Best of New Zealand Summer 2019
Overview
Highlights
- City tour in Auckland, Wellington, Blenheim, Dunedin, Christchurch.
- Cruise in Bay of Islands, on the Cook Strait, on Lake Wakatipu and Milford Sound.
- View the Southern Alps from the TranzAlpine train.
- Visit Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto, the Bay of Islands, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
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Itinerary
Welcome to Auckland, one of the world's most liveable cities. On arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm), then spend your day at leisure before joining your Travel Director for an evening Welcome Reception.
We journey north through lush farmland to the Bay of Islands, where we'll cruise the game waters once plied by Māori fishermen. Delve into the legend of the 'Hole in the Rock' (weather permitting), visit historic Cape Brett and sail past the deserted beaches and secluded coves that dot the bay as you return via Paihia to the mainland.
Today, your choice of sightseeing: explore the Waitangi Treaty Reserve grounds; enjoy a day of sailing aboard a historic tall ship; embark on a relaxing tour of Kerikeri with wine and chocolate tasting or venture to Russell for a Mini Tour to learn more about the settling of the Bay of Islands.
Indulge in some me-time this morning before returning to Auckland. Your journey takes you to Whangarei, New Zealand's northernmost city, before continuing to Parry Kauri Park, where you'll have an opportunity to walk amongst the Kauri giants that have towered over the forest floor for millennia. This evening, join your Travel Director for a Regional Meal at your hotel.
Gain a deeper understanding of why Auckland justifiably earns its reputation as the City of Sails, then head to Waitomo for an encounter with the iridescent occupants of Glow Worm Grotto. Navigate its dark depths with a 'Local Specialist' and walk through the limestone caves with their dramatic formations. Continue to Rotorua.
Embark on your choice of sightseeing: unwind at the Polynesian Spa; visit Te Puia and tour through the Whakawerawera Thermal Reserve; tour the wizardry of the Hobbiton movie set or explore Rotorua and its three lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck. 'Dive into Culture'...
Travel through pine forests and farmland to the raging Huka Falls, which feeds Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Continue south over the central plateau and along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington. 'Dive into Culture' and gain insights into New Zealand's nature, he...
Embrace your inner hipster this morning and immerse yourself in your cool surrounds during some free time to explore the Capital of Cool on your terms. This afternoon, prime your sea legs for a cruise through the Cook Strait into the quiet waters of Queen Charlotte So...
Travel to Kaikoura and delve into its whaling heritage, keeping a keen eye for Sperm Whales that can often be seen not far from shore (an Optional Experience whale-watching scenic flight is available). Continue along the Pacific Ocean coast and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the Garden City of New Zealand.
Join us for a taste of country life at Morelea, where we'll 'Connect with Locals' over a Be My Guest barbecue lunch and enjoy home-grown hospitality in the home of Angie and Stan Taylor. Journey past Lake Pukaki and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores ...
Journey along the Waitaki River, stopping briefly at the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Travel through to the township of Oamaru with its famous white limestone buildings and then on to Dunedin. This afternoon your choice of sightseeing: tour Larnach Cast...
Connect with the Scottish heritage of Dunedin with some free time to explore the city this morning. Later, journey through pastural landscapes dotted with sheep before arriving in Te Anau on the shore of Lake Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound's tranquil waters. En...
Immerse yourself in the startling natural splendour of the UNESCO-listed Fiordland National Park. Take a nature cruise, slicing through the mystical Milford Sound, past such highlights as Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak. Journey over the Devil's Staircase later, and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, bound for Queenstown.
Dive right into the adventure capital today with your choice of sightseeing: ride the Shotover Jet boat; take a gondola to Bob's Peak for thrilling luge rides; visit Kiwi Birdlife Park or take a 4WD minibus excursion through Skippers Canyon. This evening, cruise acros...
Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown before continuing your journey to Cromwell to savour the flavours of delicious stone fruit. See a trio of lakes, Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka, then travel over Haast Pass and on to the luminescent white wilderness of Franz Josef Glacier.
Spend some free time this morning exploring the icy depths of the glacier. Later, travel to Hokitika, renowned for its exquisite greenstone craft, where you'll visit a factory and admire a jewellery demonstration by a 'Local Specialist' master carver. Continue to the ...
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world's most scenic journeys through the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, a city rebuilding itself from the ruins of a tragic earthquake. Celebrate an epic journey at a Farewell Dinner with newfound friends.
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.
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.
Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings
Other Trafalgar Reviews
Gabriel Martinez
Apr 2024
Italy Bellissimo
The tour guide Paolo was very informative and was a pleasure to get to know. Our tour bus driver Luca was so patient and helped us so much. The only thing that could...
Gabriel Martinez
Apr 2024
Great service!
Paolo is an Excellent tour guide and bus driver Luca is so patient an...
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Tour Operator
At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.
It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.
We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.
We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.
About the company:
As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.
Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.
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Accommodation
- 17 hot buffet breakfasts.
- 1 lunch (Connect with Locals).
- 12 dinners.
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most regions or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Hand-picked Insider Experiences
- Optional Experiences and free time
- Porterage is not provided at airports in Australia and New Zealand
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- An expert Travel Director and separate Driver, Driver Guide only on Mini-Stays
- All hotel charges and local taxes
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
- VIP entry to many sights
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