New Zealand Explorer

Today make your way to the airport for your flight to New Zealand. The adventure begins!

Today make your way to the airport for your flight to New Zealand. The adventure begins!

Arrive Auckland on your morning International Flight. 

Private Car/Driver International Airport to City Hotel (with Meet & Greet)

On arrival at Auckland International Airport and after completion of customs formalities, collecting your luggage and passing through security, turn left as you enter the main arrivals hall where you will be met by our local representative at the pre-arranged transfers desk. The driver will be holding a sign with your name detailed. From here you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. 

(Your luggage will be stored upon your arrival & your room made available from 2.00pm.)

Optional:  We can reserve your hotel for the previous night and you can immediately check-in to your room for use upon your arrival.  Additional cost.

Walk or take a taxi from your hotel to the Viaduct Harbour for your Harbor Cruise.

Harbour Sailing Cruise (No lunch) (Shared Cruise) Operated by Pride Of Auckland

Time: 10:30am

Departure Point: Explore kiosk, Viaduct Harbour at the end of Quay St, adjacent to the entrance of Voyager Maritime Museum.

The Pride of Auckland operates its fleet of large purpose-built sailboats on the sheltered waters of the Auckland's sparkling Waitemata Harbour. On your 1.5 hour coffee cruise sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge and around Auckland’s beautiful harbour. Take the opportunity to try your hand at steering and trimming the sails or just sit back, relax and watch the experienced crew sail the vessel.

What to bring: Flat soled shoes and a warm jacket.

After your cruise, walk or transfer back to your hotel.

Afternoon Auckland City Sights & Sky Tower (Shared Tour)

01:30pm  Pick up: Auckland City Hotel Hobson Street

Drop-off: Sky Tower

You will be met outside the hotel lobby. Please be ready 15 minutes prior to the specified pick-up time.

Discover first-hand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live! This half day tour takes you around the central city, experiencing many of its best and most scenic sights. Explore Auckland's famous Queen Street followed by the history of Karangahape Road. Discover the vibrant culture of Ponsonby Village with its boutique eateries and retail stores before making your way over the Auckland Harbour Bridge for stunning views over the glittering Waitemata Harbour back to the city. Returning over the Harbour Bridge, visit the Viaduct Harbour before continuing on through the Auckland Domain. With its classic charm the Auckland Domain is the city's oldest and one of its largest parks, situated on a 62,000 year old volcano.

Stop at Parnell Village for morning tea. The historic buildings of Parnell have been transformed in to a trendy shopping area featuring many boutiques, antique, craft and specialty shops. Travel along the stunningly scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, providing beautiful panoramic views over Whenua Rangatira, Auckland city and Waitemata Harbour. Visit Mission Bay, the popular seaside suburb which was once home to a Melanesian Missionary school. Enjoy the beach and promenade before returning to downtown Auckland. At 328 metres in height, Sky Tower is the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Take in the 360 degree views from the top! Your tour finishes at Sky Tower.

After visiting the Sky Tower, walk back to your hotel.

Today choose between the following tours:

1.  Morning Waitomo Glowworm Express & Lunch (Auckland/Rotorua) (Shared Tour)

06:45am  Pick up: Auckland City Hotel Hobson Street

01:30pm  Drop-off: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

You will be met outside the hotel lobby. Please be ready 15 minutes prior to the specified pick-up time.

Leaving Auckland in the morning, travel through the Waikato and King Country regions, passing by flourishing farmland and picturesque countryside. An experienced local driver guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out highlights along the way, such as Rangiriri, where in 1863 a major battle was fought between colonial forces and those loyal to the Māori King. On arrival in the small town of Waitomo, take a trip underground with a 45 minute guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a series of limestone caves formed over 30 million years ago. Learn all about stalagmites, stalactites and other intriguing rock formations as you walk through the caverns, and finish the tour with an enchanting boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. The journey to Rotorua continues, passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where trees arch over the road to form a tunnel of natural greenery. A delicious lunch is served onboard the coach. The tour concludes in Rotorua.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.

