Great New Zealand Discovery

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

Visiting: New Zealand

Tour operator:

Titan Travel

Tour code:

TTNNZ

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

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

  • Savouring the silence on an overnight cruise through the serene and spectacular sounds of the Fiordlands

  • Akaroa harbour cruise

  • Visits to Otago Peninsula (including Royal Albatross Centre); Fiordland National Park; Westland National Park; Church Road winery; Te Puia; and Coromandel Peninsula

  • 4WD safari through Skippers Canyon

  • Haast River jet boat safari

  • TranzAlpine train

  • Kaikoura whale-watching cruise

  • Tamaki Village Maori cultural experience

Places You'll See

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Great New Zealand Discovery

Itinerary

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Day 8 : 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 Te Puia Maori 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.
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 Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

What's Included

  • 23 nights in hotels and 3 in flight

  • International flights. Prices are based on return flights with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow via Singapore.

  • Titan tour manager

  • 28 meals: 23 breakfasts 1 lunch 4 dinnersundefined excursions and visits

  • Akaroa harbour cruise

  • Visits to Otago Peninsula (including Royal Albatross Centre); Fiordland National Park; Westland National Park; Church Road winery; Huka Falls; Te Puia; and Coromandel Peninsula

  • Doubtful Sound/Milford Sound overnight cruise

  • 4WD safari through Skippers Canyon

  • Haast River jet boat safari

  • TranzAlpine train

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Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the tour?

    During the tour, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including fur seals, dolphins, penguins, blue penguins, the rare New Zealand sea lion, endangered yellow-eyed penguins, and giant sperm whales. Additionally, you may spot whales and bottlenose dolphins during the cruise to the Cape Brett Peninsula.

  • What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to Tamaki Village for a Maori cultural experience where you can learn about ancient Maori customs, facial tattooing, weaving, and carving techniques. You may also participate in warrior training and perform the haka before enjoying a traditional hangi feast.

  • Are there any special excursions or activities included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes several special excursions and activities such as a 4WD safari through Skippers Canyon, a Haast River jet boat safari, a whale-watching cruise in Kaikoura, a TranzAlpine train journey, and a cruise to the Cape Brett Peninsula to visit the Hole in the Rock.

  • What kind of landscapes and natural scenery will I see on this tour?

    You will see a variety of stunning landscapes and natural scenery including the serene sounds of the Fiordlands, the epic landscapes of Fiordland National Park, the Southern Alps, Arthur’s Pass National Park, the crystal clear waters of the Haast River, and the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Additionally, you will experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the volcanic landscapes around Lake Taupo.

  • What are some of the historical and cultural sites visited during the tour?

    The tour visits several historical and cultural sites including the Royal Albatross Centre on the Otago Peninsula, the Church Road winery in Hawkes Bay, the art deco buildings in Napier, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands, and Te Puia and the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute in Rotorua.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 23 nights in hotels and 3 nights in flight. The accommodation is specified or similar to what is mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Are there any free days or leisure time included in the itinerary?

    Yes, there are several free days and leisure time included in the itinerary. For example, you have free time to explore or relax in Christchurch on Day 3, two free days in Queenstown on Days 9-10, a free day in Wellington on Day 16, and a free day in Rotorua on Day 20.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 28 meals: 23 breakfasts (days 4-26), 1 lunch (day 7), and 4 dinners (days 7, 11, 13, and 19).

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.

Reviews of this operator

Brian Jones (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from the great...

08-Apr-2024

Recently returned from the great Indian rail journey.My wife and I could hardly believe the value for money.From pick ups from Durham to Heathrow and back,to the number of coach and train journeys , quality hotels, great choice of food throughout and our first night in Heathrow Hilton. What really made our trip a success was our guide, Prashant,who managed a party of twenty four very varied, sometimes a little unpredictable travellers with ease.Nothing was too much trouble for him and as a group we gelled and warmed to Prashant as he kept us safe, well informed and a little entertained by his mix of authority and humanity.Where do I begin with the tour itself ? India,a country of extremes.Poverty,wealth,order,chaos.Sometimes bleak,often breathtakingly beautiful.The people,the cities,art, architecture,flaura and fauna.Delhi,Jaipur, Amritsar,Agra, Ranthambore, Chandigarh and the icing on the cake that is Shimla. An absolute masterclass of man versus nature,the railway and buildings are an unbelievable feat,but wait until you see the dual carriageway being built on the mountainside.🤯I could go on for a very long time but I'll just post some photos.Thanks to Titan,thanks to the excellent Prashant and and a massive thanks to the other twenty two travellers who helped shape our holiday of a lifetime.🏁💜

Odile Lawen (Google Reviewer)  

I have booked the Icelandic...

11-Mar-2024

I have booked the Icelandic Adventure holiday with Titan Travel, the Booking Staff was pleasant throughout. What I love about Titan Travel, transfer from your home to the airport and vice versa is included in the holiday.

Thomas Fisher (Google Reviewer)  

Danube cruise was great value....

13-Sep-2023

Danube cruise was great value. Well organised. Clear instructions from Titan prior to travel. Door to door service great.

