New Zealand Experience

Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Auckland is surrounded by water and reflects the locals' love affair with the sea, earning this place the nickname "City of Sails".

Auckland sprawls over a narrow strip of land between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. Rainforests cover the surrounding hills, dozens of dormant volcano's dot the landscape and beautiful islands are scattered throughout the vast Hauraki Gulf.

There is plenty to do in and around Auckland with everything 30 mins away from the city centre. Why not add a few extra days to get over the jetlag and enjoy Auckland!

Overnight:

The Quadrant

Extras and options:

Sky Tower - Sky jump and Sky Walk
Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World
Waiheke Island Cruise & Wine tour
Auckland harbour dinner cruise
Auckland Bridge bungy
Auckland Museum
Auckland Zoo
Rainbows End theme park
Pakiri Beach Horse rides
Pohutukawa Coast & Clevedon County
Waitakere Ranges

1 Day Maori Cultural & Heritage tour
8:30am - 9:45am Pick up from airport, hotel or other nominated point.

10:00am Arrive at Marae and receive a traditional Maori Welcome. You will learn some Maori language via song and conversation, hear of Maori history and its heritage within New Zealand, enjoy morning tea and interact with Maori craftsmen and women and even touch and feel the art of wood carving. You will also have the opportunity to create your own woven flax keepsake.

12:00pm Arrive at the Auckland Museum for a guided tour on the splendour and the history of He Taonga Maori (Maori Treasures). This gallery contains over 1000 artefacts from around Aotearoa (New Zealand) which date back to the settlement of the Maori. After the tour there is an opportunity to lunch at the museum cafe at own cost.

1:45pm Arrive at Auckland Zoo for a native encounter. You will be close up and personal with the Kiwi, be guided through the native flora and fauna, see the iconic ‘Kiwi wildlife’, the cheeky Kea, the prehistoric Tuatara and visit the New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine

3:30pm Drive to the top of Mount Eden (Maungawhau) for a great photo opportunity from Auckland’s highest peak, with views over the volcanic crater and the Hauraki Gulf in the background.

4:00pm Drive through One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) and learn the significance of the park to both Maori and European cultures, from its beginning as a Maori fortress, to the spectacular park and working city farm it is today.

5:00pm Visit to Bastion Point. Hear of the turbulent history of this place, while overlooking the mighty Waitemata Harbour.

5:30pm Tour conclusion at Auckland’s Sky City Tower or your hotel.

Departs: Daily at 9:45am from central city or 10:00am start at Marae
Pickups available from Auckland airport or accommodation upon request
Duration: 7.5 hours
Close on Christmas Day
Includes entrance fee and morning tea

Overnight:

The Quadrant

Meals included:

Breakfast

Pick up hire car (Grp F: Ford Falcon Sedan Auto or similar) and drive from Auckland to Bay of Islands via East Coast - 240 kms (4 hrs). Free afternoon.

Evening Waitangi Sound and Light Show - An evening cultural encounter depicting the story of New Zealand and the Treaty of Waitangi as a grandparent shares with a grandchild and the audience a 1000 year journey. On location at Waitangi this stunning production brings NZ’s vibrant Maori culture to life in this quality, intimate show bringing two cultures, Maori and European together.

Shows:
October to April: Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat
February to March: Mon - Sat
Duration: 2 hours
Transfers are provided from main Paihia accommodation
Approx. Pick up time from Paihia 7.30pm, return to accommodation approx 9.45pm. Minimum 4 people required to operate.
Includes courtesy transfers from/to main Paihia accommodation

Overnight:

Crisdon Castle

Meals included:

Breakfast

The 4-hour Discover the Bay cruise includes dolphin, whale and bird life viewing, travelling through the world famous Hole in the Rock (conditions permitting), a private island stop-over visiting one of New Zealand's most significant Maori "pa" sites (fortified village), and learn about the kiwi recovery programme and conservation restoration on Moturua Island. A cruise with commentary amongst some of the 144 islands in the Bay.
If dolphins or whales are not seen, a non-transferable voucher will be given to come again for free, this is not a money back offer.

