14 Day Guided Vacation
Select a departure date
Departs from Christchurch
Returns to Auckland
Priced from $3075
Twin share$4075 Single traveller
$2765 Young traveller
Departures
From 1 June 2017
$3075 adult twin $4075 single $2765 child
Departs
Returns
From 1 October 2017
$3650 adult twin $4770 single $3285 child
Departs
Returns
- Departures
- Definite Departures
- Limited Seats
- Fully Booked/Embarked
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Views over Queenstown
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TranzAlpine Train
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Walter Peak Station
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Hokitika Jade Factory
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Franz Josef Glacier
From the impressive display of the glaciers of the West Coast, to the sensational alpine landscape of Lake Tekapo and Mt. Cook National Park, right up to the extraordinary geysers of Rotorua and the dramatic underground caverns of the Waitomo Caves, there is an abundance of spectacular natural sights to take your breath away.
Itinerary
1 October 2017 - 30 September 2018 ?
Welcome to Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Perhaps take a walk along the Avon River before a welcome reception and dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Included Meals: Dinner
Christchurch – Franz Josef
This morning you’ll board the TranzAlpine, one of the top 6 train journeys in the world. This spectacular railway takes you across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Later, visit Hokitika home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit to see local artists at work. Next stop is Franz Josef Glacier (optional scenic Franz Josef Glacier flight available).
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Franz Josef – Queenstown
Day 3: Franz Josef – Queenstown
Travel through the Haast Pass. See Thunder Creek Falls, take a rainforest walk and then it’s a trio of lakes – Wanaka, Hawea, Dunstan. Next up try sumptuous stone fruit at a Cromwell orchard. Later, you’ll visit historic gold mining Arrowtown on the Arrow River, previously one of the world’s richest rivers. On arrival in Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure-capital, you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour.
Day 4: Queenstown ‘Free Time’
Explore exciting Queenstown your way, all day. From wine tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting, Queenstown will surprise and exhilarate! This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue highlight dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high-country farm life.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 2 nights
Included Meals: Day 3: Breakfast. Day 4: Breakfast, Highlight dinner
Queenstown – Te Anau
Travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. You’ll be awe-struck by the great sights of Fiordland National Park on your journey to Milford Sound, one of the world’s most amazing places, where you’ll take a spectacular cruise on this natural wonder. En route you’ll have abundant photo opportunities at the Chasm, Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Return to lakeside Te Anau, where this evening you’ll have the option to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (own expense).
Hotel: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Te Anau – Dunedin
Cross sheep-filled farming land to Dunedin for a city tour. With ‘Free Time’ this afternoon, consider a wildlife cruise to see Penguins and Royal Albatross, a visit to the Cadbury Factory or ride the Taieri Gorge Railway.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Dunedin – Omarama
This morning, you have the opportunity to visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Later, travel through Oamaru, famous for its limestone buildings, passing the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and the Benmore Dam on your way to Omarama.
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Omarama – Christchurch
Soak up the scenery of Mt. Cook National Park (optional scenic flight available). See Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Included Meals: Breakfast
Christchurch – Picton
Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast to Kaikoura, famous for its whales (optional whale watching flight is available). Get up close and personal with some New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point. Pass the Grassmere Salt Works then travel to the pretty seaside fishing village of Picton for an orientation tour.
Hotel: Picton Beachcomber Inn
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Picton – Wellington
Cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington for a city tour before ‘Free Time’ and then you’ll visit 
Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, where you’ll have time to explore New Zealand’s nature, art, history and cultural heritage.
Hotel: Travelodge Wellington
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Wellington – Rotorua
Day 11: Wellington – Rotorua
Travel along the Kapiti Coast, past the dairy farms of Manawatu to Tongariro National Park and discover the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu. Visit Taupo and drive along the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. View Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert and gain an insight into Maori culture.
Day 12: Rotorua
Visit the Agrodome Farm Show, where you’ll gain an exciting and informative insight into agriculture in New Zealand. See the art of sheep shearing, sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking, bottle feeding of lambs and an exciting sheep auction. Then enjoy an afternoon of ‘Free Time’ – perhaps visit Rainbow Springs, abundant with Rainbow Trout and native fauna including the kiwi, or Te Puia, where a local Maori will guide you through the geothermal valley with its mud pools and geysers.