Sarah Hoad  

Exceptional trip and service by Titan

04-Oct-2022

Just returned from a fabulous tour of California & the golden west. It’s a full on tour with early starts but you see so much varied landscape from the ocean to the desert to Yosemite. My 2nd tour with Titan & my first solo tour. Thoroughly enjoyed it & met some great people. Grand Canyon was amazing would definitely recommend

Trustpilot
Ms Margaret Aldgate  

Not merely a holiday, rather a memorable experience

29-Dec-2022

I have used other travel operators; this was the 1st time of touring with Titan----Israel, The Holy Land, from being collected from home and returned at the end of the holiday this was an unforgettable experience; the Tour Manager, a PhD Archaeology made the whole tour so interesting, he enlightened us throughout each day from an historical, archeological and Biblical viewpoint, bringing each site we visited come to life, and went over and above his remit escorting us for evening trips around the local area; thanks also to our very patient driver who coped with the very busy traffic; our hotels were good, professional and pleasant staff and really good food; I would recommend Titan to anyone looking for a fascinating tour with excellent efficient service thank you Titan nor just for a holiday for a memorable experience

Trustpilot
Sella Shan (Google Reviewer)  

We had a 2 weeks...

05-Dec-2023

We had a 2 weeks fantastic holiday arranged by Titan to Vietnam and Cambodia. Excellent,well organised Throughly enjoyed. Very good service by Vietnam Airlines, if you could afford book it in premium economy. We had a door to door service , picked up to airport from home and then dropped at home from airport, very convinient. Particular credit goes to our guide THI who is a caring, knolegeable, friendly down to earth man who made our trip a memorable one. I will not hesitate to book another holiday through Titan, their staff are friendly and helpful

Eileen Bulsara (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic holiday...

26-May-2023

We had a fantastic holiday in Mississippi. Right from our chauffeur driven car picking us up to the return journey, we had a great time. The first hotel The Gaylord was amazing,absolutely huge,first class. The second The Double tree in Memphis unfortunately wasn't, the hotel was tired and very basic, the only plus was where it is situated in the centre of town, we were only there two nights so it wasn't to bad. The American Queen Steam Boat was first class all the way, thoroughly enjoyed the seven nights sailing down the Mississippi. The last hotel the Sheraton New Orleans was very comfortable too. Our guide throughout our time away was Laura Tuttle. she was amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. We also had a coach driver Guil, who went over and beyond to give you the best time. Other coach guides included Jim,who was so funny, and also very knowledgeably. Very entertaining throughout. The entire itinerary itinerary was very well thought out, included a huge variety of visits to different Interesting locations. Highly recommend using Titan for all your holiday destinations.

Nic (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful travel company I booked my...

15-Jun-2024

Wonderful travel company I booked my first tour to lndia and was wonderfully taken care of Highly recommended, especially tour guide Janice

Susan Hawken (Google Reviewer)  

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!!...

03-Feb-2024

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY!!!! (Dreadful) Avoid Titan and Saga at all costs. False descriptions of the tour and dreadful administration Returned to the UK last evening with a great sigh of relief after the worst holiday ever. 1. No block booking of airplane seats by Titan. (Husband and I sat apart on the long, overnight flight) 2. Unable to pre-book seats as Titan reference numbers did not coincide with anything. 3. Husband and I not sat together on any of the train journeys! In fact, on one occasion I was sat, alone on a sleeper carriage, a couple of carriages away from the rest of the group who were scattered over two or three carriages. Terrifying as a female to be sat alone in the midst of noisy locals!!!!! (Eventually the guide, Rahi, did come to rescue me and found a seat near the main group) 4. The guide, Rahi, would usually get off the coach and begin walking off without waiting for all the group to disembark the coach. (Spot the guide in the crowd!) 5. The guide, Rahi, refused to use any identifying prop such as a flag, hat, jacket or umbrella. Frightening to be in the manic crowds of Delhi and other crowded places to be unable to see the guide. 6. NO AUDIO HEADSET system on any excursion 7. The guide, Rahi, didn’t face the whole group, but stood sideways on and was unable to be heard by the majority. 8. OUTRAGEOUS behaviour by the guide when he enquired as to the whereabouts of my husband, whom I explained was in bed with an upset stomach and was feeling unwell. Rahi DID A REVERSE AIR PUNCH😳😳. This was in response to an earlier conversation when my husband had complained about our separate seating arrangements. TOTALLY UNPROFESSIONAL 9. When we arrived at Heathrow to find our aircraft seats were not allocated, we were advised to speak to our guide on arrival at Delhi. Rahi merely shrugged his shoulders and said he couldn’t do anything. 10. Tour pace incorrect - gruelling pace and only half a day relaxation due to the guide, Rahi, throwing in visits to shops and factories fie him to earn his commission as I head him tell another!!!!!!! 11. When off loaded the return flight due to illness, we were unable to get in contact with Titan/Saga. Left in Delhi without an hotel or flight!!! Found accommodation but didn’t remove shoes or clothes due to the poor standard. Final summary: Poor, disappointing, inefficient, incompetent, misleading, misrepresentations, are just a few words to describe.

Linda Vokes (Google Reviewer)  

Luxury VIP door to door...

17-Jul-2023

Luxury VIP door to door travel! I don't think so....Titan sent a Toyota Prius uber to Stanstead for a return journey to Newport, S Wales. 4 adults plus luggage! the experience was anything but luxurious. Contacted Titan on the return journey and since return. They simply didn't seem interested and offered us a £300 travel discount off a future trip! After a lot of emails they converted it to a £300 cash refund. Give it a lot of thought before booking !

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Titan Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 75 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to 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.

  • Low Deposit

    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.

  • 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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