12 Days: New Zealand Tour & Rail Journey [ST-NZD13]
Starting at
$3,672
Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Auckland (2 Nights), Wellington (2), Christchurch (1), Franz Josef (2), Queenstown (3)
  • US Domestic Flights not included per your request
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Auckland (Return) (Not included, but can be included upon request)
  • New Zealand Domestic Flights- Queenstown to Auckland
  • Shuttle Transfers - Auckland Airport to Accommodation, Auckland Accommodation to Train Depot, Wellington Train Depot to Accommodation, Wellington Accommodation to Ferry Terminal, Picton Ferry Terminal to Train Depot, Christchurch Train Depot to Accommodation, Queenstown Accommodation Airport
  • Day Tours Included - Auckland: Auckland City Revealed, Visit Waitomo and Hobbiton (return to Auckland), Scenic Train Ride from Auckland to Wellington; Wellington: Museum tour & Ship ride with Fish & Chips, Scenic Ferry, Wellington to Picton; Picton: Train ride from Picton to Christchurch; Christchurch: Coach Tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Fox Glacier; Queenstown: Gondola Ride with Spectacular Views, Dart River Safari
  • All other Day Tours listed are Optional (Not Included)
  • Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (additional US$15.00 per person)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
(Day 1) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Auckland (Check quote for inclusion)

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Auckland.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

(Day 2) - Shuttle Transfer, Auckland Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

(Day 2 to 4) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Auckland

Travel to your accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Auckland is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world– renowned as that ‘City Of Sails.’ Dramatic landscapes and seascapes provide a diverse playground in which a compelling range of attractions are available. Visitors come to enjoy an array of exciting entertainment, leisure, culture and dining possibilities in New Zealand’s largest city.

(Day 2) - Day Tour, Auckland City Revealed

This city tour showcases the highlights of Auckland and takes you on a journey to explore the Maori history, along with the legends and stories behind some of the famous local landmark names.

After your pickup from your city accommodation, you will travel up Queen St, through Auckland’s central business district, past Auckland University, and into the city park known as The Domain, where there is a great photo-stop opportunity.

You will continue through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby, known for its historic buildings, before heading over the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore. Here you can stroll on a beautiful beach with views out across the Waitemata harbor to Rangitoto Island. There is also a small local cafe here if you want to try some local baking and coffee.

Next there is a short drive through historic Devonport to get to the panoramic views over Auckland that you can only get from Mount Victoria – often considered the best view of Auckland.

You will then travel back over the Harbour Bridge to stop at Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere, with views through the yacht masts to the city skyline. This is and easy morning tour introducing you to the diverse city of Auckland. Finish your adventure with a ride back to your Auckland accommodation.

Operates
Daily
Departs 9:00am, Returns 12:00pm (approx.)
Tour does not operate Christmas and New Year’s Day

Includes
– 3-hour guided tour
– Pick up and drop off at inner city accommodation
– Multiple photo stops
– Stop by a beach and cafe (food and drink not included)

Need to Know
– Food and beverages are not included
– Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
– Please wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing (lighter clothing in the warm months, heavier clothing in the cooler months)

Upgrades
– Private tours available

(Day 3) - Full Day Tour, Visit Waitomo and Hobbiton (return to Auckland)

Take a journey into the heart of the Central North Island, visiting scenic highlights like the Waitomo Caves and the Hobbiton Movie Set on a full day sightseeing tour from Auckland.

Leaving Auckland in the morning, travel by deluxe coach through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Your experienced local driver guide will inform and entertain you, pointing out sites of interest including Rangiriri, the site of a major battle between British forces and local Maori in 1863.

In Waitomo, enjoy a 45-minute guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Explore the underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. The Glowworm Grotto is a magical way to end the cave tour, as you travel by boat through a cavern lit up by thousands of twinkling glowworms.

Enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch (vegetarian and other dietary options available on request) en route to Rotorua, where you will transfer onto the Hobbiton Movie Set coach tour and enjoy a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to Matamata, a rural Kiwi town well-known for its thoroughbred industry and dairy farming. Just outside the township is the picturesque 1,250 acre farm where scenes from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies were filmed. The charming countryside of The Shire, as described in JRR Tolkien’s books, was carefully created on this working sheep and beef farm. The home of the heroic hobbits Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin has been preserved since filming wrapped, and now draws visitors from around the world.

