Discover New Zealand with Cook Islands add-on
Discover New Zealand with Cook Islands add-on
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Discover New Zealand with Cook Islands add-on
29 Days Starting and ending in United Kingdom
Visiting: Auckland, Paihia, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Southern Alps, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Omarama, Rarotonga
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LNZRA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Discover New Zealand with Cook Islands add-on" tour. This adventure begins in Auckland, where you'll explore the vibrant cityscape and iconic landmarks. Travel through the stunning landscapes of New Zealand, visiting the historic Treaty House of Waitangi, the geothermal wonders of Te Puia Thermal Reserve, and the breathtaking Milford Sound. Experience the thrill of the TranzAlpine train journey and the serene beauty of the Glow Worm Caves. The tour also includes a cultural immersion with a traditional Tamaki Hangi feast. Conclude your journey with a relaxing stay in the Cook Islands, where you can unwind on the pristine beaches of Rarotonga. With 23 nights in comfortable 3 to 4-star hotels, return flights, and guided tours, this trip offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 Uk - Auckland
Location: Auckland
The day has finally arrived. Your much-anticipated trip to New Zealand begins with a flight to Auckland on the country’s North Island.
Day 3 Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Auckland
Travelling to the other side of the world means that you will arrive in New Zealand on day 3.
Day 4 Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
The vibrant city of Auckland - the largest in New Zealand - is situated on the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, this morning we’re going to discover the city on a sightseeing tour. We’ll take in fabulous views of the harbour and see highlights including the imposing War Memorial, St Patrick's Cathedral and the Auckland High Court, which is allegedly modelled on England’s Warwick Castle. Once you have your bearings, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. You could head up to the observation deck of the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the city from above. Alternatively, if you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, why not stroll through beautiful Albert Park or step inside Auckland Art Gallery.
Day 5 Auckland - Paihia
Location: Paihia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Hotel Paihia
Meals Included: Breakfast
There's a scenic treat in store today as we travel along the beautiful Hibiscus Coast to Paihia, in the Bay of Islands. As the name suggests, this forest-covered region is home to more than one hundred islands and is scattered with idyllic paradise-like beaches. En route, we'll visit the Treaty House of Waitangi, the country’s first British residency. Here you will learn about the history of the 1840 agreement with the Maoris that formalised New Zealand’s status as a British colony.
Day 6 Paihia - At Leisure
Location: Paihia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Hotel Paihia
Meals Included: Breakfast
You can choose how you spend today. If you want some time to yourselves, perhaps take a stroll along the Wharf and have lunch overlooking the water or relax on a nearby beach. Alternatively, if you’d like to join an organised excursion we offer an optional trip to Cape Reinga, at the very top of North Island. To reach this vast, untouched region, you’ll journey along the sandy shore of Ninety Mile Beach and negotiate the Te Paki Quick Sand Stream, travelling beside towering dunes. When we arrive in Cape Reinga, you’ll visit a lighthouse and take in exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean meeting the Tasman Sea, don’t forget your camera!
Day 7 Paihia - At Leisure
Location: Paihia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Hotel Paihia
Meals Included: Breakfast
You’ve another full day at leisure to relax in beautiful Paihia or you can explore more of the stunning Bay of Islands on an optional cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of marine life, including dolphins and seals as we sail past islands and secluded beaches to the Cape Brett Peninsula. Here, if conditions are right, we’ll sail through the Hole in the Rock, a narrow arch, carved by the forces of nature before enjoying some free time on one of the islands.
Day 8 Paihia - Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
New Zealand’s North Island was shaped by volcanic activity and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua. We’re going to head here today on a journey that takes us through the Waikato farming region. Later, we offer an optional float plane or helicopter flight to Mount Tarawera. As you fly over this volcanic peak and its surrounding scenery, you’ll have a birds-eye view of sparkling crater lakes and the rugged barren landscape.
Day 9 Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s tour takes you to Te Puia Thermal Reserve, an incredible geothermal park, where a Local Guide will take us to see the bubbling mud, pools of boiling water and dramatic spouting geysers. There will also be an opportunity to see craftsmen at work in the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Later, you could join a tour of Hobbiton™, the amazing set created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. As you step into Middle-earth™, you’ll see brightly painted Hobbit Hole™ doors, and the interior of a Hobbit dwelling. Tonight, we are going to immerse ourselves in Maori culture with a visit to Te Pa Tu. In this spectacular forest setting, we’ll learn about the history and traditions of New Zealand’s indigenous people. We’ll experience ceremonial rituals and watch an authentic performance of haka and song before enjoying a meal created by a Maori chef.
Day 10 Rotorua - Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’re driving to Wellington, the country’s capital today. Our journey takes us through the Wairakei Thermal Valley, where we’ll admire the turbulent Huka Falls, pass forested slopes and take in breathtaking views of Lake Taupo. When we arrive in Wellington, we’ll get our bearings on a short tour and see highlights including the harbour and Mount Victoria.
