Tour Date – 2024 (exact dates to be announced)
Discover vibrant cities, secluded beaches and rugged wilderness on this journey from Auckland to Christchurch. This tour takes you from New Zealand's largest city through beautiful beach towns, volcanic landscapes and the cool little capital to the South Island. Here you'll discover delicious wine, lush rainforests and ancient glaciers as you travel down the West Coast and through stunning alpine resorts, before ending your journey in the innovative city of Christchurch.
Auckland (1 night), Coromandel (1), Rotorua (2), Wellington (2), Kaikoura (2), Hokitika (1), Fox Glacier (2), Queenstown (2), Mt. Cook (1) and Christchurch (2)
Tour Highlights:
- Tour the exciting and scenic city of Auckland
- Admire miles of spectacular coastline and farming communities on the Coromandel Peninsula
- Visit the Miranda Bird Sanctuary
- Explore Cathedral Cove where the ocean washes through a natural arch onto a white sandy beach
- Learn about New Zealand’s wildlife at the Rainbow Springs Nature Park and visit the National Kiwi Hatchery
- Cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri, then visit the waterways of a serene fiord
- Visit the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, home to some of the highest mountains and longest glaciers
- Local vineyard and wine cave tour of the Gibbston Valley Winery
- Learn about New Zealand at the Te Papa National Museum
- And more…..
2024 New Zealand Encompassed Tour Dates & Prices
To Be Announced
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Auckland – Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland City – 1 night
Welcome to New Zealand! Auckland is the largest urban city in New Zealand and has the largest concentration of Polynesian people in the world. As an evolving modern city, Auckland has an ever-changing skyline, pulsating waterfront and new infusion of restaurants and bars.
Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
A welcome dinner is included at a local restaurant.
Day 2 - Coromandel – Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge – 1 night
Following orientation, we begin with a morning Auckland City sightseeing tour. We will experience many of the best and most scenic sights including Queens Street, Viaduct Harbour, and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Explore Parnell Village, where historic buildings have been transformed into a trendy shopping area before arriving at the Auckland Domain. With its classic charm, it is the city’s oldest and one of its largest parks, situated on a 62,000-year-old volcano.
This afternoon, we travel to the Coromandel Peninsula, with a stop at the Miranda Bird Sanctuary. On the West Coast, the Coromandel has miles of spectacular coastline with never ending beaches, coves and harbours. Formerly a gold-mining and timber town, Coromandel township is now a haven for artists, craftspeople and conservationists.
Settle into the seaside resort community of Pauanui located on a shallow, tranquil harbour.
Breakfast included
Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash
Day 3 - Rotorua – Sudima Lake Rotorua – 2 nights
After breakfast, we travel to Cathedral Cove, where the Pacific Ocean washes through a natural arch onto a white sandy beach backed by white cliffs. There will be a half-hour self-guided downhill walk to the beach.
We continue our journey to the famous Hot Water Beach. This is one of the only places where naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from deep within the earth to emerge through golden sand.
Following lunch, we continue the tour south through the mountain range to an active gold mining town of Waihi. Travel through Tauranga, one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities to Rotorua, for a 2-night stay.
Breakfast included
Photo by marina on Unsplash
Day 4 - Rotorua – Sudima Lake Rotorua
Situated amongst flourishing native forest and natural springs, today we will see and learn all about New Zealand’s wonderful wildlife. The Rainbow Springs Nature Park is home to many native animal species including birds, reptiles and aquatic life, and offers visitors the opportunity to meet these stunning creatures face-to-face! Also located on-site is the National Kiwi Hatchery, the most successful Kiwi hatchery in the world.
Next, we set out on a guided walk to explore Orakei Korako Geothermal Park, arguably the best thermal area left in New Zealand. Explore a volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.
After lunch we make our way back to Rotorua for some free time before this evening's Maori Cultural Experience and included dinner.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 5 - Wellington – Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay – 2 nights
From Rotorua, the Thermal Explorer Highway takes us south to the heartland of Taupo, famous for its freshwater lake. Just about everywhere you look in the Lake Taupo region, you will see a volcano.
The journey continues as the coach makes its way through the central North Island and National Park to Wellington. The world’s most southern capital in the “Roaring Forties” latitudes, is perched on the edge of a spectacular harbor surrounded by green, towering hills. Here you will find a unique blend of national treasures, arts, and culture, gastronomic delights, shopping and scenic beauty.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Photo by Aaron Mickan on Unsplash
Day 6 - Wellington – Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay
Lace up your walking shoes! It’s a full day of exploring the city’s cultural sites. Our first stop is the Te Papa National Museum for a guided tour. Te Papa is a modern purpose-built museum with interactive and reminiscent displays offering an insight into the people called New Zealanders.
After Te Papa, we walk to the Wellington Cable Car, one of Wellington’s oldest and most popular tourist attractions. The cars run from Lambton Quay in the heart of the central business district, whisking us past corporate towers and parks, to the top of the entrance of the Wellington Botanic Garden. Enjoy sweeping views of the city and harbour from the lookout during a break for lunch.
This afternoon we participate in a guided tour at Zealandia, the world’s first fully fenced urban eco sanctuary. The ground-breaking conservation project that has reintroduced over 20 species of native wildlife back into the area, some of which were previously absent from mainland New Zealand for over 100 years.
Breakfast Included
Photo by Guillaume Lebelt on Unsplash
Day 7 - Kaikoura – Sudima Kaikoura – 2 nights
An early morning transfer to the Wellington Ferry Terminal for ferry service to the South Island. The 92km voyage takes approximately 3 hours and has been described as “one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.”
