National Geographic New Zealand Journey
New Zealand
Spend 12 days exploring the North and South Islands of this small country packed with wonders. Travelling by train, gondola, boat, and plane, sample local wine, walk through an ancient rainforest, and learn about local legends and cuisine from the Maori. Take a deep breath to fill your lungs with the impossibly clean air here — and fill your soul with the legendary Kiwi spirit.
Highlights:
Auckland – Rotorua – Christchurch – Franz Josef – Queenstown – Fiordland National Park
Includes:
• 10 nights in hotels, 1 night cruise (seasonal)
• 11 breakfasts, 2 dinners
• Transportation while on tour
• Tour guide and local guides
• National Geographic Journeys Exclusive: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island
• National Geographic Journeys Exclusive: Meet a Maori Elder, Rotorua
• Waitomo Caves Tour
• Tranditional Maori hangi feast and entertainment
• Orientation walk in Christchurch
• Scenic TranzAlpine train
• Ride the Queenstown gondola
• Wilderness day cruise (winter), or overnight cruise (summer) in Fiordland National Park
• Internal flight
Not included:
- Visa or travel documents that may be needed
- Meals that are not shown
- Items of a personal nature
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DAY 1: AUCKLAND
Arrive at any time.
DAY 2: AUCKLAND
Enjoy a morning orientation walk before catching a ferry to Waiheke Island. Visit two local wineries to learn more about New Zealand's burgeoning wine industry and the history of wine production in the country while sampling some of the local blends, of course.
DAY 3: AUCKLAND - ROTORUA
Drive to Rotorua, stopping for an excursion at Waitomo Caves where you'll take a boat ride through the cave and see thousands of flickering glowworms lighting up the walls.
DAY 4: ROTORUA
Enjoy a free day in Rotorua which sits over an active geothermal zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools. Opt to visit one of the geothermal sites, or go whitewater rafting. This evening visit Tamaki Maori Village and enjoy a private welcome and talk from a “Kaumātua” (an elder in Māori society). After, watch an extravagant performance about local myths and legends while dining on traditional Hangi cuisine.
DAY 5: ROTORUA - CHRISTCHURCH
Enjoy free time this morning in Rotorua before catching a flight to Christchurch. Take an orientation walk with your CEO to get a feel for the city.
DAY 6: CHRISTCHURCH - FRANZ JOSEF
Enjoy one of the world’s great scenic train trips on the TranzAlpine train, crossing the scenic Southern Alps to New Zealand's glacier region. Disembark and finish the journey over the highest pass in the Southern Alps in a private vehicle before transferring to a beautiful rainforest lodge, our home for two nights.
DAY 7: FRANZ JOSEF
Options are plentiful. Choose from a helicopter hike, ice walking on the glacier, or soaking in hot pools among stunning scenery.
DAY 8: FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN
Take a stunning scenic drive through the rugged rainforest along the west coast to Queenstown.
DAY 9: QUEENSTOWN - FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
Embark on an amazing wilderness cruise through Fiordland National Park. Led by onboard naturalist guides, we have the chance to see dolphins, fur seals, birds, and penguins, with the option to kayak. Spend the night onboard in comfortable cabins (seasonal) with time to relax on deck and stargaze.
DAY 10 - FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK - QUEENSTOWN
Enjoy early morning wildlife viewing along the fiord as we cruise back to port, then return to Queenstown.
DAY 11: QUEENSTOWN
Enjoy a free day to explore on your own, visit a winery, or cruise on a historic steamship. Feeling a bit more adventurous? Opt to go bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, paragliding, or mountain biking. This evening enjoy a gondola ride with spectacular views of the city and surrounding landscape.
DAY 12: QUEENSTOWN
Depart at any time.
Location Map:
Price will be quoted in CAD. Departure dates available year round, prices may vary, please contact us for details. Other conditions may apply. Trip Style: National Geographic Journeys. Activity level: Average.
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