Wonders of New Zealand

Tour Highlights Included:

• Scenic rail journey on the Tranzalpine train across the Southern Alps
• See Franz Josef Glacier from a panoramic viewpoint
• Lake Wakatipu cruise to Walter Peak on vintage Steamship with BBQ dinner and farm show
• Milford Sound cruise to admire towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and untouched fiord scenery
• See the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
• Indoor guided Dark Sky & astronomy experience in Tekapo

Sample New Zealand Tour Itinerary (Subject to change).

Day 1: Depart Canada

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

Day 3: Arrive Christchurch, New Zealand

Haere Mai – welcome to Aotearoa (New Zealand). After arriving in Auckland, take a short flight south to Christchurch. Tonight, meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for 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 aboard 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, weather permitting).

Stay Franz Josef: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar for 1 night

Day 5: Franz Josef – Queenstown

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 historic goldmining village of Arrowtown before reaching Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables and Queenstown.

Stay Queenstown: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown or similar for 2 nights

Day 6: Queenstown

Today is at your leisure with free time to explore Queenstown.

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 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 start your journey home.

Or, if adding optional island extension: Christchurch  (New Zealand) – Rarotonga (Cook Islands)

If you choose to add the island stay, instead of flying home today you will fly to the Cook Islands (via Auckland).  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. Enjoy beaches, hiking the rugged interior, watching the sun set or visiting the local market on a Saturday. Just 32km around, exploring Rarotonga is easy with just two buses that travel clockwise or anti-clockwise! Your accommodation is located on 4-acres of lush 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 for your journey home.

Flying Down Under with Air New Zealand

We offer very competitive fares and work tirelessly to find you the best Air New Zealand routing and schedule. Ask us about upgrading to enjoy the extra comforts, convenience and service in Premium Economy or Business Premier.

Celebrating 85 years of flying in 2025, award-winning Air New Zealand remains a key part of the experience for Canadians travelling ‘down under’ to New Zealand and also to Australia and the Pacific Islands! from the moment you step onboard you will have a taste of kiwi hospitality, enjoy modern fleet of aircraft, a comfortable onboard experience, a commitment to sustainability plus the extra peace of mind of travelling with an airline known for its strong safety record.

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.

Browse more Winter Getaways including flights, on Sale for a limited time only:

Classic New Zealand Vacation – 3 cities with Flights
North & South islands – Auckland, Rotorua & Queenstown

Classic Australia Vacation – 3 cities with Flights
Australia’s East Coast – Melbourne, The Great Barrier Reef & Sydney

Classic Downunder Vacation – 6 cities with Flights
Australia & New Zealand

Four Country Adventure – 4 countries with Flights
Bali, Australia, New Zealand & The Cook Islands

 Tropical Cook Islands Escape – 2 countries with Flights
Long Stay Vacation – Rarotonga (Cook Islands) with a stopover in Auckland (New Zealand)

Sunshine Coast Australia Escape – 2 cities with Flights
Long Stay Vacation – Mooloolaba with a stopover in Sydney

Browse other sample New Zealand trips for travel inspiration:

Bay of Islands Escape – 4 day Tour
New Zealand Uncovered – 17 day Guided Tour
Kiwi Experience – 21 day Guided Tour
NZ Walks Adventures – 13 day Walking & Hiking
Best of New Zealand – 19 day Road Trip