14 Day Classic New Zealand Vacation Package Itinerary

 
1

Welcome to New Zealand!

Haere Mai Welcome to the 'City of Sails' Auckland

Relax, you are officially on holiday! We have arranged for you to be met and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to do as you please and to let the family get over the time difference as tomorrow is the start of your New Zealand Adventure. Take a stroll around our beautiful city, explore the highly acclaimed Waterfront Restaurant Quarter or choose one of the many activities available to give a more in-depth understanding of Auckland and the surrounding area.
 

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Explore Waiheke Island    Island Kayaking Adventure    America’s Cup Sailing
Auckland's Sky TowerRelax on the BeachRangitoto Island Cruise & Walk
West Coast Wine TourWhale and Dolphin SafariMuriwai Surf Beach


Accommodation: Auckland - 2 nights

auckland
Accommodation:
Offering spacious accommodation in the heart of Auckland CBD (CentralBusiness District), CityLife Auckland features a fitness centre, an indoor heated pool, a restaurant and a bar. Guests enjoy 2GB of free WiFi. All accommodation includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar and an en suite bathroom with bathrobes and luxury toiletries. Some rooms have an iPod docking station and cooking and laundry facilities
City Life Auckland

2

Rotorua & Maori Cultural Evening

Today travel to the heartland of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is host to some of the world’s most incredible geothermal forces. Today see the farming ventures that New Zealand's economy was synonymous with - the wooly sheep - 13 species are viewable here!  Then visit Te Puia's 70-hectare park in the beautiful Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley is right in the heart of the action. Restless forces boil to the surface in the enchanting, superheated mud pools and hot springs and geysers gush hot steam and water in spectacular fashion.

Some alternative excursions in and around Rotorua are:

See Geysers & Boiling Mud    Polynesian Hot Springs  Whirinaki Forest Walk
Thermally Active GolfBiking the Mighty ForestsFlight to Volcanic Island
Museum of Art & HistoryEvening Cultural Experience   White Water Rafting


Approximate Distance: 372 km | 232 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights

rotorua
Relax in Rotorua at the Silver Fern Accommodation and Spa, located just minutes away from the city centre and close to the tourist attractions, cafes, restaurants and golf courses. Silver Fern offers spacious, light and secure suites with a private spa pool or double spa bath to enjoy on those cold nights. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, Sky TV and DVD/CD facilities during your stay. A continental or cooked breakfast can be delivered to your room every morning of your stay and an 11am check out will make your stay in Rotorua totally memorable.
Silver Spoon Rotorua.

3

Canopy Tour of an Ancient Forest

Embark on a magical journey, only 15 minutes from Rotorua, through untouched native New Zealand forest from an unexplored perspective. On a 3 hour guided eco-tour, experience 1 mile of forest suspended up to 22 metres (72 feet) high amongst ancient trees.

Mix thrill and wonder through an incredible network of trails, tree platforms, ziplines (flying fox), and swing bridges. The changing views are breathtaking as you experience the thrill of flying through changing landscapes from high above unexplored forested valleys, to tight openings through the forest sub-canopy, to amongst stands of giant long-forgotten trees.

Canopy Tours Rotorua

4

Fly to Christchurch

Welcome to Christchurch, New Zealand’s second-largest city and the South Island's capital.

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Christchurch is our "Garden City," blessed with beautiful parks and gardens right in the heart of town. English heritage buildings sit side by side with innovative post-earthquake regeneration in this vibrant place.

After settling in, why not relax with a punting trip down the Avon River? Gliding gently along in a flat-bottomed boat, you will take in Christchurch's 'must-see' historic attractions and botanic gardens away from the hustle and bustle of the streets.

Accommodation: Christchurch Hotel - 1 Night

Christchurch
Newly renovated, this property has been assessed by Qualmark as 4 star offering high quality accommodation near the city centre. Our purpose built access units have been designed with parking at the door for your convenience. You have a choice of king, queen or single beds with electric blankets for the cooler nights. Free wireless internet is available with a spacious work desk in every room.
Bella Vista Christchurch

5

Mt Cook National Park & Stargazing

After driving through the Canterbury Plains, you'll reach the majestic and peaceful setting of Lake Tekapo amid the high-country splendor of the Mackenzie Basin. Nestled in Mt Cook National Park, Tekapo boasts amazing views of the Southern Alps - including Aoraki / Mount Cook, our tallest peak. Visit the little church sitting at the edge of Lake Tekapo - couples arrive from all over the world to take their wedding photos here, with the turquoise lake and snowy mountains in the background.

