DISCOVER NEW ZEALAND
Itinerary
Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred privately to your accommodation.
Kia Ora! Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, lies between two harbors, offering a mix of gentle sandy shores on the east and dramatic black sand beaches on the west. Known for its picturesque blue waters and emerald islands, Auckland is best explored from the water.
Optional Attraction: Auckland Sky Tower (Admission Only)
(Flights should arrive before 14:00)
The iconic Sky Tower dominates Auckland’s skyline, offering breathtaking 360-degree views extending up to 80 kilometres. Experience a panoramic elevator ride 328 meters above street level, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city, ancient volcanoes, and sparkling harbours.
Optional Attraction: Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise (Admission Only)
Departing from the vibrant Viaduct Harbour in downtown Auckland, this dinner cruise lets you experience the city’s stunning harbour while enjoying a meal on the water. As you set sail, savor canapés and a welcome drink while the knowledgeable crew shares insights into Auckland’s history. Enjoy a three-course dinner served either on deck or in the comfortable cabin below. The cruise lasts 2.5 hours, offering a chance to relax, participate in sailing, or simply take in the city’s illuminated skyline as you return to the Viaduct Basin.
Today, embark on a coach journey through lush, rolling hills to the renowned Hobbiton Movie Set. Discover the filming locations of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit as your guide reveals behind-the-scenes stories. Explore iconic sites such as the Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and see how the farmland was transformed into the enchanting world of Middle-earth. Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Green Dragon Inn before continuing your journey to Rotorua.
Optional Attraction: Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa
Located on the scenic shores of Lake Rotorua, the Polynesian Spa offers a serene retreat with its geothermal bathing facilities. Relax in the natural hot springs, which are known for their skin-nourishing and muscle-relaxing properties. Enjoy the five mineral-rich hot pools with lake views, recline on geothermal loungers, and make use of the deluxe changing rooms.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
Rotorua is renowned for its stunning geothermal features, including steam vents, erupting geysers, and bubbling mud pools, all set against a backdrop of crystal-clear lakes and majestic native forests. The region is also rich in Maori culture, steeped in intriguing myths and legends.
This afternoon, you will be transported to Te Puia for an immersive guided tour. Explore the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, visit the Kiwi Conservation Centre, and discover the geothermal valley. After the tour, enjoy a traditional Hangi Dinner with views of the valley and geyser. The evening continues with a captivating 40-minute cultural performance, concluding with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner during the sightseeing activity
This morning, start with an optional hot air ballooning experience (boxed breakfast provided). After an early breakfast at your hotel, board a cruise to Green Island for a remarkable excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, the only living structure visible from space. Explore this natural wonder with activities for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Dive into the vibrant underwater world with snorkeling and diving, or stay dry while marveling at the reef’s stunning colors from an air-conditioned semi-submersible. Enjoy a continental lunch on board the cruise. After returning to your hotel with cherished memories, you can visit the Cairns Night Market at your leisure. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Overnight in Cairns. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Fiordland, one of the world’s most pristine wildernesses, awaits you today. Your journey will take you through scenic landscapes of mirror lakes and cascading waterfalls to Milford Sound, a dramatic fiord sculpted by ancient glaciers and often called the eighth wonder of the world. Upon arrival, embark on a cruise through the fiord, where you’ll be surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Experience the refreshing spray of waterfalls as you approach the towering rock faces before making your way back to shore. Reflect on the day’s breathtaking sights as you travel back to Queenstown.
Tour Duration: Approximately 12 hours
Highlights: Milford Sound Cruise
Marvel at Milford Sound’s sheer granite cliffs rising into the sky. Enjoy the stunning scenery and native wildlife from a modern vessel featuring spacious decks and comfortable lounges. A lunch will be served on board as you take in the awe-inspiring views.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch on board
Today’s journey begins with a departure from Queenstown, traveling through the picturesque Kawarau Gorge and the fruit and wine region of Cromwell. The route continues alongside the stunning Lake Dunstan and winds through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Traverse the expansive Mackenzie District, passing by the striking turquoise lakes framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. You’ll have some free time in Mt Cook Village to soak in the breathtaking views. As you leave Mt Cook, you’ll see why this area served as a filming location for many scenes in “The Lord of the Rings.” A visit to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo offers a moment of reflection before continuing to Christchurch.
