Summary
Short description
An unforgettable escorted tour of New Zealand with Travelmarvel by APT
Highlights
- Explore the Bay of Islands, New Zealand's finest maritime park. on a dolphin cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock
- Enjoy a scenic voyage on the Cook Strait connecting the North and South Islands via the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds
- Cruise the full length of Milford Sound fjord, surrounded by dense rainforest, sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls
In Brief
- 1 Night Auckland
- 2 Nights Bay of Islands
- 1 Night Auckland
- 2 Nights Rotorua
- 1 Night Wellington
- 1 Night Christchurch
- 1 Night Fox Glacier
- 2 Nights Queenstown
- 1 Night Te Anau
- 1 Night Dunedin
- 1 Night Lake Tekapo
- 1 Night Christchurch
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Escorted tour | History & culture | Natural world
This escorted tour offers superb value for money, taking in all the highlights of New Zealand in the company of expert guides. What’s more, you can relax as you travel, making the most of comfortable coach journeys and stays in hotels chosen for their standout service and location. You’ll also be treated to a host of touring option across both islands, beginning in the north with the likes of dolphin cruises and traditional Hangi feasts before heading south to soak up the alpine sights of Queenstown, explore spectacular West Coast glaciers and uncover the scenic delights of Milford Sound and Mount Cook.
Day by day itinerary
Days
1-2
Depart UK
Overnight flight from the UK to Auckland.
Day
3
Auckland
On arrival you are met by a Travelmarvel representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel.
Stay: Rydges Auckland
Day
4
Auckland, Bay of Islands
Today, head north to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve where you'll view the giant Kauri tree Tane Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest'. Continue to the Bay of Islands, the birthplace of the nation where the Maori and British Crown signed New Zealand's famous Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. Tonight, you'll met your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.
Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort
Meals: B D
Day
5
Bay of Islands, Day at Leisure
The Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands and known as a playground for lovers of anything aquatic. Today, enjoy a full day at leisure or perhaps upgrade to an overnight cruise.
Stay: Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort
Meals: B
Day
6
Bay of Islands, Auckland
Explore New Zealand's finest national maritime park on a dolphin-watching cruise to Cape Brett and cruise through the Hole in the Rock. Cruise through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett lighthouse. Return this afternoon to the picturesque harbour city of Auckland.
Stay: Rydges Auckland
Meals: B D
Day
7
Waitomo, Rotorua
The Waitomo region is home to the world-renowned Glowworm Caves, where thousands of these tiny luminescent creatures create a magical light show. Discover this natural wonder, before continuing to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia and enjoy a guided tour of the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, and witness the phenomenal natural spectacle of erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools of Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Immerse yourself in traditional Maori culture tonight as you enjoy a traditional hangi feast and an entertaining performance of song and dance.
Stay: Sudima Rotorua
Meals: B D
Day
8
Rotorua
Rotorua on the Pacific Rim of Fire captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers and rich Maori culture. Visit one of New Zealand's most loved attractions; the Agrodome, with its entertaining dog trials, sheep shearing demonstration and animal nursery. This afternoon, you may like to enjoy some optional excursions such as a helicopter flight over the active White Island volcano or experience a Country Homestay (own expense).
Stay: Sudima Rotorua
Meals: B
Day
9
Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
Departing Rotorua, you'll head to Lake Taupo and the thundering Huka Falls with its striking blue water, before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park en route to Wellington, the national capital.
Stay: Travelodge Wellington
Meals: B D
Day
10
Wellington, Cook Strait, Kaikoura, Christchurch
Named after Captain James Cook, who became the first European to sail through the narrow body of water in 1770, Cook Strait separates the North and South Islands. Enjoy one of the most picturesque cruises in the world as the Interislander ferry takes you through Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Admire the coastline en route to Kaikoura, dotted with tiny coves, before continuing on to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch, Quality Elms Hotel
Meals: B D
Day
11
Christchurch, Fox Glacier
This morning, cross the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Main Divide. Stunning scenery awaits as you journey across the magnificent Southern Alps. Continue along the dramatic coastline through dense rainforest to Westland Tai Poutini National Park, before travelling along the West Coast, viewing Franz Josef Glacier.
Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
Meals: B D
Day
12
Fox Glacier, Queenstown
Today, cross the snow-capped Southern Alps and travel through Haast Pass. Trace the shorelines of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Delicious food and a great night out are always on the menu in Queenstown - tonight enjoy one of the many choices on offer.
Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Meals: B
Day
13
Queenstown, Day at Leisure
Queenstown is perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike with endless attractions and activities on offer. You may wish to join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise and tour of Walter Peak Station or perhaps take a gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak for an amazing view over Queenstown (own expense).
Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Meals: B L
Day
14
Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau
Today, you'll follow the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. The journey follows Milford Road, renowned as one of the world's best alpine drives, to Milford Sound, where you'll cruise the full length of this beautiful fjord. View the cascading waterfalls, dense rain forest and towering mountains of this World Heritage-listed area.
Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau
Meals: B D
Day
15
Te Anau, Dunedin
Leaving the Fiordland region, journey through rolling Southland countryside to Dunedin. Enjoy a city tour on arrival before visiting Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, built in 1871–74 by the merchant baron and politician William Larnach.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Meals: B
Day
16
Dunedin, Mt Cook and Lake Tekapo
Begin the day with a journey along the east coast to see the spectacular Moeraki Boulders that lay strewn across Koekohe Beach. According to Maori legend, these spherical rocks are the remains of calabashes, kumaras and eel baskets that washed ashore after a canoe broke apart. Continue your journey to Lake Tekapo, stopping along the way at the Mt Cook National Park to marvel at New Zealand's highest peak. Continue to your hotel on the shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo before enjoying a farewell dinner of the freshest local produce at your hotel's restaurant.
Stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort
Meals: B D
Day
17
Lake Tekapo, Depart Christchurch
En route to Christchurch today, you'll visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the edge of Lake Tekapo, built of locally gathered stone and oak and erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Your last night will be in Christchurch.
Accommodation : The Commodore, Christchurch
Meals: B
Day
18
Depart Christchurch
Day
19
Arrive UK
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
19-day escorted tour
from £5,295 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £5,295 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £6,040 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights between London, Auckland & Christchurch
- Return airport transfers
- 14 nights accommodation in a mix of 3* (Standard) & 4* (Superior) hotels, including 15 breakfasts, 7 dinners & 1 lunch
- Escorted touring with Travelmarvel tour director and driver
Highlights include:
- Dolphin spotting on a Hole in the Rock cruise, Bay of Islands
- View thousands of glowworms at the Waitomo caves
- Enjoy a Maori tradition at a Hangi feast and performance in Rotorua
- View the spectacular fiords of Milford Sound
- Take in the tranquil lakes of Lake Wakatipu and Tekapo
- and much more...!
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on
You might also like
Discover New Zealand's South Island on this in-depth road trip, which includes a glacier heli-hike, an overnight Doubtful Sound cruise and a journey on the iconic TranzAlpine train.
Making the most of spectacular rail routes linking sweeping coastlines, vibrant cities and epic national parks, this itinerary showcases just why New Zealand is tailor-made for a holiday by train.