On your guided Hobbiton Tour you will see where the movie magic was created. You’ll get the chance to see Hobbit holes, the Mill, the Green Dragon Inn and many other structures created for the films, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-Earth. After your movie set tour, spend some free time in Matamata, before boarding your coach for the return journey to Auckland.

(Day 4) - Shuttle Transfer, Auckland Accommodation to Train Depot

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, to the train depot.

Please note: 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

(Day 4) - Day Tour, Scenic Train Ride from Auckland to Wellington

Travel through the heart of New Zealand and experience the North Island’s extraordinary range of scenery in one journey.

The Northern Explorer takes you through rolling green farmland and virgin bush, past quaint country towns and along rocky coasts. The journey through Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains -Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu – is a highlight, a place of extremes and surprises, where snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests can be seen side by side.

Operates
Monday, Thursday, & Saturday
Departs Auckland 7:45am and Arrives in Wellington at 6:25pm

Includes
– Train from Auckland to Wellington

Need to Know
Children under the age of two years old travel for free only if sharing a seat with an adult.

Photo Credit: KiwiRail Limited

(Day 4) - Shuttle Transfer, Wellington Train Depot to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Wellington Train Station to your vacation accommodation.

Please note: 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

(Days 4 to 6) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Wellington

Travel to your accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located conveniently in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand. It is a short walk from Westpac Stadium, Te Papa Museum and the waterfront. Your vacation hotel has a direct elevator to Lambton Quay via a shopping arcade. Travel to New Zealand’s top wine regions, Wairarapa and Marlborough, which are only a short drive away. Or participate in adventure activities such as mountain biking, sailing, bushwalking and much more.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

(Day 5) - Museum tour & Ship ride with Fish & Chips

A voyage through Wellington’s harbour and nature.

Explore the stunning natural environment of Matiu/Somes Island, discover the city’s history with a guided tour of the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, and enjoy a classic kiwi fish ‘n chips lunch as you ride the ferry to roam the natural conservation environment of Matiu/Somes Island.

Tours depart – 11:00am Monday to Friday and finish at 3:45pm.

Insider's Tip - Wellington Cable Car

The Wellington Cable Car is one of Wellington’s oldest & most popular tourist attractions.

The cars run from Lambton Quay in the heart of the central business district and within 5 minutes whisk you from under the corporate towers of The Terrace past Kelburn Park and Victoria University to the top entrance of the Wellington Botanic Gardens with its magnificent lookout over the City and harbour – Te Whanganui-a-Tara (The Great Harbour of Tara).

Other attractions immediately accessible from the top station are the award winning Cable Car museum situated in the old cable car winding room and the newly opened Carter Observatory. For those wishing to explore further, Kelburn village with its shops and Cafes is a short walk and an ideal stopping off point on your way to Zealandia. There are also easy downhill walks through the Botanic Gardens to Thorndon or back to Lambton Quay via the historic Bolton Street Cemetery and the Beehive.

A fully escorted tour of Wellington’s Cable Car and Museums is available. First stop the Museum of Wellington for the inside story on Wellington’s intruiging past. A short escorted walk along Grey Street then all aboard the Wellington Cable Car…to the top for the best views in Wellington. Learn more about these ‘Relentless red rattlers’ at the Cable Car Museum. The tour ends with tea/coffee and a homemade muffin at the Skyline Restaurant with its commanding views of the city. Take time to explore Kelburn Village or the Botanic Gardens before returning to Lambton Quay on the Cable Car.

Includes return trip on the Cable Car, guided tours and refreshments.

Departs from the Museum of Wellington at 10:00am. (Other times by arrangement) duration up to 2 1/2 hours. Bookings by 5:00pm the day before. Please make your bookings at the Museum of Wellington or at Wellington I-Site corner Victoria & Wakefield Streets Civic Square.

The Cable Cars run every 10-minutes; 7:00am to 9:00pm on Monday; 7:00am to 10:00pm on Tuesday through Friday; 8:30am to 10:00pm on Saturday and 9:00am to 9:00pm on Sunday & Public Holidays (Closed Christmas Day)

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Insider's Tip - Carter Observatory

See the Southern skies & celebrate the culture, heritage and science of the Southern Skies at Carter Observatory – New Zealand’s longest-serving national observatory.



