Advance Booking: The Endless Shores
Tour Type: Luxury Gold
Brochure Type: Luxury Gold Southpac 2023/2024 Advance Booking
Fall in love with New Zealand on this 8-day guided tour. See Wellington your way, choosing between an insider's tour of the city with a Local Expert or a guided hike through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in the country dedicated entirely to native plants. Travel past the dairy country of Manawatu to Hawke's Bay, where you will enjoy an exclusive wine tasting at one of the country's world-famous wineries. In Rotorua, walk the Redwoods Treewalk - a maze of forested suspension bridges - and tour a working kiwi nursery and hatchery, where you can learn more about the flightless bird. Savor a flavorful Maori Hangi feast, made from food cooked in the ground with geothermal steam. Descend the Waitomo Cave to see glowworms illuminate the caverns, then toast your trip during a celebration dinner in Auckland.
Choice Highlights
Brochure Type: Luxury Gold Southpac 2023/2024 Advance Booking
Fall in love with New Zealand on this 8-day guided tour. See Wellington your way, choosing between an insider's tour of the city with a Local Expert or a guided hike through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in the country dedicated entirely to native plants. Travel past the dairy country of Manawatu to Hawke's Bay, where you will enjoy an exclusive wine tasting at one of the country's world-famous wineries. In Rotorua, walk the Redwoods Treewalk - a maze of forested suspension bridges - and tour a working kiwi nursery and hatchery, where you can learn more about the flightless bird. Savor a flavorful Maori Hangi feast, made from food cooked in the ground with geothermal steam. Descend the Waitomo Cave to see glowworms illuminate the caverns, then toast your trip during a celebration dinner in Auckland.
Choice Highlights
- 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.
- : 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.
- Wellington: Feel the warm hospitality of New Zealand's capital city, as you join your travel companions for a delicious Welcome Dinner hosted at a local restaurant.
- 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: 4 Dinner (D), and 6 Breakfast (B)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Call (207) 892-2246 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17096506
- Tour Operator
- Luxury Gold by Insight
- Offer
- Offer valid through 3/31/2023
- Duration
- 7 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Wellington | Welcome to Wellington: On arrival at Wellington International Airport you'll be driven by complimentary transfer to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, meet your Travelling Concierge and get to know your fellow travellers during your Welcome Dinner. QT Wellington. |
| Day 2 | Wellington | Wellington Sightseeing Relaxed Start: Personalize your day discovering the stunning waterfront and hidden lanes and taste-testing locally produced peanut butter and chocolate. Or, take a guided walk through Otari Wiltons Bush. This evening is free for you to dine at any of the city's restaurants. QT Wellington. |
| Day 3 | Wellington to Hawke's Bay | Wellington to Hawke's Bay: Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawke's Bay. In the evening, enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at the family-owned Craggy Range Winery, in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak. One of the region's world-famous wineries, it produces a wide range of premium wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay. |
| Day 4 | Geothermal Rotorua | Geothermal Rotorua: Travel past Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand, then it's on to Rotorua where on arrival a sightseeing tour offers the chance to take in views of Lake Rotorua. At Waimangu Volcanic Valley, you'll experience spectacular volcanic craters, hot water springs, beautiful geothermal features, rare and unusual plant life, brilliantly coloured micro biology and a wide array of birds. Pullman Rotorua. |
| Day 5 | Rotorua | The Sights of Rotorua: Your first stop is the Redwoods Treewalk, which consists of 28 suspension bridges traversing between 22 Californian Coastal Redwoods. It provides a unique view of the native undergrowth below from up to 20 metres above the ground, and with a 700-metre-long walk there is plenty of time to appreciate the beauty of the forest. Continue to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience and take a behind-the-scenes tour through a working kiwi nursery and hatchery dedicated to the conservation of the national icon. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to continue exploring at your leisure or perhaps relax at your state-of-the-art hotel. This evening, savour the unique flavours of a Maori Hangi feast, a meal cooked in the ground using geothermal steam, followed by a cultural performance, at the Tamaki Maori Village. Pullman Rotorua. |
| Day 6 | Waitomo and Auckland | Waitomo and Auckland: Being your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glowworm experience at Caveworld, Waitomo. During your guided Eco Glowworm experience admire the magical subterranean world of Waitomo Cave. You'll enter the cave through a natural chasm, where the scene is set for an intimate cave experience, with lights low so you can appreciate the magnificent glowworm displays at their best. Around the corner lie the bones of one of New Zealand's lost treasures, the ancient Moa, while the soothing sound of the cave stream flows in the darkness below. Complete the experience by enjoying Kawakawa tea while relaxing in the ponga hut nestled in native forest. In Auckland, embark on an afternoon of sightseeing. Toast your travels at your Celebration Dinner in the company of a former New Zealand All Black rugby player. This is an incredible opportunity to rub shoulders with a former All Black, hear their personal stories, and what it is like to be part of the most successful team in the world. QT Auckland. |
| Day 7 | Auckland | Farewell Auckland: After breakfast, transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
