11 Days from $3,459
This unique and value-packed 11-night Highlights of New Zealand tour begins in Auckland and travels south to a host of fabulous places, such as Napier, the Whakarewarewa Valley Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. See the magnificent wildlife and sparkling waterfall on an included excursion to Milford Sound. Your itinerary also features Lake Tekapo, Lake Wakatipu and fascinating Te Puia, Rotorua.
Read moreHighlights include Auckland’s Domain, the city’s oldest park developed around an extinct volcano, bustling Queens Street, charming Parnell Village and the Viaduct Harbour. Take an unforgettable trip to the top of Sky Tower. Visit Rotorua, home to the country’s Maori culture and be shown such traditional Maori arts as carving, weaving and a cultural performance. Visit the immense Agrodome working farm where you can feed the animals. Ziplining, a canopy tour, plus a helicopter or floatplane flight over the volcanic valley are offered. See bubbling mud and the active Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia. Adventures in Queensland include a cruise on Lake Wakatipu and on beautiful Milford Sound, with waterfalls and wildlife. Explore mining towns and famous vineyards and taste their wines. Visit the Art Deco city of Napier where you can stroll along the beach, shop and visit the National Aquarium. Delightful Wellington features the famous Beehive and Parliament building, plus harbor views from the top of Mount Victoria. Sail from Wellington to the charming picturesque port town of Picton with great cafés, shops and more. Stay overnight in Christchurch and see Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Amidst Lake Tekapo and mountains, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd in a breathtaking setting. Bring the family along for this affordable vacation of a lifetime!
Read lessThis Cosmos travel package does not include meals. Most of our hotels offer anything from coffee to a full breakfast, so you can start the day the way you like best. At most lunch stops, your Tour Director will have information on local restaurants. Dinnertime is your chance to sample local cuisine. Sometimes your Tour Director will offer an optional dinner outing.
Auckland, New Zealand
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or start exploring.
President Hotel
Auckland, New Zealand
This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering first hand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live. See the Domain, the city’s oldest park, developed around an extinct volcano. Highlights also include charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may wish to take a trip to the top of Sky Tower, enjoy a sailing experience on Auckland Harbour, or visit nearby picturesque Waiheke Island. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
President Hotel
Rotorua, New Zealand
Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farm land to Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Maori culture and geothermal wonders. Our first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour allows you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You’ll also have a chance to witness traditional Maori carving and weaving along with a Maori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! This evening is at leisure.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
Rotorua, New Zealand
Today is free to explore more of Rotorua. You may wish to take an optional excursion to visit magical Hobbiton, the set used as the Shire in the movie trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Other options include a zipline and canopy tour, helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. In the evening, you may want to attend an optional Maori Hangi dinner and cultural performance.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
Napier, New Zealand
Today we continue our journey on the north island traveling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Later, arrive in Napier, located in the beautiful Hawk’s Bay region. This afternoon, a walking tour explains how a natural disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. With the rest of the day at leisure, you may wish to take a stroll on the beach, shop for a favorite souvenir, or visit the National Aquarium to see sharks, stingrays, penguins, and more.
Expressotel Napier
Wellington/New Zealand, New Zealand
Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city known for is vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle. Upon arrival, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria.
Thorndon Hotel Wellington
Picton, New Zealand
Today, enjoy a special treat as you sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by.
Christchurch, New Zealand
Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island for an overnight stay.
Quest Christchurch Hotel
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Our journey continues across New Zealand’s south island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. Stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo for a visit to the picturesque Church of the Good Shepard.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Later, arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital,” for a 3-night stay. This evening you may want to take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below.
Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
Queenstown, New Zealand
Today is free to explore more of Queenstown on your own. You may want to take the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner, discover a favorite boutique or art gallery, take an exciting helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains, or enjoy a wine tour.
Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Milford Sound. CRUISE to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip!
Queenstown, New Zealand
Return to Queenstown late this evening.
Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
Queenstown, New Zealand
Your vacation ends this morning.
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.
ALL guests must carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES or with a visa service, as these requirements may change. Guests without proper documentation may be denied entry and will not be entitled to a refund
Exclusive Adult Only Departure
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