- (800) 421-3326
- t2.res@travelanswersgroup.com
- Mon - Fri: 7:00am - 5.00pm (PST)
Menu
17 days,
14 nights |
from $7789 per person*
TOUR CODE: KALEI
Your journey begins with an Air New Zealand from Los Angeles to Queenstown via Auckland. Upon arrival at Queenstown Airport, enjoy a private transfer to Millennium Queenstown, where a Superior Rooms awaits for two nights. Head into the Best of Queenstown Experience, exploring the city’s highlights, before heading out on an exhilarating Kjet Jetboat Ride on Lake Wakatipu.
Afterwards, soak in the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with an overnight excursion that includes a transfer from Queenstown with meals included. Return to Queenstown for another night’s rest at Millennium Queenstown before embarking on a three-day self-drive tour to explore the wonders of Wanaka and beyond.
Enjoy the tranquility of Lime Tree Lodge’s Linden Suite for a night in Wanaka, where Lake Cruises and Island Nature Walks await. Then, travel to Franz Joseph for a night in the Coach House Suite at Westwood Lodge and experience the awesome Twin Glacier Helicopter Flight.
Take the spectacular TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch, where a private transfer is waiting to take you to Sudima Christchurch for the night. Board the Coastal Pacific Railway from Christchurch to Picton, followed by a scenic InterIslander Ferry journey to Wellington, complete with dining and private access to the Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay for a two-night Superior Harbor View suite.
In Wellington, delve into the creative marvels of the Weta Workshop Experience and discover the fascinating exhibits at Te Papa Museum. Collect another vehicle for seven days, venture to Tongariro for a night at Tongariro Lodge, including a sunset guided walk, followed by a night in Taupo at the Millennium Hotel & Resort Taupo Manuels’ Superior Lakeview Room, where a Scenic Sunset Cruise to Maori Rock Carvings awaits.
Explore the wonders of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park before journeying to Rotorua for a night at the Regent of Rotorua, featuring a Superior Room and the immersive Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience. Experience the enchantment of Waitomo Glowworm and Ruakuri Cave before concluding your journey in Auckland with a two-night stay at the Grand Millennium Auckland, complete with a Waiheke Explorer Hop on Hop off adventure and a visit to the All Blacks Experience.
With the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and cultural immersion, this 14-night holiday promises to be an unforgettable exploration of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
All trips include 24-hour emergency travel assistance.
Book by:
May 31, 2024
Valid for travel between:
October 17 – December 4, 2024
Additional dates, gateway cities and airlines may be available.
Need some help? Contact us here.
This package is 100% customizable and no set itinerary is available.
Day 1: Depart USA
This evening make your way to the Los Angeles Airport for your overnight flight aboard Air New Zealand to Auckland and Queenstown. Enjoy a dining experience full of super fresh ingredients and flavors and an extensive range of premium New Zealand wines to complement each meal. Relax in the ergonomically designed seats that create generous personal space to ensure a comfortable journey. Take control of the on-demand entertainment and enjoy a wide range of audio and video and a collection of the very best in music.
Day 2: International Date Line
During your flight, you will cross the International Date Line.
Day 3: Arrive Queenstown
On arrival in Queenstown, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a 2-night stay. The remainder of your day is free to relax or explore the town center.
Day 4: Queenstown
This morning, join a 3-hour small group tour to take in the incredible views and highlights of the region. Drive to an observation point where you can take in one of the best panoramic views in Queenstown. After capturing some incredible photos and enjoying a stop at the Shotover River you’ll arrive in the charming township of Arrowtown, where you can explore this quite town, grab a coffee (own expense) stroll the Main Street or try your hand in gold panning. Travel to Gibbston and visit the world’s first commercial bungy jump offering entertaining spectating and the opportunity to jump – at an additional cost. The region is also home to some Middle-earth magic (Lord of the Rings film locations) and is famous for its world-class wines. Enjoy wine tasting (non-alcoholic substitutes available) and a shared cheeseboard at a local winery with jaw-dropping views. On the way back to Queenstown transfer from land to lake with a picturesque thirty-minute scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu ending your tour at the wharf back in the heart of town. You have some free time before riding the Queenstown gondola to a skyline restaurant for an evening meal. Enjoy scenic views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables range. At Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, perched on Bob’s Peak at Skyline high above the mountain town, settle in for a 6-course buffet dinner of local specialties. Each table in the restaurant’s tiered seating area boasts prime views, including Coronet Peak.
