17 Day Kia Ora New Zealand Guided Tour
Begin your New Zealand story with a cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands. Continue the narrative with the arts and traditions of Maori culture, and the sweeping vistas of the Marlborough Sounds. Conclude your epic narrative with tales of intrepid settlers in Central Otago, and thrills in Queenstown, the adventure capital.
17 Day Kia Ora New Zealand Guided Tour
Begin your New Zealand story with a cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands. Continue the narrative with the arts and traditions of Maori culture, and the sweeping vistas of the Marlborough Sounds. Conclude your epic narrative with tales of intrepid settlers in Central Otago, and thrills in Queenstown, the adventure capital.
Tour Type: | Group Tours |
From: | Auckland to Christchurch |
Departs: | Selected dates |
Duration: | 17 Days |
Tour Code: | LABC |
Regions Visited
Click on the region name to view more information about the region
Tour Inclusions
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach
- Airport transfers (flights to arrive prior to 4pm on day 1, flights can depart anytime on day 17)
- Full buffet breakfasts (16)
- 'Highlight dinners' (2)
- Dinners (9)
- Cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands and through ‘Hole in the Rock’
- Cruise through Waitomo’s famous Glow Worm Grotto
- Feast on a Maori Hangi at a unique dinner experience with the Tamaki family
- Discover the arts and traditions of New Zealand’s Maori culture
- Explore New Zealand’s capital Wellington
- Visit Te Papa the Museum of New Zealand
- Set sail on Queen Charlotte Sound
- See spectacular Lake Tekapo and Lake Te Anau
- Cruise on breath-taking Milford Sound
- Let loose in the adventure capital Queenstown
- Sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a unique ‘highlight dinner’
- See awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier
- Visit a green stone factory and watch the jade artists at work
- Tour through Christchurch to witness the incredible rebuild of the city
Day By Day Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO AUCKLAND
After your airport transfer to your hotel, explore Auckland your way. This evening enjoy a welcome reception with your Travel Director.
Accommodation: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
DAY 2: AUCKLAND / BAY OF ISLANDS
Depart Auckland and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the ‘Hole in the Rock’. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands with deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays. Keep your eyes peeled for the marine life.
Accommodation: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands
DAY 3: BAY OF ISLANDS
Explore the Bay of Islands. Perhaps take a ferry to Russell, go sailing on a tall ship, dolphin-watching on the bay or visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Accommodation: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands
DAY 4: BAY OF ISLANDS / AUCKLAND
Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling through lush farmlands on your way back to Auckland.
Accommodation: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
DAY 5: AUCKLAND / ROTORUA
After an Auckland city sights tour you’ll trace the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves. Glide through the amazing Glowworm Grotto by boat. Then arrive in Rotorua for an orientation tour. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast highlight dinner and concert at the Tamaki Maori Village.
Accommodation: Hotel Ibis
DAY 6: ROTORUA
Visit the Agrodome Farm Show, then enjoy an afternoon of ‘Free Time’ – visit Rainbow Springs, abundant with Rainbow Trout and native fauna including the kiwi or Te Puia, where a local Maori will guide you through the Geothermal valley with its mud pools and geysers. 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: Hotel Ibis
DAY 7: ROTORUA / WELLINGTON
This morning depart Rotorua travelling south to Wairakei and on to Taupo, in the very heart of the North Island. Stop to view mighty Huka Falls before following the eastern shoreline of Lake Taupo. Continue through rich farming lands into the capital city Wellington.
Accommodation: Travelodge
DAY 8: WELLINGTON / PICTON
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Take in the panoramic views from the top of Mt. Victoria. There will be time to explore the Parliament buildings and the Beehive, home to New Zealand’s politicians. Visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand and explore the fascinating exhibits at your leisure, including their unique Marae or Maori Meeting House. Cruise the Cook Strait into Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton.
Accommodation: Beachcomber Inn
DAY 9: PICTON / CHRISTCHURCH
Get up close and personal with some New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point, watch whales at Kaikoura, (optional scenic whale-watching flight is available) and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Hotel Ibis
DAY 10: CHRISTCHURCH / OMARAMA
Free time to relax this morning. Later see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the alpine scenery of Mt. Cook National Park.
