New Zealand Uncovered
From north to south, east to west, Auckland to Christchurch, New Zealand is a country of contrasts. And that’s why we love it. One minute you’re drifting through World Heritage-listed gorges on a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour, then next you’re scaling ice on a Franz Josef/Waiau tour. Sometimes there’s a Maori-inspired feast on the menu; at others there’s award-winning wine. Spanning 17 days, two islands and countless things to do in New Zealand – both city and country – this trip is one for the record books.
- 15 Sep 2026 – 01 Oct 2026
from $10,883 pp twin share * - 06 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 13 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
from $10,995 pp twin share * - 20 Oct 2026 – 05 Nov 2026
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 03 Nov 2026 – 19 Nov 2026
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 10 Nov 2026 – 26 Nov 2026
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 17 Nov 2026 – 03 Dec 2026
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 01 Dec 2026 – 17 Dec 2026
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 08 Dec 2026 – 24 Dec 2026
from $10,995 pp twin share * - 15 Dec 2026 – 31 Dec 2026
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 29 Dec 2026 – 14 Jan 2027
from $10,995 pp twin share * - 05 Jan 2027 – 21 Jan 2027
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 19 Jan 2027 – 04 Feb 2027
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 26 Jan 2027 – 11 Feb 2027
from $10,995 pp twin share * - 02 Feb 2027 – 18 Feb 2027
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 09 Feb 2027 – 25 Feb 2027
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 16 Feb 2027 – 04 Mar 2027
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 23 Feb 2027 – 11 Mar 2027
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 09 Mar 2027 – 25 Mar 2027
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 16 Mar 2027 – 01 Apr 2027
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 23 Mar 2027 – 08 Apr 2027
from $11,215 pp twin share * - 06 Apr 2027 – 22 Apr 2027
from $10,085 pp twin share * - 20 Apr 2027 – 06 May 2027
from $10,085 pp twin share * - 14 Sep 2027 – 30 Sep 2027
from $10,085 pp twin share * - 28 Sep 2027 – 14 Oct 2027
from $10,085 pp twin share * - 05 Oct 2027 – 21 Oct 2027
from $10,373 pp twin share * - 12 Oct 2027 – 28 Oct 2027
from $10,373 pp twin share * - 19 Oct 2027 – 04 Nov 2027
from $10,373 pp twin share * - 26 Oct 2027 – 11 Nov 2027
from $10,373 pp twin share * - 02 Nov 2027 – 18 Nov 2027
from $10,373 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Auckland:
Auckland is the kind of place you could lose yourself in for a couple of weeks. Arrive at your leisure and explore hip new waterfront precincts, or just ready yourself to meet your fellow travel companions for drinks and dinner tonight. And so your NZ tour begins. - Day 2 – Auckland Sightseeing & Free Time:
A little bit of leisure, a little bit of culture – today is one of those days. Peek behind the scenes of maritime racing history on the New Zealand Maritime Museum’s America’s Cup Tour, highlighting Auckland’s heritage of boat-building, and offering a glimpse of one of the world’s only replicas of the America’s Cup. Your Auckland tour guide then takes you around the city, pausing at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, and view Mission Bay for epic photo opportunities over the city’s dual harbour. By now you should have a few ideas for how to spend your afternoon exploring, but if not, ask us for recommendations. We have a little black book full of contacts. - Day 3 – Auckland – Rotorua
- Day 4 – Rotorua Free Time:
Today, choose your own adventure. We have plenty of ideas for the paths you might follow. Optional Experience* Rotorua tour sightseeing experiences include relieving NZ holiday-weary limbs in the thermal waters of Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. Or perhaps you’d prefer to zip across Rotorua’s three lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck. The decision is yours. - Day 5 – Rotorua – Wellington:
Say goodbye to Rotorua and hello to the raging rapids of Huka Falls, where 220,000 litres of water barrel over this massive waterfall every second. Your outlook then unfolds into the dreamy landscape of Lake Taupo, the largest of its kind in the country and with a twinkling, blue-eyed-boy charm. Traverse the volcanic Central Plateau to NZ’s cool little capital of Wellington, set on a pretty harbour. - Day 6 – Wellington Sightseeing & Free Time:
Your day in Wellington should – must – begin with a coffee. The city is known for its ubercool cafes. Head out on city sights tour to take in highlights such as its iconic cable car, parliament, and Mt. Victoria. Your tour ends at Te Papa, the national Museum of New Zealand, where you may choose to visit the groundbreaking exhibitions on offer (entrance fee applies). Later you may decide on an optional tour. Lord of the Rings fans will rejoice with a special tour and visit to Weta Workshop. Or choose to visit Zealandia’s ecosanctuary restoring 225 hectares of forest (both own expense). Tonight, there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from. Ask us for recommendations or explore at your leisure. - Day 7 – Wellington – Kaikoura:
