Contrasts of New Zealand
Contrasts of New Zealand
Contrasts of New Zealand
10 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch (Nz)
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IZANB1M22
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 54
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Coach tours (worldwide), Cruise, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Ticking off cities, country life, wildlife, moving Maori culture, and dramatic landscapes that have put the country on the map, this New Zealand tour covers it all. Experience a dose of Kiwi hospitality as you explore must-see spots and feast on must-try tastes across both islands in just 10 days.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Kia Ora Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Grand by SkyCity
Meals Included: No Meals
Welcome to Auckland! (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Your New Zealand tour kicks off in the City of Sails where you’ll meet your Travel Director and group for a Welcome Reception at Gusto at the Grand in your centrally located hotel. Feast on their Italian cuisine with a New Zealand flair such as made-in-house pastas and made-from-scratch risotto as you look forward to your New Zealand adventures.
Day 2 : Auckland Sights & Time For Yourself
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your first full day in New Zealand getting lay of the land on a city sightseeing tour viewing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial showing off views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. Learn a bit of history visiting the Auckland Museum located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828. Then visit the stylish suburb of Parnell for a look in its shops, galleries, and maybe a treat in one of its chocolate cafes. With a free afternoon, relax, stroll the waterfront, or take an Optional scenic ferry trip outside the city to Rangitoto Island, the youngest volcano in New Zealand. You can climb this icon walking through lava fields to the highest point on the island where for even more stunning views of Auckland.
Day 3 : The Cultural Capital Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Millennium
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel out of the city today through the dramatic landscapes of Waikato on your way to the cultural capital of Rotorua. Your first stop is the tree-lined streets of Cambridge, a town known for its training grounds for thoroughbred racehorses and famous jockeys. At your next destination in Rotorua you’ll join a Local Specialist for a tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa. Learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national bird. This evening, journey into the forest to a time of warriors and ancient traditions as you Dive Into Culture at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience. You’ll appreciate learning about the traditions of this fascinating culture through a traditional welcome, before watching and joining in Poi and Haka dances. Top off the evening with an authentic Hangi (cooked underground) dinner of potatoes, carrots, lamb, beef, finished with New Zealand’s national dessert, Pavlova.
Day 4 : Adventure Awaits In Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Millennium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get ready for a much-anticipated trip to the charming village of Hobbiton, the movie set of the now iconic The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Upon arrival, you’ll have breakfast at a movie site, feeling as though you’re right there in the film, before you set off on a guided tour through the 12-acre set. You’ll have plenty of time for photo opportunities in the Alexander family sheep farm, Hobbit Holes, and the Mill all the while learning from your guide how the movie was made, famous locations, and the sets’ artistic details. Whether you’re a Hobbit fan or a fan of gorgeous scenery, this tour surrounded by rolling green hills and lush landscape will be a delight for all travellers. After you’ve experienced the beauty of the countryside, return to Auckland for your flight to Queenstown, adventure capital of the world. Check into your hotel and ask your Travel Director for restaurants recommendations to get the best taste of the town.
Day 5 : Cruise On Spectacular Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you'll head through stunning landscapes along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. At Mirror Lakes take to boardwalks through peaceful trees before watching the rushing water at the Chasm in the Cleddau Valley. Plunge through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak - named after its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre headdress - and Lady Bowen Falls before arriving at World Heritage listed national park, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Experience all its beauty on a scenic cruise past sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls watching for dolphins, penguins, and seals. Learn how the area was formed by glaciers and take plenty of photos of the stunning sights before returning to Queenstown. The evening is free for you to stay in and relax or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Day 6 : Queenstown, Yours To Enjoy
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise and shine to your last day in Queenstown with plenty of choices on how to adventure. If you’re a wine lover, join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the famous Otago region known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Or get a taste of country life cruising Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for an authentic Kiwi Farming experience including a sheep shearing demonstration and gourmet barbecue lunch. Go from vineyard to barrel to glass on tours revealing the history of the region and finished with a platter lunch in a picturesque setting. You’ll meet up with your group this evening over a Regional Dinner in nearby historic Arrowtown at the Postmasters Cottage built in 1907. Hear the story of the cottage from being almost demolished by developers to its rescue and purchase by the passionate local community. The restored cottage has now been embellished with verandas and gardens for you to sit down to fresh, local food and wines matched with classic Kiwi hospitality.
Day 7 : Turquoise Coloured Lake Tekapo
Location: Lake Tekapo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Peppers Bluewater Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today your New Zealand tour takes you to lovely Lake Tekapo travelling to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. Visit Jones Family Fruit stall to stroll the orchard and enjoy the peaceful garden. Stop at the quaint, lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd welcomed by its friendly bronze sheepdog statue. As evening falls, you’re treated to a guided stargazing experience with a Local Specialist in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. See the famous Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way and getter a better look at these sparkling wonders with a powerful optical telescope. You'll conclude the day in a Stays With Stories accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. In this area known for its dazzling night sky, there’s plenty to enjoy just stepping outside your room.
Day 8 : The Garden City, Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through South Canterbury on your way to Christchurch. Connect With Locals and enjoy some warm Kiwi hospitality at Morelea, the home of Angie and Stan Taylor. Indulge in a Be My Guest barbecue lunch and hear about a lifetime spent in farming in New Zealand. You'll also get to witness Angie preparing her famous pavlova dessert. After soaking up country life, you’ll arrive in Christchurch ready to explore the Garden City.
Day 9 : Meet The Christchurch Locals
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your last full day of your travels touring the beautiful English city of Christchurch. Begin your tour of the Garden City at the Transitional Cathedral, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, in awe of its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction that gives it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral.” See the city’s top sites including Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, and Bridge of Remembrance. A big day leads to a big evening joining your Travel Director and travel mates for with a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
Day 10 : Farewell Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer to Christchurch Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your incredible travels through New Zealand (flights anytime).
What's Included
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1 Welcome Reception
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9 Breakfasts
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1 Lunch
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2 Regional Dinners
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1 Be My Guest
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1 Dinner
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1 Farewell Dinner
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, Auckland to Queenstown
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Trafalgar allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform trafalgar, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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