Discover New Zealand

24 Days

Dates

• 24 Days

Pricing

• Tour Pricing: $4,595

Discover New Zealand

24 Days

Inclusions

• All accommodations (2-3 star)
• All meals
• Transportation throughout tour
• Airport transfers
• Personal guide

Exclusions

• International airfare
• Entrance fees to museums and other attractions not listed in ‘Inclusions’
• Personal items: Laundry, shopping, etc.
• Traveler’s insurance

Discover New Zealand

24 Days

 

DAY 1: CHRISTCHURCH

Board your flight to Christchurch International Airport (CHC) – not included. After arriving at the international airport, you will be transferred to your bed and breakfast accommodation. Use the remainder of the day exploring the highlights of Christchurch. Visit the Christchurch Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens, and if there’s time, take a trip through the International Antarctic Centre Museum.

DAY 2: AKAROA

Rise early to continue exploring Christchurch. Enjoy local artwork at the Te Puia Art Gallery or one of Christchurch's many stunning gardens. In the afternoon take a short scenic drive across the peninsula to Akaroa. While you tour the local lighthouse and harbor, keep your eyes peeled for the indigenous Hector's dolphins. Visit the Kawatea Family Farm for an up close and personal perspective into farm life and culture. Return to Christchurch in the evening for one last night.

DAY 3: OAMARU - DUNEDIN

Enjoy the scenic drive south along coastal plains to Dunedin. Before arriving in the second largest city in the South Island stop in Oamaru for sights of the unusual Moeraki Boulders. The myths and mysteries surrounding the Moreraki Boulders are only matched by their beauty. You’ll have time to wonder the beach and come up with your own myth as to how they were formed and for what their purpose might be. Continue to Dunedin for the next two nights.

DAY 4-5: DUNEDIN

Enjoy a full two day tour of all that this region offers. Stroll the city center and explore the town all for great views of architecture and history. Make your way out of the city and transfer to the Otago Peninsula for great views of white sand beaches, penguins, and historic buildings. Tour the Lanarch Castle as it is the only castle in all of New Zealand. It’s historic significance cannot be understated. You’ll have time to explore both the beautiful building and the grounds. Head over to the Royal Albatross Centre for outstanding wildlife and natural beauty. The peninsula also contains the Penguin Place. This unique attraction offers you the opportunity to get up and close to free and wild penguins. This is no zoo. It is a natural reserve and habitat for the endangered bird. This truly is a once in a lifetime viewing.

Continue your second day in Dunedin with continued exploration of the gorgeous town or climb aboard the Taieri Gorge to Pukerangi Railroad. Often referred to as “One of the World’s Great Train Rides this train will wind you up into the highlands, crossing spanning bridges and mountain rivers. The sights offered by the back country train can be seen in no other way. Return to Dunedin and transfer to Bluff.

DAY 6: STEWART ISLAND

Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Stewart Island’s highlights. Catch the ferry at 930 for a gorgeous ride to New Zealand’s lessor known island. Tour the Village and the Bay or visit the Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary. Return to Bluff on the 5-o clock ferry and settle in your accommodations for the night.

DAY 7: TE ANAU

Te Anau is situated on one of the many breathtaking lakes on the South Island. You’ll have a chance to rest and recuperate in this quaint city on the shores of the Te Anau Lake. Here there will be the opportunity to take a cruise on the lake if you so desire.

DAY 8: QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown is a mecca for the adventurous. There are many outlets for adrenaline seekers: bungee jumping, water skiing, rafting, boating, etc. For the less adrenaline minded, the Queenstown Gondola offers a unique experience and view. The ride up the mountain is smooth and it ends at a restaurant. Who would want anything else? Enjoy a dinner with a view.

DAY 9-10: MILFORD SOUND

Fjordland National Park offers the traveler a chance to step back into an untouched, pristine wilderness. To do so, you’ll board a small cruise ship which will take you in the fjords. You will have the chance to see waterfalls, seal colonies, and massive cliffs of rock and greenery. The Milford Sound cruise will take two days. You will sleep on the vessel in private chambers. There is no better way to experience Fjordland National Park than cruising through the fjords on a small ship.