The Carter Observatory is located in Wellington’s beautiful Botanic Gardens at the top of the Cable Car. It is 2 minutes from the top of the Cable Car, 5 minutes walk from the Botanic Garden’s Playground, 8 minutes for the Treehouse Visitor Centre and an easy walk along Upland Road, Kelburn. The easiest way to reach Carter is via Wellington’s iconic Cable Car.



Take a virtual journey through space in Carter’s new planetarium – a state-of-the-art full-dome digital theatre, then take your own steps through space as you walk through the world-class interactive multimedia space experience.

Discover our Universe, along with some of New Zealand’s most prestigious telescopes and astronomical artefacts. Before and after you visit we encourage you to download the latest sky chart to spot the stars.

Open Daily 10am – 5pm Tours Are Not Included (Pay As You Go).

Insider's Tip - Parliament Building

Visit Parliament to discover our buildings and heritage, to see what happens when the House sits, and to learn about New Zealand’s democratic processes. Whether you visit in person in Wellington or take a virtual tour, you can visit Parliament for free.

Free, daily, one-hour guided tours of Parliament begin on the hour at the Visitor Centre in the foyer of the Beehive (Executive Wing). Take a tour with one of our trained guides to visit key parts of Parliament’s buildings and learn about our parliamentary processes.

The Stagecoach City Circular bus runs at regular intervals, seven days a week. This bus stops close to the lower gates of Parliament grounds.

It is easy to find Parliament on foot from the main bus depot – just walk towards the city centre from the bus depot and you will see Parliament Buildings immediately ahead of you.

Parliament grounds are close to nearby Thorndon and most of the inner city. To find the Visitor Centre, walk across Parliament grounds towards the main Parliament entrance and follow the signs.

There’s a wide range of information about Parliament available at the Visitor Centre. If you want to visit the public galleries to watch the House in session, ask for directions from the Visitor Centre staff. We suggest you check the House sitting programme first to make sure that the House is sitting at the time of your visit.

Tour Times: Monday to Friday 10:00am-4:00pm; Saturday and most public holidays 10:00am-3:00pm; Sunday 11:00am-3:00pm (Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, 2nd January, Waitangi Day (February 6th), Good Friday.) Additional tours are offered during school holidays and other busy periods. Tour times are occasionally subject to change.

Insider's Tip - Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand’s nature, art, history, and cultural heritage at Te Papa.

The tiny Colonial Museum opened behind Parliament Buildings shortly after Parliament moved to Wellington in 1865. Te Papa is situated in Cable Street on Wellington’s waterfront.

First-time visitors, don’t miss our exhibition highlights from the story of Maori in New Zealand to the interactive exhibition OurSpace. Te Papa’s user-generated interactive exhibition – contribute your photos and videos from home and, once here, get creative on our interactive wall.


Explore New Zealand’s culture and geography with the interactive map and adrenalin-pumping High Ride. Plus climb aboard a submarine simulator to explore a virtual undersea volcano. Discover the world of Maori as tangata whenua – the first settlers of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Shake things up in the Earthquake House! Discover the powerful geological forces that shape New Zealand’s landscape. See the heaviest colossal squid ever caught and the only complete one on display in the world.
Build a virtual squid from home and then come and find it in exhibition.

From kiwi to kauri, explore the variety of New Zealand’s animals and plants. Enter a junk shop that transports you through 100 years of New Zealand history on film. Visit the unique Marae (communal meeting place), designed and created by leading Maori artists. The Marae embodies the bicultural partnership at the heart of Te Papa.

For private study and research purposes only, you can photograph, film, or video: people in the Museum, general Museum scenes, the building itself. However, public display of these images is strictly prohibited.

You are not allowed to directly photograph, film, video, or otherwise copy any works on display in the Museum, including: display cases, paintings, objects, taonga (Maori cultural treasures). In some exhibitions, photography, filming, and videoing are completely prohibited. A sign at the exhibition entrance will make this clear.

With helpful hosts, cafes, shops, a library, and an onsite multimedia database, Te Papa looks after you well. Access and help for people with disabilities is provided, plus rooms for parents with young children.

