Long White Cloud New Zealand Itinerary

Welcome to Christchurch

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

Upon arrival in Christchurch you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Depending what time you arrive you will then have some time to explore before meeting your travel director and fellow companions for dinner and a welcome drink.

Some suggested excursions if you have time.

Easygoing Cycling Tour	Punting the Avon River	Lyttelton Harbour Wildlife Cruise
Māori Cultural Evening	French Akaroa Tour	Southern Alps Ballooning
Christchurch Gondola	Clearwater Golf

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night (or similar)

Accommodation:

Hotel Montreal - Christchurch

One of the most recent luxury boutique hotels in Christchurch, Hotel Montreal is situated overlooking Cramner Square, right on the doorstep of Hagley Park, Christchurch's largest park. Experience absolute comfort and luxury in their beautifully finished rooms, choose from their Deluxe Suite, Penthouse, Twin Bed Suite or Family Suite.

TranzAlpine Train Journey to Glacier Country

All aboard the famous TranzAlpine train, rated as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys. Travel across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps, an unforgettable trip. Re-join your coach at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Hokitika to meet a local artisan for a jewelry carving demonstration. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier for the next two nights. Tonight relax away in Franz Josef geothermal hot pools.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights (or similar)

Accommodation:

Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Franz Josef

Te Waonui is the only luxury property of its kind in the area. The retreat is nestled in the lush bush with views of the natural environment at almost every turn. Located in Franz Josef, the retreat offers easy access to the many natural wonders of the South West World Heritage Area. Mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, coastline, and native flora and fauna all lie in wait at the doorstep for visitors to admire and explore.

Franz Josef Glacier

A relaxed start to the day followed by a guided tour of the area of Franz Josef Glacier with a local expert glacier guide, who will explain the history of the area.

Meals: Breakfast

Queenstown - The Adventure Capital of the World

Today you get to feel the wind in your hair with a jetboat ride on the Haast River at Haast Pass followed by a lunch stop at Makarora, and later visit the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, before a chance to relax in Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the surrounding scenery is breathtaking.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Accommodation:

Hotel St Moritz - Queenstown

Overlooking Lake Wakatipu and a short walk in to the centre of Queenstown is the elegant Hotel St Moritz. The hotel is modern and stylish decorated in an alpine style fitting to the location. Boasting an excellent restaurant and bar on site, spacious comfortable rooms, and a professional level of service, your stay will be rewarding.

Queenstown

Enjoy two full days to discover beautiful Queenstown.

Perhaps a wine tour, or even an adrenaline-filled activity.

Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Routeburn Day Walk	Highest Bungey Jump	Explore Arrowtown
Wine Tasting Central Otago	Biking Skippers Canyon	Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise	Dart River Jetboat Safari	Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

Meals: Breakfast

Queenstown at Leisure

Again today you're free to explore New Zealand’s adventure-capital. Perhaps play a round of golf on one of the countries best courses, or one of the more adventurous adrenalin activities. This evening enjoy a memorable local Dining Experience at one of Queenstown's fine dining restaurants

Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Routeburn Day Walk	Highest Bungey Jump	Explore Arrowtown
Wine Tasting Central Otago	Biking Skippers Canyon	Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise	Dart River Jetboat Safari	Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

Meals: Breakfast, Local Dining Experience

Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound (Piopiotahi)

Travel south along Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, which is nestled on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Stop for lunch at a local farm, where you will hear stories of life on the land and meet a cuddly animal or two. Continue through the rainforest of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers, and mountain ranges en route to the amazing Mirror Lake before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and wake up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and diverse wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins. Hear from the specialist nature guide on board or choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat. The Milford Mariner offers the facilities of a larger ship while retaining the intimate atmosphere of a small ship. Onboard facilities are made up of spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with fully licensed bar, as well as an observation lounge. Dining included in your cruise are hors d’oeuvres followed by a sumptuous three-course meal, as well as a choice between continental or a cooked breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine

Accommodation: Milford Mariner - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Milford Mariner

For the ultimate Milford Sound experience, spend the night aboard the Mariner and wake up to the dawn of a new day in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Milford Mariner then anchors in a sheltered cove, where you can join the nature guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft (small boat) and kayaks. Or, if you prefer, you can simply relax on deck and soak in the beauty of this amazing place or go for a swim (if you’re brave enough). As evening falls, enjoy a delicious carvery buffet in the dining saloon, prepared freshly by our onboard chef. Then relax in the company of fellow travellers or indulge in some star-gazing before retiring to your private cabin

Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) - Invercargill

Leave Fiordland National Park and journey to Invercargill. A city obsessed with motoring history, there are tributes to speed legends across town, from Burt Munro to Bill Richardson and his shed full of classic vehicles. Enjoy a tour of the largest private collection of its type in the world.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Invercargill - 2 nights

Accommodation:

The Langlands Hotel

The Langlands Hotel is Invercargill’s newest accommodation experience. This seven-storey, 78-room, 4.5 star hotel brings contemporary style to the inner city.

