Bucket List New Zealand

Bucket List New Zealand

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Bucket List New Zealand

9 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand

Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch

Tour operator:

Costsaver

Tour code:

CSARTM25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Luxury

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Bucket List New Zealand" adventure tour, a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultures of New Zealand. Begin in Auckland, exploring the waterfront and iconic sites like Mission Bay. Experience the unique Maori culture in Rotorua with a traditional performance and hangi-inspired cuisine. Discover the charm of Queenstown, cruising Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, and indulge in the region's renowned wines. Delight in the natural beauty of Lake Tekapo, visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach and enjoy an intra-air flight from Auckland to Queenstown. Stay in carefully selected hotels, ensuring a restful retreat after each day's adventures. With daily breakfasts included, this tour offers a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, making it an unforgettable New Zealand experience.

Highlights

  • Auckland: Sightseeing includes the waterfront out to Mission Bay.

  • Guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa.

  • Rotorua: Maori cultural performance and hangi-inspired cuisine at Te Po Indigenous Experience.

  • Queenstown: Cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

  • Cromwell: Taste the delicious stone fruit at a stall belonging to a local orchard.

  • Lake Tekapo: See the Church of the Good Shepherd.

  • Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set in Rotorua.

  • Discover iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations in Glenorchy.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: President Hotel

Accommodation Name: President Hotel

Kick off your bucket list New Zealand and Australia tour in Auckland, the City of Sails. After your arrival team up with your Travel Director and the rest of the group before jumping into adventure with a tour of the city sights. Make your way around the waterfront from central city out to Mission Bay. Have your camera ready for the stop at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial – it's the place to get stunning shots of Auckland, the North Shore and the Waitemata.

Day 2: Auckland Your Way

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: President Hotel

Accommodation Name: President Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

A little bit of leisure, a little bit of culture – and a lot of spots to explore today, your way with Choice Experiences like a ferry ride to Waiheke Island to join the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus or lunch at a winery. Or, learn what it takes to make, shape and be an All Black rugby player. You’ll have a blast channeling your inner athlete and testing your rugby skills in our hands-on, interactive zone.

Day 3: Auckland - Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Ibis

Accommodation Name: Ibis

Meals Included: Breakfast

Set off through Cambridge, ‘The Town of Trees and Champions,' on your way to Rotorua. Get your bearings before the ultimate New Zealand experience: a guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the leader in kiwi husbandry. Learn about their work to save New Zealand’s national bird, watch kiwi eggs being incubated and even peek at the adorable newly hatched chicks. Choice Experiences abound. This evening, you may choose to embark on the Te Pō Indigenous Experience at Te Puia. Dig into hangi-inspired cuisine before a Maori cultural performance.

Day 4: Rotorua Your Way

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Ibis

Accommodation Name: Ibis

Meals Included: Breakfast

Go big on nature wowing at the scenic wonders of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. You could take a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, stroll around the 12-acre set past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you’ll enjoy Hobbit South-farthing beverage to end your own Middle-earth adventure. Or, relax with the magical two-hour restorative journey spa experience at Wai Araki Spa. And don’t miss your chance to discover Rotorua’s spectacular lakes from a fully restored World War II amphibious vehicle accompanied by stories.

Day 5: Rotorua - Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel back to Auckland by coach on your bucket list New Zealand tour for your flight to Queenstown, adventure capital of the world. Wind around the shores of Lake Wakatipu and get your bearings for what’s to come. With anticipation building, speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations for tonight. They’re always eager to help! Internal flight included Auckland-Queenstown.

Day 6: Queenstown Your Way

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast

Thrill-seekers, foodies and outdoor enthusiasts are all in for a treat: today and tomorrow are all about taking in Queenstown and its world-famous adventures how you choose. Movie buffs can get the best of both worlds on a scenic tour of Glenorchy to discover iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations. Wine-lovers can join a Boutique Wine Tour of Queenstown, sampling Central Otago’s signature Pinot Noir and more at four vineyards. After a day of activity, choose to sit back and relax on an evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a high-speed catamaran to Walter Peak Station, where you’ll sit down to a mouth-watering BBQ dinner and farm show at the Colonel's Homestead.

Day 7: Queenstown Your Way

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast

The roll-call of activities you can sign up for is near endless. Tick a must-see South Island icon off your bucket list and join the day trip to the Fiordland National Park, cruising through the show-stopping Milford Sound. Make the most of the region’s great outdoors visiting the Kiwi Park wildlife sanctuary of over 20 species of native New Zealand wildlife. Adrenaline junkies will have their pick of the bunch, with jet-boat tours on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, experiencing the famous 360 degree “Shotover Jet Turn”. Unwind grabbing a bite and raising a glass to another incredible day.

