day 10 A nature adventure or unique hot springs experience today in Rotorua

Today, discover New Zealand's geothermal wonderland. First up is a visit to Te Puia for excellent viewing of the area's geothermal attractions – including the spectacular Pohutu (Big Splash) geyser – and an opportunity to learn abou...

Day 11 Adventures in Hawke's Bay

This morning, take a private charter flight from Rotorua to the "City of Sails," Auckland. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and an introductory tour of the city; the remainder of the day is free for you to spend as you please.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Park Hyatt Auckland

PORTOFCALL : Auckland, New Zealand

Day 12 A day of choice in Auckland

Today you'll have a choice sightseeing with three excursions to select from. Visit Waitomo Caves – heading south, at Spellbound you'll have a personalized tour where you will visit a scenic back-country farm to see caves. Marvel at ...

Day 13 Visit to the All Blacks and free time in Auckland

Today you'll learn about the significance of rugby in New Zealand with a visit to the All Blacks, the New Zealand national rugby union team. Your time at the All Blacks Experience will include a 45 minute guided tour where you learn...

Day 14 Journey Home

Tour ends: Auckland.
Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Park Hyatt Auckland to Auckland Airport. Allow three hours for flight check-in. 

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Auckland, New Zealand

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,990
Price per day$856
Last Updated: 11/7/2024

All prices are per person in U.S. dollars.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Tauck.

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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Skip this cruise - not worth it

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It's easy to see the world's sights. To stand in long lines, push through the crowds, and generally have the same standard-issue vacation as everyone else. But that's not good enough for us, and it's not good enough for you. We believe that travel should be easy. It should be fun. It should be worth your time and the price you paid. It should re-energize and transform. And above all else, it should be beyond the ordinary. Because how you see the world matters.

In 1882, Herman Tauck arrived in New York City from Germany in search of the American dream. His determination and values were passed on to his son, Arthur Tauck, who would realize that dream. With ingenuity and an innovative spirit, Arthur started Tauck Motor Tours, a travel company that would give birth to a new industry. The first tour, through the back roads of New England, was created by this 27-year-old in 1925. It embodied the same successful formula used by Tauck today: do the right thing. Craft a life-enriching travel experience; provide it at a single all-inclusive price; ensure there is great value for money; and rely on recommendations of satisfied customers to build a following and grow the business.

Two elements that did change over the next 90+ years – and three generations of Taucks – were the scope of destinations served and the variety of modes of travel used. Today Tauck delivers life-enriching travel experiences to every corner of the globe, incorporating small cruise ships, premium riverboats, trains, helicopters and more. What started as a New England motor coach tour company has truly evolved into an extraordinary global travel company. The fourth generation of Taucks is now involved in the company. While remarkable in any business, this seamless continuity across generations speaks to shared vision and values.

Throughout its history, the concept of “family” at Tauck has gone far beyond those sharing the surname to include hundreds of valued employees, and hundreds of thousands of loyal guests. The story of Tauck is the story of a unique American family company celebrating a passion for travel – a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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Fun group tours and cruises that are culturally-focused and great for families and seniors on vacation.

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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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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
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Additional Information
Trip ID
tauck-NZ2024

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