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Classic New Zealand: Small Group

Duration
13 Days
Prices From:
AU$ 4,025

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: This is the ultimate classic New Zealand tour. Begin in Auckland and then it’s on to Rotorua, next head south to the capital, Wellington before embarking on a trip through the scenic South Island. See stunning Milford Sound, and enjoy the day in exhilarating Queenstown before heading into glacier country.


Filled with contrasts and dramatic landscapes, New Zealand is ripe for discovery on this 13-day small group trip from Auckland to Christchurch.

Begin in Auckland, where the perfect balance between an indoor and outdoor lifestyle is captured on your Best of Both World sightseeing tour. This is a great way to take in the major sights of the city including Waitemata and Manukau harbours, the Arataki Centre leading to the nearby rainforest, and much more. It’s the best of Auckland neatly folded into one perfect day!

Then go on to Rotorua, stopping in at one of New Zealand’s most famous (fictional) towns, Hobbiton! Take a tour of the Shire, popping in on Bilbo’s House and pulling up a pint at the Green Dragon Inn before going on to Rotorua. This of course is the home of Te Puia and Rainbow Springs. A fully guided tour introduces you to the Maori culture that thrives here, preserving traditions dating back thousands of years. See the spurting geysers and bubbling mud pools of this geothermal treasure, then embark on a cultural journey with the local Maori, joining them for a traditional hangi feast with formal welcome and entertainment.

Arguably the world’s coolest capital city, Wellington is your next stop. Serious about its culture, you’ll discover a city with more bars and cafes per capita than New York City! Start with a city tour, taking in the view from Mount Victoria, and embark on a Seal Coast Safari to see the picturesque coastal landscapes and of course the wildlife that calls this region home.

Fly on to Queenstown and say hello to New Zealand’s adrenaline and adventure sports capital. Embark on a trip to Milford Sound, arguably the country’s most awe-inspiring natural landmark in the Southern Alps. Then enjoy a day at leisure in Queenstown. You may opt to bungee jump in the town where it was invented, go zip-lining through the pristine forests, or board the famous Shotover Jetboat for a thrilling ride through the canyons.

Enjoy the dramatic landscapes of the drive north (including Haast Pass, which Lord of the Rings fans should recognise immediately) to Franz Josef. Home of the namesake glacier. You may opt to spend your day at leisure here taking a heli-tour of the glacier, but if not, there are plenty of natural highlights to explore at lower altitudes. Finally, board the scenic KiwiRail for the trip to Christchurch, enjoying more of the South Island’s best scenery before a night in the renewed city.


 

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Duration
13 Days
Prices From:
AU$ 4,025

Itinerary View Trip Map

Day 1

Auckland Airport to Auckland City Hotel

Duration30 Minutes

MSocial Hotel Auckland

Functionally chic, this boutique hotel features 190 rooms and suites and overlooks the vibrant Princess Wharf which is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.

Choose to stay connected both online and offline. Enjoy free Wi-Fi during your stay, relieve the stresses of the day at the 24-hour gym or treat yourself to some of the best cuisine from around the world at M Social Restaurant. Alternatively, catch up with friends - both old and new - over a drink at M Social Bar while watching the ships come in.

Located near Auckland's main strip, the hub of the city centre with its abundance of designer fashions, lively nightlife, shows, theatre and live music, this vibrant hotel exudes youthful energy. Don't miss a visit to the Sky Tower for the best views in town or wander through the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, with its world-class collections and exhibitions from New Zealand and around the world.

Meal Plan Room Only - Advance Purchase - Non Refundable,No Amendments
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

MSocial Hotel Auckland

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    MSocial Hotel Auckland



    Functionally chic, this boutique hotel features 190 rooms and suites and overlooks the vibrant Princess Wharf which is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences. Choose to stay connected both online and offline. Enjoy free Wi-Fi during your stay, relieve the …

    Functionally chic, this boutique hotel features 190 rooms and suites and overlooks the vibrant Princess Wharf which is home to a stunning array of dining, entertainment, and shopping experiences.

    Choose to stay connected both online and offline. Enjoy free Wi-Fi during your stay, relieve the stresses of the day at the 24-hour gym or treat yourself to some of the best cuisine from around the world at M Social Restaurant. Alternatively, catch up with friends - both old and new - over a drink at M Social Bar while watching the ships come in.

    Located near Auckland's main strip, the hub of the city centre with its abundance of designer fashions, lively nightlife, shows, theatre and live music, this vibrant hotel exudes youthful energy. Don't miss a visit to the Sky Tower for the best views in town or wander through the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, with its world-class collections and exhibitions from New Zealand and around the world.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Concierge
    • Currency Exchange
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Laundry/Dry Cleaning Service
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 2

Best of Both Worlds

Experience the best sights of Auckland City in the morning combined with an afternoon Wilderness Experience -- a day of contrasts. Auckland is set on 52 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it's New Zealand's largest and busiest city. The morning tour is a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and sights as well as see how Aucklanders live and play.

A 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Arataki Centre, the gateway to the rain forest, where the sweeping decks give breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer.