Day 8: Queenstown - Tekapo

Location: Lake Tekapo

Accommodation: Godley

Accommodation Name: Godley

Meals Included: Breakfast

Set your course to the Mackenzie region with a stop in Cromwell to taste stone fruit at a stall belonging to a local orchard. Get your cameras ready for views across the waters of Lake Tekapo framed by rugged hills and snow-capped mountains. In Tekapo, see the Church of the Good Shepherd and the bronze statue of a collie dog, the touching tribute to the sheepdogs which helped develop the Mackenzie Country. Later, take your pick of ways to explore to take in the stunning region. See Mount Cook National Park from the air soaring over New Zealand's highest peak and on to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Tonight, choose to view Tekapo's world renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve viewing amazing constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, including the Southern Cross, with a local astronomy guide.

Day 9: Tekapo - Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north to Christchurch via Ashburton. In Christchurch, bid farewell to New Zealand.

What's Included

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most regions

    Travel in comfort with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most regions.

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    Benefit from the guidance of an expert Travel Director and the skills of a professional Driver throughout the tour.

  • Extensive variety of Choice Experiences

    Enjoy a wide range of Choice Experiences tailored to your interests.

  • City orientation tours

    Participate in city orientation tours to get acquainted with the destinations.

  • Daily breakfasts included

    Start each day with a complimentary breakfast included in the tour package.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Stay in carefully selected hotels known for their comfort and convenience.

  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes

    All hotel service charges, tips, baggage handling fees, and local taxes are covered.

  • A Costsaver bonus: Intra-Air Flight: Auckland to Queenstown.

    Enjoy an included intra-air flight from Auckland to Queenstown as a Costsaver bonus.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the Gourmet Food & Wine Tour, All Black rugby experience, and various adventure activities in Queenstown are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from New Zealand are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and enjoy an intra-air flight from Auckland to Queenstown as part of the tour.

Accommodation

Stay in cherry-picked hotels, including the President Hotel in Auckland, Ibis in Rotorua, Holiday Inn Express in Queenstown, and Godley in Lake Tekapo, all tried and trusted for comfort and convenience.

Dining Summary

8 Breakfast (B)

Essentials

Auckland: Sightseeing includes the waterfront out to Mission Bay.A guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa.Queenstown: Orientation tour.Cromwell: Taste the delicious stone fruit at a stall belonging to a local orchard.Lake Tekapo: See the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi available in most regions, and an intra-air flight from Auckland to Queenstown.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in cherry-picked hotels known for their comfort and convenience, including the President Hotel in Auckland, Ibis in Rotorua, Holiday Inn Express in Queenstown, and Godley in Lake Tekapo.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Daily breakfasts are included in the tour package.

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, a Maori cultural performance with hangi-inspired cuisine at Te Po Indigenous Experience, and a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, optional activities such as the Gourmet Food & Wine Tour, All Black rugby experience, and various adventure activities in Queenstown are available but not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

ONE OF MY BEST TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE!

12-Jan-2023

Travel Director Alberto and Driver Victor were providing excellent services and amazing travel experiences. Since I came back I strongly recommended to all my contacts how impressed I am with your Professional Team.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Definitely recommend

14-Dec-2022

Trip was planned well and the experience was great. Would definitely recommend and do another

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best trip ever!

20-Jan-2023

Our trip was absolutely outstanding, organized and just plain fun. Agnes is a wonderful tour-guide, knowledgeable and we never had to worry about anything. And Frank, our bus driver, always had a smile and gave us the smoothest bus ride ever! And I've been on buses around the world... If we ever go again (hopefully), Costsaver would be my first and only choice and hopefully we will get "team" Agnes and Frank again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best Travel Experience

05-Jan-2023

We have traveled to Europe many times but this time Spain was different. It was fantastic trip, our tour director was professional and informative.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

No hesitation recommending Costsaver

17-Jan-2023

I had the time of my life. It was an incredible experience.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Why I chose Costsaver

15-Jan-2023

1. The visited places were interesting. 2. A real value for money. 3. Super knowledgeable and friendly tour director 4. Secure and safe. 5. Comfortable bus. 6. Efficient hotel check-in experience. 7. Highly experienced driver. 8. Excellent coordination with hotels.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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