OR

2.  Morning Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton (Shared Tour)

07:00am  Pick up: Auckland City Hotel Hobson Street

01:30pm  Drop-off: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Embark on a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy for a fascinating guided tour. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region and through the heritage town of Cambridge where tree-lined streets add to the English-style atmosphere. From here your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching Hobbiton Shire. On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest “green set” in the world and the only place where you get an emotional response to a movie set in a natural setting. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the door of Bilbo’s house, “Bag End”, looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. The tour ends with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a drink. On completion of the Hobbiton tour, board the shuttle at Shire’s Rest Café for your journey to Rotorua.

This afternoon relax at your hotel before meeting the Tamaki coach for the short drive to the Maori Village.

Tamaki Maori Village - Hangi & Concert (Shared Tour)

05:20pm  Pick up: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

 Drop-off: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

You will be met outside the hotel lobby. Please be ready 15 minutes prior to the specified pick-up time.

Journey by Tamaki coach to a traditional Marae, a sacred meeting place just outside Rotorua’s city limits. By the time you arrive you will have been prepared for the spine chilling 'Wero' and welcome on to the Marae. Upon entering the exquisitely carved meeting house you will 'Hongi' (greet) with your hosts. The tradition of pressing noses means you become friends and you may consider yourself as one with the family. Experience the unique culture of the Maori people including fierce haka's (war dances), action dances and stick games. As one people you will then move to the opening of the authentic 'Hangi' (feast) pit where you will see the traditional Maori method of food preparation. Spend some time socialising before sitting down to enjoy a Hangi of delicious foods; potatoes, kumara, pork, lamb, chicken and vegetables, followed by steamed pudding and custard. Vegetarians are also catered for. Return to your hotel at around 9.30pm this evening.

Please note: We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and dress warmly as part of the evening is spent outdoors.

This morning explore the surroundings of Rotorua.

Morning Discover Rotorua Sights (Shared Tour)

07:45 am  Pick up: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

12:30 pm  Drop-off: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

You will be met outside the hotel lobby. Please be ready 15 minutes prior to the specified pick-up time.

Gain an insight into New Zealand's Māori culture at Te Puia, then experience Rotorua's famous geothermal activity with a tour of the neighbouring Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley - a place where mud pools bubble and boil and geysers shoot steam high into the air. You will also see Te Puia's woodcarving and weaving schools. New Zealand wildlife and natural scenery is on display at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you can get up close to all kinds of native flora and fauna including the famous kiwi, a flightless native bird. Wander through native forest and discover New Zealand birds, fish and lizards as well as exotic animals from around the world. See New Zealand's agricultural industry in action at the Agrodome, a working organic farm where you can find out all about farming life in New Zealand, watch a sheep shearing display and see sheep dog trials where the hard-working farm dogs show off their amazing skills.

To round off a busy day, visit Polynesian Spa for a relaxing geothermal bathing experience or head to Redwoods Forest for an enchanting, magical, mesmerising treewalk and lights display.

This afternoon is free to explore Rotorua at your leisure. Rotorua, in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island is an adventure playground, geothermal wonderland and a hot spot for experiencing traditional Maori culture.

To find your bearings, take a walk along the lake shore, through government gardens and the casual dining hot spot that is Eat Street.

For the adventurous, Rotorua isn’t short of adrenaline activities and superlatives. River raft down the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Or roll down grassy tracks inside a big, inflatable plastic ball (and proud New Zealand invention). Take a journey through prehistoric native forest exploring the canopy as you fly on a network of ziplines (the highest, the longest and the scariest...), swing bridges, cliff-walks, tree top platforms and more.  Just ask us, we'll be happy to include in your vacation plans!

Today you will be transferred to the Rotorua Airport for your flight to Christchurch.

Private Car/Driver City Hotel to Rotorua Airport (Excludes Lodges)

Pick up: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Drop-off: ex Flight from Rotorua Airport

Today, you will be collected from your accommodation and transferred by private vehicle to Rotorua Airport. 

Depart Rotorua on your flight to Christchurch, flight and cost to be advised.

Arrive Christchurch.

