Great New Zealand Discovery
Great New Zealand Discovery
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Great New Zealand Discovery
27 Days
Visiting: Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Kaikoura, Wellington, Taupo, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SENNZ
Tour Overview
Covering the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ from top to bottom, this New Zealand itinerary includes all the best bits of both islands. There’s whale watching, wine tasting and fiord cruising, plus opportunities to get a real insight into Maori culture, as we make our way from Christchurch up to Auckland. Uncover the Scottish heritage of Dunedin (gateway to the wildlife-filled Otago Peninsula), admire Napier’s art deco architecture, and sip flat whites in the artisan coffee shops of Wellington and Auckland. As New Zealand escorted tours go, this one is truly comprehensive.
Highlights
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Our VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flights to Christchurch.
Day 3
Our first stop on our New Zealand itinerary is Christchurch. The capital of the South Island is known as the most ‘English’ of New Zealand’s cities. On arrival, you’ll have the remainder of the day free to explore or relax here.
Day 4
New Zealand has a distinctive European feel wherever you go and while Christchurch’s architecture is reminiscent of England, Akaroa is undeniably French. In fact, the town strives to recreate the feel of a provincial French village - and it’s utterly charming.
We head to the Banks Peninsula and, on arrival in Akaroa, take a two-hour cruise of the harbour and learn how the entire Banks Peninsula was created from a huge volcano. Be sure to keep an eye out for adorable fur seals, dolphins and penguins. After, you’re free to explore this French settlement.
Day 5
We travel south to Dunedin. With a strong Scottish heritage, Dunedin is home to New Zealand’s only kilt shop and produces the country’s whisky. We stay here for two nights.
Day 6
Our excursion today takes us to the Otago Peninsula, home to many species of magnificent marine life including blue penguins, the rare New Zealand sea lion and endangered yellow-eyed penguin. Wander the walkways to get a closer glimpse of the wildlife and admire the views over the sheer cliff edge. Our visit includes the Royal Albatross Centre.
Day 7
When you first began dreaming of your New Zealand adventure, it might have been the epic landscapes of the Fiordland National Park that flashed into your mind’s eye. Some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes can be found here; giant granite peaks, steely blue waters, frolicking penguins and dolphins. Brace yourself for a journey of a lifetime, deep into the Fiordland.
We’ll first journey to Lake Manapouri, before boarding Fiordland Navigator for Doubtful Sound. The rest of the afternoon is spent gliding through the glorious, unspoilt landscapes. This evening our vessel will anchor in a quiet part of the sound where we’ll spend a truly enchanting night in the wilderness.
Day 8
We return to our coach for the journey to Queenstown and our hotel.
Days 9-10
These two days are free for you to explore the alpine resort of Queenstown and the sublime wilderness that surrounds it. This cosmopolitan city boasts a great art scene, excellent vineyards and five international-standard golf courses. Keen walkers may like to look into hiking from the city to Queenstown Hill or through the pine forests of Ben Lomond Reserve to Bob’s Peak (with a gondola option available) to enjoy stunning views over the city and Lake Wakatipu.
Day 11
Departing Queenstown today, we embark on a 4WD off-road safari to explore some of New Zealand’s hidden wonders. Take in stunning mountain and canyon vistas, some of which were used in the Lord of the Rings films, and long abandoned heritage sites. We return to our coach for the journey to the scenic town of Wanaka.
Day 12
Enjoy some time this morning to really take in your spectacular surroundings. Late morning we head out to Haast Bridge to join an exhilarating 30km river safari along the crystal clear, glacial Haast River to Billy Falls, tumbling down the untamed landscape of Mount Aspiring National Park. Our journey continues by coach to Franz Josef.
Day 13
This morning we travel to Greymouth, where we board a train for the famously scenic TranzAlpine journey. Ascending through thick beech forest, we traverse the mammoth Southern Alps and beautiful Arthur’s Pass National Park to Springfield. On arrival, we board a coach for Kaikoura.
Day 14
We have a morning whale-watching cruise (weather dependent). The waters off this stunning coast are full of nutrients that attract marine wildlife including the giant sperm whale.
