11 Day New Zealand Spectacular Islands Tour
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking coastlines of one of the Pacific Ocean’s most sparkling destinations. New Zealand’s legendary beauty is a tale of two islands - North and South - that each boasts spectacular mountain ranges, rambling rainforests, and stretches of unspoilt beaches as blue as the azure sky. You’ll be sure to get a Kia Ora! from the country’s famously friendly people from the get-go. Includes 10 nights accommodation, daily breakfast and one lunch, private transfers, entrance and sightseeing fees, and ferry transfer from Picton to Wellington.
package Options
- 10 nights of accommodation in Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland
- Daily breakfasts and one lunch
- Included ferry transfer from Picton to Wellington
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- 10 nights of accommodation in Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland
- Daily breakfasts and one lunch
- Included ferry transfer from Picton to Wellington
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- 10 nights of accommodation in Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland
- Daily breakfasts and one lunch
- Included ferry transfer from Picton to Wellington
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- 10 nights of accommodation in Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland
- Daily breakfasts and one lunch
- Included ferry transfer from Picton to Wellington
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
Highlights
With around 15,000 kilometres of rugged coastline and more than 25 marine reserves, all roads in **New Zealand **lead to the sea. Make your way through one of the **world’s most epic journeys **from the **South Island **to the North, exploring the country’s panoramic beauty and history. Along the way, enjoy close encounters with the wildlife in their natural habitats, visit UNESCO-listed sites, and marvel at the country’s rich Maori culture.
What you’ll love:
Pristine sheets of glistening white beckon from the famous Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, offering a stunning contrast to the verdant tussock grasslands and forests of the **Westland Tai Poutini National Park **in the South Island. Be amazed at the amazing geology ranging from rare flora and fauna to snow-capped mountains that unfolds in this World Heritage Area.
Take your pick of the country’s magnificent alpine lakes, still waters that run so deep and so picture-perfect that they have inspired countless filmmakers in award-winning productions (think Top of the Lake). Popular** Lake Wanaka **in the Otago region is New Zealand’s fourth largest lake and estimated to reach a depth of more than 300 metres. Lake Pukaki, a shimmering blue jewel at New Zealand’s highest peak Aoraki Mt Cook, is where Sir Peter Jackson set the location of Lake-town in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. The park boasts more than 140 peaks over 2000 metres and 72 named glaciers.
Dip into one of the natural hot springs of Rotorua in the North Island. Rich in Maori culture, the area is known for its energetic thermal activity, with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers and hot springs offering respite for trek-weary travellers. Take the Te Puia guided tour to see the **Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve **as well as Rainbow Springs.
A great journey:
Travel from the South Island to North Island on the Interislander, a road and rail ferry service that is among the most iconic journeys in the world. Sail on the Cook Strait ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington, and enjoy spectacular Marlborough Sounds’ sunken river valleys along the scenic waterway. The three-hour trip covers 92 kilometres.
Auckland the city:
New Zealand’s largest city is also home to the largest Polynesian culture in the world. Known as the City of Sails, the city has a wealth of must-see cultural and outdoor attractions. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the most iconic sites. The Harbour Bridge, more than one kilometre long, is an imposing structure, connecting downtown **Auckland **to the northern districts. Café culture teams with beachfront attractions to make Mission Bay an unmissable resort stop. Escape to nature amid tall trees, duck ponds and the formal gardens of Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park.
Your package includes:
- 10 nights of accommodation, featuring two nights at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Christchurch, one night in Scenic Hotel Franz Josef, three nights at Copthorne Lakefront Hotel in Queenstown, one night in James Cook Hotel in Wellington, two nights in Distinction Hotel in Rotorua, and one night in Rydges Hotel in Auckland
- Daily breakfast and one lunch
- Ferry transfer from Picton to Wellington
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
Flights to Christchurch are available from major Australian cities (one stop may be required from some cities en route), direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast with seasonal flights from Perth are available with Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Emirates, China Airlines and Jetstar.
Book your flight through us. Booking a flight is a quick, easy process. Once you have made your tour booking, our dedicated Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist you with any arrangements you may wish to make.
Please note that flights are not included in your package.
A visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each travellers responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visa’s Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit their website.
DAY 1 - Christchurch
Haere mai, Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand! After arriving at the airport, meet with a local representative and transfer to your hotel. Depending on what time you arrive the rest of the day is at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the city before starting your explorations tomorrow.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch or similar
DAY 2- Franz Josef
Today you have the option to traverse the Southern Alps aboard the famous Tranz-Alpine rail journey to Greymouth (optional extra). From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps, to the village of Arthurs Pass where you will be met again by your coach and driver to continue your journey onto the West Coast, stopping in Hokitika where a visit is made to the Greenstone and Glass Blowing factories.
Further south, tour the Westland National Park, the home of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On arrival, time is available for scenic flights (optional extra), before continuing onto our accommodation for the night
Accommodation: Franz Josef Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 - Queenstown
Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land, and a feeling of total isolation. Arriving at Haast, you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. From the Westland National Park, we travel through the Haast River valleys and over the Haast Pass to Makaroa and onto the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka. Travelling past Lake Hawea we reach the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. This afternoon travel via Cromwell following the Kawerau Gorge Road into Arrowtown for a look at this old Gold Mining settlement. From here we continue to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown or similar
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4 - Queenstown
Depart early this morning and travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. There are clear rushing streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest. Board a cruise down Milford Sound past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Seals and dolphins are often seen in the clear waters of the fiord. Return back to Queenstown travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley.