Overnight:

Crisdon Castle

Meals included:

Breakfast

A full day trip, with an enlightening commentary on both historic and cultural points of interest. Stops will be made along the way for photo opportunities and comfort stops. Leaving Paihia we travel to our morning tea stop (own expense) at the Coopers Beach cafe on the beautiful east coast.
A short drive onto Waiharara arriving at the Kauri Gum Diggers ancient buried forest. This forgotten and realistic experience highlights the gum digging boom that lasted 150 years and help founded the culture and diversity of the Northland area as we know it today. Moving to the Aupouri pine forest with its herds of wild horses and arriving onto the famous Ninety Mile Beach*. We take an exhilarating ride through the Te Paki stream; known locally as ‘Quick Sand’ stream. Here there will be a chance to go tobogganing down the giant sand dunes. Next destination is Cape Reinga. The magnificent views of Te Werahi beach down to Cape Maria Van Dieman, the meeting of the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean, the lighthouse and the location of the Spirit Tree, are just a few of the highlights of this very spiritual place. A brief comfort stop and walk around at Houhara, before we continue our journey to Wanui and the Ancient Kauri Kingdom for souvenir purchases and to view the finished product of the Kauri Tree. The famous Mangonui Fish shop for afternoon Tea/dinner (own expense) and then it’s back to Kerikeri and Paihia, via the Stone Store and Kemp House.

Overnight:

Crisdon Castle

Meals included:

Breakfast

Drive from the Bay of Islands to Auckland via West Coast - 370 kms (5 hrs 30 min)

Overnight:

The Quadrant

Meals included:

Breakfast

Today drive from Auckland to Rotorua - 340 kms (3 hrs 15 min).

Enter the realms of the Ruakuri Cave and listen to the ancient drum beat of the earth. Spiral pathways, winding corridors, hidden waterfalls and amazing cave decorations wait to be discovered. Your journey will take you deep into the unknown where you will see crystal cave tapestries, beautiful cave formations and of course glow worms. Experience the mystery and beauty of the Ruakuri Cave. Allow 2 hours. Need comfortable footwear. Suitable for all the family. Includes transportation as well.
Tours depart daily (except Christmas Day) at 9.00am, 10.00am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
Tour Duration is approx 2 hours
Tours depart from the Waitomo Glowworm Cave Ticket Office and Ruakuri Visitor Centre (Long Black Cafe), 585 Waitomo Caves Road, SH37, Waitomo.

Overnight:

Robertson House

Meals included:

Breakfast

Te Puia Rotorua Tour
The guided tour of Te Puia includes the Carving School, Art and Craft Gallery, and Rotowhio Marae - where the history and significance of the grounds and buildings are explained, and the weaving school. Walk through a recreation of a typical pre-European Maori Village. At the Kiwi Conservation Centre a guide ensures visitors a glimpse of the special creature and explains Te Puia’s unique role within a national breeding programme. Explore the geothermal valley. See silica terraces, unique vegetation, mud pools and geysers, and bubbling mud pools varying in temperature, size and colour.

Please note: guided tours operate hourly from 9am till 4pm -or you can self-guide with map at any time during opening hours.

Daily including Christmas Day; 8.00 am - 5.00 pm (extended to 6.00 pm November - Easter)
Guided tours depart 9am - 4pm (5 pm in summer)
Performances 10.15am, 12.15pm, 3.15pm - 45 minute duration

Beauty by Night & Mitai Maori Experience
Experience a night time product combining two iconic attractions. Featuring the world famous Mitai Maori Cultural Experience, including a hangi Dinner, Maori Concert and night bush walk & glow worm tour followed by a spectacularly lit night tour through Rainbow Springs Nature Park.