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel
DAY 11: OMARAMA / DUNEDIN
Your day starts along the Waitaki River with the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Travel through Oamaru with its famous white limestone buildings to Dunedin, where you’ll tour the city. Then you’ve got the afternoon to yourself – perhaps take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Speights Brewery or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
DAY 12: DUNEDIN / TE ANAU
It’s a morning at leisure, during which you might like to tour New Zealand’s Larnach Castle. Head off across South Otago’s fertile sheepfilled farming land en route to Te Anau, on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. Tonight you may choose to travel by boat through the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (own expense).
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
DAY 13: TE ANAU / QUEENSTOWN
Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. See Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown for a sightseeing tour on arrival.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort
DAY 14: QUEENSTOWN
Explore thrilling Queenstown your way – from wine tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue highlight dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high-country farm life. Why not join in a sing-a-long on your cruise back to Queenstown?
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort
DAY 15: QUEENSTOWN / FRANZ JOSEF
The first stop is historic Arrowtown. Next is Cromwell to taste its sensational stone fruit. Then it’s a trio of lakes – Lake Dunstan, Hawea, Wanaka before you travel through Haast Pass, view Thunder Creek Falls and take a rainforest walk. Your final destination today is the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier (an optional scenic flight is available).
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
DAY 16: FRANZ JOSEF / CHRISTCHURCH
You’ll visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration first up then travel to Arthur’s Pass to board the TranzAlpine, one of the top 6 train journeys in the world. This spectacular journey takes you through the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening celebrate your holiday at a farewell dinner with your Travel Director and new-found friends.
Accommodation: Hotel Ibis
DAY 17: FAREWELL FROM CHRISTCHURCH
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You’ll be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.
01 January 2019 - 31 December 2020
Start Date | End Date | Single traveller | Share / Twin | Guaranteed departure | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
16 February 2019 | 4 March 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
23 February 2019 | 11 March 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Fully Booked |
2 March 2019 | 18 March 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
23 March 2019 | 8 April 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
30 March 2019 | 15 April 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Fully Booked |
20 April 2019 | 6 May 2019 | $7,220 NZD | $5,435 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
1 June 2019 | 17 June 2019 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
10 August 2019 | 26 August 2019 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | Yes | Fully Booked |
24 August 2019 | 9 September 2019 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | Yes | Fully Booked |
7 September 2019 | 23 September 2019 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
14 September 2019 | 30 September 2019 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
28 September 2019 | 14 October 2019 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
5 October 2019 | 21 October 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
12 October 2019 | 28 October 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
19 October 2019 | 4 November 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
26 October 2019 | 11 November 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
2 November 2019 | 18 November 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
9 November 2019 | 25 November 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
16 November 2019 | 2 December 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
23 November 2019 | 9 December 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
30 November 2019 | 16 December 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
7 December 2019 | 23 December 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
14 December 2019 | 30 December 2019 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Fully Booked |
21 December 2019 | 6 January 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
28 December 2019 | 13 January 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
4 January 2020 | 20 January 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
11 January 2020 | 27 January 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
18 January 2020 | 3 February 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
25 January 2020 | 10 February 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
1 February 2020 | 17 February 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
8 February 2020 | 24 February 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
15 February 2020 | 2 March 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
22 February 2020 | 9 March 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
29 February 2020 | 16 March 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
7 March 2020 | 23 March 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
14 March 2020 | 30 March 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
21 March 2020 | 6 April 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | Yes | Enquire / Book |
28 March 2020 | 13 April 2020 | $7,645 NZD | $5,750 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
18 April 2020 | 4 May 2020 | $7,220 NZD | $5,435 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
25 April 2020 | 11 May 2020 | $7,220 NZD | $5,435 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
30 May 2020 | 15 June 2020 | $7,220 NZD | $5,435 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
27 June 2020 | 13 July 2020 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
25 July 2020 | 10 August 2020 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
8 August 2020 | 24 August 2020 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
22 August 2020 | 7 September 2020 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
5 September 2020 | 21 September 2020 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
12 September 2020 | 28 September 2020 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
26 September 2020 | 12 October 2020 | $6,890 NZD | $5,110 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
3 October 2020 | 19 October 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
10 October 2020 | 26 October 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
17 October 2020 | 2 November 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
24 October 2020 | 9 November 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
31 October 2020 | 16 November 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
7 November 2020 | 23 November 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
14 November 2020 | 30 November 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
28 November 2020 | 14 December 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
5 December 2020 | 21 December 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
12 December 2020 | 28 December 2020 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
19 December 2020 | 4 January 2021 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |
26 December 2020 | 11 January 2021 | $7,820 NZD | $5,895 NZD | No | Enquire / Book |