Day 11 Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll explore Wellington in more detail on a walking tour. There is so much to see here, from an array of museums and galleries to historic architecture and fabulous shopping. We’ll explore the lively waterfront area and take a trip on the historic Wellington Cable Car for fabulous views over the city. At the top, there will be time to visit the delightful Wellington Botanic Garden, a 64-acre oasis of calm and tranquillity. The rest of the day is yours to explore more of Wellington at leisure. Perhaps head to the National Museum of New Zealand and discover the diverse array of exhibits exploring everything from the country’s wildlife to its role in the Gallipoli campaign.Wellington is a city brimming with coffee shops, bars and award-winning restaurants so you will be spoilt for choice if you want to head out this evening.
Day 12 Wellington - Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rydges Latimer Square
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we're heading to South Island and will cross the Cook Strait by ferry. A scenic journey of around three and half hours, we’ll travel past dramatic cliffs and rugged landscapes, and navigate fjord-like channels on our way to Picton. After disembarking the ferry, we’ll drive to Christchurch for an overnight stay.
Day 13 Tranzalpine Train
Location: Southern Alps
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast
You have a spectacular journey ahead as you board the TranzAlpine train and head into the Southern Alps, a mountain range that spans almost the entire length of South Island. The journey takes us through narrow gorges and past towering snow-capped peaks, so be sure to have your camera at the ready. When we leave the train in the village of Arthurs Pass, we’ll continue our journey by coach to the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions. Here, vast valleys of ice, hundreds of metres deep, flow down the hillside towards the riverbed. For the ultimate adventure, if the weather conditions are right, this afternoon you can take in sensational views of the glaciers on an optional helicopter flight.
Day 14 Fox Glacier - Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
Meals Included: Breakfast
The road through the Westland National Park has to be one of the most scenic ever built and as we drive along it today, we’ll make stops to take in the wonderful views. We’re heading to Queenstown, New Zealand's capital of adventure, so if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, you've come to the right place! Why not start by joining an optional ride on the Kawarau Jet boat. On this thrilling excursion, you will travel at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and make 360-degree spins in the shallow waters of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers.
Day 15 Queenstown - At Leisure
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today has been left free so you can spend some time at leisure and discover Queenstown at your own pace. You could take the Skyline Queenstown gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak for incredible views of the town and Lake Wakatipu or stroll through the manicured Queenstown Gardens. If you're feeling adventurous, we have another optional action-packed excursion for you to join. Board a jet boat for an exhilarating ride along the Dart River. This evening, you can enjoy a more relaxing experience, with an optional steamboat cruise on Lake Wakatipu and dinner in a restaurant at the foot of Walter Peak.
Day 16 Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is the day you visit one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand – Milford Sound. Located deep within Fiordland National Park, this inky-blue expanse of water is surrounded by forest-covered hills, waterfalls and dramatic mountain peaks. The area is also home to an abundant array of wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins – so remember to keep your eyes peeled. If the weather conditions are good, we'll take in the fjord's majestic beauty on a cruise.
Day 17 Te Anau - Dunedin
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you are going to visit the incredible Glow Worm Caves. After sailing across Lake Te Anau, you will explore this fascinating labyrinth of limestone caverns, rocks and whirlpools on foot. The grotto lit by thousands of glittering glow worms, is a mesmerising and unforgettable sight. Next, we make our way to Dunedin, the city that takes its name from the Gaelic version of Edinburgh.
Day 18 Dunedin - At Leisure
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Victoria Hotel Dunedin
Meals Included: Breakfast
You can spend your time exploring at leisure today. Admire the stunning architecture of Dunedin Railway Station, step back in time to the early 20th century at Olveston Historic Home or just enjoy the town's vibrant shops and restaurants. There is also the chance to join an optional trip to the Royal Albatross Centre on the Otago Peninsula. This is the world's only mainland breeding colony of Northern Albatross, and during your visit, you'll learn more about them, watch a short film and visit the observatory to hopefully see them nesting.
Day 19 Dunedin - Omarama
Location: Omarama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
As we travel northwards to Omarama, we'll make a stop at the Moeraki Beach Boulders. These huge spherical rocks are scattered along the sand and are shrouded in Maori legend. The largest boulders are estimated to have taken around four million years to reach their current size. Some weigh several tonnes and the largest measure more than two metres in width. Our route then follows the Waitiki River inland.
Day 20 Omarama - Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Rydges Latimer Square
Meals Included: Breakfast
We're bound for the Mount Cook region this morning. On the way, we'll make a stop at Lake Tekapo, a picturesque, turquoise-coloured body of water with the Southern Alps as a backdrop. We'll then head over Burkes Pass, a mountain passageway, and continue across the Canterbury plains. This vast patchwork of agricultural land nestled between the mountains and the sea produces more than 80% of the country's grains, crops and seeds. Our journey ends as we arrive back in Christchurch and take a short tour of its highlights. We’ll see the pyramid-shaped Transitional Church, the beautiful Botanic Gardens and the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building with views across the city.