Following your transfer from local accommodation to Mitai, you will visit Wai-o-whiro Stream to witness a pass by of Maori warriors arriving on an ancient war canoe, a truly unique encounter. This will be followed by an informative and entertaining concert performance and delicious traditional ground cooked meal. Your evening at Mitai will conclude with a bush walk to Fairy Spring where you will hear stories of the land and catch a glimpse of the glow worms. You then visit Rainbow Springs, accessing the newly opened Fairy Springs lawn area, where you will be escorted through to Rainbow Springs for your Beauty by Night experience to view Native bush and wildlife at night under an array of spectacularly coloured lights, including the newly built walk-through Kiwi night time enclosure before being transferred back to your accommodation.

Combo Itinerary:
6.15pm - Arrival at the village
6.30pm - Introduction
6.40pm - Unveiling of the Hangi
6.45pm - Waka 'Turehu' / Welcoming ceremony
6.55pm - Cultural performance
8.00pm - Hangi meal
8.30pm - Question & answer session
9.00pm - Guided bush walk & glow worm tour
9.30pm - Continue to Rainbow Springs for Beauty by Night Experience
10.30pm - Board Mitai transport & depart for your accommodation

Pick up/drop off: please advice at time of booking. Minimum 10 pax required for Rainbow Springs guided tour.
Includes: Mitai Maori Cultural Experience, Hangi Dinner, admission to Rainbow Springs and Transfers.

Overnight:

Robertson House

Extras and options:

Skyline Skyrides
Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park
Whitewater rafting
Back to Hells gate for a mud bath

Meals included:

Breakfast

Today drive from Rotorua to Napier - 225 kms (3 hrs 30 min).
Afternoon orientation walking tour of this Art Deco style town.
Far from the world's great population centres and from the European and American cities where 20th Century design evolved lies a small city that is unique. Napier, New Zealand, was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive Richter 7.8 Earthquake. Subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. By the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area. And Napier's Art Deco is unique, with Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay, admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright.
Enhanced by palms and the angular Norfolk Island pines which are its trademark, and bounded by fertile fruit and grape growing plains, dramatic hills and the shores of the South Pacific, beautiful Napier is the centre of the Hawke's Bay region. In Napier, you can enjoy the legacy of its brave rebuilding and savour the spirit of the optimistic Art Deco era.
To really discover Napier's story of history, architecture and the human spirit, take a guided walking tour. The 2 hour programme, conducted by an accredited Art Deco Trust volunteer guide, includes an "Art Deco Walk" booklet, a 30 minute audio visual presentation followed by a 1.5 hour walk. The tour finishes at the Deco Centre and is followed by the optional viewing of a 20 minute movie.
Daily at 2.00pm
Departs from the Deco Centre at 163 Tennyson Street Napier. Please meet there at 1.45pm.
Does not operate Christmas Day

A Twilight Odyssey - VIP Platinum
Experience Hawkes Bay at its best. A progressive three-course meal across some of NZ's top winery restaurants. Awaken every sense on this awesome Odyssey. Take a scenic drive through the wine growing district, participate in an interactive wine tasting at Sileni Estate or Vidal Estate, indulge in gourmet platters with top local produce, champagne sunset on Te Mata Peak (sunset in summer & overlooking the glimmering lights of the twin cities in winter), main meal at Vidal Estate, Sileni Estate or Craggy Range wineries, visit New Zealands oldest winery, the Mission Estate, for dessert and coffee, finish with being dropped off at a location of your choice - perhaps some of Napiers top waterfront nightspots. A night full of entertainment and fun. (Restaurants subject to change dependant on availability.)
Includes: Sightseeing of the Whole Region with Fully Guided Commentary, Progressive Three Course Meal at NZs Top Winery Restaurants, Wine Tasting, Champagne, Wine with Dinner, Dessert Wine, Tea & Coffee.
VIP Platinum includes per couple:
- Two authentic international tasting glasses
- Bottle of wine to take away
- Upgrade of dessert wine

Tuesday - Saturday at 5.30pm only
From Hastings/Napier/Havelock Nth
Duration: Approx. 6 hours
Courtesy transfers from hotels are provided.

