Inspiring Journeys - The 19 day Long White Cloud Itinerary

 
1

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 EveningFrench Akaroa TourSouthern Alps Ballooning
Christchurch GondolaClearwater Golf 


Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night (or similar)

Punting On The Avon

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.

Hotel Montreal - Christchurch

2

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)

Hokitika Gorge and beech forest

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.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Franz Josef

3

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
 

Franz Josef Glacier

4

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

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.


5

Queenstown

Enjoy two full days to discover beautiful Queenstown.

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

Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Routeburn Day WalkHighest Bungey JumpExplore 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

Nomad Safari LOTR Queenstown
Wine barrels queenstown

6

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 WalkHighest Bungey JumpExplore 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

Relaxing in queenstown

7

Milford Sound

Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Later you’ll travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the amazing Mirror Lake. Afterwards, walk to see the Chasm on your way into Milford Sound and take some time to kayak this majestic fiord, considered by many as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Tonight stay at the magical Milford Sound Lodge, with views of the Cleddau Valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation: Milford Sound - 2 Nights

Milford Sound Evening
Accommodation:

Nestled in Milford Sound itself, with  a range of room types including the outstanding Riverside Chalets, you’ll enjoy a spacious and beautifully appointed room with under floor heating and – best of all – spectacular views of the beautiful Darran Mountains and surrounding rainforest. A seamless combination of nature and luxury in one of the most stunning parts of the country, your night at Milford Sound Lodge is one you’re unlikely to forget. 

Milford Sound Lodge

8

Spectacular Milford Sound Cruise

Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound.  This morning, explore a section of the famous Milford Track on an easy going half day guided walk.  This place is steeped in rich history and stories, the flora and fauna are unique and special.  This afternoon aboard the Southern Discoveries vessel sit back and relax as a specialist nature guide introduces you to the natural wonders of Milford Sound often called the ‘eighth natural wonder of the world’.


Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Milford Sound

9

Milford Sound to Dunedin

This morning, embark on a journey from the rainforests of pristine Fiordland National Park, through to the sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago. Stop in the country musical town of Gore at lunchtime before you end the day in Dunedin, New Zealand's southernmost city. 
 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 nights

Dunedin - the Scottish city
The former Dunedin Chief Post Office (1937), transformed the 1937 former Chief Post Office in Dunedin into an elegant 4 1/2 star luxury hotel. It occupies an entire city block in The Exchange, the historic business centre of Dunedin. The impressive building was considered a monument to the importance of the role of the state and also to Dunedin's preeminent position as the country's most prosperous city. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel offers a variety of brand new accommodation to suit everyone from the businesses traveller requiring spacious and modern facilities to those wanting a relaxing weekend away.
The Distinction Dunedin Hotel

10

Dunedin

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning, before taking a guided tour oat Emerson’s Brewery, sample the tasty craft beer before an afternoon at leisure.  Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps ride the historic Tairei Gorge Railway or take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula.

Meals: Breakfast 

 

Emersons Brewery Beer Tasting

11

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)

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.

Hotel Montreal - Christchurch

12

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

Kaikoura Whale Watching
Accommodation:
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.
QT Wellington

13

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 StreetWeta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve     

 Wellington Cable Car    

Carter Observatory 

Meals: Breakfast

Wellington

14

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

Te Mata Peak Hawkes Bay

15

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

 

Art Deco Napier

16

Hawkes Bay to Rotorua

Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua.  This afternoon visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley where you will connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, it’s unique history and legacy.   Along the guided walk you’ll experience geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. Followed by a relaxing 45-minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana see stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat as well as rare native birdlife.  Immerse in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created this amazing part of the world.  

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: The Pullman Hotel - 2 Nights

Rotorua Geothermal
Accommodation:

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.

Pullman Hotel Rotorua

17

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

REDWOODS SUSPENDED WALKWAYS ROTORUA

18

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:
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.
QT Auckland

19

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

Auckland

Inclusions

Included Highlights 

Discover

  • Exciting Wellington city
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Wonders of Milford Sound

Explore

  • The TranzAlpine Train journey
  • Historic goldrush Arrowtown

Learn/Do

  • Maori cultural experience
  • Jade factory demonstration

Inclusions

  • Hand-picked accommodation
  • Travel by luxury coach
  • Airport transfers 

Dining 

  • 18 Full buffet breakfasts
  • 1 Lunch
  • 8 Dinner with wine
  • 3 Local Dining Experiences
  • 1 Celebration Dinner
Long White Cloud Map

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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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