New Zealand Explored
Small Group Holiday
17
CA$
days from
11510
Visit both North and South Island in beautiful New Zealand and explore the country from Auckland to Queenstown and many places in between. Visit the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and the nearby set of Lord of the Rings, a.k.a. Hobbiton. Travel to Rotorua and visit the hot springs, mud pools and geysers and enjoy a Maori hangi lunch. Next is beautiful Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, where a hike and a gondola ride ensure you get to see the best vantage points.
Continue to the capital Wellington for an evening harbour cruise before flying to Christchurch on South Island. Travelling over Arthur’s Pass with its spectacular mountain scenery we arrive on the west coast for a day of exploration, including Punakaiki beach, the Pancake Rocks and Blowhole.
Join in for a walk to Franz Josef Glacier (or opt to take a helicopter flight) before continuing on to Wanaka, engaging in some interesting bird spotting along the way. In Mount Aspiring National Park, the hike up Mt Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks is a highlight for many.
A drive through spectacular scenery brings us to Milford Sound for an overnight cruise. You have the option to take trips by kayak or small boat to observe the wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins.
The grand finale of your tour is a jetboat ride deep into the spectacular Shotover Canyons, ending with a wine and cheese pairing at Gibbston Valley near Queenstown.
Activity / Theme
Country
Culture, Nature & Wildlife, Mixed-Activity
New Zealand
Comfort Level
Physical Rating
Comfortable
Leisurely / Moderate
Transportation
Accommodation
Private vehicle, Catamaran, Ferry, Jet Boat, Cruise boat, Plane
Comfortable Hotel (9 nights), Resort (3 nights), Homestead (2 nights), Cruise boat (1 night)
Months of Operation
January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December
Adventure Coordinators Insider Tip:
December to March offer the best weather in New Zealand. But the shoulder season either side (September - November and April - May) will have you visit New Zealand while having the sites virtually to yourself.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival transfer in Auckland
DAY 2: Day trip to Waiheke Island
DAY 3: Visit Waitomo Glow Worm Caves& Hobbiton, to Rotorua
DAY 4: Rotorua Geothermal Valley & local touring
DAY 5: To Lake Taupo, optional tours
DAY 6: Hike & gondola in Tongariro National Park
DAY 7: To Wellington, evening cruise
DAY 8: Fly Christchurch
DAY 9: Arthur's Pass to Greymouth & Punakaiki
DAY 10: Treetop adventure, Wildlife Centre, to Franz Josef
DAY 11: Discover Franz Josef glacier
DAY 12: To Wanaka, Homestead stay
DAY 13: Food & scenery in Wanaka
DAY 14: To Milford Sound, overnight cruise
DAY 15: To Queenstown
DAY 16: Shotover Canyons & Gibbston Valley
DAY 17: Tour ends in Queenstown
Inclusions
6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Accommodation
Transport
Arrival Transfer
Auckland - Welcome Dinner
Waiheke Island - Day Trip by Ferry
Waiheke Island - Winery Visits with Wine Tasting & Lunch
Hobbiton - Visit to the Lord of the Rings Movie Set
Hobbiton - Drink at the Green Dragon
Waitomo - Ruakuri Glow Worm Cave Visit
Rotorua - Visit to Te Puia Geothermal Area with Local Guide & Hangi Lunch
Rotorua - Ahua Gallery & Kiwi Conservation Centre
Tongariro National Park - Sky Waka Gondola Ride to Summit of Mt Ruapehu
Tongariro National Park - Taranaki Falls
Wellington - Evening Cruise on Wellington Harbour
Christchurch - Welcome Dinner
Greymouth - Monteith's Brewery Tour & Tasting
Greymouth - Pounamu (Greenstone) Studio Visit
Christchurch - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Lake Brunner - Nature Walk
Hokitika - West Coast Treetops Walk
Franz Josef - West Coast Wildlife Centre Visit with Ranger
Punakaiki - Rocks & Blowhole Visit
Franz Josef - Glacier View Walk
Makaroa - Aspiring Biodiversity Trust Lunch
Makaroa - Guided Walk to the Blue Pools with Local Ornithologist
Wanaka - Criffel Station Foraging & Lunch Experience with Local Chef
Milford Sound - Overnight Boat Cruise
Queenstown - Shotover River Jetboat Experience
Gibbston Valley - Cheese & Wine Pairing
Arrowtown - Leader-led walk
Queenstown - Farewell Aperitivo
Sample tour. Itinerary, accommodation, transportation, inclusions and prices are correct at the time of publication but may change without prior notice. Please inquire.
© Adventure Coordinators