Great New Zealand Discovery
Great New Zealand Discovery
Great New Zealand Discovery
27 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: New Zealand
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTNNZ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
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
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
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23 nights in hotels and 3 in flight
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International flights. Prices are based on return flights with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow via Singapore.
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Titan tour manager
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28 meals: 23 breakfasts 1 lunch 4 dinnersundefined excursions and visits
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Akaroa harbour cruise
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Visits to Otago Peninsula (including Royal Albatross Centre); Fiordland National Park; Westland National Park; Church Road winery; Huka Falls; Te Puia; and Coromandel Peninsula
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Doubtful Sound/Milford Sound overnight cruise
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4WD safari through Skippers Canyon
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Haast River jet boat safari
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TranzAlpine train
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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