March 1 – 17, 2022
This tour is an exploration of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. You will experience this amazing country with those who know it best. New Zealand is a land of diverse and stunning beauty – jagged mountains, steep fiords, pristine lakes, raging rivers, scenic pastures, crystal clear beaches, glaciers, rainforests, active volcanic zones and much more! This is a unique itinerary that will explore these regions while focusing on the history of the Māori who settled the islands, the culture of New Zealand today, the premier wine regions on both islands and New Zealand’s culinary world. This trip is not to be missed with some exciting off-the-beaten path experiences! If you have always wanted to go to New Zealand, this is the trip!
Trip Highlights:
- Auckland’s Sky Tower & Welcome Dinner at The Sugar Club
- Auckland City Tour
- America’s Cup Sailing Adventure in Auckland
- R/T Ferry to Waiheke Island from Auckland
- Waiheke Island Guided Wine Tour with Lunch at Mudrick Vineyards
- Driving Creek Railway
- Walk through the Kauri tree forest
- Coromandel Boat Trip with Snorkeling
- Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach
- Hobbiton Guided Tour
- Rotorua Drive/Walk Tour
- Te Puia Mudpools & Geyers
- Kahukiwi Māori 4WD Cultural Experience
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
- Kiwi House
- Weaving School
- Rotorua Māori Cultural Performance & Hangi Dinner
- Lake Taupo & Huka Falls
- City Tour of Wellington
- Te Papa Museum Tour
- Ferry Crossing from North to South Island via Cook Strait
- Drive along New Zealand’s spectacular west coast with short nature walks for walks & vistas (stops at Cape Foulwind Seal Colony, Pancake Rocksand blowholes/surgepools)
- Franz Josef Glacier (option for helicopter ride/addtional cost)
- Haast Pass
- Lake Wanaka
- Te Anau
- Crown Range
- Arrowtown
- Amisfield Winery Tastings
- Lake Wanaka
- Glow Worm Caves Excursion
- Rock Ferry Vineyards Tour with Lunch
- Cloudy Bay Winery Tastings
- Milford Sound Cruise/Fiordland National Park with Lunch
- Queenstown
- Lake Waitipu
- Renarkables Range
Includes:
- 17 days service of certified New Zealand tour guide/driver who will travel with the group
- 16 nights accommodations in 4 & 5* hotels (properties feature super city, mountain, lake, rainforest and beach locations)
- Gourmet meals in select restaurants, cafes, wineries and picnics (as per Daily Itinerary)
- Breakfast in the hotel daily
- Private transportation by coach
- Ferry crossing from Wellington to Pichton (North to South Island) via Cook Strait
- All site entry fees and activities
- Winery tours & tastings
- Free time built in to relax or explore on your own
- The donation of a large native tree – a sustainability initiative to offset carbon emissions
Not Included:
- International airfare
- 3rd meal (two full meals provided per day)
- Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter – optional excursion)
- Polynesian Spa in Rotorua (optional)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance/’Cancel for Any Reason’ policy recommended
- Gratuity for the guide
IMPORTANT LINKS: New Zealand’s North & South Islands