Day 21 Christchurch - Cook Islands
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the Cook Islands via Auckland. As you cross the International Dateline, you will arrive on a previous day, this will be your first night's accommodation on the Cook Islands.
Day 22 Rarotonga
Location: Rarotonga
Accommodation: Hotel
On arrival we will transfer to our hotel. We will stay at the Manuia Beach Resort in Rarotonga, described as a Polynesian Paradise. A small boutique resort on the sunset coast, featuring spacious guest bedrooms, tropical gardens and a beautiful beachfront location. There is a beach side infinity pool which overlooks the lagoon, whilst coconut trees line the shore. Refreshing tropical cocktails and traditional local Polynesian cuisine are served at the On the Beach Restaurant and Bar.
Day 23 Cook Islands
Location: Rarotonga
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your stay is in Rarotonga, the capital and the hub of the Cook Islands. You are free to relax and enjoy this paradise island which is surrounded by a sparkling blue lagoon and steeped in Polynesian culture.
Day 24 Cook Islands
Location: Rarotonga
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You are free to relax today and explore the island further, with not a traffic light to be seen, getting around Rarotonga can be a casual meander on the island bus. An optional excursion will be available to book through our agents.
Day 25 Cook Islands
Location: Rarotonga
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy getting to know this cultural island with its traditional arts and crafts of weaving, carving and painting which are integral parts of the island or join an optional excursion.
Day 26 Cook Islands
Location: Rarotonga
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today enjoy further what Rarotonga has to offer, with its pearly white sand lined beaches with swaying palm trees, enticingly warm temperatures and a relaxed ambience, enjoy your last day before travelling to the airport for your flight back to New Zealand.
Day 27 Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
We arrive back in New Zealand, in Auckland where we have the chance to relax and get a nights sleep ahead of our flight back to the UK.
Days 28 & 29 Auckland - Uk
Location: Auckland
You will take your return flight and arrive back to UK today.
What's Included
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Return flights from London
Return flights from London are included in the tour package.
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Travelsphere Holiday Director and Driver Guide
A Travelsphere Holiday Director and Driver Guide, including a local representative for the Cook Islands, are included.
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Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
Overseas transfers, other transportation, and porterage are included in the tour.
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Journey on the TranzAlpine train
A journey on the TranzAlpine train is included in the tour.
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Beautiful Milford Sound including lunch
A visit to the beautiful Milford Sound, including lunch, is part of the tour.
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Glow Worm Caves
A visit to the Glow Worm Caves is included in the itinerary.
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See the Moeraki Beach Boulders
The tour includes a visit to see the Moeraki Beach Boulders.
What's Not Included
Optional excursionsOptional excursions such as the Cape Reinga trip, jet boat rides, and helicopter flights are not included and can be booked separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes return flights from Heathrow with Singapore Airlines via Singapore, scheduled flights, overseas transfers, and other transportation including a journey on the TranzAlpine train.
Accommodation
Enjoy 23 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels plus 3 nights in flight, including stays at Crowne Plaza Auckland, Kingsgate Hotel Paihia, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, and Manuia Beach Resort in Rarotonga.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy 23 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels, including stays at Crowne Plaza Auckland, Kingsgate Hotel Paihia, Millennium Hotel Rotorua, and Manuia Beach Resort in Rarotonga. Additionally, there are 3 nights spent in flight.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 24 meals: 22 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner along with a welcome drink.
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Is there a local guide available during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Travelsphere Holiday Director and Driver Guide, as well as a local representative for the Cook Islands.
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What transportation is included in the tour?
Transportation includes return flights from Heathrow with Singapore Airlines via Singapore, scheduled flights, overseas transfers, and other transportation such as a journey on the TranzAlpine train.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional excursions available, such as a trip to Cape Reinga, a cruise in the Bay of Islands, a float plane or helicopter flight to Mount Tarawera, a tour of Hobbiton, a jet boat ride on the Kawarau River, and a steamboat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
Unique experiences include visiting the Te Puia Thermal Reserve, experiencing Maori culture with a visit to Te Pa Tu, exploring the Glow Worm Caves, and a cruise on Milford Sound.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Travelsphere’s Flexibility Promise has been created to give you complete peace of mind and make you feel confident when booking your holiday with us. We have also been awarded the WTTC safe travels stamp which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Travelsphere has been operating escorted touring holidays for 60 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travelsphere, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive Holiday conformation upon booking, and then several documents detailing any adddiotnal information and the optional excursions that you can book before you travel. The final information covering your flights, hotels and itinerary will be sent to you around 14 days before your departure date.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, we do not offer single share options
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, Im afraid not
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accomadate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - and make sure you have your booking number to hand.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Our Travelsphere Cares programmes, in partnership with the Planeterra Foundation, support local projects and social enterprises by helping them earn an income from tourism. We simply donate a portion of the funds from our tours, so it’s great to know that when you travel with us you are helping to change lives and turn travel into real impact.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like minded travellers
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travelsphere allows you to make 4 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
Travelsphere allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform travelsphere, 75 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Travelsphere requires a minimum deposit of 21% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travelsphere charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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