Upon arrival into Picton, we meet our new bus and driver for service to Kaikoura, the whale-watching capital of New Zealand. The picturesque coastal town is the perfect place for marine life encounters, coastal walks, and tucking into a plate of crayfish. En route, the group will visit a local winery with tastings included.
Breakfast Included
Image by alimison from Pixabay
Day 8 - Kaikoura – Sudima Kaikoura
Enjoy a relaxing morning stroll through a Lavender Farm admiring tranquil gardens, sipping a coffee or tea and learning about the distillation process of pure lavender and rosemary essential oils.
Visiting the Kaikoura seal colony in New Zealand’s South Island offers one of the best wildlife experiences in the country. Observe seals and seabirds, and enjoy clifftop views, while walking along the Kaikoura Peninsula. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast Included
Day 9 - Lake Brunner – Lake Brunner Lodge – 1 night
From the comfort of our motorcoach, we drive through the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland to a High-Country Sheep Farm. Observe a sheep shearing and mustering demonstration followed by a farm-style afternoon tea.
We continue our journey through the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass - admire the spectacular gorges and river valleys, pausing for photo stops along the way.
Settle into our lake lodge on the stunning shores of Lake Brunner, famous for brown trout fishing. Tonight, dinner is included.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 10 - Fox Glacier – Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier – 2 nights
This morning we travel to Hokitika, a ‘frontier town’ famous for Greenstone (Jade). There are some lovely old buildings on the town’s historic walk, where you can spend time observing artists at work. Visit the greenstone/pounamu galleries to watch Greenstone being sculpted, and discover the importance of this stone to Maori.
We continue onwards to Franz Josef for a self-guided glacier walk along the ancient river valley.
Overlooking New Zealand’s highest tallest peaks, Mt Cook and Mt Tasman, we spend the night at the cozy Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier which sits in the heart of the old gold rush township of Fox Glacier village.
Breakfast Included
Photo by James Lee on Unsplash
Day 11 - Fox Glacier – Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
Today is a free day to explore the great outdoors!
Day 12 - Queenstown – Kamana Lakehouse – 2 nights
Discover the rugged scenery along one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring highways as we drive to Queenstown. As we journey via Haast Pass, a region so spectacular UNESCO awarded it the status of being a 'World Heritage' area, we stop for a self-guided walk to marvel at the vast rainforests, waterfalls and untouched landscape.
An afternoon break at the Gibbston Valley Winery to experience a wine tasting in New Zealand's largest wine cave.
We spend the next two nights at the highest situated hotel in Queenstown, Kamana Lakehouse, offering spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the iconic mountain range. Enjoy an exclusive peaceful retreat while discovering the adventure capital.
Breakfast Included
Photo by Michael on Unsplash
Day 13 - Queenstown – Kamana Lakehouse
Experience the spectacular, remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound on a full day wilderness cruise tour. Journey across Lake Manapouri, over the breathtaking Wilmot Pass and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord. Three times longer than Milford Sound, with twisting arms, it has a surface area ten times larger. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away. This is a must-do for nature lovers and explorers alike.
Breakfast and Picnic lunch Included
Photo by Sulthan Auliya on Unsplash
Day 14 - Mt Cook – The Hermitage – 1 night
Departing Queenstown for Mt Cook, we will travel through ruggedly beautiful landscapes, over passes and into Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Spend the afternoon hiking the region and learning more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor's Centre complete with a museum and planetarium.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Photo by Aleks Dahlberg on Unsplash
Day 15 - Christchurch – Distinction Hotel – 2 nights
Depart the Southern Alps for Christchurch, with a stop at Lake Tekapo along the way. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and admire the stunning scenery that surrounds this local landmark.
Upon arrival we have a city orientation tour. Christchurch is one of the world’s most unique destinations, combining urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and exhilarating activity. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces.
Breakfast Included
Day 16 - Christchurch – Distinction Hotel
Explore lesser-known paths around Christchurch on this walking tour of the city led by a member of Rekindle — a social enterprise where resourcefulness skills are shared among members to build self-confidence and create art out of under-valued materials. The hands-on, workshop-based environment keeps everyone engaged and helps to strengthen the community.
Discover more of the city at leisure before our farewell dinner situated in picturesque Botanic Gardens.
Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 17 - Goodbye!
Today we transfer to the airport for our flights home.
Breakfast Included
Singles wishing to share: We often get requests for single travellers wishing to share accommodation. If you are interested in traveling with a companion please let us know and we can try to match you up with a suitable traveling partner.
Transfers: To and from the airport to your hotel are included on the tour dates. Airport transfers can be arranged for a cost when you purchase extra nights before or after the vacation.
Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory. Cancellation and trip interruption insurance is optional. Premiums depend on your age, the length of time away and the cost of your tour and insurance will be discussed and quoted at the time of booking.
Payment Schedule:
Tour Deposit: $300.00 per person.
Forms of Payment: Cheque, Visa and Master Card or by e-mail. Payments made by credit cards will be subject to a 3 percent processing fee. For information regarding e-mail payments contact your financial institution. It is easy and convenient.
Cancellation Policy: In the event that you have to cancel you must notify Discovery Tours immediately in writing. The following scale of charges will apply according to the date that notice is received. Air fare penalties may differ and will be discussed at the time of ticket purchase.
| Notification: | Penalty: |
| 65 days or more | Deposit Only |
| 64 to 30 days | 50% of Tour cost |
| 29 days or less | 100% |
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"New Zealand Encompassed"