Includes: Sightseeing of the Whole Region with Fully Guided Commentary, Progressive Three Course Meal at NZs Top Winery Restaurants, Wine Tasting, Champagne, Wine with Dinner, Dessert Wine, Tea & Coffee

Overnight:

The Crown Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Drive fromNapier to Wellington - 320 kms (4 hrs 30 mins). Free afternoon.

Overnight:

Lambton Heights

Meals included:

Breakfast

The perfect introduction to Wellington City. Discover Wellington's rolling hills, rugged scenic bays, and iconic architectural landmarks then on this 2.5 hour guided tour. Visit must-see attractions including the famous Beehive and parliament buildings, and Old Saint Paul's Cathedral (the Southern Hemisphere's finest example of Gothic Revival architecture). Admire the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, and the breathtaking views of the city from the summit of Mount Victoria. Return to downtown with a drive around the rugged scenic bays of the harbour. A ride on the iconic cable car is an optional extra, but well worthwhile.

Departs daily at 10.00am & 2.00pm
Pick up: 9.30am & 1.30pm - Pick up & drop off from the Visitor Information Centre, Wakefield Street or Wellington Railway Station or Inner City Accommodation
Duration: 2.5 hours
Excludes entrance fees for Cable Car.

Overnight:

Lambton Heights

Extras and options:

Middle Earth film locations tour
Food and wine tours
Te Papa National Museum
Zealandia - The Karori Sanctuary Experience

Meals included:

Breakfast

Wellington to Kaikora – Interislander ferry & Picton to Kaikora – (Driving: Approx 2 hrs + Sailing: Approx 3hrs 20 mins)

Overnight:

Miharotia Boutique Bed & Breakfast

Meals included:

Breakfast

Drive from Kaikora to Christchurch - (3 hrs)

Overnight:

Eliza's Manor on Bealey

Meals included:

Breakfast

The TranzAlpine will transport you the 224kms from east to west New Zealand. This journey is one of the top 10 train journeys in the world.
 

Departs daily from Christchurch at 8.15am. Arrives Greymouth 12.45pm
Does not operate Christmas Day, 25 Dec annually
Passengers should report 20 minutes prior to departure.

Overnight:

Punakaiki Resort

Meals included:

Breakfast

Drive from Greymouth to West Coast Glacier Region - 200 kms (3 hrs)

Overnight:

Holly Homestead

Meals included:

Breakfast

Franz Josef Hotpools admission. Relax in your own private pool, secluded in native bush, and enjoy your own cabana.

You have a free day to explore the spectacular Glacier region including the two mighty glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef, New Zealand's two highest mountains Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman and the lowland rainforest of Westland National Park & Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area.

Overnight:

Holly Homestead

Extras and options:

Franz Josef glacier hot pools
Glacial country Lake cruise
Hukawai Glacier centre
Franz Josep heli-hike
Fox & Franz Josef glacier Helicopters
Fox Glacier guided walks

Meals included:

Breakfast

Drive from Glacier Region to Queenstown - 400 kms (6 hrs).

Overnight:

Queenstown House

Meals included:

Breakfast

Pick up at your city centre hotel and depart for 3hrs sightseeing of Queenstown including: Queenstown hill view point, spectacular birds eye views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and Lord of the Rings locations. AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge - learn about the history and excitement of bungy jumping. Watch intrepid jumpers from the viewing deck. Includes the Secrets of Bungy tour. Lord of the Rings film sites - Pillars of the Kings. Be transported to Middle Earth at the Kawarau Gorge, film location for the Pillars of the Kings. Gibbston Valley Winery - savour a selection of four wines produced on site. Enjoy the winery's well stocked gift shop and the region's only cheesery. Includes Wine tasting. Captivating Arrowtown - discover beautiful Arrowtown's golden history and colonial architecture. Highlights are the Lakes District Museum and Chinese Miners Settlement. Plus boutique shopping, great cafes and restaurants. Drop off at your city centre accommodation is included if required.

