The Long White Cloud (Small Groups)

19 days
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USTOA

Group Tour
See the wonders of New Zealand on this 19-day guided tour. Explore the Southern Alps and see Franz Josef Glacier up close with a Local Expert. On your way to Queenstown, stop by idyllic Arrowtown, where you can choose to take a scenic bike ride along its river, or join a boutique wine tour. Journey through rainforests and meadows to Milford Sound; here, board...
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$15,989
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    See the wonders of New Zealand on this 19-day guided tour. Explore the Southern Alps and see Franz Josef Glacier up close with a Local Expert. On your way to Queenstown, stop by idyllic Arrowtown, where you can choose to take a scenic bike ride along its river, or join a boutique wine tour. Journey through rainforests and meadows to Milford Sound; here, board a catamaran and sail past towering cliffs and gushing waterfalls. See spectacular volcanic craters at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then travel to Rotorua for a Māori Hāngī feast — a flavourful meal cooked underground with geothermal steam. Descend the caves of Waitomo during a exclusive guided experience: see the caverns illuminated by the bioluminescent species. Toast to your travels at a luxurious dinner with a former New Zealand All Black rugby player.The Activity Level of this tour is Leisurely, meaning there is 1 to 2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces with some stairs.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 24 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityChristchurch (Nz)
End CityAuckland

Travel Themes

  • Cultural

Destinations

  • New Zealand

Activities

  • Culture
  • Luxury Travel

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch

Your New Zealand luxury tour begins by private car to your boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and just minutes from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Pay a visit to the blooms at the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Tram before meeting your Travel Concierge where you’ll raise a glass to a grand journey.

Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.

Day 2: Christchurch to Franz Josef

Embark on one of the world's greatest scenic railway journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train to the small village of Arthur's Pass. In Franz Josef, your eco-friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness welcomes.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier

Explore Franz Josef, where a Local Expert reveals the glacier's impressive history.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.

Breakfast

Day 4: Travel from Franz Josef to Queenstown

Cruise down the Haast River in a jet boat basking in the beauty of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Visit the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown before arriving at your hotel in Queenstown, offering expansive views across Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.

Edgewater Wānaka Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Explore Queenstown Relaxed Start

Take a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail or sample the Central Otago region's best Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc on a boutique wine tour.

The Rees Hotel

Breakfast

Day 6: Queenstown at Leisure Relaxed Start

Queenstown’s adventure culture is yours to experience. Take a Locally Available Experience jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River, or whitewater raft down the Kawarau River. In the evening, dine at one of Queenstown’s exclusive restaurants.

The Rees Hotel

Day 7: Queenstown to Milford Sound Relaxed Start

Journey to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park. View Mirror Lakes, the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and Cleddau Valley en route to the dramatic Chasm.

Milford Sound Lodge.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Milford Track Walk and Milford Sound Cruise

Take a guided walk on Milford Track through pristine lakes, sky-scraping mountain peaks, glaciers and deep valleys. Bask in the spectacular scenery of Milford Sound aboard a catamaran before dining at Pio Pio Restaurant.

Milford Sound Lodge.

Day 9: Milford Sound to Dunedin Relaxed Start

Take a scenic journey from Fiordland National Park through rolling green pastures before arriving in Dunedin. Your heritage hotel welcomes you with a cosy atmosphere in the city center. Dine on favourites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant.

Distinction Dunedin Hotel.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Dunedin (Relaxed Start) Relaxed Start

Explore the flavours of Dunedin on a guided tour and tasting at Dunedin Craft Distillers. Venture next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey. View Dunedin’s sites or venture to the dramatic coastline.

Distinction Dunedin Hotel.

Breakfast

Day 11: Dunedin to Christchurch

Travel up the coast though the towns of Oamaru and Timaru to Christchurch to uncover the city’s highlights on a fascinating sightseeing tour. Sample the best of the city over dinner at Polo Bar and Restaurant.

Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Christchurch to Wellington

Travel the dramatic rugged coastline to the whale-watching hub of Kaikoura and onto the seaside town of Picton. Cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington where you’ll get acquainted with the city on an illuminating tour. Unwind this evening with a drink in your hotel’s Lobby Lounge, admiring its famous art collection.

QT Wellington.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Wellington Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Personalise your day discovering the stunning waterfront and hidden lanes of Wellington. Or, take a guided walk through Otari Wiltons Bush. This evening is free for you to dine at any of the city’s restaurants.

QT Wellington.

Breakfast

Day 14: Wellington to Hawke's Bay

Wind your way through the pastoral dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand’s Art Deco capital and world-renowned wine country. This evening, savour a tasting and dinner at family-owned Craggy Range Winery in the shadow of Te Mata Peak.

Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15: Exploring Napier Relaxed Start

Take in Napier’s art deco architecture with a Local Expert in a chauffeur-driven vintage car. A decadent dinner awaits at Malo.

Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.

Day 16: Geothermal Rotorua

Continue your journey to Rotorua, where this afternoon, armed with a packed lunch, you'll join a local guide for a cultural walking eco-tour to discover the jurassic Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Pullman Rotorua.

