Sheep indeed outnumber people in New Zealand five to one, but lucky for ewe, this untamed land also boasts an impressive number of soaring mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning fiords. The North Island’s Bay of Islands sets the stage for the abundance of spectacular sights you’ll see on both of New Zealand’s breathtaking islands. Rotorua’s shooting geysers are only surpassed by the South Island’s soaring Southern Alps, which you’ll reach from charming Christchurch by way of the scenic TranzAlpine train. Throughout your tour of New Zealand, you’ll have the opportunity to admire incredible views of the Franz Josef Glacier, warm your toes in natural hot springs, and partake in all of the fun that Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World,” has to offer. With so many ways to work up an appetite, you’ll appreciate a special barbecue on a local farm and dinner at a New Zealand family’s home. On this 14-day tour, you’ll discover the best of New Zealand from top to bottom.
Globus All Access - Special features included in this tour:
- Orientation tour of Auckland
- Visit to the Waitangi Treaty House
- Sightseeing cruise to Hole in the Rock in Bay of Islands
- Guided visits to the National Kiwi Hatchery and Te Puia
- Meet a local New Zealand family and enjoy dinner in their home
- Farm-to-table lunch and sheep-shearing demonstration at a local farm
- Guided sightseeing in Wellington with a cable-car ride on Mount Victoria
- Scenic ride on the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass
- Guided walk to the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint
- Wine tasting at Gibbston Valley Winery
- Excursion to Fiordland National Park with scenic cruise on the famous Milford Sound
- Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak in Queenstown with dinner
- Intra-vacation flight from Wellington to Christchurch
Itinerary
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand
A Māori Welcome: Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30 pm to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.
(D)
Auckland – Bay Of Islands
Time & Tides: Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. Continue to the Bay of Islands, known for its stunning beauty and history. Before arriving at your resort, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House.
(B/D)
Bay Of Islands
Seas the Day: This morning, embark on a sightseeing cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to stroll the beach, explore some of the island’s historic attractions, shop for souvenirs, or just relax at your hotel.
(B)
Bay Of Islands – Rotorua
Abundant Adventure: Today, travel through the Bay of Plenty region to Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, and a thriving Māori culture
(B)
Rotorua
The Living Earth: This morning starts with a guided tour and visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Next, visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area. This afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to relax in a natural hot spring, zipline through the forest, or board a floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful region. This evening, join a Globus Local Favorite New Zealand family for dinner in their home, a unique opportunity to interact with a local family and immerse yourself in New Zealand culture. Before the evening is over, you’ll feel like part of the family.
(B/D)
Rotorua – Marton – Wellington
Wild & Woolly: Travel south today through rolling farmlands and pass massive Lake Taupo. After lunch, continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
(B/L)
Wellington
New Zealand Treasures: Our day begins with a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Take a scenic cable-car ride, visit the beautiful botanic gardens, see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria. You’ll also spend time at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
(B)
Wellington – Christchurch
Legendary Landmarks: Fly to Christchurch, located on New Zealand’s south island and known for its English heritage. A sightseeing tour highlights some of Christchurch’s famous landmarks and spectacular gardens. This evening is at leisure.
(B)
Christchurch – Tranzalpine Train – Arthur’s Pass–Franz Josef
All Aboard in Christchurch: Today, take one of the world’s great train journeys aboard the scenic TranzAlpine. Spend the next two nights in the small town of Franz Josef, located at the base of the impressive Franz Josef Glacier.
(B/D)
Franz Josef
Ice Sculptures: This morning, explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage area. Admire incredible views of the Franz Josef Glacier on a locally guided walking tour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
(B)
Franz Josef – Queenstown
Vineyards & Views: Your journey today takes you along the coast and the Tasman Sea. Climb through rainforests and over Haast Pass to arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, enjoy a tour and a tasting at a local Globus Local Favorite winery. Tonight, you’re free to enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown’s many restaurants or cafes and sample some of the regional wines.
(B)
Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound
Sights & Sound: Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park for a full day excursion to the Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late evening return to Queenstown.
NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 13 depending on weather and road conditions today.
(B/L)
Queenstown
Timeless Tales & Traditions: Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Tour some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy, shop for souvenirs, or take a thrilling jetboat ride on the Dart River. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner.
(B/D)
Queenstown
Haere Ra (Māori for “Until Next Time”): Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
(B)
This tour visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.
The TranzAlpine train undergoes regular annual maintenance. Dates vary year by year and can be announced at various times. If the train is unavailable during your tour, you will travel by motorcoach from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