With your knowledgeable and experienced guide, your eco-tour continues on to the lush rain forest where you hear native birdsong as you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand's famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns.

Duration8 Hours
Day 3

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton

Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. You travel through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire.

On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response to a movie set in a natural setting. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. The tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink. After the tour at Hobbiton board the shuttle at Shire's Rest Cafe for your journey to Rotorua.

Duration6 Hours

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

This popular hotel in Rotorua is centrally located just a brief stroll to Lake Rotorua, Rotorua's International Convention Centre, world famous Polynesian Spa, the town centre and only minutes from Rotorua's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. At Millennium Hotel Rotorua, you will find 227 rooms offering you a wide choice of accommodation styles.

Meal Plan Room Only - Advance Purchase - Non Refundable,No Amendments
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Millennium Hotel Rotorua

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    Millennium Hotel Rotorua



    This popular hotel in Rotorua is centrally located just a brief stroll to Lake Rotorua, Rotorua's International Convention Centre, world famous Polynesian Spa, the town centre and only minutes from Rotorua's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. At Millennium Hotel Rotorua, you will find 227 …

    This popular hotel in Rotorua is centrally located just a brief stroll to Lake Rotorua, Rotorua's International Convention Centre, world famous Polynesian Spa, the town centre and only minutes from Rotorua's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. At Millennium Hotel Rotorua, you will find 227 rooms offering you a wide choice of accommodation styles.

    Facilities

    • Business Centre
    • Concierge
    • Conference Facilities
    • Daycare/Babysitting Service
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Massage Treatments
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 4

Elite Rotorua Half Day Tour

This tour visits Rotorua's most popular attractions Te Puia and Rainbow Springs - fully guided

You will spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand's Maori culture and nature. You will learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Includes visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and NZ's largest geyser Pohutu.

Next, we visit Rainbow Springs Rotorua's premier nature park. Here you can learn more about New Zealand's native flora and fauna including the Kiwi bird. Rainbow springs is home to the worlds largest Kiwi breeding program (Operation nest egg). See natural cold-water springs teeming with wild trout, native forest and more. At the conclusion of the tour we will drive around the Government Gardens before returning to your accommodation.

Duration4 Hours

Journey of Ages Evening Cultural Experience

This evening you will engage in a wonderful experience at the Tamaki Maori Village. Enroute your guide will instruct you on the rules and protocol for visiting Marae (meeting grounds). On arrival at the venue, nobody must enter the fortified village until the Powhiri (formal welcome) has been performed. The host tribe will send out a toa (warrior) who will challenge the guests, via their elected chief to ascertain if they come in peace. A Teka (peace offering) is placed and received by one of the visiting chiefs. At the Village, the Karanga, or "welcome call" will echo across the courtyard, followed by the Powhiri (welcome dance). You will then be able to enter onto the village grounds where the Tangata Whenua (people of the land) will demonstrate different activities such as poi twirling, hand games, weaponry displays, reciting chants and displaying activities of an era gone by.

The buffet style dinner will be held in the meetinghouse dining hall and will have everyone enjoying a succulent Hangi feast. The evening ends with the Poroporoaki, the official closing ceremony and you will be safely transferred back to your accommodation.

Duration3 Hours
Day 5

Rotorua City Hotel to Rotorua Airport

Duration30 Minutes

Wellington Airport to Wellington City Hotel

Duration30 Minutes

Distinction Wellington - Century City Hotel

Distinction Wellington - Century City Hotel provide the ideal base for business or leisure, in a vibrant location in the heart of all the action. On the doorstep of key Wellington attractions including Te Papa Museum, the hotel's 89 guest rooms range from impeccably designed studios, to luxurious penthouse suites. Each apartment boasts stylish contemporary design, superior space, and all the modern conveniences. All this makes the Distinction Wellington - Century City Hotel the place to stay in Wellington.

Meal Plan Room Only
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Distinction Wellington - Century City Hotel

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  • starstarstar

    Distinction Wellington - Century City Hotel



    Distinction Wellington - Century City Hotel provide the ideal base for business or leisure, in a vibrant location in the heart of all the action. On the doorstep of key Wellington attractions including Te Papa Museum, the hotel's 89 guest rooms range from impeccably designed …

    Distinction Wellington - Century City Hotel provide the ideal base for business or leisure, in a vibrant location in the heart of all the action. On the doorstep of key Wellington attractions including Te Papa Museum, the hotel's 89 guest rooms range from impeccably designed studios, to luxurious penthouse suites. Each apartment boasts stylish contemporary design, superior space, and all the modern conveniences. All this makes the Distinction Wellington - Century City Hotel the place to stay in Wellington.

    Facilities

    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Parking
    • Swimming Pool

    More Details

Day 6

Wellington City Sights and Coastline Tour

See Wellington through the eyes of a local on this tour. Experience the best attractions and must see landmarks of this vibrant city and get off the tourist trail. Gain a 360 degree view of the city from Mount Victoria, experience the rugged south coast seas and explore interesting quaint villages throughout the city. Take a ride on the famous cable car (optional at own cost) but most of all sit back and enjoy Wellington at its finest!

