New Zealand Discoverer

4.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
Our Price From 3,895 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 500 Per Person
 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Auckland
 Trip Finishes
Christchurch
12 Day New Zealand Discoverer Itinerary (Travelmarvel)
Countries Explored: New Zealand
Trip Style
Land Journey
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
NTA12

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Travelmarvel's 12 Day New Zealand Discoverer. Dive into New Zealand's rich cultural heritage and breathtaking nature on an unforgettable 12-day adventure. This tour takes you to key cities as well as spectacular scenery in places such as Rotorua, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Queenstown, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Glacier Country.

Itinerary

Your New Zealand tour begins in Auckland. Here, you will be met and transferred to your premium hotel. Stay: Sudima Hotel Auckland (D)

Travel to the Waitomo Caves, where you will enjoy an incredible Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Visit Te Puia, enjoy a guided tour of the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, and see Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. This evening, a special Insider Experience awaits. Stay Two Nights: Sudima Hotel Rotorua (B/D)

Insider Experience: Descend into the caves beneath the lush Waitomo hills and look up to see a cavern illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights. A sight to behold, the phenomenon is the work of glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand.

Insider Experience: Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Maori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you'll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Pohutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand's national treasures at their new Kiwi Conservation Centre. That evening, enjoy a Haka powhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and the sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hangi.

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Maori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing includes a visit to the Agrodome, where you'll meet animals and learn about life in rural New Zealand. Alternatively, you may like to opt for our Enhance Your Journey experience. (B)

Take in the breathtaking scenery as you enjoy a leisurely drive on the Thermal Explorer Highway. Visit Lake Taupo and Huka Falls, then arrive in Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital. This tightly knit city is home to a stunning waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, rolling hills, and quaint, colourful timber houses. Stay: Novotel Wellington (B)

Today begins with an Insider Experience, as you travel to the South Island on a spectacular ferry trip. Then, continue your journey onwards to Christchurch. Stay: Christchurch, Hotel Elms (B/D)

Insider Experience: Enjoy one of the world's most scenic voyages on the Interislander ferry en route to Picton. Take in marvellous sights as you navigate Cook Strait, travelling from the North Island to the South Island.

Today, you'll enjoy an Insider Experience. Afterwards, take a scenic drive through the Southern Alps. This incredible mountain range is home to the Franz Josef/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere and Fox Glaciers, as well as stunning lakes and rainforests. Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (B/D)

Insider Experience: Embark on one of the world's great rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train. Watch the South Island's snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills glide past from the comfort of your seat.

Travel across the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps and through Haast Pass to Queenstown. Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this alpine resort town is widely regarded as the adventure capital of the world. Here, an Insider Experience awaits. Stay Two Nights: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview (B)

Insider Experience: Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You'll be just a short stroll from Queenstown's vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you.

This morning, see Queenstown from a different perspective on your Insider Experience. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at one of the famous Ferg Foods restaurants located in the city centre (Fergburger, Ferg's Bar, Mrs Ferg and Fergbaker). The rest of the day is at leisure, so you may like to choose one of the Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer. (B/L)

Insider Experience: Ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob's Peak, 480 metres above the city. Marvel at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and the town sprawling out beneath you.

Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to breathtaking Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Afterwards, continue to the picturesque lakeside town of Te Anau. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau (B/D)

Insider Experience: Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter.

Today, you will journey through the rolling Southland countryside before arriving in the city of Dunedin. Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South', the city was settled by Scots in 1848 and has a rich Scottish and Maori heritage.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour. Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B)

See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit Oamaru to see some of New Zealand's finest 19th-century architecture. Later, journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you'll enjoy an Insider Experience. Arrive at your hotel this afternoon, situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Tekapo/Takapo and right in the heart of Mackenzie Country. Stay: Lake Tekapo/Takapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort (B/D)

Insider Experience: Travel through the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and stop to admire breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest peak.

Insider Experience: Say 'ka kite ano' (see you again) to New Zealand and your fellow travellers at a special dinner at Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort on the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapo. Enjoy exquisite locally inspired cuisine prepared by world-class chefs as you celebrate the end of your Kiwi adventure with newfound friends.

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and take in unparalleled views of Lake Tekapo/Takapo as well as the magnificent alpine surroundings. Then, we'll transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your incredible tour. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Immerse yourself in an evening of Maori Culture and Cuisine
  • Ride the iconic TranzAlpine Train across the Southern Alps
  • Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls

  • 11 nights in premium accommodation
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced Driver
  • Premium air-conditioned coach travel
  • Prices include all sightseeing, cruises, entrance fees as specified, and airport transfers on the first and last day

  • 18 meals - 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners
  • Special Farewell Dinner

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • Prices are for land only. Flights not included (unless specified)

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'New Zealand Discoverer' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Well organised with plenty of stops 1 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2015
Excellent holiday, although too many very early morning starts. All meals were brilliant. Tour was well organised with plenty of stops.
A beautiful country and I would love to return 1 , Australia, Sep 2014
The team of Laurie and Dave made the trip that much more memorable. New Zealand is a beautiful country and I would love to return and see more of it.
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Note
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 Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Travelmarvel. 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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