New Zealand Discoverer

12 Days Auckland to Christchurch
New Zealand Discoverer
New Zealand Discoverer
New Zealand Discoverer
Coach Group Scenic TranzAlpine

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Travelmarvel's 12 Day New Zealand Discoverer. Take in the highlights of the North and South islands. Visit key cities and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of New Zealand at places such as Rotorua, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Queenstown, Aoraki Mt Cook and the west coast’s glacier country.
Our Price From
US$3,895 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
Trip Length

12 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Auckland

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Christchurch

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Operator
Operator
Travelmarvel
Trip Reviews
2 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.5/5
Trip Style
Trip Style

Land Journey

Accommodation
Accommodation

4 Star

Budget
Budget

Affordable

Age Range
Age Range

12-99 Years

Max. Group Size
Max. Group Size

48

Guide Style
Guide Style

Fully Guided

Tour Code
Tour Code

NTA12

Itinerary

Arrive in the ‘City of Sails', where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your premium hotel. This evening, enjoy a dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Auckland
Included Meals: Dinner

Travel to Waitomo and embark on a memorable Insider Experience. Continue on to Rotorua, where you'll have the evening free to enjoy at your leisure.

Insider Experience - Visit Waitomo's Glowworm Caves 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.

Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua (Two Nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to the Agrodome, where you'll meet animals and learn about life in rural New Zealand. Alternatively, you may like to partake in our Enhance Your Journey experience. This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Māori cultural immersion and geothermal wonders in Rotorua Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori 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 Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand's national treasures at the new Kiwi Conservation Centre. This evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.

Enhance Your Journey - Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour Explore the iconic set from The Lord of the Rings films, featuring charming Hobbit Hole doors and the home of Frodo Baggins nestled in the hillsides (additional expense).

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel the Thermal Explorer Highway and visit Lake Taupō and Huka Falls. Afterwards, journey to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This tightly knit city is home to a stunning waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, and quaint colourful timber houses on the surrounding hills.

Accommodation: Novotel Wellington
Included Meals: Breakfast

Begin the day with an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue your journey onwards to Christchurch.

Insider Experience - Cruise the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry 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.

Accommodation: Hotel Elms Christchurch
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today begins with an Insider Experience. Later, take a scenic drive along the West Coast. This stunning region is home to the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests.

Insider Experience - Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass Journey through the heart of the Southern Alps, passing dramatic gorges, alpine rivers, and lush beech forests aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. This scenic rail journey offers breathtaking views and a relaxing way to experience one of New Zealand's most spectacular landscapes.

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

A stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Bask in idyllic views at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview 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.

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview (Two Nights)
Included Meals: Breakfast

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You'll find plenty to see and do around Queenstown, from thrilling adventures through to simply relaxing and soaking in incredible views. Perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey options (additional expense). This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining Savour a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm, reached by a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu. Gain an insight into life on a high-country New Zealand farm.

Enhance Your Journey - Million Dollar Cruise Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which swim in the lake's waters.

Enhance Your Journey - Shotover Jet Boat Ride Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls.

Enhance Your Journey - Wine Sampler Tour Venture through New Zealand's southernmost wine region as you sample a selection of vintages from the local vineyards and wineries.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the incredible Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Later, travel to the lakeside town of Te Anau.

Insider Experience - Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular scenery 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.

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world's only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
Included Meals: Breakfast

See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for a special Insider Experience. You may choose to enhance your journey with an amazing option on offer. Tonight, enjoy another special Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Farewell Dinner at The Hermitage's Alpine Restaurant Centrally located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage's Alpine Restaurant serves delicious meals crafted from fresh, seasonal produce. The spectacular views provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

Insider Experience - Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stay the night surrounded by sweeping views of New Zealand's highest peak.

Enhance Your Journey - Glacier Explorer Cruise Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier. Surrounded by the dramatic alpine landscape of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, you'll glide across the milky-blue waters while learning about the glacier's history, geology, and ongoing changes (additional expense).

Accommodation: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Mount Cook Lodge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking lake views of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Then continue on to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit Waitomo's glowworm caves: 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. 
  • Māori Cultural Immersion in Rotorua: Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori 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.
  • Cruise the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry: 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. 
  • Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass: Journey across the South Island from Christchurch on this world-famous rail journey. Ascend into the snow-capped Southern Alps, passing through striking scenery to Arthur's Pass.
  • Walter Peak Cruise and Dinner: Travel by vintage steamship across the breathtaking waters of Lake Wakatipu and indulge in a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy a BBQ dinner with grilled meats, flavoursome vegetables and salads. And be sure to leave room for dessert. Gain a fascinating insight into local life on a high-country New Zealand farm during this memorable experience.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Prices include all sightseeing, cruises, and entrance fees as specified, as well as airport transfers on the first and last day
  • Prices are for land tour only. Flights not included

Operator

Travelmarvel
 (415) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises87
Holiday memories are not just shaped by the incredible places you visit, but also by the wonderful people you meet along the way. At Travelmarvel, we know that great service is about going above and beyond, and that’s why our staff are regarded as a holiday highlight in their own right.

Travelmarvel holidays offer the more perfect combination of all the highlights of the destination with outstanding quality and value for money - you won’t go wrong choosing Travelmavel for your next holiday adventure.

Trip Reviews (2)

Travelmarvel Reviews
Reviews 2 Reviews
Average Rating 4.5 out of 5
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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Travelmarvel New Zealand (2025-26) Brochure

Travelmarvel New Zealand (2025-26)

Discover the beauty of New Zealand by land and rail. Whether you’re looking to tick off all the iconic sights of the North Island, deep dive into the landscapes of the South Island, or explore New Zealand from top to bottom, our immersive land journeys are an ideal choice. If a rail journey between mountains, lakes and rolling countryside is calling, more look no further. Discover New Zealand on your terms, in a travel style that's tailored to your preferences.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Tuesday 08 Sep 2026 08 Sep 26 Auckland
Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Christchurch
Details
Available Departure
Our Price
US$4,195
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 15 Sep 2026 15 Sep 26 Auckland
Saturday 26 Sep 2026 26 Sep 26 Christchurch
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Our Price
US$4,195
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 22 Sep 2026 22 Sep 26 Auckland
Saturday 03 Oct 2026 03 Oct 26 Christchurch
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US$4,195
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 29 Sep 2026 29 Sep 26 Auckland
Saturday 10 Oct 2026 10 Oct 26 Christchurch
Details
Available Departure
Our Price
US$4,195
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
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 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.

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