Rural Homestay Option (Additional Cost)
- $55 adult
A warm welcome awaits you on your New Zealand rural homestay and your hosts will provide you with the wonderful Kiwi hospitality that really makes you feel ‘at home’. Enjoy dinner and breakfast, a tour to introduce you to their way of life and comfortable accommodation in their home or cottages. You may choose to meet the animals, which may include sheep, cows, deer and many others, or simply relax and enjoy the company of your hosts and the scenic surroundings.
Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights
Included Meals: Day 11: Breakfast, Highlight dinner. Day 12: Breakfast
Rotorua – Auckland
This morning travel through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glowworm Grotto by boat and walk through the limestone caves. Later you’ll follow the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, into Auckland, to enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Zealand’s largest city. This evening celebrate your holiday at a farewell dinner with your Travel Director.
Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
14 Day Guided Vacation
Tour departs from Christchurch and returns to Auckland
Don't Miss
Mountain Jade
Would you like to own a piece of jade? Travelling between Franz Josef and Christchurch on this holiday you’ll visit Mountain Jade, a jade (greenstone) factory workshop, where you’ll get to see how jade is carved and hear the story of its origins. A popular classic piece made from jade is the koru. It is commonly used in Maori art as a symbol of creation because of its fluid circular shape. Based on the unfurling fern frond of the native New Zealand silver fern, the circular shape of the koru conveys the idea of perpetual movement, while its inner coil, the corm with rolled up inner leaflets, suggests a return to the point of origin. In the larger scheme, this is a metaphor for the way in which life both changes and stays the same.
Highlights
- Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
- Visit a green stone factory & watch the jade artists at work
- See awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier
- Travel through the magnificent rainforest of Haast Pass
- Visit the old gold mining village of Arrowtown
- Let loose in the adventure capital Queenstown
- Sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a unique highlight dinner
- Travel past ancient glaciers, spectacular mountains and magical rainforest en route to Milford Sound
- Cruise on Milford Sound
- Visit Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo
- Marvel at Fur Seals at Ohau Point and Whales at Kaikoura
- Cruise through Waitomo’s famous Glowworm Grotto
- Feast on a Maori Hangi at a unique dinner experience with the Tamaki family
- Discover the arts and traditions of New Zealand’s Maori culture • Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
Inclusions
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Airport transfers (see flight information below)
Dining
- Full buffet breakfasts (13)
- Highlight dinners (2)
- Dinners (7)
- Farewell dinner (1)
Flight Information
| Day 1 | Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport |
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| Day 14 | Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport |
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Water bottle
- Camera
- Jacket in cooler months
Ways to Save
Early payment discount | ||
| Pay by 14 April 2017 | Save up to 10% | |
| Pay by 02 June 2017 | Save up to 7.5% | |
| Pay by 31 July 2017 | Save up to 5% | |
Kings Club early payment discount | ||
| Pay by 14 April 2017 | Save up to 15% | |
| Pay by 02 June 2017 | Save up to 12.5% | |
| Pay by 31 July 2017 | Save up to 10% | |
| Triple share | Save up to 5% | |
| Kings Club | Save up to 5% | |
All savings are per person.
Quality accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
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Ibis Hotel Christchurch
107 Hereford St, Christchurch 8011 New ZealandIbis Christchurch is ready to welcome you. Adjacent to the new shopping heart of Christchurch, Cashell Mall. The "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. Ibis Hotel Christchurch is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access to the outer lying attractions and the airport. The Ibis features 155 contemporary rooms, restaurant OOPEN, a bar and meeting room.
- Features
- 220/240 V AC
- Data port in room
- Air-conditioning
- Flat Screen TV
- Satellite/cable colour TV
- Work Desk
- Direct Dial Telephone
- Manual temperature control
- Wi-Fi in room (Pay)
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Ensuite
- Shower
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Security peephole
- Automatic wake up call
- Operator wake up call
- Alarm Clock
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Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
36 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier 7886, New ZealandScenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, and is just moments from one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier. Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier makes the most of its alpine location and offers quality accommodation in two separate hotel ‘wings’. Stay in either the Douglas or Graham wing, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings within Franz Josef village. Our hotel is in a premium location, making it the perfect place to base yourself while exploring the magnificent Westland region.
- Features
- Hair Dryer
- Wireless Internet access
- Work Desk
- Mini Bar
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Refrigerator
- Four Spa Pools
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Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
Corner Frankton Rd & Adelaide St, Queenstown 93002 nights
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is located on Frankton Road, just five minutes stroll to the heart of Queenstown.
The hotel resort is close to many wonderful activities, from the town's world famous jet boat rides to radical white water rafting, bungee jumping, vineyards, international golf courses and ski fields.