Operates daily (except 01-02 Jan, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday)
Departs 9.30am, returns 12.30pm
Pick-ups/Drop-offs from city centre hotels

Overnight:

Queenstown House

Extras and options:

TSS Earnshaw steamship & Walter Pak High Country Farm
AJ Hackett Bungy
Whitewater rafting
Hangliding
Sky diving
Shotover Jet
Canyon Swing
Queenstown fly fishing
Dart River safari’s
Doubtful sound cruises

Meals included:

Breakfast

Drive from Queenstown to Te Anau - 186 kms (2 hrs 30 mins)

Overnight:

Te Anau Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast

Milford Sound Day trip - 240 kms (4 hrs return). On boarding the luxury glass roofed coach drive along the spectacular Milford Road with time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound you will board the Vessel for a 2.5 hour cruise the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea, with excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time to enjoy the waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife. A comprehensive commentary (in English only) is presented throughout the cruise. If lunch has been pre-arranged it is served during the cruise. Return by coach to Te Anau in the afternoon

Daily from the Te Anau Real Journeys Visitor Centre at 9.50 am, returning approx 4.30 pm.
Hotel pickups if pre-arranged 15 minutes prior (approx).
Please advise previous night accommodation contact in all cases

Overnight:

Te Anau Lodge

Meals included:

Breakfast

Drive from Te Anau to Dunedin - 285 kms (4 hrs 15 mins)

Overnight:

The Brothers Boutique Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Premier tour of the Otago Peninsula attractions including a guided tour of Larnach Castle, NZ’s only castle, enjoy their gardens of international significance.
Enjoy the scenic Otago Peninsula bus tour, see wading bird habitats, experience guided tours of the Royal Albatross Colony and Penguin Place; enjoy the Wildlife Cruise & relax on the beautiful Harbour Cruise. (Winter returns 6pm - harbour cruise not incl. to ensure penguin viewing).

Departures daily from Cnr Wharf & Fryatt Street, Dunedin
Departure times: 9.00am to 7.00pm (Winter returns 6.00pm - harbour cruise not incl. to ensure penguin viewing)
Pick up/drop off: Courtesy transfers from city accommodation (approx 30 minutes prior - please check)
Minimum 2 pax / max 22 pax
Includes jackets and binoculars.

Overnight:

The Brothers Boutique Hotel

Extras and options:

Cadbury factory
Speights Brewery tour
Otago Peninsula cruises
Royal Albatross centre
Caitlins region tour

Meals included:

Breakfast

Drive from Dunedin to Lake Tekapo - 325 kms (4 hrs 30 mins).

Overnight:

Alpine Vista

Meals included:

Breakfast

Drive from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch - 330 kms (4 hrs). Christchurch afternoon sightseeing tour. The tour commences by covering the central city highlights, including Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, the Avon River, Town Hall, the floral clock, Law Courts, Provincial Chambers, Christ's College, Museum, Botanical Gardens, Arts Centre and the Bridge of Remembrance. On leaving the inner city, the tour then travels to Mona Vale, an historic homestead and Gardens. We then travel to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. The tour then travels to the seaside suburb of Sumner where we stop at Cave Rock. We return to Christchurch via the Port Hills, the Port of Lyttleton and the Lyttelton tunnel travelling back to the city centre where the tour concludes.

Daily except Christmas day at 1.30pm.
Collected from Central City Hotel & Motels 1.00-1.30pm.
Duration: 3 hours

Overnight:

Eliza's Manor on Bealey

Meals included:

Breakfast

Free time until transfer to airport for departure.

You may wish to spend a few extra days in Christchurch at the beginning of your tour of New Zealand. Christchurch is in the middle of the South Island so it is easy the reach any sights that you may have missed along your journey - Travel north for hot pools, vineyards and oceanic wildlife encounters. A journey west could mean a train trip over the Southern Alps, to discover rainforest and glaciers. Head south and discover our beautiful high country, topped off by Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain.

Extras and options:

Arthurs Pass day tour
Kaikoura whale watching
Hanmer Springs Day Tour
Akaroa cruising & dolphin swimming

Meals included:

Breakfast