Te Papa offers a range of tours, including daily tours and private group tours. We also provide a visitor booklet and an audio guide.

Free Entry (Charges apply to some short-term exhibitions and activities.)
Open Daily: Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm / Thursdays: 10:00am – 9:00pm (Closed Christmas Day)

Insider's Tip - Zealandia

Zealandia: The Karori Wildlife Sanctuary Experience is a protected natural area where the bio-diversity of a square mile of forest is being restored.




Zealandia is a world-first conservation attraction where a unique protected natural area is being patiently restored. Some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered wildlife has been released inside the sanctuary like the little spotted kiwi, tuatara, saddleback, stitchbird and kaka.




Stroll leisurely around natural bush, lakes and historical buildings at your own pace or book a guided tour during the day or night. You can walk across a unique historic dam, see a 19th century goldmine carved deep into the hillside, take a scenic ride on an electric boat or picnic on the lawns by the wetlands. All only 2.5 kilometres from Parliament Buildings.

The Visitor Centre is at the end of Waiapu Road, Karori (first left after the Karori tunnel).
Open Daily 10am – 5pm

Tours Are Not Included (Pay As You Go).

Insiders Tip: Visit the Weta Workshop

Take a trip to the Weta Cave, a mini-museum, a shop and a theaterette that you can visit.



On the corner of the Weta premises in Miramar, Wellington. The museum contains props from films and projects such as Lord of the Rings! In the theaterette we show a 20 minute behind-the-scenes DVD about the work that goes on at Weta. Be sure to visit the shop, which offers everything from souvenirs and Weta merchandise to collectible sculptures.



Entry: Free: Hours: Seven Days a Week, 9:00am – 5:30pm; Phone: 64 (04) 380 9361
Address: Corner of Camperdown Road and Weka Street, Miramar, Wellington
Bus Route 2: Get off at Camperdown Road

(Day 6) - Shuttle Transfer, Wellington Accommodation to Ferry Terminal

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Wellington to the Ferry Terminal.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

(Day 6) - Scenic Ferry, Wellington to Picton (3 Hours)

The 92 km journey across Cook Strait between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island) takes only 3 hours and has been described as `one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world`.

Make your way from Wellington to Picton aboard one of 3 amazing ferries and take in the spectacular views along the way. See the South Island’s Kaikoura ranges and have the opportunity to spot dolphins and sea birds.

Operates
Daily
Departs multiple times beginning at 2:00am.

Includes
– Tranport from the North Island to the South Island
– Beautiful views
– Complimentary internet, newspapers, magazines, beer, wine, tea, coffee, & snacks

Need to Know
Food court, bar, Movie Theatre, and shops are at your own expense.

(Day 6) - Day Tour, Train ride from Picton to Christchurch

The Coastal Pacific train journey travels between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch.

This 5.5 hour scenic feast is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. The Coastal Pacific travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges, one of them being New Zealand’s only road-rail bridge.

This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Travel through some of New Zealand’s finest horticultural and farmland areas, and see amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your train carriage.

Operates
February to end of April – Daily
May to late September – Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Late September to Mid December – Thursday through Sunday
There are seasonal block out dates, please check with your Destination Specialist
Connects with the Interislander 9:00am from Wellington
Connects with the 2:15pm Interislander from Picton

Includes
– Train from Picton to Christchurch
– Spectacular views

Need to Know
If a seat is required for an infant, a separate seat at the child rate must be purchased. Cafe is at own expense.

Photo Credit: KiwiRail Limited

(Day 6) - Shuttle Transfer, Christchurch Hotel to the Railway Station

Travel by shuttle from the train station to your vacation accommodation.

Please note: For transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

(Days 6 to 7) - 1 Night Accommodation in Christchurch

Travel to your accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation in Christchurch, located on New Zealand’s South Island, offers a stylish boutique hotel, just metres from Cathedral Square, major business houses, convention facilities and prime attractions. The city, also known as the “Garden City” offers many opportunities to either rest from your travel or explore the city. Consider traveling to Arthur’s Pass National Park, which has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding its way through New Zealand’s magnificent Waimakariri Gorge.

(Days 7 to 9) - Coach Tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Fox Glacier

Enjoy a three day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via the West Coast.