Please Note: Tours to Mt Cook may not be available daily. Depending on your travel dates, itinerary adjustments might be necessary.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
Your journey concludes today with a transfer to Christchurch Airport.
Meals: Breakfast (depending on your flight time)
Optional Attraction: Antarctic Centre – Christchurch & South Canterbury
Located just an 8-minute walk from Christchurch Airport or a 20-minute drive from the city center, the International Antarctic Centre offers an immersive Antarctic experience. Explore the wonders of this icy continent through interactive exhibits. Experience an Antarctic storm, take an off-road ride in a Hagglund vehicle, interact with husky dogs, enjoy a 4D theatre presentation, and meet the charming little blue penguins. Allow 2-3 hours for this activity to fully enjoy the experience.
Before you depart, please take a moment to provide feedback to our representative or via email. Your input is highly valued. We hope you return home with wonderful memories of your overseas adventure, memories you will cherish for a lifetime.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included in Your Tour Price:
- MELBOURNE: Orientation tour of Melbourne | Great Ocean Road excursion
- CAIRNS: Visit Kuranda Rainforest via one-way Skyrail | Explore the Great Barrier Reef from Green Island with a cruise and lunch
- GOLD COAST: Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Enjoy Sea World with lunch
- SYDNEY: Sydney city tour | Explore famous Bondi Beach | Guided tour of Sydney Opera House | Tour of Sydney Cricket Ground | Visit Sydney Tower
- Includes return economy class group airfare as per the itinerary. All local taxes and services as of 1st January 2024. Visa and medical insurance for the tour duration. Sightseeing, accommodation, and services as detailed in the itinerary. Transfers and excursions with entrance fees (as listed) via a deluxe air-conditioned coach. Services of a professional, friendly, and multilingual Thomas Cook Ltd Tour Manager (subject to a minimum of 25 customers) or a local representative.
What’s Not Included in Your Tour Price:
- If you wish to travel before the published departure date or return after the tour ends, additional charges will apply (subject to seat availability and ticket validity). Our sales staff or travel agent will provide details. Note that deviations can only be processed within 30 days of the departure date.
- Mandatory Tipping: AUD 5 per person per day for on-tour services such as the coach driver and local guides. This amount will be collected by the Tour Manager on the first day of the tour.
- Airfare and Taxes: Any increase in airfare after 1st January 2024 will be additional. Government taxes are extra, and PCR tests in India and Australia are not included.
- Additional Costs: The tour does not cover POE charges, passport fees, or porterage. Personal expenses such as laundry, mini-bar, mineral water, telephone charges, and food and drink not included in the package are the traveler’s responsibility. Additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary, costs of excursions, city sightseeing, entrance fees, local guides not included in the itinerary, and optional excursions are also extra.
- Tour Manager and Itinerary Changes: There is a possibility of a change in the Tour Manager during the tour. Itinerary adjustments may occur, but all sightseeing and inclusions will remain the same. In some cases, you may join another group if the current group lacks sufficient members.
- Accommodation: In triple rooms, an extra bed or cot might not be provided. Instead, a room with two queen beds or a king bed with a rollaway bed may be offered. Additional taxes may apply.
- Internal Flights and Meals: On days with internal flights, packed meals might be provided if flight times do not coincide with regular meal times.
- Optional Excursions: Some optional excursions require a minimum of 20 paying passengers. If fewer than 20 passengers book, these excursions will operate on a seat-in-coach basis. Optional tours are non-refundable and non-cancellable.
- Age Policy: Travelers under 12 years old on the return flight are considered children, and those under 24 months are considered infants.
- Hotel Facilities: Air conditioning or cooling in hotels is subject to local regulations.
- Baggage Allowance: Internal flights allow one checked bag per person up to 20 kg and carry-on luggage up to 7 kg.
- Weather and Dress Code: Warm clothes and an umbrella are essential for Australia. For the Showboat dinner cruise, formal, semi-formal, smart casual, or traditional attire is recommended.