This morning cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound and continue to Kaikoura, a marine life haven. On arrival be treated to a biodiversity talk from Sabrina Luecht, founder of Kaikoura Wildlife Centre Trust, and learn about the work the trust is doing towards wildlife rescue, and rehabilitation, at this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Tonight dine at Hiku, which celebrates what Kaikoura is all about – kai moana and dramatic sea and mountain scapes. - Day 8 – Kaikoura – Christchurch:
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning or sign up for one of several local wildlife Optional Experiences* available. Choose from an optional scenic flight over dramatic beaches framed by turquoise ocean where whales are regularly spotted, or perhaps you’d prefer a cruise to site pods of dolphin which are prolific in the area, or a kayaking tour of the coast to get up close and personal with seals basking on the rocks. You won’t be disappointed. Follow the coast and Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, home to some of the country’s most innovative architecture, art institutions and restaurants. We can help you make a booking in any number of the latter. - Day 9 – Christchurch – Twizel:
From its eye-popping, cardboard-crafted Cathedral to its gold-clad central library, Christchurch has well and truly rebuilt itself since the 2010/11 earthquakes, setting the bar high for architecture and design across the country. On your Christchurch tour you’ll discover that despite this cosmopolitan culture, South Island locals still cherish a simple life. Prepare yourself for plenty of country swagger over a Be My Guest afternoon tea hosted by Lake Tekapo locals Stan and Angie Taylor at Morelea, their home overlooking the glistening emerald lake. Former farmers, Angie will give a demonstration of her famous pavlova dessert, and you will hear from Stan about a lifetime spent farming in New Zealand. - Day 10 – Twizel – Dunedin:
Oamaru has a rich history and proud heritage, enriched by passionate and perhaps quirky locals. Explore the shops, galleries and traditional crafts within some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most complete Victorian streetscapes, before landing in Dunedin. The afternoon is yours to discover the ‘Edinburgh of the Southern Hemisphere’, whether wandering the manicured grounds of its stately castle, taking a wildlife cruise to spot little penguins, or sampling sustainable gin (all own expense) - Day 11 – Dunedin – Te Anau:
From sheep farms to rugged mountains, today is one of diversity. Venture to the South Island’s largest lake and the pretty lakeside town of Te Anau. You’ll experience the thrill of jet boating on Lake Manapouri, home to Pomona Island where native birds are under threat – and this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is helping to protect them through a community-based conservation project that is also helping to restore native flora. Stop in some quiet and tranquil spots, soak up the amazing surrounds, spot a few trout, and learn about the unique environment and fascinating history of this unique location among Fiordland National Park. - Day 12 – Te Anau – Queenstown:
There aren’t many places in the world that remind you how precious the planet is. Fiordland National Park is one. Your journey towards Milford Sound/Piopiotahi traverses native rainforest, alluvial flats and meadows, with mirrored lakes, thundering waterfalls, dramatic rocky ranges and millennia-old valleys. Now prepare yourself for your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi boat tour, cruising through this wild expanse, provides enough drama for an entire travel year. You still have the streets of Queenstown, known as the ‘Adventure Capital of New Zealand’, to explore. - Day 13 – Queenstown Free Time:
The roll-call of Queenstown Optional Experience* you could sign-up for today is near endless. Maybe your Queenstown tour is dedicated to the gorges of Skippers Canyon. If you’re a gourmand at heart, sign up for a Central Otago wine tour, where your day involves sipping your way through award-winning cool-climate wines. Or visit Kiwi Birdlife Park, take on the Shotover River with KJet. The Lord of the Rings fans, there’s the Glenorchy Scenic Tour. Your day ends on a dreamy TSS Earnslaw cruise across Lake Wakatipu, landing at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. - Day 14 – Queenstown – Franz Josef/Waiau:
From Arrowtown’s tree-lined avenues (where you’ve been visiting a bygone time) to Central Otago’s gleaming lakes, nature rules today. Alpine scenery tiers into rainforest along the West Coast of New Zealand. Welcome to the town of Franz Josef/Waiau, home to Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere, the massif ideally explored on an Optional Experience* helicopter flight – conditions pending, you may even be able to land and walk across the ice-fall. The bird’s-eye view reveals the immensity of this gem-like mound of ice. - Day 15 – Franz Josef/Waiau – Punakaiki:
