EXPLORE NEW ZEALAND HIGHLIGHTS
TRIP DESCRIPTION
Explore the cosmopolitan city of Auckland, cruise by boat through the glow worm caves at Waitomo, view mighty geysers in Rotorua and visit the picture perfect Milford Sound in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park.
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Start Location: Auckland
End Location: Queenstown
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Auckland Sky Tower
- Auckland city tour
- Guided tour Auckland to Rotorua
- Waitomo glow worm caves
- Guided tour of Rotorua
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Rainbow Springs
- Skyline gondola ride with lunch
- City tour of Christchurch
- Guided tour Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook
- Queenstown highlights tour, Walter Peak evening dinner with cruise
- Milford Sound guided tour & cruise
SAMPLE ITINERARY (CUSTOMIZABLE)
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your downtown accommodation. New Zealand's largest city, blending harbour islands, Polynesian culture and a vibrant city centre, Auckland has been ranked amongst top in the world as a lifestyle city.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 2: Auckland Sightseeing
Experience the best of Auckland today visiting the highlights the inner city offers before heading out to the untamed coastline of the rugged West Coast with deep black beaches and subtropical rainforests. Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 3: Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
Travel south through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo. After lunch (included) begin your guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Continue onto Rotorua.
Overnight: Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua Sightseeing
Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Rotorua's top attractions including a visit to Te Puia and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute where you can view mighty geysers and boiling mud pools. Visit Rainbow Springs, a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and fauna. Experience the Agrodome Sheep Show. Ride the Skyline Gondola ride to the top of Mt Ngongotaha, buffet lunch is included. This evening see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream as you experience a traditional Maori Hangi (feast).
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Lunch
Day 5: Rotorua - Christchurch(flight not included)
With a transfer to the airport you will leave the North Island today and fly south to Christurch.
This afternoon enjoy a tour that covers the central city highlights. The tour includes several parks and gardens including Mona Vale Gardens and Hagley Park. Your tour then moves on to Riccarton House, Riccarton Bush, and the University of Canterbury. Continue to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. Your tour concludes with a drop off in the central city or a return to the original pickup points.
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 6: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown
Your tour today takes you from Christchurch, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Your tour continues along the Tasman River before arriving at the location of New Zealand's tallest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook. There is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (weather permitting) before departing for New Zealand's Adventure Capital, Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 7: Queenstown Sightseeing
Today you will be collected from your hotel by Limousine South for your Queenstown Highlights tour. Enjoy Queenstown's diverse attractions with your friendly, knowledgeable local guide. You will be captivated by the amazing views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Watch the fearless jumpers hurl themselves off AJ Hackett's original Bungy Bridge while learning about the history and excitement of bungy jumping. Enjoy a wine tasting tour at Gibbston Valley Winery savouring the flavours of fine local wines. You will also see where key scenes from Lord of the Rings were shot and re-live the 1860s gold rush at beautiful Arrowtown, where remnants of that fascinating era merge with modern, speciality shopping, before being dropped back off to your accommodation.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 8: Milford Sound Tour & Cruise
Today you will travel on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Board your vessel for a spectacular cruise on New Zealand's most famous waterway, return by coach to Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Dinner
Day 9: Queenstown at leisure
Explore Queenstown at your pace.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 10: Package ends
Your departure transfer will take you back to the airport where you will say, "Goodbye" to New Zealand.
DATES & PRICES
Availability:
AVAILABLE ALL YEAR
Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2025 dates and prices
Applicable taxes vary depending on travel destination and are not included. Please ask your sales agent what extra taxes will be payable for your tour.
WHY CHOOSE ANDERSON VACATIONS?
Anderson Vacations
Other Companies
Independent Travel
See what you want, where you want, how you want. Solo, with a friend, or with a group of friends.Canadian Travel Experts
With at least 30 years of experience.Min. 95% Satisfaction Rate
From past guests.Accreditation and Consumer Protection
Feel confident booking because of a membership in all the following organizations:
Sustainability
Planting one tree for every passenger that travels with us.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 9 nights of accommodation
- Airport transfers throughout
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
EXCLUSIONS
- Rotorua to Christchurch Flight
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Why Take An Anderson Tour?
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
Our guide training manual is accredited by ACTA/CITC Canadian Educational Standard Inc. Now used as the standard in educational college programs.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a ‘Classic Tour’ up to 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers. If the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction’ only up to 18 persons may join the tour and many 'Tours of Distinction' travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours. Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Only select departures of tours are 'pre-Guaranteed'.
