15 Day New Zealand Splendour Guided Tour
So many adventures to be had from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South.
15 Day New Zealand Splendour Guided Tour
Venture down into the depths of a glowworm grotto, experience the fun and frivolity of a sing-along on a cruise in Queenstown, then fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the beach outside your hotel in Punakaiki.
Tour Type: | Group Tours |
From: | Auckland to Christchurch |
Departs: | Selected dates |
Duration: | 15 Days |
Tour Code: | ZAAC |
Regions Visited
Click on the region name to view more information about the region
Tour Inclusions
- Private car airport transfers on arrival and departure (flights to arrive prior to 4pm on day 1, flights can depart anytime on day 15)
- Airport meet & greet on arrival
- Enjoy New Zealand wines with all hotel dinners
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Quality accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Breakfast of choice (4)
- Full buffet breakfasts (10)
- ‘You’re invited’ lunch (1)
- ‘You’re invited’ afternoon tea (1)
- Dinners with wine (6)
- Highlight dinners (4)
- Farewell dinner (1)
- Discover Waitomo’s famous Glowworm Grotto
- Take your pick of a selection of included local highlight experiences at Rotorua
- 'You’re invited’ to Shenandoah Estate for a unique private afternoon tea experience
- Wellington’s city sights and Mt. Victoria
- Sail the Cook Strait to beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound
- Indulge in a 5 course dinner with matching wines in Blenheim
- Savour a delicious Kiwi BBQ at Morelea Farm
- Marvel at the crystal clear waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
- Discover truly spectacular Milford Sound on a cruise
- Tailor your trip with a selection of included enriching experiences in Queenstown
- Taste Central Otago stone fruit at a local orchard
- Discover Franz Josef Glacier
- Visit a jade factory and marvel at artists at work
- Explore Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train
Day By Day Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO AUCKLAND
On arrival at Auckland Airport you’ll be met and transferred by private car to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore Auckland. This evening meet your Travel Director for a welcome reception and highlight dinner at The Cordis. Your indulgent degustation is prepared for you from the freshest, quality ingredients, including mouth-watering seafood and delicious desserts.
Accommodation: The Cordis
DAY 2: AUCKLAND / ROTORUA
After a tour of Auckland, trace the Waikato River to the Waitomo Caves to explore the fascinating Glowworm Grotto. From Waitomo to Rotorua you’ll venture through the King Country. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi feast highlight dinner and concert for an insight into Maori culture at the Tamaki Maori Village.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel
DAY 3: ROTORUA
Today choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. Perhaps unwind at the Polynesian Spa. Visit Te Puia and tour through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Or you could take a fascinating tour of the Hobbiton movie set. Or explore Rotorua and its three lakes in an amphibious WWII era Duck. Tonight you have the option of staying at your hotel or on a nearby farm. A warm welcome awaits you on your New Zealand rural homestay and your hosts will provide you with the wonderful Kiwi hospitality that really makes you feel ‘at home’. Enjoy dinner and breakfast, a tour to introduce you to their way of life and comfortable accommodation in their home or cottages. You may choose to meet the animals, which may include sheep, cows, deer and many others, or simply relax and enjoy the company of your hosts and the scenic surroundings. (Additional cost).
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel
DAY 4: ROTORUA / WELLINGTON
View the mighty Huka Falls and drive along the shores of Lake Taupo. Discover the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu. This afternoon visit Shenandoah for a unique Be My Guest experience. The historic villa’s owners, Simon and Claudia, will show you around their property, which includes a unique private collection of Harley Davidson motorcycles. Enjoy afternoon tea in their garden then take a short tour to see the local wildlife including friendly Highland cows. Continue along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington.
Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
DAY 5: WELLINGTON / BLENHEIM
Why not discover more of Wellington this morning. Perhaps visit the Parliament buildings and the Beehive, home to New Zealand’s politicians. Later, visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Cruise the Cook Strait into Queen Charlotte Sound. The village of Picton is next, then it’s on to Blenheim for a city sightseeing tour. Tonight enjoy a 3-course highlight dinner prepared from local produce matched with wines of the Marlborough region, including selections from Villa Maria and Saint Clair wineries.
