New Zealand
New Zealand is a country filled with stunning and natural beauty from jagged mountains to raging rivers, hilly pasture lands, scenic beaches, and active volcanic zones. This beautiful country is a self-proclaimed clean, green adventure playground offering many adrenaline-filled sports for active travelers. New Zealand is a mix of traditional Maori culture, charming villages, coastal cities, and vast untouched nature that there’s bound to be something to do for every kind of traveler.
North Island Tour
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Day 1: U.S.—Wellington
Depart U.S. for Wellington.
Day 2: Wellington
Arrive Wellington, capital of New Zealand. Transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Copthorne Oriental Bay Hotel.
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A half-day Wellington City tour will take you to visit Wellington’s famous Beehive & Parliament Buildings, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens, Mount Victoria, and Wellington Harbour. Afternoon at your leisure. (B)
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Transfer to Intercity Coach Depot, and travel to the art deco city of Napier via Palmerston North and Hastings.
Accommodation: Te Pania Hotel.
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Day 5: Napier
Tour and explore Napier and its unique architecture. Visit some boutique wineries and test some premium, award-winning wines. (B)
Day 6: Napier-Rotorua
Depart Napier and travel to Rotorua via the beautiful Lake Taupo.
Accommodation: Millennium Rotorua.
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Tour the Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and roaring geysers; visit the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show with sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking, and an introduction to the local sheep industry. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Maori dinner and concert.
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Travel north to Waitomo and tour the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and continue on to Auckland, the largest city in the country. (B)
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Auckland.
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An Auckland half-day tour will take you to explore Auckland, the ‘city-of-sails’; visiting Victoria Park Market, Westhaven Drive, Mount Eden, War Memorial Museum, Parnell Village, and Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. (B)
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Transfer to Auckland airport for departure. (B)
South Island Tour
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Day 1: U.S.-Dunedin
Depart U.S. for Dunedin.
Day 2: Dunedin
Arrive Dunedin, transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Dunedin City Hotel.
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A Dunedin afternoon tour will take you to see the historic town of Dunedin; Larnach Castle; Otago Peninsula, and the Royal Albatross Colony. (B)
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Depart Dunedin by a scenic train ride on the Taieri Rail Track to Pukerangi; onward by coach to Queenstown via the Clyde Dam, Cromwell fruit and wine region, and the beautiful Kawarau Gorge. (B)
Accommodation: Novotel Garden Hotel.
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A half-day Queenstown tour will take you to Queenstown Hill where you can have a panoramic view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountain Range; AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge, birthplace of bungy jumping; Gibbston Valley Wineries and Arrowtown with its well preserved colonial style architecture. (B)
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Day 6: Queenstown - Milford Sound
Tour Milford Sound via Te Anau, Eglington Valley, and the Homer Tunnel; and enjoy an overnight cruise on the world-famous fjord runs from the Tasman Sea. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fjord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. The vessel will anchor in a sheltered cove, you can join the nature guide and explore the vessel’s tender craft and kayaks. Or you can just relax on deck. Dinner will be served on board. You can indulge yourselves in some star-gazing before retiring to your cabin. (B/L)
Day 7: Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Milford for Queenstown on a scenic sightseeing drive via Lumsden and Lake Wakatipu. (B)
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Depart Queenstown this morning and travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges and native forests to the glacier region of Franz Josef. (B)
Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
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Travel north to Greymouth and board the world-famous Tranz-Alpine train, ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps onto Christchurch. (B)
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Cotswold.
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Transfer to Christchurch airport for departure. (B)
Multi-Island Explorer Tour
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Day 1: U.S.—Queenstown
Depart U.S. for Queenstown.
Day 2: Queenstown
Arrive Queenstown, transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Novotel Gardens.
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A half-day Queenstown tour will take you to visit Queenstown Hill where you can have a panoramic view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountain Range; AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge, birthplace of bungy jumping; Gibbston Valley Wineries and Arrowtown with its well preserved colonial style architecture. (B)
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Day 4: Tour Milford Sound via Te Anau, Eglington Valley, and the Homer Tunnel; and enjoy a lunch cruise on the world-famous fjord that runs from the Tasman Sea. (B/L)
Day 5: Queenstown
Day at leisure for you to explore Queenstown at your own pace. (B)
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Travel through the Central Otago region to Lake Pukaki and Mt Cook, known as the ‘cloud piercer’ among the Maoris. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo before traveling across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B)
Accommodation: Rydges Christchurch.
