Wonders of New Zealand

Guided Tour Highlights Include:

• Scenic Tranzalpine train ride across the Southern Alps, one of the world’s great rail journeys.
• See Franz Josef Glacier from a panoramic viewpoint.
• Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak high country station on vintage steamship  TSS Earnslaw for a BBQ dinner and farm show.
• Fiordland National Park
• Cruise through the serene Milford Sound to admire towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and untouched fiord scenery.
• See the picturesque tiny stone Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo.
• Witness the universe at Tekapo’s Dark Sky Project, where stargazing meets astronomical insights in Tekapo.

Sample New Zealand Guided Tour Itinerary (Subject to change).

Day 1: Depart Canada

Depart Vancouver today flying Air New Zealand direct to Auckland (New Zealand). You will cross the International Date line and ‘lose’ a day (which you will get back on your return trip).

Day 3: Arrive in New Zealand

Haere mai – welcome to New Zealand, also known as Aotearoa. After arriving in Auckland, take a connecting flight south to Christchurch. Tonight you will meet your Tour Director and your fellow travelling companions for welcome drinks. Stay Christchurch: Ibis Hotel Christchurch or similar for 1-night.

Day 4: Christchurch – Franz Josef

Start your tour on a literal high as you travel onboard the Tranzalpine train, crossing the Canterbury Plains towards the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. This is one of the world’s most scenic rail experiences that travels through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of mountain peaks, rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. Arrive in Hokitika, home of pounamu (New Zealand greenstone or jade) and travel onward to Franz Josef.  You may choose to take a scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier (scenic flight is optional, an additional expense and weather permitting). Stay Franz Josef: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar for 1-night.

Day 5: Franz Josef – Queenstown

Today you will travel over the Haast Pass and down the west coast where there are almost more waterways here than you can count. See Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan, visit the small historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown before reaching Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and finally the beautiful lakefront alpine resort town of Queenstown. Stay Queenstown: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown or similar for 2-nights.

Day 6: Queenstown

Today is at your own leisure with free time to explore the adventure capital Queenstown as you choose. We have a number of option excursions you may choose to add here (additional expense).

Day 7: Queenstown – Te Anau

Nature rules today as you drive from the Mirror Lakes through the Cleddau Valley to World Heritage-listed Milford Sound (Piopiotahi). Cruise across the sound to see its string of waterfalls creating a misty curtain across sheer escarpments. The road back through Fiordland National Park is an intoxicating union of beech forests, alluvial flats, meadows and gin-clear rivers, carving up the countryside enroute to Te Anau. Stay Te Anau: Distinction Luxmore Hotel for 1-night.

Day 8: Te Anau – Dunedin

The South Island’s biggest lake is a blissful place for an invigorating morning walk before travelling further south to the city of Dunedin. Spend the afternoon at leisure wandering art-lined alleys, sipping a lager or two in Speight’s Brewery (a national institution), or visit grand Larnach Castle, the only one of its kind in the country. You could venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country (Dunedin excursions optional, additional expense). Stay Dunedin: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City for 1-night.

Day 9: Dunedin – Omarama

Sleep in or take a stroll around the manicured grounds of Otago University to the city’s main George Street. Leave Dunedin today stopping in Oamaru, a town with a rich history, featuring Victorian architecture and original boutiques. Stay Omarama: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel for 1-night.

Day 10: Omarama – Christchurch

If there’s a lake with a more vivid turquoise colour than Tekapo, we’re yet to see it. It is even more dramatic by snow-capped mountains, the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd and atmospheric tiny towns that surround it. Experience the indoor Dark Sky Astronomy experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate local specialists that will change the way you see the night sky. Travel through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Your Travel Director will show you the city’s miraculous transformation over the last decade. Tonight, enjoy farewell drinks and dinner with your group to farewell your new friends and toast the last night of your adventure. Stay Christchurch: Ibis Hotel Christchurch or similar for 1-night.

Day 11: Depart Christchurch, New Zealand

Your New Zealand tour comes to an end today in Christchurch. Your day is free until you make your way to the airport to commence your journey home.

Optional island extension only:

Christchurch  (New Zealand) – Rarotonga (Cook Islands)

If you choose to add the island stay, instead of flying home today you will travel independently to the Cook Islands (via Auckland).  This is not part of the group tour, you will travel independently. On arrival in Rarotonga you will be met and transferred to your island accommodation.  The rest of your day is free . Stay Rarotonga: Lagoon Breeze Villas (Garden Studio) for 5-nights.

Days 12-15: Rarotonga

You have four days to relax and enjoy some island time! Do as much or as little as you please while in Rarotonga, you can enjoy beaches, hike the rugged interior, watch the lovely sunrises and sunsets  and visiting the local market on a Saturday. Exploring Rarotonga is easy with just two buses that travel clockwise or anti-clockwise and the island is just 32km to travel around!  Your accommodation is located in 4-acres of tropical gardens with just 24 villas on Rarotonga’s sunset coast across from the Aroa Beach & Marine Reserve. This self-catering property has a pool, communal BBQ and kayaks. Each villa also includes air conditioning, kitchenette and an outdoor patio. During your stay we have also included the following excursions in your package:

Rarotonga island discovery – a quick introduction to the island including historical sites and places of interest, tourist services, activities and attractions including an intro to local Cook Islands Black Pearls. Muri Lagoon Day Cruise Excursion – enjoy a day on the water in a beautiful sheltered lagoon. with clear, shallow water and a glass bottom boat cruise. This natural aquarium has myriads of colourful fish and snorkelling is the ideal way to explore up close. After snorkelling, head to a small island to relax and enjoy a delicious barbeque lunch.

Day 16: Depart Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Your incredible journey comes to an end today.  You will be transferred from your hotel to Rarotonga Airport to commence your journey home to Canada.

Why not stay longer? Ask one of our Australia Destination Specialists about customizing your trip to explore more of what New Zealand has to offer, to add Australia or the Cook Islands.

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