Private Car/Driver Airport to Hotel

Pick up: ex Flight from Christchurch Airport

Drop-off: Ibis Christchurch

On your arrival into Christchurch Airport, you will be met by our representative who will be holding a Southern World sign with your name detailed, and transferred by private vehicle to your accommodation. 

Relax and enjoy the afternoon at leisure in the Garden City.

Foodies will find an array of restaurants along Victoria Street and New Regent Street, trendy bars on The Terrace and casual eateries at Little High off High Street or at Riverside Market.
Great family attractions around the city also include the interactive Turanga Central Library, the International Antarctic Centre (near the airport), Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and the Air Force Museum. For adrenaline-seekers, a visit to the Christchurch Adventure Park offers great mountain biking and ziplining (with New Zealand's longest flying fox). Further afield, you can take a scenic drive out over Banks Peninsula to the quaint French settlement of Akaroa.

Early this morning you will be transferred to the Christchurch Railway Station.

Private Car/Driver Hotel to Railway Station

07:15am Pick up: Ibis Christchurch

Drop-off: Christchurch Railway Station

TranzAlpine Train - Christchurch to Greymouth Rail Service

Please check-in at the designated departure or pick-up point 20 minutes prior to the scheduled time as shown above.

08:15am  Departing Christchurch   

01:05pm  Arriving Greymouth

7.45am: Check-in at the KiwiRail - The Great Journeys of New Zealand ticket counter located at Troup Drive, Christchurch. Please have your booking reference ready for check-in.
Travel from one coast of New Zealand to the other on the Tranz Alpine today, one of the world's great scenic railway journeys. 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 before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth. This rail trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 19 tunnels and 4 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.
All train carriages include both one way seating and tabled seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board.

Shared Transfer Greymouth to Franz Josef

01:30pm Pick up: Greymouth Railway Station

05:00pm Drop-off: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Board your Great Sights/Intercity coach for your journey to Franz Josef.
Depart Greymouth and head south on State Highway 6, passing through large areas of land that have been worked over for alluvial gold by panning, sluicing and dredging, to arrive in Hokitika. From here, the road dips in and out of dense bush for many miles, crossing beautiful stretches of countryside scattered with milling and farming settlements to Franz Josef, the first of the West Coast’s two well known Glacier settlements. Explore its spectacular scenery with one of the many local guiding companies or opt for a flightseeing tour via helicopter or plane.

The best observed and recorded of all the country's many glaciers, Franz Josef  lies 25 kilometres to the north of Fox and was named after the Austrian emperor by Julius Von Haast, the first European to explore the glaciers here. View the glacier from the lookout point at the end of the Franz Josef Road.

Today is free at your leisure in Franz Josef.

There are numerous optional helicopter flights, glacier hele-hikes & Glacial valley walks that are possible.  Just ask us!

Optional Tours:

3 hour Heli-Hike **

Includes: A raincoat and overtrousers, boots, crampons, woollen socks, gloves, a hat and hot pools admission.

Franz Josef Glacier is 12 kilometres long and fed by a massive 20 square kilometre snowfield at the top of the Southern Alps. It features ice pinnacles as high as multi-story buildings, deep crevasses and stunning, pristine blue ice. It’s all on show and the most dynamic glacier in New Zealand is accessible to you via one of the most exhilarating experiences in the world. Witness the majesty of the beautiful ice formation from the air as your helicopter takes to the skies above the glacier. Then descend onto the glacier itself and set foot on the ice. Your heli hike guide will lead you through some of the most stunning ice formations, immersing you in the world of the Franz Josef Glacier. To touch the ice and breathe in the fresh alpine air is a unique experience and one you will never forget.  Your tour also includes admission to the Franz Josef Hot Pools located in the heart of Franz Josef township on Cron Street. 

Neve Discoverer Helicopter Flight - The Helicopter Line **

Includes: Scenic helicopter flight, snow landing atop the Glacier, informative pilot commentary.

Are you ready for an adventure? Part of the mystique of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers is that they are constantly moving. On this flight, which glacier we land on and where is dictated by daily movement of the ice formations and the weather patterns that these vast areas of ice impact.