The afternoon is free to spend in this quaint coastal town known for its abundant wildlife. Maybe take a leisurely walk along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway with lovely sea views and the chance to see a colony of New Zealand fur seals.
Day 15
We’ll continue to Picton and board an Interislander ferry across the Cook Strait, named after Captain Cook who was the first European to sail the route in 1770. We’re heading for the North Island and the city of Wellington, perched prettily on a craggy harbour. It’s compact with a big-city buzz and we’ll whizz round on an orientation tour.
Day 16
Enjoy a free day in Wellington where you can relax on the inner-city beach, visit art galleries, or enter Weta Cave to get a look behind the scenes of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. You could visit Te Papa Tongarewa Museum - New Zealand’s national museum, which tells the country’s fascinating history, cultural and natural heritage. The city is also an ideal base for outdoor adventure, with beautiful walks available.
Day 17
We leave Wellington and travel north to Hawkes Bay, pausing at the highly acclaimed Church Road winery for a tour and tasting - one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries, the first vines were planted here in 1897. We continue to the town of Napier, famed for its beautifully preserved art deco buildings, constructed after a devastating earthquake in 1931. We take a short walking tour of the town before continuing to our hotel for the night.
Day 18
We make our way to Lake Taupo, formed in a huge volcanic caldera and one of the largest lakes in the world. We’ll stop en route to witness the crashing, crystal blue waters of Huka Falls as they flow from the lake. We’ll stay overnight in the town of Taupo, situated on the north-eastern shore.
Day 19
Today we make our way to Rotorua. Later on today, we’ll get an unforgettable insight into Maori culture at Tamaki Village. Learn ancient Maori customs and protocols as you enter the village, deep in a natural forest, and find out about the distinctive facial tattooing, weaving and carving techniques through demonstrations. You may also have opportunities to participate in warrior training and perform the haka, all before a delicious hangi feast.
Day 20
Today is free for you to explore Rotorua, a town where volcanic activity manifests in many forms. Visit the geothermal area to see the bubbling mud pools and sulphur vents, or just relax in the Polynesian Pools, Rotorua’s hot springs located by Lake Rotorua.
Day 21
This morning we make a stop at Te Puia and the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, located within Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Here you can visit a kiwi enclosure, the world-famous Pohutu Geyser, and more than 500 natural geothermal wonders. The Maori people who live here work hard to keep their ancient skills and heritage alive.
We then continue along the coastal highway to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Day 22
A discovery of the stunning Coromandel Peninsula is this morning’s excursion, including Hot Water Beach, before our exploration takes to the water, as we join a ferry from Cooks Beach to Whitianga. There will be free time to explore before we continue to the ruggedly beautiful city of Auckland.
Day 23
We discover Auckland, known as ‘The City of Sails’ on a morning sightseeing tour. With water lapping its shores from two harbours, it’s hard to imagine a more attractive city setting. To finish off your tour, choose between a guided visit to the All Blacks Experience (an interactive experience and immersive insight into New Zealand’s national sport and its legendary team) or step back in time on a guided tour of the Gallery Highlights at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
This modern city is easy to navigate, so you can enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore under your own steam. Perhaps visit Parnell Village, home to boutiques and Victorian-styled shops. Or choose to ascend Auckland’s Sky Tower, for incredible views over the city, volcanic cones and farmland beyond.
Day 24
We say our goodbyes to Auckland today and head north to the Bay of Islands. New Zealand’s subtropical region is also home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where in 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi (New Zealand's founding document) was signed.
Day 25
After a leisurely morning, we cruise to the Cape Brett Peninsula to visit the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukokako Island. According to Maori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle and drops of water from the cave roof above were a good omen.
If conditions allow, we’ll sail through ourselves. Whales and bottlenose dolphins can be spotted in this area, so keep your camera ready.
Day 26
We travel south along the Hibiscus Coast to Auckland Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Day 27
Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
What's Included
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23 nights in hotels and 3 in flight
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Titan tour manager
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International flights. Prices are based on return flights with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow via Singapore.
Check out our Q&As
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Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?
In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able to check the details for you.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Titan Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform titan travel, 75 days before departure.
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Titan Travel requires a minimum deposit of 395 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of titan travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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