19 days/18 nights
Guided Small Group Journey
Guide Price €11,054 per person (based on 2 adults sharing)
Embark on an extraordinary voyage of discovery as you explore spectacular landscapes and discover age-old legends of the Maori for a unique perspective of New Zealand.
- Stay in the heart of Milford Sound and explore Fiordland National Park over two days
- Go behind the scenes of the National Kiwi Hatchery
- Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi feast at Rotorua
- Ride the TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass
- Explore Franz Josef Glacier and its geothermal pools
- Exclusive tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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Itinerary
Day 1 Christchurch
Arrive into Christchurch and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city. Join your fellow travellers and tour director this evening for a welcome reception.
Days 2-3 Christchurch to Franz Josef
Board the iconic TranzAlpine train for a scenic journey through the Canterbury Plains. Soak up the views before arriving at Arthur’s Pass and continuing to Franz Josef by coach where you will stay in an eco-friendly lodge in pristine wilderness. On day 3, join a local guide to explore Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 4 Franz Josef to Queenstown
This morning, enioy a thrilling journey down the Haast River. Later, continue your journey to Queenstown, stopping en route at the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown.
Days 5-6 Queenstown
Explore Queenstown over the next two days at leisure. Perhaps embark on a wine tour, explore The Lord of the Rings film locations or simply spend time at the hotel spa.
Days 7-8 Queenstown to Milford Sound
Venture deep into Fiordland National Park to the exquisite Milford Sound Lodge, surrounded by the beauty of Mirror Lake. Wake to amazing views and take a morning walk on the Milford Track before joining a cruise on Milford Sound on day eight.
Days 9-10 Milford Sound to Dunedin
Journey to Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. On day 10, enjoy a guided tour of Emerson's Brewery and sample their tasty craft beer. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the sights of Dunedin.
Days 11-12 Dunedin to Wellington
Travel up the east coast to Christchurch and embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. On day 12, head to the whale watching capital of Kaikoura with time to explore the coastline in search of whales. Continue to Picton and sail the Cook Strait to trendy Wellington.
Days 13-14 Wellington to Hawke’s Bay
Day 13 is free for you to explore Wellington. Perhaps take a walking tour with a local guide or visit the Te Papa Museum. On day 14, travel through dairy farming land to Hawke’s Bay.
Day 15 Hawke’s Bay
Enjoy a relaxed morning before joining a local guide to explore Napier. Admire the Art Deco architecture and enjoy a wine tasting with dinner at one of the region’s renowned wineries this evening.
Day 16 Hawke’s Bay to Rotorua
Head to Rotorua, the cultural capital of New Zealand. Upon arrival, visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley for an insight into this geothermal wonderland as you explore the hot springs and volcanic craters.
Day 17 Rotorua
Ascend to the Redwoods Treewalk for an elevated view of the redwood giants. Later, explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park and enjoy a behind the scenes tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery to see where over 1,800 chicks have hatched, before a traditional hangi feast at Tamaki Maori Village this evening.
Day 18 Rotorua to Auckland
Start the day with an exclusive tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, before continuing north to Auckland. Embark on a city tour upon arrival and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Day 19 Auckland
After breakfast, your journey comes to an end.
Departs: Frequent departures, Jan - Mar & Oct - Nov.
Price & Inclusions
- Return airport transfers in New Zealand
- 18 nights 4 to 5 accommodation including Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef and Milford Sound Lodge
- 18 breakfasts & 12 dinners
- International flights
Offers are subject to availability and restrictions may apply.
Flights
As we can offer you such a flexible choice of flights, we don't include international airfares with our tour prices. The price you pay will be determined by the time of year you travel, your departure airport, airline and availability.
Your Trailfinders Travel Consultant will be able to find the best flights to suit you and your choice of tour. Contact us for our latest flight offers or take a look at our flights pages for a general idea of prices.
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