**Ask us for further details.

Shared Transfer Franz Josef to Queenstown

08:00am Pick up: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

04:30pm Drop-off: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Board your Great Sights/Intercity coach for your journey to Queenstown.
Leave the small village of Franz Josef, access point to the world famous Franz Josef Glacier, and journey through the remote and rugged landscape of the West Coast. This is New Zealand at its purest and most untamed – see moody mountain ranges, thick native rainforest and wild rocky shores as you travel in comfort, enjoying the commentary from your local driver guide. Cross over to the East Coast through the Haast Pass, the southernmost pass in the Southern Alps. On the other side, enjoy picture-postcard views of vibrant blue lakes like Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka and Lake Dunstan as you make your way into scenic Queenstown, arriving in the late afternoon.

Jetboat Ride (Shared Activity)

Notes: Check-in at 8.45am

Time: 09:30am

Departure Point: The Station Building, corner of Camp and Shotover Streets, Queenstown.

Transfer by coach to the Shotover River. Known as the world's richest gold bearing river, the Shotover's rugged canyons have been carved over thousands of years by billions of tonnes of glacial water sluicing from the heart of the Southern Alps. Once at the river, board the Shotover Jet for the ride of your life. Skim past rocky outcrops at close range as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds and hold on tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360° spin!

The remainder of the day is free at leisure in the adventure capital of New Zealand.

If walking is of interest to you then you may like to take a lakeside stroll to the Queenstown Gardens, or take a guided ½ day nature walk through native Beech Forest enjoying morning tea on the lakeshore listening to Native bird call’s.
 

Optional Tours:

1. Priority Premium Buffet Dinner Including Gondola **

Includes: Gondola, unlimited still and sparking water, drink (cocktail, beer, wine or soft drink), guaranteed window seat.

The Skyline Gondola will whisk you smoothly up 450 metres to Bob’s Peak, as Queenstown drops away below you. From the top, enjoy buffet dinner whilst taking in the breathtaking views, which extend almost 360 degrees from Coronet Peak around to the Remarkables and on to Cecil and Walter Peaks on the other side of Lake Wakatipu.

2.  Walter Peak Evening Gourmet Barbecue Dinner **

Departing at 06:00PM

Step aboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a 40 minute cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Onboard, the Captain provides an interesting commentary as you take in the spectacular views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the western shores of Lake Wakatipu.  Disembark from their TSS Earnslaw cruise at Walter Peak where they are escorted through the lakeside gardens to the recently refurbished Colonel’s Homestead and seated for dinner. Relax in the unique ambience in front of a roaring open fire and soak in the views from this stunning lakeside setting while the chefs prepare a gourmet BBQ on the grill. There’s a selection of succulent New Zealand meat and seafood accompanied by delectable seasonal salads, tasty dessert treats and local cheeses. All meat and seafood is cooked on the BBQ and rotisserie in front of guests. A locally influenced wine list and other beverages are available to purchase at the bar. After the meal join an entertaining farm experience which gives an insight into life in the New Zealand high country including a sheep shearing demonstration. The night-time cruise home is magical. Join in the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist.

3.  Half Day Shotover River Heliraft **

Includes: Courtesy transport, specialist river clothing, safety briefing, professional guides, hot showers at Rafters Lodge and Scenic helicopter flight. 

Combine the thrill of white water rafting with a spectacular scenic helicopter flight to the rafting launch site deep within Skippers Canyon, then raft down the mighty Shotover River. Tackle ten rapids and raft through the darkness of the 170 metre Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting down the Cascade Rapid to complete the challenge.  On completion of your rafting experience, enjoy light refreshments at Rafters Lodge and use of the hot showers. This rafting trip is grade 3-5 and participants must be confident in water.

4. Queenstown Panorama Helicopter Flight **

Includes: Hotel pickup and drop off, scenic helicopter flight, Alpine landing (possible snow landing in winter), informative pilot commentary.