Accommodation: Chateau Marlborough
DAY 6: BLENHEIM / CHRISTCHURCH
En route to the whale-watching haven of Kaikoura, you’ll pass the Grassmere Salt Works and see New Zealand fur seals up close at Ohau Point. Travel to Christchurch and see the extensive work carried out to rebuild the city after the earthquake of February 2011. Stop in and visit the Re:Start Mall, a project designed to breathe life back into the city centre.
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel
DAY 7: CHRISTCHURCH / TWIZEL
Visit Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm, where you’ll get a taste of traditional New Zealand country life. You’ll be welcomed into the home of Angie and Stan Taylor and their beautiful 240 hectare garden. You’ll have the chance to see sheep shearing and farming demonstrations before enjoying a Be My Guest barbecue lunch, and wait until you try Angie’s famous pavlova dessert! Listen to the family’s story of growing up in rural New Zealand and their challenges of farming in the foothills of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Later, see spectacular Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki and visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on your way to Twizel.
Accommodation: MacKenzie Country Hotel
DAY 8: TWIZEL / DUNEDIN
View the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam located on the shores of New Zealand’s largest man-made lake, Lake Benmore. You’ll stop in at the gorgeous harbour town of Oamaru. Most well-known for its stunning 19th century white limestone architecture, Oamaru is also home to potters, painters, cheese-makers and many other artisans. And you may even spot an Oamaru Blue Penguin! On arrival in Dunedin, you may wish to take a wander around the beautiful grounds of New Zealand’s first university, Otago University. Dunedin, also known as the Edinburgh of the south, has strong connections to its northern hemisphere sister city, even down to sharing many of the street names. This evening enjoy dinner with wine at your hotel.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
DAY 9: DUNEDIN / TE ANAU
This morning choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. You have the option to tour Larnach Castle, ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway, take the Monarch Wildlife Cruise or experience an interactive of tour Speight’s Brewery. Later, travel across farming land to the village of Te Anau, on the shores of Lake Te Anau, the South Island’s largest lake.
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
DAY 10: TE ANAU / QUEENSTOWN
Be awestruck by the magnificence of the World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park. Amazing photo opportunities await you today as you see rainforest, ancient glaciers, mountain ranges and the hand-made Homer Tunnel. Pass the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm. Your cruise on Milford Sound will take you past Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak. Afterwards, travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu on your way to Queenstown, where an orientation tour finishes this highlight day.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel
DAY 11: QUEENSTOWN
Today choose one from a range of Included Choice sightseeing experiences. You have the option to ride the Shotover Jet, take a gondola to Bob’s Peak for thrilling luge rides, or visit the Skyline Restaurant for dinner. Or take a 4WD minibus tour through spectacular Skippers Canyon. Perhaps visit Kiwi Birdlife Park or journey deep into the mountains to Mt. Nicholas High Country Farm for lunch. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue highlight dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. An entertaining farm show provides a glimpse into high-country farm life. Why not join in a sing-a-long on your way back to Queenstown?
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel
DAY 12: QUEENSTOWN / FRANZ JOSEF
Visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown then enjoy the tastes of delicious stone fruit at Cromwell. See lakes Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka. Travel over the Haast Pass and view Thunder Creek Falls. Your final destination for today is the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier. You may want to view the glacier on a helicopter flight (own expense). This evening enjoy dinner with wine at your hotel.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
DAY 13: FRANZ JOSEF / PUNAKAIKI
It’s time for an adventure amongst temperate rainforest giants on the West Coast Treetop Walkway. Explore Franz Josef Glacier – take a scenic flight or a glacier hike (both own expense). Then depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. Later, travel to coastal Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks. You’ll spend the night in an eco-friendly resort, right on the waterfront. This evening enjoy dinner with wine at your hotel, while watching the surf thundering at your doorstep!
Accommodation: Punakaiki Resort
DAY 14: PUNAKAIKI / CHRISTCHURCH
Travel to the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine. This spectacular train journey dates back to 1914, and is rated as one of the word’s most scenic train trips. The train forges through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges and river valleys. Join your Travel Director this evening for a farewell dinner with wine.