Day 5: Milford Sound
This morning, journey to Milford Sound by coach to board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise on Milford Sound. You’ll start by departing from the Milford Sound wharf in the late afternoon before cruising through Milford Sound accompanied by our specialist nature guide. They’ll explain the history and geology of the area and be on hand to answer your questions. This cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife – you’re bound to encounter seals and, if you’re lucky, maybe dolphins and penguins too. The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove. From here you can join the guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) or kayaks. If you prefer, you can simply relax on deck and soak in the beauty of this amazing place. If you’re feeling brave, there’s always the option of a refreshing swim too. All activities are weather dependent. As evening falls, you’ll enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon – a feast prepared freshly by our on-site chef. Then it’s time to relax in the company of your fellow travellers, indulge in some stargazing and story-sharing or simply retire to your private cabin.
Day 6: Queenstown
This morning, enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea and exploring more of the fiord. Disembark and return to Queenstown early evening.
Day 7: Queenstown – Wanaka
Collect your rental vehicle from the downtown depot and make your way out of Queenstown across to Wanaka. Enjoy an early lunch before meeting at the jetty at 1.30pm for a lake cruise and island nature walk. A short 30-minute cruise takes you to the nature reserve, situated in the middle of Lake Wanaka surrounded by stunning alpine vistas. Once on Mou Waho Island your eco guide points out the varied native plant and birdlife including the rare Buff Weka, a very inquisitive flightless bird, (extinct on mainland NZ since 1920) Join a 1-hour return guided bush walk is included, which takes you up to reveal the island’s secret – a serene lake right on top of the island! Unique and very photogenic (optional). Or you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the birdlife at the beach and shelter at the island base. Enjoy “High Tea” on top of the island overlooking both lakes, where you can drink in the vibrant birdsong and the panorama of the Southern Alps spread out before us. Plant a native tree as part of your eco-experience. This is a unique opportunity to give back to this special island and New Zealand’s environment.
Day 8: Wanaka – Franz Josef
Continue over the pass this morning to Franz Josef. Make your way to the Helicopter Line office for your Twin Glacier Helicopter flight. Set off on your flight and fly over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Soar above the townships and follow the ice flow to admire the view of the Southern Alps. Land on the snow and view the path the glacier has carved below you before returning to base.
Day 9: Franz Josef – Christchurch
A leisurely morning before you make your way up the coast to Greymouth where you will return your rental vehicle at the Rail Station where you will board the TranzAlpine Train for a scenic journey across the Southern Alps. On arrival in Christchurch, you will be a transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Christchurch – Wellington
After breakfast, transfer to the Rail Station and board the Coast Pacific for a scenic ride up the east coast of the South Island to Picton. Disembark in Picton and board the Interislander ferry to cross the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. On arrival in Wellington, transfer to your hotel for a 2-night stay.
Day 11: Wellington
After breakfast, transfer to the Weta Workshop to experience and learn about the making of movie effects and props, from armor to weapons, creatures to costumes, and make-up to miniatures. Meet your guide at the Wētā Cave store to begin your journey through the movie-magic world of Wētā Workshop! The remainder of your day is free to relax and explore Wellington at your leisure.