DAY 11: FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

The Franz Josef Glacier descends from the highlands. Mt. Cook and other prominent peaks supply this this glacier with annual snowfall. Enjoy breathtaking views of the glacier from the bottom, or if you’re interested in taking a walk through the wild, a trail leads through the river bottoms to the base of the glacier itself. Whichever you choose, this pristine glacier and surrounding mountains offer views of a lifetime.

DAY 12: NELSON

Sit back and enjoy a scenic road trip to the northern part of the South Island. Although today will be used as a travel day, don’t let the countryside beauty go unnoticed. Arrive in Nelson in the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely evening.

DAY 13: ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

Transfer to Abel Tasman National Park. Today you’ll board a small catamaran for a sailing journey through the north coast of the South Island. Enjoy seal colonies, ocean views, and an unparalleled coastline. Spread out and relax on Anchorage Beach for lunch and sun. Meditate or play in the water; it’s up to you.

DAY 14: BRANCOTT ESTATE CELLAR DOOR - PICTON

The private property and vineyards of the Brancott Winery offer a unique opportunity to sample some of the finest wine in all of New Zealand. Take a short tour of the grounds and learn the painstaking process of what it takes to run a vineyard. Continue onward to Picton.

DAY 14: WELLINGTON

After taking the beautiful ride on the InterIsland Ferry to the North Island, you’ll arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Wellington. Wellington offers city life, museums, and culture.

Enjoy the afternoon learning about Maori culture at the Museum of New Zealand: Te Papa Tongarewa. Learn the history and clashes of a strong and vibrant culture.

Enjoy a relaxing evening dinner downtown. Take in the city nightlife.

DAY 15: PICTON - WELLINGTON

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the central city in the region of Marlborough. Explore downtown or rest easy. In the afternoon climb aboard one of the most scenic ferry rides in the world and make your way to Wellington.

DAY 16: WELLINGTON

Enjoy the afternoon learning about Maori culture at the Museum of New Zealand: Te Papa Tongarewa. Learn the history and clashes of a strong and vibrant culture. Enjoy a relaxing evening dinner downtown and take in the city nightlife.

DAY 17: NAPIER

After the large earthquake that rocked New Zealand’s North Island, Napier became the Art Deco center of NZ. Explore the architectural wonders. Take an evening stroll on the beach of Hawke’s bay.

DAY 18: ROTORUA - WAITOMO

Rotorua is the geothermal center of all of New Zealand. Enjoy the bubbling hot pots, the natural wonders of geothermal activity. If you feel like getting wet, take a dip in the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools. Or time permits, explore the Rotorua Museum or the Government Gardens. Transfer to Waitomo.

DAY 19: WAITOMO - AUCKLAND

Visit the most phenomenal natural wonder nature has to offer: The Glowworm Caves of Waitomo. Your tour will glide you through the caves on a boat while explaining the natural phenomenon of these tiny creatures. Transfer to Auckland for dinner.

DAY 20: AUCKLAND

The “City of Sails” offers the best city life in New Zealand, being an international hub and access point to the country. Enjoy a Maori Cultural Performance and learn more of New Zealand’s history at the Auckland Museum. Or enjoy the shopping center of Auckland in the Parnell Village. After an evening shopping spree, transfer to Auckland’s Sky Tower for spectacular views and an unforgettable dinner in a rotating restaurant.

DAY 21 - 23: BAY OF ISLANDS

It can be said that the Bay of Islands came straight out of a fairy tale. The beaches and wildlife are unparalleled. Get up close and personal to dolphins and bird colonies by taking a short cruise to the Hole in the Rock natural site. Experience history and culture at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. If time permits, visit the oldest tree in New Zealand at the Waipoua Forest or head to the breathtaking 90 Mile Beach.

DAY 24: TOUR ENDS – DEPART HOME

Although no group activities have been scheduled today your Volant guide will ensure timely arrivals to the Auckland International Airport (AKL) where you will depart home. Thank you for choosing Volant and safe travels!

By email: info@Volant.Travel

By phone: 801.651.7208