Accommodation: Hotel Novotel
DAY 15: FAREWELL FROM CHRISTCHURCH
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You’ll be transferred by private car to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.
01 January 2019 - 31 December 2020
Start Date | End Date | Single traveller | Share / Twin | Guaranteed departure | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 February 2019 | 5 March 2019 | $9,075 NZD | $6,935 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
26 February 2019 | 12 March 2019 | $9,075 NZD | $6,935 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
5 March 2019 | 19 March 2019 | $9,075 NZD | $6,935 NZD | Yes | Fully Booked |
12 March 2019 | 26 March 2019 | $9,075 NZD | $6,935 NZD | Yes | Fully Booked |
19 March 2019 | 2 April 2019 | $9,075 NZD | $6,935 NZD | Yes | Fully Booked |
26 March 2019 | 9 April 2019 | $9,075 NZD | $6,935 NZD | Yes | Fully Booked |
4 June 2019 | 18 June 2019 | $8,180 NZD | $6,285 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
10 September 2019 | 24 September 2019 | $8,180 NZD | $6,285 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
17 September 2019 | 1 October 2019 | $8,180 NZD | $6,285 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
24 September 2019 | 8 October 2019 | $8,180 NZD | $6,285 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
1 October 2019 | 15 October 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
8 October 2019 | 22 October 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
15 October 2019 | 29 October 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
22 October 2019 | 5 November 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
29 October 2019 | 12 November 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
5 November 2019 | 19 November 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
12 November 2019 | 26 November 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
19 November 2019 | 3 December 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
26 November 2019 | 10 December 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
3 December 2019 | 17 December 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
10 December 2019 | 24 December 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
17 December 2019 | 31 December 2019 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
24 December 2019 | 7 January 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
31 December 2019 | 14 January 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
7 January 2020 | 21 January 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
14 January 2020 | 28 January 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
21 January 2020 | 4 February 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
28 January 2020 | 11 February 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
4 February 2020 | 18 February 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
11 February 2020 | 25 February 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
18 February 2020 | 3 March 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
25 February 2020 | 10 March 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
3 March 2020 | 17 March 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
10 March 2020 | 24 March 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
17 March 2020 | 31 March 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
24 March 2020 | 7 April 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
31 March 2020 | 14 April 2020 | $9,125 NZD | $6,925 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
7 April 2020 | 21 April 2020 | $8,630 NZD | $6,575 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
14 April 2020 | 28 April 2020 | $8,630 NZD | $6,575 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
21 April 2020 | 5 May 2020 | $8,630 NZD | $6,575 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
28 April 2020 | 12 May 2020 | $8,630 NZD | $6,575 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
2 June 2020 | 16 June 2020 | $8,155 NZD | $6,225 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
30 June 2020 | 14 July 2020 | $8,155 NZD | $6,225 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
28 July 2020 | 11 August 2020 | $8,155 NZD | $6,225 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
11 August 2020 | 25 August 2020 | $8,155 NZD | $6,225 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
25 August 2020 | 8 September 2020 | $8,155 NZD | $6,225 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
1 September 2020 | 15 September 2020 | $8,155 NZD | $6,225 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
8 September 2020 | 22 September 2020 | $8,155 NZD | $6,225 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
15 September 2020 | 29 September 2020 | $8,155 NZD | $6,225 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
22 September 2020 | 6 October 2020 | $8,155 NZD | $6,225 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
6 October 2020 | 20 October 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
13 October 2020 | 27 October 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
20 October 2020 | 3 November 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
27 October 2020 | 10 November 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
3 November 2020 | 17 November 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
10 November 2020 | 24 November 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
17 November 2020 | 1 December 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
24 November 2020 | 8 December 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
1 December 2020 | 15 December 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
8 December 2020 | 22 December 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
15 December 2020 | 29 December 2020 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
22 December 2020 | 5 January 2021 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
29 December 2020 | 12 January 2021 | $9,260 NZD | $7,025 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |