New Zealand Uncovered

17 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
95%
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USTOA

Group Tour
The perfect New Zealand tour to bring New Zealand’s North and South Islands to life across land and sea, taking in both cities and small towns. You’ll traverse epic landscapes, indulge in fresh food and delicious wine, experience farming and Maori culture firsthand, and meet welcoming locals with stories to share.

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Discover Auckland, Blenheim, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin
    • Explore a jade carving centre in Hokitika, and a brewery in Greymouth with a Local Specialist
    • Visit a kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke, a geothermal valley at Whakarewarewa in Rotorua, and Te Papa Museum of New Zealand
    • View the Southern Alps from the TranzAlpine train
    • Scenic Cruise on the Cook Strait, Lake Wakatipu, and Milford Sound
    • Connect with Locals
    • Dive into Culture
    • Dive Into Culture
    • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
    • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

What's this trip about?

    The perfect New Zealand tour to bring New Zealand’s North and South Islands to life across land and sea, taking in both cities and small towns. You’ll traverse epic landscapes, indulge in fresh food and delicious wine, experience farming and Maori culture firsthand, and meet welcoming locals with stories to share.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityAuckland
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Attractions

  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Queenstown

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland

Welcome to Auckland, the “City of Sails,” and a beautiful jumping off point for your 17-day New Zealand tour (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). You’ll meet your Travel Director and travel mates over a Welcome Reception of beer and wine. Then get the city scoop from you...

Day 2: Sights of Auckland, City of Sails

Your perfect start to your time in this this seafaring city, begin your day diving into Auckland’s maritime history over an exclusive America’s Cup tour at the New Zealand Maritime Museum with a Local Specialist before it opens to the public. Now that you’ve got your ...

Day 3: Rotorua, Centre of Maori Culture

Leave Auckland behind and journey into the countryside where you’ll Connect With Locals and discover New Zealand’s horse racing traditions over an exclusive family style Be My Guest lunch in the Red Barn at the home of Lance and Bridgette O’Sullivan on their working d...

Day 4: Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty

Go all kiwi this morning on a visit to Kiwifruit Country in Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand. You’ll tour this family-owned 60-hectare working orchard to learn about the seasonal production cycle, how it’s grown, and finally harvesting and exporting the f...

Day 5: Experience Rotorua for Yourself

Up and at ‘em this morning - you have a full day to explore Rotorua’s natural beauty as you like. You could delve into the fantasy of Hobbiton with a tour of the sights featured in the Lord of the Rings movies and the sprawling natural landscapes that made the movies ...

Day 6: Wellington the Cool Capital

Say haere ra (goodbye) to Rotorua this morning and journey through pine forests and farmland to the turquoise torrent of rapids known as Huka Falls where you’ll watch the Waikato River rush into pool 11 metres below from the footbridge above. The road ahead unfolds in...

Day 7: Blenheim Gateway to the Wine Regions

An easy start to your day means there’s time to explore Welly, as the locals call it, on your own. Don’t miss an opportunity to view the unusual Beehive building which houses New Zealand’s government. Later, Dive Into Culture at the waterfront Te Papa Museum of New Ze...

Day 8: To Innovative Christchurch

Rise and shine leaving vineyards views behind for a full day in New Zealand’s whale watching capital, Kaikoura. It’s up to your how you spend it: relaxing in the cute coastal town watching the waves crash on the shore or seeing the Sperm Whales from above on an option...

Day 9: Through Breathtaking Scenery to Twizel

Kick off a big day of sightseeing day touring the sites of Christchurch including the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and streets lined with bars, cafes, and riverside markets. Then it’s off to the country stopping in the qu...

Day 10: Dunedin, City of Scottish Heritage

Begin your journey to New Zealand’s southernmost city traveling along the Waitaki River to the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Step out to have a look at the rushing waters before traveling to the township of Oamaru. This quirky town of tree-lined streets,...

Day 11: Te Anau, Gateway to Fiordland

Today you’ll head out of Dunedin through farmlands to Te Anau. Your first stop is Gore, a hot spot for art lovers, country music fans, and all who appreciate nature and simple rural charm. Learn its history of secret whiskey production during the prohibition era and i...

Day 12: Queenstown, Adventure Playground

Today you're bound for New Zealand’s adventure capital with a drive of stunning scenery along the way. Begin journeying through Fiordland National Park past native rainforests, beech forests, alluvial flats, and meadows. Stop at Mirror Lakes to stroll the boardwalks a...

Day 13: Queenstown Free Time, Your Time

Discover for yourself why Queenstown has earned its reputation as New Zealand’s adventure capital with a full day to explore. You could join an Optional Experience riding the adrenaline pumping Shotover Jet or tour through Skippers Canyon. After a big day of adventure...

Day 14: Franz Josef, Untamed Natural Wilderness

Leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown behind and begin your adventure through Central Otago and out to Westland. Stop in the restored gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown strolling its tree-lined avenues and 19th-century wooden buildings, feeling as if you’re in a ...

Day 15: Punakaiki, Home to a Coastal Forest

Sleep in or take the morning to explore the small but lively Franz Josef village - perhaps visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre to see kiwi birds - before venturing to Hokitika, home of the native jade greenstone. At the family-owned Greenstone Factory you’ll join ...

Day 16: All Aboard the TranzAlpine

It’s your last full day in New Zealand and it’s a big one full of local tastes and sights. Travel to Greymouth’s Monteith's Brewery where a Local Specialist will share the heritage and rich stories of this national icon since 1868. You'll get to taste ever-changing an...

Day 17: Farewell Christchurch

Sadly all good things must come to an end as your New Zealand tour concludes this morning after breakfast. After a fond farewell, you’ll be transferred by to Christchurch Airport (flights anytime).

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,804
Price per day$400
Last Updated: 4/18/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

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.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
21,945
Great
6,669
Average
1,916
Disappointing
593
Terrible
381
D

Derek Barnes

Apr 2023

Written on

New Zealand Uncovered

Great scenic view stops, delicious meals, jet boat rides, ma...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2023

Written on

New Zealand Uncovered

Good value for money, well organised. Only have one thing that I would like in future and that is that Trafalgar keep using name tags at least for the first few days...

R

Rudy

Jan 2023

Written on

New Zealand Uncovered

Jam packed with activities! Great value

P

Pauline Chan

Dec 2022

Written on

New Zealand Uncovered

The itinerary is comprehensive and covers all places we had wa...

C

Charles Paradine

Dec 2022

Written on

New Zealand Uncovered

Great experience on this trip

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Other Trafalgar Reviews

B

Bianca Louw

Apr 2024

Written on

Amazing Experience

The service from our travel director ****************** and driver was excellent. Nikos has a great passion for his country and work which reflects in the service re...

T

Trusted Customer

Apr 2024

Written on

Greatly disappointed

I saw many fewer animals than I thought I would. I thought I would come home with great animal photos. I was greatly disappointed. The trip was over-hyped in terms o...

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Tour Operator

Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

Why we love this operator
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Distinction,
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
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 2 Be My Guests
  • 16 Breakfasts
  • 7 Dinners
  • 1 Farewell Dinner
  • 1 Lunch
  • 2 Regional Dinners
  • 1 Welcome Reception
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
All land transport shown. All transfers shown All porterage and restaurant gratuities An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras Optional Experiences and free time
Trip ID
trafalgar-ZAACM22

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