Day 12: Wellington – Tongariro
Head north to Whanganui before heading inland to Tongariro National Park. Pass through rural landscapes and enjoy the forest and river views en route. This evening, join a short sunset guided walk on Mt Ruapehu. The walk is done on an easy grade track where you make your way up to a height of 1500m on Ruapehy via Whakapapa Road. Head out walking the Round the Mountain Track for 45 minutes to a ridge with a fantastic view of the sun setting over Mt. Taranaki 140 kms to the west. Sit and relax at the ridge while enjoying one of New Zealand’s finest wines and drink in the beauty of the majestic alpine landscape by the fading light. You will get the opportunity to learn from your guide about the geology and volcanology of the area, and how those connect with New Zealand’s cultural history. Marvel at this wild and beautiful landscape at a stunning time of day!
Day 13: Tongariro – Taupo
Enjoy the morning before heading north Taupo, just over 90 minutes’ drive. Travel along the edge of Lake Taupo through small towns and villages before arriving in Taupo for an overnight stay. Join an afternoon scenic cruise to the Maori carvings on Lake Taupo. The carvings, called Ngātoroirangi, are of great cultural significance to the Maori people. The cruise is 90 minutes long and includes tea and a delicious home-made muffin. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Maori culture and see some of the stunning natural scenery that New Zealand has to offer.
Day 14: Taupo – Rotorua
Today, travel through some spectacular changing landscapes to Rotorua. En route, stop at Orakei Korako Cave, a highly active geothermal area situated in the Taupo Volcanic Zone on the Waikato River at Lake Ohakuri, and part of the hydro-electric power scheme. Take a short ferry across the lake from the Orakei Korako Visitor Centre to the entrance of the cave. The self-guided walk around the geothermal area is mostly across boardwalk track. It usually takes 1-2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. The walk has a ‘medium’ difficulty rating and can be completed by most 3 – 80-year-olds. Continue to Rotorua. This evening experience an evening of authentic Maori food, movement, and music paired with the raw power of the Pōhutu geyser with a night at the Te Puia cultural center. Watch an energetic performance inside a carved Maori meeting house, followed by a delicious ‘hangi’ feast prepared in a traditional pit oven. Later, venture into the geothermal valley to sip hot chocolate under the stars and watch the eruption of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest active geyser.
Day 15: Rotorua – Waitomo – Auckland
Travel west out Rotorua to Waitomo Caves Experience the best of the Waitomo Caves with this combined tour of the Glowworm Caves and the Ruakuri Caves. Learn all about the remarkable geology of the caves while taking a boat tour and two walking tours of the underground caves and walkways. Be amazed by the thousands of sparkling glowworms, jagged stalactites and stalagmites, acoustics in the vast Cathedral Cave, and underground rivers. Continue to Auckland for a 2-night stay.
Day 16: Auckland
Make your way to the Auckland ferry terminal and travel across to Waiheke Island. Explore Waiheke Island at your own pace, with all-day tickets for a hop-on, hop-off island explorer bus. Plan the perfect day with help from the onboard host, then see the things that interest you most, choosing from 8 stops near vineyards, galleries, beaches, and trailheads. This full-day Waiheke Island experience offers a personalized combination of nature, culture, and food, and departs from Matiatia every 30 minutes throughout the day.
Day 17: Depart Auckland
This morning, make your way to Level 4 of the SkyCity Entertainment Precinct and experience first-hand the excitement and emotion of game day. You don’t have to be a rugby fan to enjoy this interactive and immersive 45-minute guided tour and multiple hands-on interactive zones. Go behind the scenes with the players, test your knowledge of the game and put your skills to the test against the best in the world. Return your rental vehicle to Auckland Airport prior to boarding your return flight to the US.
Need some help? Contact us here.
| Based on Departures | Price per person from*
Based on Double Occupancy |
| October 1 – October 16, 2024 | 8199 |
| October 17 – December 4, 2024 | 7789 |
| December 5 – December 12, 2024 | 8299 |
| December 13 – December 23, 2024 | 8629 |
| December 24 – January 3, 2025 | 8199 |
| January 4 – January 13, 2025 | 8579 |
| January 14 – January 29, 2025 | 8199 |
| January 30 – March 15, 2025 | 7799 |
Additional upgrades and add-ons may be available.
Need some help? Contact us here.
*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
We use technologies to enhance your experience on our site.
By using this site, you agree to our updated Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy.
