Grand New Zealand
If you have the time the Grand Tours are the best way to see a country because they hit all of the major highlights as well as other great locations that can't fit on a typical itinerary. On this tour you will be able to taste a little of everything ...
Read Full Description- Destination:
- Auckland, New Zealand; Christchurch, New Zealand; Dunedin, New Zealand; Franz Josef, New Zealand; Kaikoura, New Zealand; Milford Sound, New Zealand; Napier, New Zealand; New Zealand; Queenstown, New Zealand; Rotorua, New Zealand; Wellington, New Zealand
- Trip Length:
- 20 days
- Price Range:
- From $4000 to $5000 per person See what this includes and what this excludes
- Best Time to Go:
- Any time.
- Recommended for:
-
15 - 17, 18 - 20, 25 - 30, 31 - 35, 41 - 50, 51 - 55
Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around the World
Detailed Trip Description
If you have the time the Grand Tours are the best way to see a country because they hit all of the major highlights as well as other great locations that can't fit on a typical itinerary. On this tour you will be able to taste a little of everything New Zealand has to offer: gorgeous scenery, intriguing cities, Maori culture, wine regions and more.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - On the Plane
Commercial Flight
Today you leave to New Zealand. The adventure begins!
Day 2 - On the Plane
In Flight.
Commercial Flight
You lose this day due to the International Dateline; you will get it back at the end of your trip.
Day 3 - Auckland
Welcome to Auckland.
Hotel
You arrive in Auckland. You will be transferred to your hotel.
Relaxation
Where you will have a chance to rest or get refreshed for the day.
Sightseeing
This afternoon enjoy a city sights tour of Auckland where you will visit Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. You will also visit the Auckland Zoo, where you can enjoy a Native New Zealand Encounter show. Then sail on the Pride of Auckland sailing yacht where you can sit back and relax or try your hand at sailing. Next visit the Sky Tower which is the tallest building in the Southern Hemishere. A light snack will be included.
Day 4 - New Zealand
Sightseeing
Today you will travel to the Bay of Islands. Arrive in Paihia and enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand's most important document of state was signed.
Day 5 - Auckland
Bay of Islands - Auckland.
Sightseeing
This morning you will cruise to Cape Brett and through the famous Hole in the Rock. On your return journey stop at Otehei Bay, where you will have a chance to swim, take a walk or simply relax. After you will return to Auckland.
Day 6 - Rotorua
Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua.
Sightseeing
Travel south to the Waitomo Caves. Experience a guided tour of the Glowworm Grotto and an underground boat ride. Continue on via Lake Karapiro to Rotorua.
Food and Dining
In the evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert.
Day 7 - Napier
Rotorua - Taupo - Napier.
Sightseeing
This morning take a short journey to Taupo where you will be taken on a guided highlight tour which includes Boat Harbor, Craters of the Moon and the Aratiatia Rapids. Enjoy a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls, before continuing on to Napier. Tonight you will have a walking tour of Napier's fascinating Art Deco architecture.
Day 8 - Wellington
Napier - Wellington.
Wine
Enjoy a tour of some of Hawke Bay's leading wineries. Then you will travel to Wellington.
Day 9 - Wellington
Sightseeing
This morning you will have a city sights tour. This afternoon is free. This is a great opportunity to visit Te Paupa which is the most highly rated museum in New Zealand. Admission is free of charge and this is a place you could spend the majority of the day. There are many exhibits that interest most people and personalities.
Day 10 - Christchurch
Wellington - Christchurch.
Sightseeing
You will have a free morning. Then you will have a flight to Auckland. You will have a free day in Auckland.
Shopping
You have the opportunity to visit the shops on Queen St. You arrive in Christchurch, the Garden City.
Hotel
You will be transferred to your hotel where you will have a chance to rest or get refreshed for the day.
Sightseeing
Go punting on the river running through the city. Afterwards you have some free time to walk around the botanical gardens.
Day 11 - Kaikoura
Christchurch - Kaikora.
Sightseeing
Board the Great Sights tour for the full day Whale Watching Tour. Leaving Christchurch, your coach will cross the North Canterbury Plains and continue through the Hundalees. Travel by the rugged coastline to Kaikora. Whale watching is at its best as you cruise in special purpose built sea craft to view the majestic whale. The sea also abounds with other sea life; seals, Dusky dolphin and the rare Hector dolphins can sometimes be seen. You will then return back to Christchurch.
Day 12 - Franz Josef
Christchurch - Trans Alpine - Franz Joseph.
Train
Board the scenic Trans Alpine Train for a journey famous for it's spectacular mountain scenery. From Greymouth, travel onto Franz Joseph.
Day 13 - Franz Josef
Sightseeing
Today you can explore the glacier at your leisure.
Hiking
Scenic Flight (helicopter or ski plane), Guided Hike up the Glacier.
Day 14 - Queenstown
Franz Joseph - Queenstown.
Sightseeing
Travel south through the stunning West Coast Scenery through the Haast Pass. Journey past Lakes Hawea and Wanaka, then continue to Queenstown.
Day 15 - Queenstown
Sightseeing
Today you can take the action packed shotover jet. Here you will be able to experience the jet boat at the extreme. The rest of the day is free. Queenstown is the unofficial adventure city in the world. Here you have so many options for adventure activities to get the adrenaline pumping.
Rafting
Rafting, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Ride, Sky Dive.
Day 16 - Queenstown
Sightseeing
You will have a 4WD Lord of the Rings tour. This tour gives you the opportunity to see the incredible natural backdrops for this movie. Even if you are not a Lord of the Rings buff, you will enjoy this tour because of the beautiful sights. There is a morning tea included. Afternoon Options: Any of the above listed activities. This evening you will travel by Gondola up the side of the mountain.
Food and Dining
Here you will be able to enjoy a buffet dinner whilst overlooking the lights of the city.
Performing Arts
Then you will enjoy a Maori experience and show. After the show you will have an opportunity to take a photo with a male & female Maori performer.
Adventure
There is a bungee swing on the top that can be pre-booked. This bungee experience includes jumping off of a ramp and is great for a beginning bungee. You will take a Gondola back down.
Day 17 - Milford Sound
Queenstown - Milford Sound.
River, Barge or Yacht Cruise
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Upon arrival in Milford, join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise for an unforgettable experience. Return to Queenstown.
Day 18 - Dunedin
Queenstown - Dunedin.
Train
You will travel to Pukerangi where you will transfer to the Taieri Gorge train.
Sightseeing
View Otago's unspoilt landscape as your journey takes you into rugged terrain with sightseeing stops along the way. You will then arrive in Dunedin.
Day 19 - Dunedin
Sightseeing
This morning is at leisure. If you would like you could visit the Jacobean Olveston House, or take a guided tour of Larnach Castle. The downtown area has some great shops so this would be a good time to get in some shopping. This afternoon you will be taken on a tour of the Otago Peninsula including the renowned Royal Albatross Colony (seasonal).
Day 20 - Christchurch
Dunedin - Christchurch.
Sightseeing
This morning you will have some leisure time.
Commercial Flight
You will then be transferred to Christchurch. You can be transferred by coach or flight.
Sightseeing
The rest of the day is at leisure. You can enjoy the charming feel of the Garden City.
Day 21 - Christchurch
Airport Transfer
You will be transferred to the airport where you will fly home with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
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Transfers, hotels, sights and admission as per the itinerary, meals as per the itinerary. Price is based on double occupancy.
Budget Excludes:International flights, domestic flight, meals not listed on the itinerary, tips, New Zealand departure tax, activities listed as option or optional.
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