But it gets even better, recently earmarked as one of only three Grade 1 “Dark Sky Reserves” in the world, the Aoraki Mt Cook will show you an unforgettable night sky exposing the Milky Way Galaxy, Southern Cross, Alpha-Centauri and more.  Your expert guides will get an insight into our universe and beyond, through both telescope and specialized binoculars...

Approximate Distance: 334 km | 207 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 25 Minutes

Accommodation: Mt Cook National Park - 2 Nights

 

Mt Cook National Park
Accommodation:
Situated in the iconic Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, Mt Cook Lodge & Motels offers a selection of accommodation types from backpacker styled dorms, cosy chalets to newly refurbished and contemporary self-contained motel units. All rooms include ensuite bathrooms, quality linen, refridgerator and a patio or balcony so you can soak up the stunning mountain views. Chill out in the Chamois Bar & Grill, a favourite of travelers and locals alike.
Mt Cook Lodge & Motels

6

Half Day Tasman Explorer Boat Cruise

Embark on an exhilarating Glacier Explorer Boat Cruise at Mt. Cook. Traverse pristine waters amidst towering glaciers and rugged landscapes. Witness nature's grandeur up close on this unforgettable adventure.

Your professional guide has a wealth of knowledge of the Aoraki/Mt Cook area. Learn about its unique geology, local flora, and fauna and gain an entertaining insight into the rich pioneering history and stories of the past 150 years.

Hooker Valley Hike

7

Queenstown: Our Adventure Capital

The drive to Queenstown is stunning, leading you over the rugged Crown Range on the highest main road in the country. Take your time and enjoy the scenic lookouts en route - your camera will get a workout.

The winding mountain road demands concentration & care, but more conservative drivers can take an alternative route along the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan, and the Shotover River. The vineyards of the Gibbston area and bungy jumpers at the Kawarau River Bridge are interesting distractions along the way.

The alpine resort of Queenstown is exciting, sophisticated, and fantastically scenic. It’s the place to source almost any kind of adventure including bungy jumping, jet boating, horse trekking, rafting, and river surfing. It’s also a destination for luxury experiences – gourmet food and wine, spa treatments, and leisurely games of golf.

Approximate Distance: 255 km | 159 miles  Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 nights

QUEENSTOWN
Accommodation:
Just 5 minutes’ walk from Lake Wakatipu, Autoline Queenstown Motel offers self-contained accommodation with a spa bath or a private balcony with mountain views. Guests enjoy free WiFi. The air-conditioned apartments have under-floor heating and a well-equipped kitchenette with a stove, a microwave and a refrigerator. Each apartment has a 42-inch flat-screen TV and satellite channels.
Autoline Queenstown

8

Beautiful Milford Sound Cruise

The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into a beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes.

The rough-hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and seals are some of the things you’ll remember. An underwater observatory is an option with most cruises.

Milford Sound

9

TSS Earnslaw Cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm

Full Steam Ahead
All aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw this old coal-fired beauty has been ferrying passengers around the lake for over a 100 years. Experience fascinating and love watching the stokers at work in the engine room and seeing the glowing fireboxes.

On arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu, you will get a real taste for rural New Zealand. Feel free to pet and feed the lambs (during Spring - Oct to December) and other farmyard animals, watch the sheepdog's round-up a flock of sheep, and see a shearing demonstration. The high country air works up a healthy appetite, so the trip includes morning or afternoon tea with fresh scones with jam.

Earnslaw

10

Lake Wanaka Cruise & Island Wildlife Walk

Today you'll tour the Isle of Mou Waho, one of only five islands to be found in the vastness of Lake Wanaka. Accessible only by a 35-minute boat cruise, Mou Waho is an island nature reserve with a difference. With no predators or pests roaming here, New Zealand's rare & endangered species can live in peace, giving you the opportunity to observe them up close. Walking with a long-time local guide, the well-formed track leads you through the native bush to Tyrwhitt Peak.

Here you will find Arethusa Pool, a beautiful miniature lake with small islands within it. Impress your friends by telling them you have visited an island in a lake, inside an island in a lake, inside an island in the ocean! From Tyrwhitt Peak, you'll be spellbound by the 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka surrounding you, and the mountains beyond. Don't forget your swimwear: on a hot day, it's hard to resist a swim in Mou Waho's cool clear waters.