Duration3 Hours

Seal Coast Safari

For interesting landmarks, breath-taking views and a herd of adorable seals, nothing beats the 4WD Seal Coast Safari to Wellington's rugged Southern tip, commonly known as the Seal Coast. To get the most out of your experience, it's recommended that you bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes and a camera to capture all the exciting moments.

You'll climb aboard your air-conditioned 4WD vehicle and set out on a three hour adventure that will take you only 12 miles out of Wellington but will feel like another world.

After winding your way through the city streets, you'll travel over farmland with fabulous views of Cook Strait and the South Island off in the distance (weather permitting). As you get closer to the Seal Colony, you'll see the famous Leaning Lighthouse come into view. Built in 1915, the decommissioned 65-foot tall tower was one of New Zealand's first automated lighthouses and, yes, it does lean a little.

You'll continue along the beach, over some rough terrain until you reach Tongue Point, home to 600 native fur seals (fewer during the summer months). As your guide leads you to the best spot for taking pictures, they'll share their knowledge of these heart-warming mammals. Go ahead and walk through their natural habitat; although the seals are familiar with human interaction, we do have be cautious and not approach too close - a fully grown Male Fur Seal can reach ten feet tall and weigh up to 700 pounds!

After some refreshing morning or afternoon tea, you'll board your 4WD vehicle once again for the ride back to the city. En route you'll cross Farmland & Fault lines while enjoying the bumpy ride!

Duration3 Hours
Day 7

Wellington City Hotel to Wellington Airport

Duration30 Minutes

Queenstown Airport to Queenstown City Hotel

Duration30 Minutes

Heritage Queenstown

The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

Meal Plan Room Only - Best available room only rate
Duration3 Nights
Accommodation

Heritage Queenstown

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    Heritage Queenstown



    The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and …

    The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Concierge
    • Conference Facilities
    • Gym/Fitness Centre
    • Internet Access
    • Parking
    • Pool (s)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Room Service
    • Sauna
    • Spa
    • Wheelchair Accessible Rooms

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 8

Milford Sound Coach, Nature Cruise and Fly

On boarding a luxury coach in Queenstown, travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a short break, the coach continues along the spectacular alpine route of the Milford Road through impressive, awe-inspiring scenery. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. Considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, experience this journey in comfort in a state of the art coach. Your friendly coach drivers provide detailed commentaries throughout the trip.

On reaching Milford Sound join an extended and leisurely cruise of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Nature cruises have a relaxed and flexible itinerary designed to allow guests to see and experience what makes Milford Sound world renowned. Spend up to two and a half hours nudging into waterfalls, spotting wildlife and listening to the informative commentary from a specialist Nature Guide who mingles with guests. Keep a look out for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins. Following the cruise, guests are transferred to their aircraft for the return flight to Queenstown (weather permitting). During the 35 minute scenic flight, take in expansive views of golden tussocked high country and the upper reaches of Lake Wakatipu and fly back over the snow-capped Southern Alps. A hidden landscape unfolds below revealing glacial lakes, waterfalls, densely forested valleys and cloud-piercing summits. Taxi transfers are provided to accommodation on arrival at Queenstown airport.

Duration9 Hours
Day 9

Day at Leisure

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Day 10

Queenstown to Franz Josef

Duration8 Hours

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and it is just moments from one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the magnificent Westland region.

Meal Plan Room Only - Goway DW RO
Duration2 Nights
Accommodation

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

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Location View map
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    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier



    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and it is just moments from one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place …

    Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park and it is just moments from one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. The hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the magnificent Westland region.

    Facilities

    • Bar(s)
    • Conference Facilities
    • Internet Access
    • Laundry facilities
    • Parking (for Self Park)
    • Reception (24 hrs)
    • Restaurant(s)
    • Spa

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 11

Day at Leisure

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

Day 12

Franz Josef to Greymouth

Duration4 Hours

KiwiRail Scenic Journeys

Coach Style Seating

Duration4 Hours

Christchurch Rail Station to Christchurch City Hotel

Duration30 Minutes

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

Meal Plan Room Only
Duration1 Night
Accommodation

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

More Info

Location View map
  • starstarstarstar

    Distinction Hotel Christchurch



    The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from …

    The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

    Facilities

    • Bar
    • Dining Area
    • Disabled Friendly
    • Family Room
    • Fitness Centre
    • Room Service
    • WiFi

    More Details

    Preferred Hotel
Day 13

Christchurch City Hotel to Christchurch Airport

Duration30 Minutes

Other Information

DEPARTURES:

Daily 

PRICE INCLUDES:

  • 12 nights hotel accommodation
  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Return airport transfers
  • Meals as indicated.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

  • Travel insurance
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Visa fees if applicable
  • Optional excursions
  • Gratuities
  • Meals and beverages unless stated otherwise
  • Park fees unless stated

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please enquire.

DP AUCCLA13DCHRNZ5
21 Aug 2022
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