17 days,
16 nights |
from $4550 per person*
TOUR CODE: LABC/LCBA
This epic New Zealand holiday spans both islands of this small, proud nation, revealing majestic snow-capped mountains, rugged coastlines, ice-blue lakes and sweeping rural vistas. Stories of the history and traditions of Maori culture emerge as you travel from the stunning Bay of Islands in the north, to the vibrant, multicultural city of Queenstown and breathtaking Milford Sound in the spectacular south.
Flights are not included in the tour price; please call our team for the current flight prices. Any flights referred to in the itinerary are an additional expense; these are the suggested group flights:
2020 APR: 18, 25 MAY: 30 JUN: 27 JUL: 25 AUG: 8, 22 SEP: 5, 12, 26 OCT: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 NOV: 7, 14, 28 DEC: 5, 12, 19, 26 Itinerary also operates in reverse (Code: LCBA) from Christchurch to Auckland. Please ask for departure dates & details. Please click here for full Booking Conditions.
All trips include 24-hour emergency travel assistance.
Book by:
December 26, 2020
Valid for travel between:
04/18/2020 – 09/26/2020
10/03/2020 – 12/26/2020
Additional dates, gateway cities and airlines may be available.
Need some help? Contact us here.
Itinerary also operates in reverse (New Zealand Magic, Tour Code: LCBA) from Christchurch to Auckland. Please ask for departure dates & details.
After settling in to your hotel, you’ll have time to explore Auckland at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director. Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
Travel along the scenic Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you cruise to Cape Brett, and the ‘Hole in the Rock’. As you return to Paihia, pass through picturesque islands with deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays. Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms, 2 nights Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
Explore the Bay of Islands at leisure today. Consider one of the optional experiences. Perhaps sail on an historic tall ship, take the ferry to the charming town of Russell, the country’s first sea-port, or explore the culturally-significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed morning before travelling through lush farmland on your way back to Auckland. Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
After a tour of Auckland’s city highlights, trace the Waikato River to the Waitomo Caves, where you’ll explore the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto by boat. Your journey continues to Rotorua, for an orientation tour with views of Lake Rotorua. Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Your morning is free. You might like to visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a glimpse of New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird, or Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Experience the multi-awardingwinning Agrodome Farm Show, for insights into agriculture in New Zealand. This evening, enjoy a Maori Hangi feast Highlight Dinner and concert at the Tamaki Maori Village. Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Journey through tall pine forests and verdant farmland to spectacular Huka Falls and serene Lake Taupo. Drive along the shores of New Zealand’s biggest lake through the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu. Then follow the Kapiti Coast to Wellington for a city orientation tour. Hotel: Travelodge Wellington Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a tour of Wellington this morning. See the national Parliament and the ‘Beehive’, home to New Zealand’s politicians, and explore Te Papa Museum and Art Gallery. Then cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island, arriving in picturesque Picton. Hotel: Picton Beachcomber Inn Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
Travel to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore (an optional whale-watching flight is available). Travel along the Pacific Ocean coast and across the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Explore Christchurch at leisure this morning, then travel over the fertile Canterbury Plains to serene Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo. Next, view the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the scenery of Mt. Cook National Park (an optional scenic flight is available). Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and the monumental spillway of the nearby Benmore Dam. Then travel to the town of Oamaru, with its celebrated white limestone buildings. Continue to Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. The afternoon is free for you to explore. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy free time in Dunedin. You might like to visit Larnach Castle. Then travel across the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago en route to Te Anau. Tonight, you may choose an optional experience and visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
Your experience in magnificent Milford Sound today is sure to be one of the highlights of your journey. Travel first through the tall native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park, then cruise the serene waters of this natural wonder. On the way to Queenstown see Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, then travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy an informative orientation tour of the city before settling in for your two-night stay. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 2 nights Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital at your own pace today. Later in the afternoon, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and an entertaining after-dinner farm show. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
Visit the faithfully-restored gold mining settlement of Arrowtown and travel on to Cromwell to taste its sensational stone fruit. You will then travel over Haast Pass and view the sheer drop of Thunder Creek Falls on your way to the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier (an optional experience scenic flight is available). Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing) Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Dinner
This morning’s destination is Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone, Pounamu (its MÃÆÃÆÃâÃâÃÆÃâÃâÃÂori name). Then continue to Arthur’s Pass to board the iconic TranzAlpine train and take one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Pass through the Southern Alps to the lush pastureland of the Canterbury Plains. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner. Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Included Meals: Full buffet breakfast
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Additional upgrades and add-ons may be available.
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*Terms & Conditions: Pricing is per person based on double occupancy. All prices are in US dollars and correct at time of posting for travel during specified travel dates. Single supplements, black-out dates and seasonal supplements may apply. Airfare is not included unless indicated. Prices may differ when you book your travel and are not guaranteed until full payment is received. Airline and hotels frequently change their prices as a result of fare increases and/or fuel surcharges. Prices may increase before full payment for those and other reasons. Package is not combinable with any other offer or discounted vacation package. After full payment, prices are guaranteed except only due to an increase in government-imposed taxes or fees. By paying your deposit, you affirmatively agree to the possibility of such increases. Package is strictly subject to availability, not retroactive and not combinable with any other special or vacation package offer. Minimum night stays or required room types may apply. All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change without notice. Please call for our current prices. CST#2001136-20
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