Accommodation: Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown or similar
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 5 - Queenstown
Today is a day at leisure. You will have the choice to visit the Remarkable’s or Coronet Peak. Experience the thrill of a jet-boat ride along the Shotover or Kawerau Rivers. Perhaps a scenic 4-wheel drive excursion through Skippers Canyon - it’s up to you.
This evening you could take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the steamer TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station to dine at the Colonel’s Homestead or explore the local restaurants, cafes and bars.
Accommodation: Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown or similar
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6 - Christchurch
Depart Queenstown and travel through the Central Otago farmland which is renowned for its stone fruit industry. Continue along the shores of Lake Pukaki into Mt Cook National Park. This Park has 17 peaks over 10,000 feet. Witness the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Here we visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the statue of the Collie dog, before travelling the vast Mackenzie Basin, over Burke’s Pass through Fairlie, Geraldine, Ashburton and across the Canterbury Plains into Christchurch.
Accommodation: Rendezvous Hotel, Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7 - Wellington
Travelling along the rugged coastline through Kaikoura to Picton, keep an eye out for the seals sunning themselves on the coastal rocks. We board the InterIslander crossing Cook Strait to Wellington. On arrival into Wellington we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s Capital city.
Accommodation: Novotel Hotel, Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8 - Rotorua
This morning we travel to Rotorua via the Tongariro National Park and Lake Taupo, before continuing onto Rotorua which has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, beautiful coloured hot springs and terrace formations created by mineral water.
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Rotorua or similar
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9 - Rotorua
This morning join in a morning sightseeing tour of Rotorua, with highlights including a visit to Te Puia to see the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve – home of the Pohutu Geyser and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Maori are learning the carving and weaving skills of their ancestors. Next, we visit Rainbow Springs with its crystal-clear streams and pools teeming with trout as well as the nocturnal Kiwihouse and Tuatara display. The reminder of your afternoon is at your leisure.
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Rotorua or similar
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10 - Auckland
Today we depart Rotorua crossing the Mamaku Ranges travelling north through the Waikato Region and crossing the Bombay Hills into Auckland. This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing coach tour of Auckland. Highlights include the Harbour Bridge, Queen Street, Auckland University, the Auckland Domain Parks and Gardens, and the Tamaki Waterfront including Mission Bay.
The rest of today is at your leisure – perhaps take a ride up the Sky Tower to enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city and surrounding region, take a cruise on the Harbour, or maybe some last-minute shopping as mementos of your time in New Zealand.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel Auckland
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11 - Auckland
Your highlights of New Zealand tour end today with a transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel Auckland
Meals: Breakfast
Valid for select departure dates below:
06 May 2018
24 June 2018
12 August 2018
2 September 2018
7 October 2018
4 November 2018 21 April 2019
All departure dates are subject to availability and early bookings are highly recommended.
Refund Policy
The ’7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Luxury Escapes Refund Policy applies.
Instant Booking: To secure your dates at purchase, click ‘Instant Booking’ and select your preferred package. Once your preferred package is selected you’ll click through to ‘Choose Your Dates of Travel’ and will be able to enter in your preferred tour commencement date.
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package and are at your own discretion (as a guide, approx. US$5-10 per person, per day is the industry standard).
Arrival and departure transfers are only available on the first and last day of the tour. Any arrivals and departures outside of these days will need to make their own arrangements to/from the airport.
Travellers are advised to check with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccinations require 30 days or more to be effective. Proof of vaccination is not usually required unless you are coming from an infected area.
The package is valid for ONE PERSON** **aged 18 years or older (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise an additional single traveller surcharge will apply. Single travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Single Traveller Surcharge: If travelling alone, you must purchase the Single Traveller package option. See the package options for further details.
Maximum tour capacity is 40 people, minimum tour capacity is four people.
Tour includes accommodation at the following hotels:
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Christchurch Franz Josef Hotel, Franz Josef Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown Rendezvous Hotel, Christchurch Novotel Hotel, Wellington Distinction Hotel, Rotorua Rydges Hotel, Auckland
Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar standard.
Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is two people.
Please note, connecting rooms are not available.
All surcharges are payable directly to Luxury Escapes.
Dining inclusions do not include beverages (unless otherwise stated) and menu options are subject to change.
Travel insurance is compulsory. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Strictly no refunds for this tour package for amendments and change of date.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or on existing reservations.
Any unused portion of the package is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for other services or cash.
Additional expenses are not included.
Please note: disability access is limited during the tour, please consider this when making your booking.
Before making a reservation, please ensure that the name on the reservation is the same as it appears on your passport. An error may result in a name change penalty or boarding being denied by the airline. Luxury Escapes accepts no responsibility for accuracy of name on the travel documents.
Package cannot be split.
Offer only available for consecutive nightly stays.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay overseas.
A visa may be required to the countries you are visiting and transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you are holding a current visa.
The value and comparative savings has been determined based on published rack rates and the value of inclusions. Please be advised that rack rates may not be reflective of actual rates being charged, dependent on the timing and manner of your booking and therefore are only indicative of the level of saving.
All activities and services (including late checkout) are subject to availability.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply - refer https://luxuryescapes.com/au/terms-and-conditions