Classic: Highlights of New Zealand (ONAC)

Countries Visited: New Zealand
Trip Style: Classic - Designed for maximum variety, these trips are geared towards travellers searching for a healthy mix of active exploration, uncommon landscapes, amazing wildlife and local cultures.
Service Level: Standard
  • Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences
  • Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character
  • Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience
  • All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own
    Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
    Group Size: Max 16, avg 12
    Meals Included: 9 breakfasts, 3 dinners
    Accommodations: Not Availaible

    Highlights
    Check out Hot Water Beach, feast on a hangi in a Maori village, let loose in Queenstown, cruise around the fiords of Milford Sound, travel a scenic rail route

    Description
    Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand. For adventurers on a tight time-budget, this 15-day trip wraps up the must-sees of both islands with a nice little bow. Check out the Coromandels gorgeous beaches, hang with the Maori in a traditional village, walk the beaches of Kaikoura and get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown. Consider this your New Zealand starter's kit.
  • Call (800) 468-2359 for more information or to book today! Mention code 12956144

    Tour Operator
    G Adventures
    Duration
    15 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1AucklandDay 1 Auckland
    There are no activities until an evening welcome meeting, so head out and enjoy the city. Additional Notes: This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like the Hobbiton Movie Set or local wineries, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
    Day 2HaheiDay 2 Auckland/Hahei (1B, 1D)
    Depart early for the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Take a walk to Cathedral Cove or opt out in favour of sea kayaking. If the tide is right, grab a shovel and dig a natural jacuzzi in the sand on Hot Water Beach. Included Activities: Coromandel Peninsula Visit Cathedral Cove Scenic Walk Hot Water Beach Excursion Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s))
    Day 3Maori VillageDay 3 Rotorua/Maori Village (1D)
    Rotorua sits over an active volcano with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. Opt to visit one of the sites, like Hells Gate, or go whitewater rafting nearby. In the evening visit a Maori village for traditional ceremonies, a Hangi meal and entertainment. After dinner, lounge by the bonfire and have some time to get to know the Maori hosts. Additional Notes: Accommodation is in a Maori wharepuni (sleeping house). Groups will often stay together in one sleeping house (multi-share, mixed gender), staying in line with Maori traditions. Included Activities: Maori Village Visit with Overnight Transport: Private Vehicle (3.50-4.00 hours)
    Day 4WellingtonDay 4 Rotorua/Wellington (1B)
    Take in the ever-changing scenery of the North Island and travel to the capital, Wellington. Transport: Private Vehicle (7.00-8.00 hours, 452km)
    Day 5WellingtonDay 5 Wellington (1B)
    Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city. After an orientation walk, enjoy a free day to explore. Opt to visit the Te Papa Museum or take the cable car up to the botanical gardens. Included Activities: Orientation Walk
    Day 6KaikouraDay 6 Wellington/Kaikoura
    Fly to the South Island, then travel to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its volcanic black-sand beaches. Transport: Plane Private Vehicle (2.50 hour(s))
    Day 7Hanmer SpringsDay 7 Kaikoura/Hanmer Springs
    Opt to swim with dolphins or go whale watching during a free morning in Kaikoura before travelling to Hanmer Springs, stopping en route for a wine tasting at a local winery. Opt to take a soak in the hot springs. Included Activities: Winery Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s))
    Day 8Franz JosefDay 8 Hanmer Springs/Franz Josef (1B)
    Travel across the Southern Alps via the stunningly scenic Arthurs Pass. Go for a hike in the mountains or rainforest. Stay in the rainforest near the worlds fastest moving glacier. Transport: Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops. Private Vehicle (8.00 hour(s))
    Day 9Franz JosefDay 9 Franz Josef (1B)
    There are dozens of optional activities in the area to suit just about any budget and preference. Try heli hiking, scenic helicopter flights, horse trekking, quad biking, skydiving, glacier valley walk, lake kayaking or a hot pools visit.
    Day 10QueenstownDay 10 Franz Josef/Queenstown
    Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. With beautiful scenery and tons of activities, theres something for everyone. Enjoy the great night life. Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00 hour(s), 365km)
    Day 11QueenstownDay 11 Queenstown (1B)
    With free time here, opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving, paragliding, hiking or mountain biking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
    Day 12Fiordland National ParkDay 12 Queenstown/Fiordland National Park (1B, 1D)
    Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife. Additional Notes: Due to weather during the winter (May - Oct), instead of staying overnight in Milford Sound well be taking a day cruise around Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound before returning to Queenstown for the night. Included Activities: Milford Sound Overnight Boat Excursion Transport: Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Driving time includes stops. Private Vehicle (4.50 hour(s))
    Day 13TwizelDay 13 Fiordland National Park/Twizel (1B)
    Head through the centre of the South Island to Twizel, near New Zealands highest peak, Mt Cook. Transport: Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Drive time includes stops. Private Vehicle (7.00-9.00 hours)
    Day 14ChristchurchDay 14 Twizel/Christchurch
    Travel to the Garden City of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand, still recovering from a devastating earthquake. Included Activities: Mount Cook Visit Visitors Centre Transport: Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle. Drive time includes stops throughout the day, including a couple of hours to visit Mt Cook (weather permitting). Private Vehicle (8.00 hour(s), 380km)
    Day 15ChristchurchDay 15 Christchurch (1B)
    Depart at any time.
    Dates/Pricing

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    Disclaimer

    Local Flights: N/A

    Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

    VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

    Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

    Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      
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