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Day 7: Christchurch
A morning Christchurch tour takes you to visit the Avon River, Caterpiller Garden, Sign of the Takahe, Sumner Redcliff and Seaside Village, and Container Village. (B)
Day 8: Christchurch
Day free at leisure for you to explore Christchurch at your own pace. (B)
Day 9: Christchurch-Rotorua
Transfer to Christchurch airport for domestic flight to Rotorua; transfer to hotel after arrival. (B)
Accommodation: Millennium Rotorua.
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A Rotorua morning tour will take you to visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and roaring geysers. Following this visit to Paradise Valley Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds, and wildlife before continuing on to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking, and an introduction to the stars of the country’s sheep industry. Afternoon visit to the Hobbiton movie set, location of the movie Lord of the Ring and Hobbit. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and a concert. (B/D)
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Travel north to Waitomo and tour the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves and continue on to Auckland, the largest city in the country. (B)
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Auckland.
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Day 12: Auckland
A morning Auckland tour will take you to see the city of Auckland, visiting the Harbour Bridge; the Viaduct, the site of the latest American Cup; Queen Street, Auckland’s main shopping district; Mount Eden, a dormant volcano with panoramic view; Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park; the trendy area of Parnell; Tamaki Drive, the scenic waterfront area and Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. (B)
Day 13: Auckland-US
Transfer to Auckland airport for departure. (B)
Magnificent New Zealand Tour
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Day 1: US—Queenstown
Depart US for Queenstown.
Day 2: Queenstown
Arrive Queenstown, transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Novotel Gardens.
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A half-day Queenstown tour will take you to visit Queenstown Hill where you can have a panoramic view of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Mountain Range; AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge, birthplace of bungy jumping; Gibbston Valley Wineries and Arrowtown with its well preserved colonial style architecture. (B)
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Day 4: Queenstown-Milford Sound
Depart for a scenic journey to Milford, and board Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise from the sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fjord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. The vessel will anchor in a sheltered cove, you can join the nature guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft and kayaks. Or you can just relax on deck. Dinner will be served on board. You can indulge yourselves in some star-gazing before retiring to your cabin. (B/D)
Day 5: Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Milford for Queenstown on a scenic sightseeing drive via Lumsden and Lake Wakatipu. (B)
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Depart Queenstown this morning and travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges and native forests to the glacier region of Franz Josef. (B)
Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
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Travel north to Greymouth and board the world-famous Tranz-Alpine train, ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps onto Christchurch. (B)
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel Christchurch.
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Day 8: Christchurch
A morning Christchurch tour takes you to visit the Anglican Church Cathedral, Town Hall, Art Center, Canterbury Museum, Avon River, and the Antarctic Centre. (B)
Day 9: Christchurch-Picton-Wellington
Depart Christchurch and travel north through the coastal towns of Kaikoura and Blenheim for Picton. Board the inter-island ferry at Picton, and sail through the Marlborough Sounds with its sparkling clear waters and lush forests before crossing the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Arrive at Wellington, transfer to hotel. (B)
Accommodation: Wellington Oriental Bay Hotel.
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Day 10: Wellington
A half-day Wellington tour will take you to visit the city’s famous Beehive & Parliament Buildings, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens, Mount Victoria, and Wellington Harbour. Afternoon at your leisure. (B)
Day 11: Wellington
Day free for you to explore Wellington at your own pace. (B)
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Day 12: Wellington-Rotorua
Depart Wellington, and travel north to the beautiful Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the country. Continue north through the Wairakei geothermal area and the Kaingaroa forest for Rotorua. (B)
Accommodation: Rydges Rotorua.
Day 13: Rotorua
A morning Rotorua tour will take you to visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and roaring geysers. Following this visit to Paradise Valley Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds, and wildlife before continuing on to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking, and an introduction to the stars of the country’s sheep industry. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and a concert. (B/D)
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Travel over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue through the fertile Waikato area to reach Auckland - `The City of Sails’. (B)
Accommodation: Duxton Hotel.
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A morning Auckland tour will take you to see the largest city of New Zealand, visiting the Harbour Bridge; the Viaduct, the site of the latest American Cup; Queen Street, Auckland’s main shopping district; Mount Eden, a dormant volcano with panoramic view; Auckland domain, the city’s oldest park; the trendy area of Parnell; Tamaki Drive, the scenic waterfront area and Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. (B)
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Day 16: Auckland
Day free for you to explore Auckland at your own pace. (B)
Day 17: Auckland-US
Transfer to Auckland airport for departure. (B)
North Island Fly/Drive Tour
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Day 1: U.S. - Wellington
Depart U.S. for Wellington.
Day 2: Wellington
Arrive Wellington. Pick up the car at the airport and drive to the hotel.
Accommodation: Copthorne Oriental Bay.
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Day 3: Wellington
Explore Wellington at your own pace. (B)
Day 4: Wellington - Napier
Depart Wellington, and drive north via Palmerston North, Manawatu Gorge, and Hawkes Bay to the ‘Art Deco’ town of Napier. (B)
Distance: 313 km/194 miles. Time: 4 hr. 50 min.
Accommodation: Te Pania Hotel.
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Day 5: Napier - Rotorua
Depart Napier, and drive north via the beautiful Lake Taupo for the ‘thermal city’ of Rotorua. (B)
Distance: 224 km/129 miles. Time: 3 hr. 30 min.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua.
Day 6: Rotorua
Explore Rotorua, visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to observe boiling mud pool and roaring geysers; visit Rainbow Spring to see New Zealand’s wildlife and onward to the Agrodome for a farm and sheep shearing show. Enjoy a Maori Hangi dinner in the evening. (B/D)
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Day 7: Rotorua - Auckland
Depart Rotorua and travel north Waitomo for a guided tour of the world-famous Glowworm Caves. The onward to Auckland. (B)
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 8: Auckland - US
Return car at Auckland airport depot. (B)
South Island Fly/Drive Tour
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Day 1: U.S. - Queenstown
Depart U.S. for Queenstown
Day 2: Queenstown
Arrive Queenstown. Pick up the car at the airport and drive to the hotel.
Accommodation: Copthorne Resort Lakeside.
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A day to explore Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Hill, AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge, Gibbston Valley, and the colonial Arrowtown. (B)
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Another day to explore the Queenstown area. Drive to Lake Wanaka and explore the beautiful natural sceneries of the area. (B)
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Depart Queenstown and drive to Milford Sound via Te Anau. Take a cruise on the Sound and observer the splendid sceneries around. Drive to Te Anau after the cruise, this is one of the most scenic drives in the world, you will pass grassy steppes, lush rainforests, towering mountain,s and glacier lakes. (B)
Queenstown to Milford Sound:
Distance: 299km/186 miles.
Time: 5 hr.
Milford Sound to Te Anau:
Distance: 120 km/75 miles. Time: 2 hr. 20 min.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau.
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Depart Te Anau and drive south to Invercargill. Explore the Invercargill Heritage Trail and learn about the city’s history. (B)
Distance: 160km/99 miles.
Time: 2 hr. 25 min.
Accommodation: Kelvin Hotel.
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Drive south to Bluff, explore this south-most town of the South Island, and try the world-famous Bluff oysters. (B)
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Day 8: Invarcagill - Dunedin
Depart Invarcagill and drive north to Dunedin in the Otago Peninsula. (B)
Distance: 209km/130 miles.
Time: 3 hr. 10 min.
Accommodation: Dunedin City Hotel.
Day 9: Dunedin
Explore the city of Dunedin, and visit the historical Larnarch Castle and the Albatross Colony. (B)
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Day 10: Dunedin - Christchurch
Depart Dunedin and drive north along the east coast of the South Island for the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. (B)
Distance: 374km/232 miles.
Time: 5 hours.