Invercargill - Stewart Island

This morning, embark on a journey from the rainforests of pristine Fiordland National Park, through to Invercargill. Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to the pristine Stewart Island. Later, join a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and see diverse flora and birdlife, before returning to Invercargill for the night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine

Invercargill - Dunedin

Enjoy a relaxed start in Invercargill before departing for Dunedin. Visit Dunedin Craft Distillers, the first distillery in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of only a handful worldwide, to produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Discover on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell do it, on a ‘Bread to Bottle Tour’ which takes you through the process used to turn bread into spirits. Venture just next door for a special chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Accommodation:

Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel

Dunedin Leisure Lodge is nestled within two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, located adjacent to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens and just a six-minute drive from the city centre. Take in the beautiful garden views while you relax in McGavins Bar for a relaxing pre or post dinner drink. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, each with a balcony or outside patio, plus ample complimentary parking and a 24 hour reception.

Dunedin - Christchurch

Today travel up the east coast through Oamaru and back to the Garden City of Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night (or similar)

Accommodation:

Hotel Montreal - Christchurch

Kaikoura and on to Wellington

Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast to Kaikoura, famous for its whales (optional whale-watching flight is available). See New Zealand’s fur seals at Ohau Point, then travel to the seaside town of Picton. Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington for a sightseeing tour of New Zealand's capital city.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

QT Wellington

QT Wellington offers a fusion of luxurious art, technology, and indulgence. It boasts an eclectic collection of New Zealand art and features a fitness centre and an indoor heated swimming pool. Each of the rooms at QT Wellington includes abstract lines and playful patterns. Surrounded by urban hills, the rooms include satellite TV, a private bathroom with hairdryer, and ironing facilities. Some rooms feature harbour views.

Wellington at Leisure

Today see Wellington your way. Why not visit the Weta Cave, home of the creative wizards behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies or go on a walking tour around Wellington.

Suggested outings in and around Wellington.

National Museum - Te Papa	Visit Cuba Street	Weta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve	Wellington Cable Car	Carter Observatory

Meals: Breakfast

Wellington to Hawkes Bay

Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawke’s Bay. This evening, enjoy wine-tasting and Local Dining Experience at one of their world-famous wineries.

Meals: Breakfast, Local Dining Experience

Accommodation: Porters Boutique Hotel - 2 Nights

Hawkes Bay

After a leisurely start this morning join a local guide for a city tour. You'll see the pervasive Art Deco flavor - as the city of Napier was rebuilt following the devasting 1931 earthquake. This evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner with wine

Hawkes Bay to Rotorua

Continue your journey to Rotorua, where this afternoon, armed with a packed lunch, you'll join a local guide for a cultural walking eco-tour to discover the jurassic Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: The Pullman Hotel - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Pullman Hotel Rotorua

A brand new build completed in late 2018, the Pullman hotel in Rotorua boasts panoramic views of the city and lake area and feature a sophisticated executive lounge - a hallmark of every Pullman hotel - business lounge, chill-out lounge, restaurant and bar, gymnasium, car parking as well as five meeting rooms catering for conference and events - This is Rotorua's latest 5 Star property.

Rotorua

Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 115-year old redwood giants. At the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time.Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a seasonal canapé and complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Local Dining Experience

Waitomo to Auckland - City of Sails

Make your way to the famous Caveworld Waitomo for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience in Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel to Auckland. This evening, toast your tour at a Celebration Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Celebration Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Awesome view of the skyline of Auckland.

Accommodation:

QT Auckland

Set in Auckland in the heart of the Viaduct Harbour, QT Auckland offers accommodation with a restaurant, valet parking, a fitness centre and a bar. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service. All guest rooms come with air conditioning, a Chromecast, a Nespresso machine, wireless Bose speakers, a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer. At the hotel all rooms include a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Farewell Auckland

Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We hope you enjoyed your holiday and our promise to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon.

Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Itinerary Variations – the provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.

Included Highlights

IMMERSE

Embrace the traditional Māori greeting at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience, and immerse yourself in Jurassic rainforest.

INDULGE

Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.

EXPLORE

Join a nature guide on the breathtaking Milford Track, and discover the luminous shimmer of the Footwhistle Cave

RELAX

Wake up to the wonder of fiordland on your Milford Mariner cruise, and take a deep breath and unwind at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

Inclusions

30 meals including 18 breakfasts, 12 dinners, Welcome Drinks
Specialist team of two highly experienced Journey Director and Driver Guide
Local Specialists (Guides)
Mixture of boutique, unique and 5-star hotels

Dining

18 Full buffet breakfasts
8 Dinner with wine
3 Local Dining Experiences
1 Celebration Dinner

FLIGHT INFORMATION

Flights are not included in holiday price.
Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
Day 19: Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport

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What Tracy says about this tour: Once you've experienced the Long White Cloud luxury small group tour - you will have travelled from the remote wilderness of the West Coast to the balmy reaches of Auckland. Staying in hand-picked accommodation, this tour that delivers stunning scenery, adventure, heritage, and kiwi culture.

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