From £1599 per person
18 days from only £1599 per person
We’re delighted to bring you a fantastic special offer - an 18 day tour to New Zealand at the unbelievable price of only £1599 per person.
This wonderful 18 day holiday, departing in September 2008, visits all the major highlights of New Zealand and offers a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, picturesque cities and rich local culture.What’s more, our Round The World flights with Air New Zealand give you an opportunity to stop over in two of the world’s most exciting cities - Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Places on this tour are limited, so we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.
Tour HighlightsAuckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Fox Glacier, Queenstown
Optional stopovers
Hong Kong, Los Angeles
Tour itinerary
Day 1 Depart UK
Evening flight from London Heathrow with Air New Zealand.
Day 2 Connecting flight in Hong Kong
Please ask us about the opportunity to stop over in Hong Kong - a vibrant city with a beautiful natural setting.
Day 3 Arrive Auckland
Morning arrival followed by a sightseeing tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’. Our tour includes spectacular 360 degree views of the city from the top of Mount Eden, the fashionable suburb of Parnell, Victoria Park Market and Viaduct Harbour. Overnight stop.
Day 4 Auckland - Bay of Islands
Our journey to the Bay of Islands takes us through the Kauri forests of Waipoua and alongside the picturesque harbour at Hokianga. We will spend three nights in Paihia.
Day 5 Bay of Islands
A day at leisure. Why not take a cruise to Cape Brett? It’s the perfect way to explore the area’s stunning coastal scenery.
Day 6 Bay of Islands
Today we have the opportunity to take an optional full day excursion to Cape Reinga, at the northern tip of New Zealand. The tour includes a ride in a specially designed coach along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach.
Day 7 Bay of Islands - Rotorua
We travel along the Hibiscus Coast and cross the impressive Waitemata Harbour Bridge en route to Rotorua. We spend two nights in Rotorua, which is at the heart of New Zealand’s rich Maori culture.
Day 8 Rotorua
The highlight of this morning’s included sightseeing tour is a visit to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Its gushing geysers and gurgling mud pools are, understandably, one of New Zealand’s major attractions. Before returning to our hotel, there’s plenty of time to explore the Maori Arts and Craft Institute.
Day 9 Rotorua - Wellington
After breakfast, we head south along the Desert Road stopping at the country’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Taupo. An overnight stop is made in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Day 10 Wellington - Christchurch
We bid farewell to the North Island as our ferry crosses the Cook Strait and sails through Queen Charlotte Sound to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. We continue south to Christchurch, where we stay for one night.
Day 11 Christchurch - Fox Glacier
This morning we embark on one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand. We begin by crossing the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains before making our way into the Southern Alps. We cross Arthur’s Pass and descend towards the untamed west coast and tonight’s destination, Fox Glacier. There’s an opportunity to take an optional scenic helicopter ride (weather permitting) over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Day 12 Fox Glacier - Queenstown
Leaving the lush rainforest region on the west coast, we travel alongside the beautiful lakes at Hawea and Wanaka en route to Queenstown, our home for the next three nights.
Day 13 Queenstown
Our day is free to take advantage of the incredible variety of excursions and activities in and around New Zealand’s most glamorous alpine resort. Popular excursions include an exhilarating ride on the Shotover Jetboat, a relaxing tour of Queenstown’s gardens or an enjoyable day following the area’s wine trail.
Day 14 Queenstown
Another day at leisure. Why not join a full day optional excursion to the magnificent Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound? The tour begins with a scenic drive through glacial valleys and lush beech forests before arriving at Milford Sound for a cruise. The cruise takes in the impressive Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, and often seals and dolphins are found playing in the waters.
Day 15 Queenstown - Christchurch
On leaving Queenstown, we head over the Lindis Pass to the turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo. We continue through Mackenzie Country to Christchurch - a city famous for its many beautiful parks and gardens. We spend two nights in Christchurch.
Day 16 Christchurch
A free day to explore Christchurch or enjoy one of the optional excursions. Perhaps join a trip to the historic French settlement of Akaroa. Alternatively, embark on a full day excursion to Kaikoura where whale watching tours frequently encounter sperm whales, dolphins and seals.
Day 17 Depart Christchurch. Connecting flight in Los Angeles.
Following a leisurely morning, we spend the afternoon exploring the highlights of this charming city. Our sightseeing tour visits Cathedral Square, the excellent Arts Centre and the botanical gardens in Hagley Park - home to New Zealand’s finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants.
Our evening flight to Los Angeles (via Auckland) with Air New Zealand offers a rare opportunity to arrive in another country before we have set off! Gaining time by crossing the international dateline, we connect with our mid- afternoon flight to London Heathrow. Please ask us about extending your holiday with a stopover in Los Angeles.
Day 18 Arrive UK
Morning arrival into London Heathrow.
About your holiday
Included in the price
Scheduled flights with Air New Zealand
Airport transfers in New Zealand
Accommodation in twin or double rooms (Single occupancy supplement £349)
Full breakfast in every hotel
Modern touring coach
Experienced driver / guide
Luggage service for one piece of luggage per person
Ferry between Wellington and Picton
All local and state taxes Airport taxes (includes £40 Air Passenger Duty, does not include a personal New Zealand departure tax of approx. £10)
Sightseeing tours in Auckland and Christchurch
Entrance to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
Not included in the price
Telephone, laundry, items of a personal nature and meals not indicated. Gratuities for the drivers / local guides / Tour Managers. Personal departure taxes as specified. The tour price is based on current airfares at September 2007 and exchange rates of £1 = Singapore $3.01, New Zealand $2.89, Australia $2.42, South African Rand14.55, US $2.02
Extend your holiday
Extended holidays should be requested with your travel advisor at the time of booking. Holiday extensions can be at either the start or end of your holiday (except South Africa, where you must travel out with the group), subject to flight schedules. Unless otherwise stated overseas transfers are not included on extended stays and you must therefore make your own arrangements. We will be happy to help you with making these arrangements. Extended stays will incur an administration charge of £25 per person. Please remember - your travel insurance must cover the whole duration of your holiday.