- Features
- Ensuite
- TV
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Refrigerator
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Telephone - Voice Mail
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hairdryer
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Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
64 Lakefront Terrace, Te Anau 9460, South IslandLocated on the Te Anau lake front, a short stroll from the Te Anau town centre, Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas is perfectly situated for you to make the most of this beautiful area. If you need an escape from everyday life and a chance to indulge yourself with a relaxing holiday, this is the place for you.
- Features
- 2 Queen Beds
- Individual heater control
- Flat Screen TV
- In-house movies
- Refrigerator
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Phone
- Hair Dryer
- Iron / Ironing Board
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Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
123 Princes St, Dunedin, 9016, New ZealandThis stylish hotel has a fresh contemporary design, with clean lines and dramatic features softened by natural elements such as timber and neutral tones. At once energetic, yet restful, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is well in tune with the beat of this vibrant city. Located in the heart of the city and just blocks from the Octagon, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is within walking distance of many of the city's main attractions, great restaurants and shopping centres. So whether you are visiting Dunedin for business or pleasure look no further than the exquisite Scenic Hotel Dunedin City for your accommodation choice!
- Features
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Mini Bar
- Work Desk
- Hair Dryer
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Refrigerator
-
Heritage Gateway Hotel
12 Omarama Ave, Omarama 9412 New ZealandLocated in the heart of the Mackenzie/Waitaki region, a unique area of New Zealand's South Island. Set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains, the Heritage Gateway Hotel is a peaceful place to stay.
- Features
- Ensuite
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Wireless Internet access
- Phone
- TV
- Electric blankets
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Hairdryer
- Refrigerator
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Ibis Hotel Christchurch
107 Hereford St, Christchurch 8011 New ZealandIbis Christchurch is ready to welcome you. Adjacent to the new shopping heart of Christchurch, Cashell Mall. The "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. Ibis Hotel Christchurch is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access to the outer lying attractions and the airport. The Ibis features 155 contemporary rooms, restaurant OOPEN, a bar and meeting room.
- Features
- 220/240 V AC
- Data port in room
- Air-conditioning
- Flat Screen TV
- Satellite/cable colour TV
- Work Desk
- Direct Dial Telephone
- Manual temperature control
- Wi-Fi in room (Pay)
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Ensuite
- Shower
- Hairdryer
- Iron
- Security peephole
- Automatic wake up call
- Operator wake up call
- Alarm Clock
-
Picton Beachcomber Inn
27 Waikawa Road, Picton, MarlboroughWhether you are a holiday-maker or an overseas tourist, you will have a memorable stay at The Picton Beachcomber Inn — a quality hotel accommodation that is comfortable; peaceful; affordable; clean and tidy.
Located right on the waterfront, within a 2 minute walk from the Picton retail shops; 800metres from Picton Ferry Terminal.
- Features
- Ensuite
- Heater
- Shower
- Radio
- Alarm Clock
- Direct Dial Telephone
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Mini-bar (surcharge)
- Free wireless internet access
- Hairdryer
- Flat Screen TV
- Sky TV
- Shower and toilet facilities
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Travelodge Wellington
2-6 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington, 6011, New ZealandWith close proximity to the city’s financial hub as well as many Wellington attractions, such as Wellington Zoo, the Wellington Cable Car, the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, and the Wellington Botanic Gardens, Travelodge Hotel Wellington is perfectly located for both business and leisure travel.
- Features
- Hair Dryer
- Pay TV
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Individual heater control
- LCD TV
- Refrigerator
- Internet Access
- Microwave
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Ibis Rotorua Hotel
Lake End Rangiruru Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand2 nights
Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views. Our central location is easily accessible to cafés, restaurants and the Energy Events Convention Centre. Stunning natural scenery and geothermal wonders makes this the ultimate destination.
- Features
- Ensuite
- Air-conditioning
- Telephone - Voice Mail
- Soundproofed Windows
- TV
- In-house movies
- Pay TV
- 220/240 V AC
- Data port in room
- High speed transmission line (pay)
- Work Desk
- Manual temperature control
- Iron
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Hairdryer
- Automatic wake up call
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VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
401 Queen St, Auckland, 1010, New ZealandA BRAND New 4.5 Qualmark rated apartment Hotel & Suites with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well-appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD. This brand new hotel offers excellent convenience of being in the heart of the business, shopping and food district of Auckland.
- Features
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Wireless Internet access
- Hair Dryer
- TV
