Overview
The West coast will be a highlight...read more including Punakaiki and Franz Josef Glacier, as is the energy and passion of Queenstown, while waking up to the views of Milford Sound and Mount Cook will be a treasured memory for years to come.
Itinerary
Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland for your two-night stay. Celebrate the wonder of New Zealand at tonight’s welcome dinner. (D)
Freechoice: Sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht or explore the wine and cuisine of Waiheke Island. Take a leisurely harbour cruise, discover the black sand beaches of the West Coast, or join a small group sightseeing tour of Auckland. Alternatively, visit Auckland’s latest attractions the Weta Workshop Unleashed and the All Blacks Experience.
Freechoice Dining: Choose between a sunset dinner yacht cruise, Orbit 360 at Sky City, or dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. (B/D)
Visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set before arriving in Rotorua, home of Maori culture and bubbling mud pools. Stay two nights in Rotorua. (B/L)
Be amazed by Rotorua’s geothermal activity during a visit to Te Puia.
Freechoice: Take an amphibious duck tour or relax in the geothermal pools. Alternatively, take a nature discovery treewalk or enjoy the view from Skyline Rotorua while wine tasting.
Tonight, immerse yourself in Maori traditions at an authentic hangi dinner. Optional flight - Take a floatplane flight over Mt Tarawera (additional expense, please book prior to departure). (B/D)
Travel to the West Coast and the Taranaki Region. New Plymouth is the largest city and known for Its picturesque gardens and art galleries, enjoy a two night stay. (B/D)
Enrich: Discover the beautiful gardens of the Taranaki with your local guide. Take a behind the scenes tour of the Govett- Brewster Gallery. Hear the stories of Mount Taranaki, the second highest point in the North Island. (B/L)
Following the coastline in the shadow of Mt Taranaki, see Whanganui before continuing to Wellington for a two night stay. (B/D)
Enjoy a day at leisure to discover Wellington.
Enrich: Today take an in-depth journey of Te Papa to discover the treasures and stories of New Zealand. (B)
Travel across the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island arriving in the seaside town of Picton. From there it’s a short drive to Blenheim the largest town In the Marlborough region and home to New Zealand’s famous Sauvignon Blanc.
Freechoice: Enjoy a tasting at the home of Sauvignon Blanc or a visit to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Enjoy an overnight stay at Blenheim. (B/D)
The city of Nelson is the oldest in the South Island and known for its local arts and craft stores and art galleries. When thirsty settlers from England and Germany arrived in Nelson in the mid-19th century, they were relieved to find the region’s ample sunshine and mild climate made it ideal for growing the hops needed for their beloved brews. The Nelson Tasman region remains the home of hops, producing New Zealand’s entire commercial harvest. Visit the McCashins Brewery and learn all about it. Stay two nights in Nelson. (B/D)
It is also the gateway to New Zealand’s smallest national park - the Abel Tasman, known for its white sand beaches and turquoise water. Enjoy a cruise from Kaiteriteri Beach where you will get a chance to see the famous Split Apple rock, see native fur seals and marvel at the golden sands. (B/D)
Travel today to the Wild West coast of New Zealand. Enjoy the scenery on the Great Coast Road voted one of the top 10 coastal drives in the world. See the Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes, where columns of water shoot skyward from rocks that resemble giant stacks of pancakes. Upon arriving in Hokitika for your overnight stay, learn all about the famous New Zealand green stone. (B/D)
Start your day with a visit the National Kiwi Centre before seeing the Franz Josef Glacier with its ever-changing face for yourself. Stay overnight in Franz Josef.
Optional flight - Take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder in this natural alpine landscape (additional expense, please book prior to departure). (B/D)
Enjoy a ride on the Haast River Jet boat before you arrive in Queenstown for your three night stay. (B)
Freechoice: Take the Dart River Wilderness Jet, or tour local wineries. Feel exhilarated on the Shotover Jet, a 4WD Skippers Canyon, or Safari of the Scenes tour.
Freechoice Dining: Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak, ride the Skyline Gondola and dine overlooking Queenstown, or simply relax at the hotel’s restaurant. (B/D)
Enjoy a day at leisure to discover Queenstown. (B)
In the darkness of the Te Anau caves, see the shimmer of thousands of glow-worms. Enjoy an overnight stay on board the Milford Mariner amidst the majesty of Milford Sound. (B/D)
Awake to breathtaking beauty in Milford Sound.
Sunset Drinks Tonight enjoy a drink at your hotel as you watch the sunset.
Stay overnight in Te Anau. (B/D)
Enjoy an overnight stay at Mount Cook. (B/D)
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before returning to Christchurch for your two night stay.
Freechoice Dining: Dine at a local restaurant or enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. (B/D)
Freechoice: Go punting on the Avon River, take a Botanic Gardens Tour or enjoy a city tour around Christchurch. Alternatively, visit the seaside town of Akaroa or the International Antarctic Centre.
Enrich: Celebrate your adventures during an iconic tram ride. (B/D)
Bid farewell to New Zealand.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)
Trip Inclusions
These are hand-selected activities for you to choose from and enjoy at a pace that suits you. Read more
Unforgettable and exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experiences from exploring ancient kauri forests to immersing yourself in the rich culture of the Maori people. Read more
Scenic have thought about the details so you don't have to, from airport transfers, first-class transport, internal flights and local guides. All tips and gratuities are included. Read more
Stay in a range of iconic hotels, known for their location, character & heritage such as the Te Waonui Forest Retreat, surrounded by native bush and Franz Josef. Read more
On selected interaries take an overnight cruise on Milford Sound and wake up to the dawn of a new day in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Read more
On selected interaries journey across the spine of the South Island into the heart of pristine wilderness on the TranzAlpine, one of the worlds grandest rail journeys. Read more
Brochure
Scenic New Zealand (2024-25)
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 will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the 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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. These 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.
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