Day 1: Christchurch-Franz Josef
Leaving Christchurch city on The TranzAlpine train, we cross the Canterbury Plains and into the Arthur’s Pass National Park. From Arthur’s Pass our journey is via an 8.5 km long rail tunnel that has been cut through the heart of the Southern Alps. Once on the West Coast we follow a narrow coastal strip of beech forest with spectacular mountain back- drops south to the glaciers for two nights stay.

Day 2 :Franz Josef
Today we have included a guided walk which accesses the rugged terminal ice face of the glacier. Round trip takes about four hours with about 1 hour spent exploring the lower glacier. Enjoy a fascinating commentary on the history and geology of the area. The rest of the day is free for optional activities which may include scenic flights up to the glaciers, or short walks into the native rainforest.

Day 3: Franz Josef-Queenstown
We travel with Newmans Coachlines deeper into South Westland taking in the spectacle of Haast Pass, carved by the Haast River and framed by the Southern Alps. Take in the views of many beautiful lakes including Wanaka, Hawea, Dunstan and Wakatipu before arriving in Queenstown where the tour concludes.

This tour can also operate in reverse ex Queenstown, ending in Christchurch (same cost).

(Days 9 to 12) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Queenstown

Travel to your accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

It’s all about location! Your 4 star accommodations sits in a tranquil lakefront setting only a minute’s walk from the heart of Queenstown with shopping, restaurants, nightlife and activities all within easy reach. This fresh, modern hotel features rooms and facilities furnished with the finest comforts and conveniences. A place where you can relax with surperb uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains and adjoining gardens. Comfortable and serene you will surely enjoy your stay here!

Upgrades Available: Garden View Room, Lakeview Room

(Day 9) - Day Tour, Gondola Ride with Spectacular Views

One of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex high above town.

Located an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic gondola, Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge is a must-see attraction during your visit to Queenstown. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkable mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It’s truly magnificent and awe-inspiring!

Of course there’s more to do than just admire the view! For an additional cost you can:

  • Enjoy a dinner or relax in the bar in the Skyline Stratosfare Restaurant. Casual dining is also available during the day in the Cafe.
  • Thrill seekers can hurtle down the winding downhill Skyline Luge. Purpose built Luge carts put you in complete control as you take on a half-mile of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. Once you’ve conquered the course, hop on the chairlift and do it all again, and again, and again! Gentle and leisurely or steep and adventurous, you’ll be hooked.
  • Explore the southern night sky of Queenstown with a guided tour of the galaxy and learn about the stars, nebulae and planets that make up our solar system and beyond.

Ask your Destination Specialist about available combo packages to make your day at Skyline more enjoyable.

Various walking tracks can also be accessed from Skyline, from an easy 30 minute walk to a full day hike.

Operates
Daily. Stratosfare Restaurant closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 8:30pm Monday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday. Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 6:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday. Saturday operation hours are 8:50am to 8:30pm.

Includes
– Gondola ride

Need to Know
Gondola ride is approximately 7-10 minutes one way.

Upgrades
– Add a thrilling luge ride to your Gondola experience.
– Add the Taste of New Zealand buffet at Stratosfare Restaurant
– Stargazing evening event

(Day 10) - Day Tour, Dart River Safari - ½ Day

This jet boat adventure offers your senses a feast of spectacular natural beauty on a journey into the wilderness of the World Heritage-listed Mt. Aspiring National Park.

Your day begins with 1.5 hour journey on a jet boat through the Dart River system. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys & waterfalls. Your day includes a guided walk (30 minutes) along the ‘Heritage Trail’ at Paradise. Your guide will provide you with informative & entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest. The forests of this region sit within a World Heritage Area, one of the only natural sites of its kind that is accessible to the public.

Your guide details the fascinating history of this area from the days of Gondwanaland, to quests by Maori for prized pounamu, to the present-day efforts of New Zealand’s department of conservation for the preservation of the area. On the ride home, you will stop to view the epic backdrop for many international movies, including ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.

Dart River Wilderness Safari is a high-country adventure. To ensure that your experience is truly enjoyable, please: Dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes, regardless of season or weather. Bring sunglasses, a sunhat and sunscreen (insect repellent could also be useful in some weather conditions). Note that cameras are carried at customer’s risk.

Tour itself is approximately 3 hours.