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 17: The Sights of Rotorua

Unveil the Californian Coastal Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest and go behind the scenes on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a kiwi bird nursery and hatchery. Tonight, an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at Te Puia. Wander through the anc...

Day 18: Waitomo and Auckland

Enjoy a private walk through Waitomo’s caves lit up by glow worms. Dine with one of New Zealand’s famous former All Black rugby players.

QT Auckland.

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19: Farewell Auckland

After one final breakfast, say farewell to your Christchurch to Auckland luxury tour as you are chauffeured to Auckland Airport.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $14,025
Price per day$738
Last Updated: 4/15/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double
Single
Availability
02 Dec 2024
20 Dec 2024
$14,025
$17,890
available
20 Jan 2025
07 Feb 2025
$14,025
$17,890
available
17 Feb 2025
07 Mar 2025
$14,025
$17,890
available
10 Mar 2025
28 Mar 2025
$14,025
$17,890
closed
31 Mar 2025
18 Apr 2025
$14,025
$17,890
closed
01 Dec 2025
19 Dec 2025
$15,430
$19,685
onRequest
03 Dec 2025
21 Dec 2025
$15,430
$19,685
available
19 Jan 2026
06 Feb 2026
$15,430
$19,685
onRequest
21 Jan 2026
08 Feb 2026
$15,430
$19,685
available
16 Feb 2026
06 Mar 2026
$15,430
$19,685
onRequest

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Luxury Gold.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Luxury Gold Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Luxury Gold

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Wherever you go, we'll delight and surprise you with amazing experiences, tastes, sights, sounds and people.

With specialist knowledge of exclusive VIP experiences, fine dining and luxury hotels, we are dedicated to bringing you journeys shaped by our family heritage of close to 100 years of high-end travel industry expertise and a total commitment to service.

You can unplug, relax, enjoy, open up to the charm of different cultures and let us take care of every little detail.

Journey Beyond the Ordinary

We invite you to embark on a travel experience unlike any other. Join us as we explore exotic lands and distinctive destinations, in exquisite style and comfort. At Luxury Gold, it’s our pleasure to make your next journey extraordinary. Allow us to share our unparalleled wealth of expertise and insights, accumulated over nearly 100 years as leaders in luxury travel. We put our heart and soul into everything we do, taking care of every detail to ensure your Luxury Gold journey is perfectly planned, personalised, and truly unforgettable.

Enriching Travel Experiences

As one of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands, Luxury Gold is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation and shares a collective desire to protect and conserve the stunningly beautiful environments, fascinating cultures and awe-inspiring communities of our natural world.

TreadRight is a not-for-profit organization that works tirelessly to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain for generations to come. Since 2008, TreadRight has supported more than 40 sustainable tourism projects worldwide, working with expert project partners who directly oversee these projects on the ground.

When travelling with Luxury Gold on select itineraries, you’ll see some of these incredible projects in action. In Perugia, experience one of the last remaining hand-weaving textiles in Italy, reminiscent of great medieval and renaissance textile traditions in Italy. In choosing Luxury Gold you are helping TreadRight continue its life-changing work.

 

About the company:

As the world leader in Luxury Small Group Journeys, Luxury Gold is redefining the New Golden Age of Travel. With the finest end to end travel experience, guests are spoilt with high end experiences in magnificent environments. Exceptional dining at sort after Michelin Star restaurants to unique street food experiences. Curated experiences with afterhours access, VIP experiences and the exclusive Founders Collections meet and greets with nobility, icons and royalty. Magnificent stays at world leading properties such as the Belmond and Red Carnation Hotels or unique Chalets or Private Game Reserve lodgings. Beyond these high-end experiences, guests every need is catered to by their 24/7 Travel Concierge who combine local knowledge with the ultimate black book of contacts to customize guest’s journey

Luxury Gold is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They understand that true luxury lies not only in lavish hotels and gourmet dining but also in the immersive experiences that leave a lasting memory.
What they’re known for
Specially curated small-group luxury worldwide tours with unique VIP experiences.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotel Montreal, Christchurch. Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. Edgewater Wānaka Hotel The Rees Hotel Milford Sound Lodge. Distinction Dunedin Hotel. QT Wellington. Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay. Pullman Rotorua. QT Auckland.,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 15 Breakfast (B)
  • 9 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • Dunedin: Step into Parcels Restaurant at the Distinction Dunedin and taste their exquisite modern twist on traditional local dishes. Sip delicious wines as you look across to the First Church of Otago from the old post office building which houses the hotel.
  • Hawke's Bay: Indulge in an intimate dinner with wine pairing at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade of Te Mata Peak and drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards.
  • Rotorua: Come together for a hearty and delicious meal warmed by the earth itself. Experience a uniquely prepared Hāngī feast, cooked traditionally in a pit oven using geothermal steam at Te Pā Tū. Witness a captivating live cultural performance as you dine.
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
luxury-NZLGM24

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