Christchurch: Incredible New Zealand: Value Plus Escorted Vacation
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,195
MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Explore New Zealand’s North and South Islands on this 13-day adventure. Make your way from Christchurch to Auckland, stopping at New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes, mountain ranges, waterfalls, beaches, rainforests, glaciers, and even glow worm caves on this escorted coach tour.
Your 13-day New Zealand adventure begins on the South Island in Christchurch. From here, you will travel to Lake Tekapo, driving along the shoreline of the azure Lake Pukaki and stopping at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for an incredible view from New Zealand’s highest peak. The Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, is where you will finish your day and is the perfect place to embrace the peace and tranquility of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Continue south through Oamaru, past the unusually large and smooth Moeraki Boulders at Koekohe Beach, until you reach the harbour city of Dunedin, set in and around a volcanic crater formed between 16 and 10 million years ago.
Your journey presses on to Lake Te Anau, where you will spend a night before your expedition through Fiordland National Park. You will eventually reach Milford Sound and embark on a cruise along the full-length of the fjord, through the towering mountain ranges, cliffs, and waterfalls before heading to Queenstown for two nights. You will have two days to enjoy Queenstown at leisure, including a buffet lunch 450 m above the city at Bob’s Peak via the Skyline Gondola. Your final two and half days on the South Island will take you across Haast Pass to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers before returning to Christchurch on the world-renowned TranzAlpine rail journey.
Your North Island adventure begins with a scenic voyage on the Interislander ferry from Picton to Wellington. Continue north to New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, and take in the roaring Huka Falls. You will then have two nights in Rotorua to fully embrace New Zealand’s Māori culture and explore the town’s geothermal geysers, mud pools, and boiling lakes before travelling to the village of Waitomo. Explore the glow worm skies, crystal tapestries, and limestone formations found in the Waitomo Caves before journeying to Auckland, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner to conclude your New Zealand adventure.
- Prices From:
- US$ 4,195
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrive Christchurch
Your spectacular New Zealand journey begins today upon arrival in Christchurch. Here, you will bemet and transferred to your premium hotel. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Quality Hotel Elms
| Meal Plan | Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, Church Of The Good Shepherd
Enjoy a day of spectacular South Island scenery as you depart Christchurch this morning, following the shoreline of the powder-blue Lake Pukaki arrive at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and view New Zealand’s highest peak during your insider experience. Later, head to Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Accommodation: Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Oamaru, Moeraki Boulders, Dunedin
Travel through Oamaru to Moeraki Boulders, unusually large spherical boulders stretched across Koekohe Beach. You will then continue south to Dunedin, enjoying views of majestic mountains and the sweeping stillness resting on farmlands and fields along the way.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Dunedin, Te Anau
Enjoy a guided tour of Dunedin, the quirky and historic harbour city set in and around what was once a volcanic crater. One of New Zealand’s first three cities, Dunedin is renowned for its rich and interesting architecture, warm and friendly locals, and unique wildlife. It’s also home to the world’s steepest street. Later, head to the picturesque little town of Te Anau on the shore of the beautiful lake of the same name.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown
Travel deep into the incredible Fiordland National Park for a visit to what Rudyard Kipling famously described as the 'eighth wonder of the world,' Milford Sound. Enjoy an unforgettable Insider Experience on a cruise along the full length of the World Heritage-listed fiord beneath hulking mountains, stunning waterfalls and pristine beauty at every angle. Later, travel to New Zealand’s adventure capital, the irrepressibly beautiful Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the town at your own pace.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Queenstown
Ride the Skyline Gondola 450 metres above the city to the top of Bob’s Peak for a buffet lunch at the Stratosfare Restaurant.
Discover more with our Enhance Your Journey optional experiences in Queenstown - Shotover Jet Boat Ride, TSS Earnslaw Cruise or the Million Dollar Cruise (additional charges apply - enquire for details)
Soar to the top of a Queenstown peak for lunch with a view as all of Queenstown spreads below you. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You’ll find plenty to see and do in and around Queenstown, not least sitting back somewhere comfortable and enjoying the magnificent views.
| Duration | B L |
|---|
Queenstown, Fox Glacier
The stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers in the Southern Alps. Both Fox and Franz Josef glaciers go well below the snowline and into temperate rainforest.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Fox Glacier, TranzAlpine Train, Christchurch
Embark on one of the world’s great rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train. Watch the South Island’s snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills glide past from the comfort of your seat.
Drive through the sublime Southern Alps passing spectacular lakes and rainforests to the TranzAlpine Train for your Insider Experience before heading to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Quality Elms Hotel
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Christchurch, Interislander, Wellington
Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic voyages on the Interislander ferry en route to Wellington.
Journey north from Christchurch to the port town of Picton where your ferry awaits. Sail through the stunning waters of Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel before crossing Cook Strait to New Zealand’s, Wellington, where your North Island adventure begins.
Accommodation: Travelodge Hotel Wellington
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Wellington, Taupo, Rotorua
Continue north to Taupo, a town on the northern shore of New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, known for its world-class restaurants and resorts. Later, witness the thundering power of Huka Falls, New Zealand’s most visited attraction, before travelling to Rotorua to embark on a discovery of Maori culture.
Accommodation: Sudima Rotorua
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
Rotorua
Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Maori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to the Agrodome. Alternatively, select your Enhance Your Journey option.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Rotorua, Waitomo, Auckland
Travel to Waitomo to explore the glow worm caves, then continue to cosmopolitan Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Auckland City
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Night |
Depart Auckland
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport where your journey comes to an end.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: Sep 17; Oct 8, 15; Nov 5, 12; Dec 3, 10, 31
2024: Jan 21, 28; Feb 18, 25; Mar 17, 24; Apr 21; May 12; Jun 9
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 12 nights in moderate accommodation
- Services of a Tour Director and experienced Driver
- Premium air-conditioned coach travel
- 20 meals - 12 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
- Cruise Milford Sound, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls
- Ride by gondola to Bob’s Peak for lunch with a view
- Bask in idyllic views during your special stay at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
- Ride the iconic TranzAlpine Train across the Southern Alps
- Savour an authentic Maori Hangi feast in Rotorua
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Optional excursions and touring that are available for purchase on tour
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Meals and beverages unless specifically indicated
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities unless specifically indicated
- Park fees unless stated
Flights are not included. As experts in airfares to the South Pacific Goway can assist you with the best airfares for your vacation.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from", per person, based on twin share in low season. Seasonal surcharges will apply. Limited seats and subject to availability. Single supplements are available on request. Single guests who are willing to share a room with a fellow traveller (same gender and non smoking) are eligible for twin share rates, ask your Goway Agent for details on the ‘Twin Share Guarantee’ option
9 Jun 2024