What happens if I book on a tour that is not Guaranteed?
We pride ourselves on providing “a small shared group experience.” In the event that we have fewer than ten participants on a tour we will offer a “small-group surcharge” to ensure that the tour runs as scheduled. This fee, which is up to 15% of the “land” portion of the tour, will be offered to you as an option to continue with the trip. This fee will cover the costs associated with handling a smaller group.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+.
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, we do accommodate dietary restrictions (within reason) such as, food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, etc. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes, we can assist you with airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please contact us for more details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes, we can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. This is available upon request and subject to availability. Please inquire for further information and prices.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
I am a solo traveller. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel room with another same gender traveller. In this case, you will not be charged for Single Supplement.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire or contact us regarding this option, as prices and availability vary from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Yes, you can! Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to traveller’s needs. Please contact us for more details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate) and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
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Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Seasoned Tour Guides
Get a deeper understanding with storytelling tailored to your interests.
Space To Breathe
We never max out buses even if we use the same size bus as the competition.
All Inclusive
No hidden expenses along the way. Competitors offer activities as an extra - we don't
DOWNLOAD
Tour Code
CGNZ
Explore New Zealand Highlights
10 days
Created On: 21 Dec 2024
Highlights
- Auckland Sky Tower
- Auckland city tour
- Guided tour Auckland to Rotorua
- Waitomo glow worm caves
- Guided tour of Rotorua
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Rainbow Springs
- Skyline gondola ride with lunch
- City tour of Christchurch
- Guided tour Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook
- Queenstown highlights tour, Walter Peak evening dinner with cruise
- Milford Sound guided tour & cruise
Inclusions
- 9 nights of accommodation
- Airport transfers throughout
- Sightseeing and attractions as listed
Exclusions
- Rotorua to Christchurch Flight
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your downtown accommodation. New Zealand's largest city, blending harbour islands, Polynesian culture and a vibrant city centre, Auckland has been ranked amongst top in the world as a lifestyle city.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 2: Auckland Sightseeing
Experience the best of Auckland today visiting the highlights the inner city offers before heading out to the untamed coastline of the rugged West Coast with deep black beaches and subtropical rainforests. Travel to the Arataki Centre perched high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Overnight: Auckland
Day 3: Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
Travel south through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo. After lunch (included) begin your guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Continue onto Rotorua.
Overnight: Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua Sightseeing
Enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Rotorua's top attractions including a visit to Te Puia and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute where you can view mighty geysers and boiling mud pools. Visit Rainbow Springs, a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and fauna. Experience the Agrodome Sheep Show. Ride the Skyline Gondola ride to the top of Mt Ngongotaha, buffet lunch is included. This evening see warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream as you experience a traditional Maori Hangi (feast).
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Lunch
Day 5: Rotorua - Christchurch(flight not included)
With a transfer to the airport you will leave the North Island today and fly south to Christurch.
This afternoon enjoy a tour that covers the central city highlights. The tour includes several parks and gardens including Mona Vale Gardens and Hagley Park. Your tour then moves on to Riccarton House, Riccarton Bush, and the University of Canterbury. Continue to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and to the Southern Alps. Your tour concludes with a drop off in the central city or a return to the original pickup points.
Overnight: Christchurch
Day 6: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown
Your tour today takes you from Christchurch, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Your tour continues along the Tasman River before arriving at the location of New Zealand's tallest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook. There is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (weather permitting) before departing for New Zealand's Adventure Capital, Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 7: Queenstown Sightseeing
Today you will be collected from your hotel by Limousine South for your Queenstown Highlights tour. Enjoy Queenstown's diverse attractions with your friendly, knowledgeable local guide. You will be captivated by the amazing views over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. Watch the fearless jumpers hurl themselves off AJ Hackett's original Bungy Bridge while learning about the history and excitement of bungy jumping. Enjoy a wine tasting tour at Gibbston Valley Winery savouring the flavours of fine local wines. You will also see where key scenes from Lord of the Rings were shot and re-live the 1860s gold rush at beautiful Arrowtown, where remnants of that fascinating era merge with modern, speciality shopping, before being dropped back off to your accommodation.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 8: Milford Sound Tour & Cruise
Today you will travel on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Board your vessel for a spectacular cruise on New Zealand's most famous waterway, return by coach to Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Dinner
Day 9: Queenstown at leisure
Explore Queenstown at your pace.
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 10: Package ends
Your departure transfer will take you back to the airport where you will say, "Goodbye" to New Zealand.