Day 11: Christchurch
Drive and explore Christchurch, visit the Anglican Church Cathedral, Town Hall, Art Center, Port Hill, Avon River, Sumner and Lyttleton, and the Antarctic Center. (B)
Day 12: Christchurch - US
Return your vehicle to the airport depot before flying home. (B)
Multi-Island Fly/Drive Tour
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Day 1: US - Queenstown
Depart US for Queenstown
Day 2: Queenstown
Arrive Queenstown. Pick up car at airport and drive to hotel.
Accommodation: Copthorne Resort Lakeside.
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Day 3: Queenstown (B)
A day to explore Queenstown: Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Hill, AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge, Gibbston Valley, and the colonial Arrowtown.
Day 4: Queens town - Milford - Te Anau (B)
Depart Queenstown and drive to Milford Sound via Te Anau. Take a cruise on the Sound and observer the splendid sceneries around. Drive to Te Anau after the cruise, this is one of the most scenic drives in the world, you will pass grassy steppes, lush rainforests, towering mountains, and glacier lakes.
Queenstown to Milford Sound:
Distance: 299km/186 miles.
Time: 5 hr.
Milford Sound to Te Anau:
Distance: 120 km/75 miles.
Time: 2 hr. 20 min.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau.
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Depart Te Anau and drive south to Invercargill. Explore the Invercargill Heritage Trail and learn about the city’s history. (B)
Distance: 160km/99 miles.
Time: 2 hr. 25 min.
Accommodation: Kelvin Hotel.
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Drive south to Bluff, explore this south-most town of the South Island, and try the world-famous Bluff oysters. (B)
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Day 7: Invarcagill - Dunedin (B)
Depart Invarcagill and drive north to Dunedin in the Otago Peninsula.
Distance: 209km/130 miles.
Time: 3 hr. 10 min.
Accommodation: Dunedin City Hotel.
Day 8: Dunedin (B)
Explore the city of Dunedin, and visit the historical Larnarch Castle and the Albatross Colony.
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Day 9: Dunedin - Christchurch (B)
Depart Dunedin and drive north along the east coast of the South Island for the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch.
Distance: 374km/232 miles.
Time: 5 hours.
Day 10: Christchurch - Kaikoura (B)
Drive and explore Christchurch, visit the Anglican Church Cathedral, Town Hall, Art Center, Port Hill, Avon River, Sumner and Lyttleton and the Antarctic Center. In the afternoon, drive north along the East coast of the South Island for the seaside town of Kaikoura.
Distance: 182 km/113 miles.
Time: 2 hr. 50 min.
Accommodation: White Morph Motor Inn.
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Depart Kaikoura for Picton where you’ll travel across the Cook Strait by ferry for the capital city of Wellington. (B)
Kaikoura - Picton:
Distance: 156 km/97 miles.
Time: 2 hr. 15 min.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay.
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Tour Wellington’s famous Beehive & Parliament Buildings, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens, Mount Victoria, and Wellington Harbour. In the afternoon, onward to the Art Deco town of Napier. (B)
Distance: 313 km/194 miles.
Time: 4 hr. 50 min.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania.
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Day 13: Napier - Rotorua (B)
Tour the city of Napier and its famous Art Deco architecture. In the afternoon, onward to the thermal city or Rotorua via the beautiful Lake Taupo.
Distance: 224 km/139 miles.
Time: 3 hr. 30 min.
Day 14: Rotorua (B/D)
Explore Rotorua, visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to observe boiling mud pool and roaring geysers; visit Rainbow Spring to see New Zealand’s wildlife, and onward to the Agrodome for a farm and sheep shearing show. Enjoy a Maori Hangi dinner in the evening.
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Depart Rotorua and travel north Waitomo for a guided tour of the world-famous Glowworm Caves. The onward to Auckland. (B)
Distance: 235 km/146 miles.
Time: 3 hr. 50 min.
Return the car at Auckland car depot today.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel.
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Day 16: Auckland (B)
Auckland city tour, visiting Victoria Park, University of Auckland, Mt. Eden, War Memorial Museum, Parnell Village, and Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. Tour concludes at the hotel at noon. Afternoon free at leisure.
Day 17: Auckland - US (B)
Transfer to Auckland International Airport for departure.
