Classic New Zealand
Your value-minded New Zealand guided read more vacation continues with big sights to see throughout the north island. You’ll travel past New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, and take in the vibrant art and dining scene in the New Zealand capital of Wellington. See the Beehive and Parliament buildings, then soak up the sweeping views of the harbor from Mount Victoria.
Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across the Marlborough Sound keeping an eye out for dolphins, penguins, or whales on your way to Christchurch. Explore the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast plains of New Zealand’s south island as you venture on to Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore this “adventure capital” before your breathtaking cruise on Milford Sound. Here, be awed by waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, and tropical rainforests surrounding the marine home of seals, penguins, and dolphins. Enjoy the idyllic and fantastic scenes around each turn in your escorted vacation from Auckland to Queenstown. This budget-minded tour of New Zealand is nothing short of spectacular!
Itinerary
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.
This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering firsthand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live. See the Domain, the city's oldest park, developed around an extinct volcano. Highlights also include charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a festive welcome dinner.
Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand's Máori culture and geothermal wonders. Your first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour takes you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You'll also have a chance to witness traditional Máori carving and weaving along with a Máori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country's major industries--sheep! This evening is at leisure.
Today is free to explore more of Rotorua. You may wish to take an optional excursion to visit magical Hobbiton, the set used as the Shire in the movie trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Other options include a zipline and canopy tour, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring.
Hang out with an optional Hangi dinner with a side of authentic cultural performances in the indigenous Polynesian tradition. Indulge in an evening of singing, storytelling, and sizzling meats and veggies prepared on underground hot stones in true Máori fashion.
Today, continue your journey on the North Island traveling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Overnight in Wellington, New Zealand's capital city known for its vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle.
This morning, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building, and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
Today, sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by. Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South IsIand.
A sightseeing tour aboard the city's tram showcases some of Christchurch's famous landmarks and spectacular gardens. The afternoon is at leisure.
Your journey continues across New Zealand's South Island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. Stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo for a visit to the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital,” for a 3-night stay.
Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Milford Sound. Cruise to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. It's sure to be a highlight of your trip! Return to Queenstown late this evening.
Please Note: The excursion to Milford Sound may occur on Day 11, based on weather and road conditions.
A full free day to explore on your own. Browse your favorite boutique or art gallery. It's full steam ahead with an optional ride on the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch, or take a heady optional helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions on the gondola to the top of Bob's Peak, where you'll enjoy a festive farewell dinner with breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below.
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
Trip Inclusions
- Guided city sightseeing of Auckland
- Guided tour and admission of Te Puia and the Agrodome
- Guided city sightseeing of Wellington including admission to cable car
- Interislander ferry ride from Wellington to Picton
- Visit to the Church of Good Shepherd
- Orientation tour of Christchurch
- Gondola ride and dinner atop Bob's Peak
- Excursion to Milford Sound including lunch
- Auckland: Adina Auckland Britomart (Moderate First-Class)
- Rotorua: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Tourist-Class)
- Wellington: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Moderate Deluxe)
- Christchurch: Rydges Latimer Christchurch ( )
- Queenstown: voco Queenstown by IHG (Moderate First-Class)
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Enjoy inside visits to New Zealand's the must-see sites with a great mix of included excursions, free time and affordable value. Read more
Cosmos build free time into every one of their holidays, so you can eat, shop, and explore the way you want. Read more
Cosmos' easy going, fun-filled and multilingual Tour Directors and Local Guides love exploring as much as you do. Read more
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cosmos. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