Designed to surprise, this relaxed and leisurely flight takes in the dramatic panorama of Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. You'll appreciate first-hand how Queenstown earned its name; a town fit for the Queen. Surveying the kingdom, the silent tranquillity will descend upon you. This is bound to be the most memorable Queenstown activity you do! Duration - 20 minutes with seasonal snow landing.

5. Kawarau Jump -   A J Hackett Bungy **

Includes: Coach transfers from The Station Building, t-shirt and certificate.

The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is home to the original 43 metre Bungy Jump and where Bungy founders AJ Hackett and Henry van Ash started it all. The world's first and most infamous of leaps is still going strong, with tens of thousands of people Bungy jumping each year. At the world's best-loved Bungy site, the choice is yours; tandem or solo. Then you can decide whether to bob above the water, touch it, or be fully immersed.

Please note: Minimum weight of 35 kilograms and maximum weight of 235 kilograms for the Kawarau Bungy.

**Ask us for further details.

Half Day Safari of the Scenes - Wakatipu Basin (Shared Tour)

08:15am  Pick up: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

12:30pm  Drop-off: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Includes: Hotel pickup/drop off and refreshments.

You will be met outside the hotel lobby. Please be ready 15 minutes prior to the specified pick-up time.

Visit the filming locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), Gladden Fields, the Ford of Bruinen and more. Travel an historic goldmining road, following the Arrow River, stop for a refreshing morning or afternoon tea and the opportunity to try your hand at gold panning. Take in the spectacular panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin. 

Remainder of day at leisure.

Milford Sound Coach/Nature Cruise/Coach (Shared Tour)

07:15am  Pick up: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

08:15pm  Drop-off: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Includes: 1 x Picnic Lunch per person, Hotel pick up and drop off, cruise.

Board a luxury coach in Queenstown, and travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a morning tea break (own expense), the coach continues along the spectacular alpine route of the Milford Road through impressive, awe-inspiring scenery. Considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, experience this journey in comfort on a glass roofed coach, with glass above every seat. Upon arrival in Milford Sound, board an extended and leisurely cruise. Onboard you will cruise the full length of Milford to the Tasman Sea whilst a nature guide provides a detailed commentary. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the stunning scenery, including waterfalls, rainforest, the towering peaks and wildlife. Following the cruise, return to Queenstown by coach.                                                   

What to bring: Comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing and insect repellent.

Transport Private Charter

09:00am Pick up: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

01:25pm Drop-off: Wains Hotel Dunedin

This morning you will be transferred from Queenstown to Dunedin via Alexandra, Roxburgh, Rae’s Junction & Milton.  Upon arrival check into your hotel.  The remainder of day at leisure.

This morning is free at your leisure in Dunedin to explore Dunedin City.

Suggestions include visiting: a harbour cruise on the MV. Monarch, visiting the Speights Brewery Ale House, Otago Settlers Museum & the Dunedin Botanic Garden.

This afternoon's tour combines tourism and conservation and provides absolutely unrivalled viewing of estuarine and marine wildlife. Your knowledgeable guide will provide an informative commentary while viewing Hooker's Sea Lions, Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, a breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals and Royal Albatross. A further 25 to 30 other estuarine and marine bird species may also be seen today. Close up, unobtrusive viewing from beach locations and strategically placed observation hides is guaranteed.

Clothing & Footwear. The tour is an outdoor activity in a land where maritime weather prevails, the weather can change very quickly on the Southern coast at any time of the year. Always take warm and waterproof clothes. Walking shoes or boots with heavy tread are recommended and necessary if conditions are wet or muddy.

Private Car/Driver City Hotel to Dunedin Airport

Pick up: Wains Hotel Dunedin

Drop-off: ex Flight from Dunedin Airport

You will be met outside the hotel lobby by Classic Jaguar Limousines. Please be ready 15 minutes prior to the specified pick-up time.

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred by private vehicle to Dunedin airport.

Depart Dunedin on your flight to Auckland.

Upon arrival into Auckland transfer from the Domestic to the International Terminal using the free shuttle bus or alternatively walk the distance of 1km.

Depart Auckland on your International Flight to the USA.