Operates
Daily. Does not operate on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Departs Queentown 8:30am
Departs Glenorchy 9:30am

Includes
– Highly experienced professional driver and guide 
– Thrilling ride on a modern, well maintained twin engine jet boat
– Life jackets 
– Transport from central Queenstown location or Glenorchy central location

Need to Know
This experience is not suitable for pregnant women, those with specific medical conditions, including people who suffer from back or neck injuries. Children must be at least 3 years old to join tour. Warm layers of clothing are recommended, including waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear and sunglasses. A small bag can be carried with you for the entire duration of the tour, should you require any extra items.

(Day 11) - Free Day to Explore Queenstown

Spend a day to relax or explore dynamic Queenstown.

This region is renowned for its incedible adventure activities and spectacular outdoor terrain. You could try skiing, snowboarding, bungy jumping, paragliding, jetboating, sky diving and more! Or, if you want something a little more relaxed, you can choose from numerous family activities, nature experiences, tours and beauty spas. One hundred and forty years after our establishment as a gold mining camp, central Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, beneath majestic mountains. There’s a permanent buzz in downtown Queenstown, where you’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Optional Day Tour - Not Included - Deluxe Coach Tour to Mt Cook

Visit Mount Cook National Park and experience the beauty of this Alpine area dominated by Australasia’s highest peak before returning back to Queenstown.

Your coach tour begins and ends in Queenstown.

Depart Queenstown which sits on the shores of beautiful lake Wakatipu.

On your arrival to Mount Cook you’ll have lunch at a village cafe (own arrangements), or explore the walks in and around the village (1 hour approximate).

At Lake Tekapo your have a spectacular sight on clear days of the Southern Alps at the far end of the lake.

Full Day Tour
Fare includes: Selected Queenstown Hotel/Motel pickup and drop off, coach and tax.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Doubtful Sound - Full Day

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.

The only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is to cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass – New Zealand’s most expensive (and majestic) road.
Pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.
Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise on Doubtful Sound – a spectacular pristine fiord. During the cruise, your knowledgeable and friendly skipper or nature guide will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Following the cruise, return to your Queenstown hotel by luxury coach.

Operates:
Daily
Departs 6:55am, Returns 7:30pm (approx.)

Includes:
– Transport by coach to/from Queenstown accommodation
– Lake cruise
– Fjord cruise
– Wildlife viewing
– Insightful commentary by nature guide

Need to Know:
Wear waterproof/warm clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera. Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility. Because of the length of the tour, please bring a packed lunch. Food and drink available for purchase onboard.

Photo Credit: Tourism Media

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Glow Worm Caves

Experience a mysterious underground world with a guided cave tour past the rushing water of an underground stream before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of hundreds of glowworms.

Begin with a cruise to the western shores of Lake Te Anau on a purpose-built scenic cruise vessel. At the entry to the caves at Cavern House, view the informative displays and learn about this geological wonder before you join your guide underground. On the tour of the caves, your friendly guides will point out the highlights and share their knowledge of the caves and its history.
This underground world is astonishingly beautiful. By geological standards, the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them. The result is a twisting network of limestone passages filled with sculpted rock, whirlpools and a roaring underground waterfall. Deep inside the caves, beyond the roar of the water, you will be taken by small boat into a silent hidden grotto inhabited by hundreds of glowworms, unique to New Zealand. In the subterranean darkness, they produce a glittering display that is nothing short of extraordinary.

Operates:
Daily (except Christmas Day)
Departs several times daily from 10:15am to 8:15pm (2.5 Hours)

Includes:
– Returns from Te Anau Visitor Centre
– Scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau
– Guided tour by path and boat of glow worm cave
– Complimentary tea and coffee

Need to know:
This tour departs from Te Anau – a 2.5-hour drive from Queenstown (transfers are NOT provided). Please bring non-slip shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof jacket, warm clothing and camera. Photography is not permitted in the cave. Some bending is required at cave entrance and steps are involved.

(Day 12) - Shuttle Transfer, Queenstown Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

(Day 12) - New Zealand Domestic Flight, Queenstown to Auckland

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Auckland (North Island).

(Day 12) - International Flight, Auckland to Los Angeles (Check quote for inclusion)

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.

  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability and seasonality. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.