Tour Type: Luxury Gold
Brochure Type: Luxury Gold Southpac 2022/2023

See the wonders of New Zealand on this 19-day guided tour. Explore the Southern Alps and see Franz Josef Glacier up close with a Local Expert. On your way to Queenstown, stop by idyllic Arrowtown, where you can choose to take a scenic bike ride along its river, or join a boutique wine tour. Journey through rainforests and meadows to Milford Sound; here, board a catamaran and sail past towering cliffs and gushing waterfalls. See spectacular volcanic craters at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then travel to Rotorua for a Maori Hangi feast - a flavorful meal cooked unground with geothermal steam. Descend the caves of Waitomo during a exclusive guided experience: see the caverns illuminated by the bioluminescent species. Toast to your travels at a luxurious dinner with a former New Zealand All Black rugby player.

Choice Highlights

• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the worlds first Bungy jump.
• Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.
• Choose between two carefully selected activities
• Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront of Wellington and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country's funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Taste-test premium-batch peanut butter from an artisan producer, and a taste of the Capital's very own chocolate.
• Wellington: Learn more about native flora and fauna on a guided walk through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in New Zealand, dedicated to native plants.The walk starts at the 'Waharoa' and heads through the Fernery and then down to the creek, where you are likely to spot some Tuna. It's also a haven for native birds including the Kereru and Tui. A highlight of the walk is a Rimu tree estimated to be over 800 years old.

Well-being

• : Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
• : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
• : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
• : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Journey Highlights

• Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world's great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
• Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you'll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Hear about its rich history, from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
• Franz Josef: Experience the mighty natural wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier and what the ice age must have felt like. The sheer enormity of these giant ice puzzles will leave you spellbound as you explore the area with your Local Expert.
• Makarora: Visit Makarora, a great base point to explore the beauty of the Southern Alps. Your Travelling Concierge will take you on an orientation of the town where you can admire remarkable scenery and hear more about its history.
• Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.
• Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the worlds first Bungy jump.
• Fiordland National Park: Embark on a serene cruise on Lake Manapouri where you can marvel at plummeting waterfalls and see countless coves and beaches dotted along its shore. See the magnificent scenery of the Fiordland National Park with its forest-clad mountains and islands.
• Milford Sound: Immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk along a stunning section of Milford Track, one of the most breathtaking walks in the world. Learn about its wildlife and heritage while you traverse beach forest and bubbling rivers as you pass along its route.
• Dunedin: Sample some of Dunedin's best local brews on a tour and tasting session at Emerson's brewery. Witness each stage of the process as you're guided behind the scenes from malt room to bottling at this award-winning microbrewery.
• Christchurch: Explore the dynamic city of Christchurch and learn how the city has reinvented itself in the past decade. See how the unique Cardboard Cathedral and Container Mall juxtapose with the older landmarks of Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street.
• Queen Charlotte Sound (Totaranui): Cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Straight as you pass from South Island to North to begin the next leg of your incredible journey. See the coves, bays and lush green forests rising from the tranquil waters as you pass.
• Wellington: Familiarise yourself with the landmarks of Wellington on a city orientation tour. Discover the highlights of New Zealand's capital from Old St Paul's wooden cathedral and the Parliament Buildings through vibrant and colourful Cuba Street to Mount Victoria and the scenic waterfront.
• Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront of Wellington and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country's funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Taste-test premium-batch peanut butter from an artisan producer, and a taste of the Capital's very own chocolate.
• Wellington: Learn more about native flora and fauna on a guided walk through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in New Zealand, dedicated to native plants.The walk starts at the 'Waharoa' and heads through the Fernery and then down to the creek, where you are likely to spot some Tuna. It's also a haven for native birds including the Kereru and Tui. A highlight of the walk is a Rimu tree estimated to be over 800 years old.
• Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront of Wellington and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country's funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Taste-test premium-batch peanut butter from an artisan producer, and a taste of the Capital's very own chocolate.
• Wellington: Learn more about native flora and fauna on a guided walk through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in New Zealand, dedicated to native plants.The walk starts at the 'Waharoa' and heads through the Fernery and then down to the creek, where you are likely to spot some Tuna. It's also a haven for native birds including the Kereru and Tui. A highlight of the walk is a Rimu tree estimated to be over 800 years old.
• Hawke's Bay: Ease yourself into the day at your own pace with a morning at leisure in Hawke's Bay. Grab an artisan coffee at a local cafe, stroll about the Village Green, wander Keirunga Gardens, or pop into some of the charming boutiques.
• Napier: Climb into a luxury vintage car with a discerning local guide for your personal tour of Napier. Uncover the highlights of this world-famous town's 140 art deco buildings and sculptures from the comfort of your luxurious vehicle.
• Huka Falls: Witness the awe-inspiring power of nature at Huka Falls where nearly a quarter of a million litres of thundering water per second are funnelled from Lake Taupo and dropped eleven metres into the Waikato River below.
• Rotorua: Visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world's youngest geothermal system, formed after the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886. Discover the world's largest hot spring, volcanic crater lakes and the most incredible flora and fauna that have been untouched by man.
• Rotorua: Stand eye to eye with giant redwoods on the Redwoods Treewalk. Immerse yourself in the serene majesty of these 118-year-old trees from your 20-metre high perspective. Cross swing bridges and platforms on your elevated path through Whakarewarewa Forest.
• Rotorua: Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand's intriguing national bird. Seek out skinks, geckos, and incredible trout amidst the thick foliage of the park. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably.
• Waitomo Cave: Enter the subterranean Waitomo Cave where you'll be guided through the extensive network and meet the local residents, glowworms. View these fascinating glowing creatures as you glide quietly on a private tour by boat through the underground cave.
• Auckland: Discover the landmarks of New Zealand's largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the rejuvenated Viaduct harbour to the historic buildings around the city's university and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Exceptional Dining

• Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.
• Dunedin: Step into Parcels Restaurant at the Distinction Dunedin and taste their exquisite modern twist on traditional local dishes. Sip delicious wines as you look across to the First Church of Otago from the old post office building which houses the hotel.
• Hawke's Bay: Indulge in an intimate dinner with wine pairing at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade of Te Mata Peak and drink wines from one of the region's world-famous vineyards.
• Rotorua: Come together for a hearty and delicious meal warmed by the earth itself. Experience a uniquely prepared Hangi feast, cooked traditionally in a pit oven using geothermal steam at Tamaki Maori Village. Witness a captivating live cultural performance as you dine.
• Dining Summary: 19 Breakfast (B), 12 Dinner (D), and 2 Lunch (L)

VIP Experiences

• Auckland: Raise a glass to your unforgettable journey as you enjoy your Celebration Dinner with a former member of the All Blacks rugby team. Hear stories of the world's leading rugby team, his personal victories and how passionate Kiwis are about their national sport.

Additional Included Highlights

• You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
• Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
• At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
• Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
• Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
• Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight.