NIKAU: HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW ZEALAND
10 Days
ITINERARY
10 DAYS: Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mt. Cook, Twizel & Christchurch
Tour Overview:
A superb tour for those that want to experience the highlights of both of New Zealand’s main
islands. In the North Island you will see amazing geothermal activities, learn about authentic Māori culture, and enjoy a traditional feast. Explore some of the South Island’s jaw-dropping scenery as you journey from Queenstown deep into Fiordland National Park to cruise the iconic Milford Sound.
Day 1 – Arrive Auckland
Haere mai – welcome! Arrive in Auckland where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure exploring the ‘City of Sails’.
Day 2 – Auckland / Rotorua
This morning, enjoy an Auckland City tour including panoramic views from Bastion Point, theinformative Māori and Pacific Islands displays at the Auckland Museum, quaint Parnell Village, and some of the most popular waterfront areas. Departing Auckland we travel to Rotorua – the heart of New Zealand’s famous thermal and cultural region. On arrival, we will enjoy a city tour, before checking into our central accommodation. This afternoon we have some time out to relax before travelling to a local Marae (Māori Village). Experience a formal welcome (pōwhiri) including the hongi – that is sharing breath. This evening visit Tamaki Māori Village for Te Pā Tū. The evening experience and feast is aligned to and changes with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Feast on Māori song, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) amidst towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre. Hākari (feasting) begins with forest horotai (canapes) and culminates in a lavish 4-course fusion feast. Hāngī is featured in varied seasonal menus designed by Māori chefs served to table, al fresco when warm, or in the wharekai (dining room) if cooler. During summer months, Tū Te Rā celebrates harvest and concepts concerning ancient Māori warfare and peace. Over winter months, Tū Te Ihi celebrates the Matariki star cluster with mystical ritual, energy, and passion. Return hotel transfers included – other travellers will be on board. (BD)
Day 3 – Rotorua / Queenstown
Rotorua is the epicentre not only of New Zealand’s geothermal activity but of Māori heritage. No
visit to Rotorua would be complete without including Te Puia, an active geothermal site and the
nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts and a Kiwi conservation project. At Te Puia, it’s part of their culture to welcome, guide, entertain, and treat you like part of the family. You are treated to a private guide throughout your time here. Next travel out to visit the Blue and Green Lakes, and Lake Tarawera – the site of Buried Village to see remains of the Māori village Te Wairoa that was devastated by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera during the night of June 10, 1886. The excavated village offers a first-hand insight into the chaos and destruction that ensued following the eruption of Mt. Tarawera. This eruption also destroyed the famed Pink and White Terraces, once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. This afternoon fly to Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier year-round alpine resort. It offers a host of holiday attractions for the visitor from helicopter flights and trips on jet-boats, to walks and tramps. The town is steeped in the history of the goldmining days, evident from the many relics scattered in and among the surrounding hills. (B)
Day 4 – Queenstown / Te Anau
Depart Queenstown to visit historic Arrowtown – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the
beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. Continue your journey via the road pinned between the base of the Remarkables mountain range and spectacular Lake Wakatipu. Journey
through a glacial formed valley that is now farmland, to reach Lake Te Anau, the largest (by volume) freshwater lake in the South Island and gateway to Fiordland National Park. (B)
Day 5 – Te Anau / Milford Sound / Queenstown
The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences you can have on four wheels. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is breath-taking in any weather. Board a comfortable vessel for a cruise past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye peeled for seals and dolphins which are often seen in the waters of the fiord! Following the cruise, retrace your journey back to Te Anau travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley, then across the Southland farmlands and around spectacular Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. (BL)
Day 6 – Queenstown
Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of Queenstown create the perfect backdrop for a visit full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. Today is free for you to do your own thing: thrill seekers may choose to zip-line at Bob’s Peak, get drenched on a Shotover jet-boat ride or go white-water rafting. Other enjoyable but less hair-raising activities include the gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, or a 4WD safari to Skippers Canyon. Boutique wineries and local gardens welcome visitors and the classic steamship TSS Earnslaw is an elegant way to discover Lake Wakatipu during a cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm. (B)
Day 7 – Queenstown / Mt. Cook / Twizel
Continue north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past pretty Lake Dunstan and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass. Descend into the unique Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. Take a beautiful drive along Lake Pukaki to Mt. Cook Village, home to New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mt. Cook. We stay overnight in the rural town of Twizel. (B)
Day 8 – Twizel / Christchurch
For morning tea, enjoy the taste your pavlova as you drink in the views of this beautiful lake. View the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most-photographed spots; a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop of the Southern Alps. Pass across the high country’s tussock plains, through the small rural towns of Fairlie and Geraldine and onto Ashburton. From here travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This most English of New Zealand cities suffered a succession of terrible earthquakes in 2010/11. Post-earthquake the city combines urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture and creativity. (B)
Day 9 – Christchurch
This morning we join punting boatmen, resplendent with straw boaters and traditional Edwardian dress for a relaxing cruise in flat-bottomed punts along the River Avon through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a journey in style onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre. This is the final part of our journey together so tonight we enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (BD)
Day 10 – Depart Christchurch
Haere rā – farewell from New Zealand. After breakfast you are transferred to the Christchurch Airport for your return home, taking with you your fond memories of your time in New Zealand. Alternatively, should you wish to extend your stay, we can assist you with additional travel arrangements.
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DATES/PRICING/ACCOMMODATIONS
2023 | ||
Dates | Dbl | Sgl |
Dec 05 - Dec 14 | CAD 7,405 | CAD 9,435 |
2024 | ||
Dates | Dbl | Sgl |
Jan 23 - Feb 01 | SOLD OUT | |
Feb 06 -Feb 15 | SOLD OUT | |
Feb 20 - Feb 29 | SOLD OUT | |
Mar 05 - Mar 14 | SOLD OUT | |
Apr 02 - Apr 11 | SOLD OUT | |
Apr 30 - May 09 | CAD 6,935 | CAD 8,780 |
May 21 - May 30 | CAD 6,470 | |
Oct 01 - Oct 10 | CAD 6,745 | CAD 8,620 |
Nov 05 - Nov 14 | CAD 7,220 | CAD 9,185 |
Dec 03 - Dec 12 | CAD 7,685 | CAD 9,845 |
2025 | ||
Dates | Dbl | Sgl |
Jan 28 - Feb 06 | CAD 7,935 | CAD 10,155 |
Feb 04 - Feb 13 | CAD 7,935 | CAD 10,155 |
Feb 25 - Mar 06 | CAD 7,935 | CAD 10,155 |
Mar 04 - Mar 13 | CAD 7,935 | CAD 10,155 |
Mar 18 -Mar 27 | CAD 7,935 | CAD 10,155 |
Apr 01 -Apr 10 | CAD 7,935 | CAD 10,155 |
Apr 29 -May 08 | CAD 7,470 | CAD 9,495 |
May 20 -May 29 | CAD 6,970 | CAD 8,905 |
Accommodations: | ||
DESTINATION | HOTEL | |
Auckland | Msocial | |
Rotorua | Millennium Hotel (or Regal Palms Resort) | |
Queenstown | Scenic Suites | |
Te Anau | Distinction Hotel Luxmore | |
Twizel | Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel | |
Christchurch | Distinction Hotel |
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INCLUSIONS
Inclusions & Highlight
- 08 nights accommodation in First Class Hotels
- 12 meals included -9 breakfasts, 1 lunch,1 dinners
- Visit the Auckland Museum
- Delve into Māori life and enjoy a powerful cultural performance and feast
- A private guide and tour around a geothermal valley with geysers, mud pools and hot springs
- Visit a volcanic valley and explore the site of a buried village devastated by an 1886 eruption
- Explore the historic gold rush village of Arrowtown
- Cruise, with a picnic lunch, on the breath-taking Milford Sound
- Enjoy true kiwi hospitality with morning tea at a local home on the shores of Lake Tekapo
- Relax as you’re guided along Christchurch’s Avon River on an authentic Edwardian punt
- Journey onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram through Christchurch’s city centre
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EMAIL US
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