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Franz Josef/Waiau, exploring the small but lively village. Pause at a scenic viewpoint for a glimpse of the Franz Josef Glacier, a powerful river of ice carved deep into the landscape, before continuing to Hokitika, famed for its jade greenstone and creative artisan culture. This evening, arrive at Scenic Punakaiki and unwind over dinner with wine, set against the dramatic rhythm of the West Coast shoreline. - Day 16 – Punakaiki – Christchurch:
Venture into the Ponaumu Pathway. Embark on a unique self-guided journey, as you make your way through this extraordinary storytelling experience born from a collaboration with the Weta Workshop. We’ve got you sorted for lunch at legendary Monteith’s Brewery. This afternoon, journey inland to Arthur’s Pass and board the world-famous TranzAlpine train. Sit back as you cross soaring viaducts, pass through tunnels, and glide past snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, and deep gorges. Arrive in Christchurch this evening, where your New Zealand journey concludes with dinner and drinks. - Day 17 – Farewell from Christchurch:
How many travel highs can you pack into a holiday? This itinerary has certainly pushed the boundaries. Now all you have to do is go home and sort through all those photos.
Highlights
- Drift through the stunning Milford Sound/Piopiotahi.
- Scale the ice on a Franz Josef/Waiau glacier tour.
- Immerse yourself in Maori culture and cuisine.
From north to south, east to west, Auckland to Christchurch, New Zealand is a country of contrasts. And that’s why we love it. One minute you’re drifting through World Heritage-listed gorges on a Milford Sound/Piopiotahi tour, then next you’re scaling ice on a Franz Josef/Waiau tour. Sometimes there’s a Maori-inspired feast on the menu; at others there’s award-winning wine. Spanning 17 days, two islands and countless things to do in New Zealand – both city and country – this trip is one for the record books.
Inclusions
- Exclusive after-hours guided tour of the Americas Cup exhibition at the New Zealand Maritime Museum Be My Guest: Exclusive after-hours tour at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Guided Indigenous Experience at Te Pa Tu Explore the Geothermal Wonders of Rotorua See Huka Falls from a panoramic viewpoint MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Kaikoura Wildlife Centre Trust Be My Guest: Afternoon tea with Pavlova Queen Angie at Lake Tekapo MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Pomona Island in Fiordland National Park Cruise on spectacular Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak on TSS Earnslaw Steamship Relish a gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm See Franz Josef Glacier from a panoramic viewpoint Visit Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and stay at an Eco Resort located right on the beach Visit the Pounamu Pathway for an immersive storytelling experience Journey on the TranzAlpine Train through the Southern Alps.
- Day 1 highlights Welcome to Auckland: Auckland is the kind of place you could lose yourself in for a couple of weeks. Arrive at your leisure and explore hip new waterfront precincts, or just ready yourself to meet your fellow travel companions for drinks and dinner tonight. And so your NZ tour begins.
- Day 2 highlights Auckland Sightseeing & Free Time: A little bit of leisure, a little bit of culture – today is one of those days. Peek behind the scenes of maritime racing history on the New Zealand Maritime Museum’s America’s Cup Tour, highlighting Auckland’s heritage of boat-building, and offering a glimpse of one of the world’s only replicas of the America’s Cup. Your Auckland tour guide then takes you around the city, pausing at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, and view Mission Bay for epic photo opportunities over the city’s dual harbour. By now you should have a few ideas for how to spend your afternoon exploring, but if not, ask us for recommendations. We have a little black book full of contacts.
FAQs
- Distinction Christchurch Hotel
- Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel Twizel
- Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
- Horizon by SkyCity Auckland
- Millennium Hotel Rotorua
- Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
- Rydges Wellington
- Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
- Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
- Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
- Sudima Kaikoura
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 17 days and 16 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 15 Sep 2026 and 13 Apr 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
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