Approximate Distance: 70 km | 44 miles  Total Driving Time: 1 hour 10 mins

Accommodation: Wanaka - 1 Night

wanaka
Bella Vista Motel Lake Wanaka is located in a quiet street in the heart of Wanaka. The motel is only 150 m away from the lake and within easy walking distance there are many restaurants, cafes and wine bars. Guests enjoy free WiFi. The rooms at the Bella Vista are fully-serviced, with heating and electric blankets. Free off-street parking is available as well as a lock-up garage for motorbikes. Guests have access to laundry facilities. Continental breakfast is available on request.
Bella Vista Wanaka

11

Wanaka to Glacier Country

Be transported to the South Island's wild West Coast today on one of New Zealand's most breathtaking scenic drives. The views are impressive all the way, and once over the Haast Pass they change dramatically. There's beauty around every bend, with woodland walks and dramatic waterfalls along the route — perfect for picnic stops.

When the ancient forests and mountain passes give way to coastal views, you'll soon be nearing glacier country. Nestled in a rainforest clearing, Franz Josef Glacier lies at the heart of the Westland National Park.

Welcome to one of the most diverse and beautiful areas of New Zealand.

Approximate Distance: 350 km | 217 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 40 Minutes

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

Franz Josef Glacier
At Punga Grove, all of our stylish accommodation is set amidst the native Franz Josef rainforest. Our mountainside motel has been designed to maximise the beauty of the greenery with decks, outdoor areas and conservatory windows virtually putting you deep in the rainforest. All apartments include a fully equipped kitchen.
Punga Grove

12

Explore Franz Josef Glacier

The magnificent Franz Josef Glacier is widely regarded as the gem of New Zealand’s West Coast glaciers. Tumbling down from the Southern Alps almost to the sea, its ancient icy faces contrast spectacularly with the surrounding rainforests.

There are many different ways to admire the glacier. You can walk to the terminal face, get a bird's eye view with a scenic helicopter flight, or take an exhilarating Heli Hike up to the bluest ice.

Whatever you choose, get ready to experience the most spectacular glacier environment anywhere in the world.

Excursions available in and around the Franz Josef area:

Kayak Okarito Lagoon 

      Glacier Scenic Flight   Glacier Heli-hike

Horseback Riding  

   Walk to Glacier Face 
Franz Josef Glacier

13

Franz Josef to Christchurch

Begin your morning with a breathtaking coastal drive to Greymouth. You might like to pause in Hokitika for a spot of shopping - this town is home to many artisan carvers of the local pounamu (greenstone), which is sacred to Maori. A unique, locally carved greenstone pendant would be a special way to remember your trip.

From Greymouth it's time to cross the Southern Alps one last time as you set a course for your final destination, Christchurch. The drive takes you along the Great Alpine Highway, traversing Arthur's Pass and the epic Ōtira Viaduct.

The vast Canterbury Plains offer a final glimpse of New Zealand's rural landscapes before returning you to the South Island's largest city.

Make the most of your last night in New Zealand by exploring Christchurch's foodie scene. With everything from relaxed cafes to fine dining on offer, you'll have no trouble finding the perfect spot to mull over your memories of the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Accommodation: Christchurch Hotel - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 375 km | 268 miles  Total Driving Time: 4 hours 35 minutes

CHRISTCHURCH City Center
Newly renovated, this property has been assessed by Qualmark as 4 star offering high quality accommodation near the city centre. Our purpose built access units have been designed with parking at the door for your convenience. You have a choice of king, queen or single beds with electric blankets for the cooler nights. Free wireless internet is available with a spacious work desk in every room.
Bella Vista Christchurch

14

Bon Voyage!

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

We know you will enjoy touring New Zealand and our promise is 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 in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Bon Voyage !

Profile picture for user Narissa
What Narissa says about this tour: You will love this tour! See New Zealand's 'Classic' sightseeing highlights of the North and South Islands. Experience geothermal Rotorua, the majestic Mt Cook National Park, and the Tasman glacier wake up to Wanaka's astonishing mountainscapes and slumber next to glorious glacier views on New Zealand's West Coast. Pure, untouched New Zealand at its best.
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