15 day exploration of Aorearoa
Dates and Booking
Aotearoa in the Maori language means ‘the land of the long white cloud’. It is the name given to describe this land in the far corner of the world, which is sure to impress and surprise you.
Open dated - available any time book now
Itinerary & map
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland, New Zealand
Meeting at Auckland International Airport with your English speaking guide, transfer to the hotel and time for rest after the long flight.
Day 2: Auckland City tour with travel to Muriwai Beach
Auckland city tour with your English speaking guide. See the largest marina in the southern hemisphere. Take a walk along Mission Bay and drive to the summit of a volcano near the centre of the city. Next we depart Auckland and visit Muriwai Beach, on the Tasman Sea. This beach is a popular surfing destination because of the wild waves, and also has a large colony of gannets nesting on the cliffs above the surf. On the way back to Auckland we will stop for wine tasting at one of New Zealand’s well known wineries.
Day 3: Departure from Auckland to Paihia
Journey through Northland, a place rich in history, to both the Maori and the European settlers of New Zealand. Arrival in Paihia followed by a cruise on the Bay of Islands. If you are lucky you may see dolphins.
Day 4: Free time in Northland
Relax on a local beach or browse the many shops and cafes of Paihia and surrounding areas. There is the option to take a ferry to Russell, the area of New Zealand’s first capital. Alternatively we recommend an all day journey to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s most northern point. Evening return to hotel.
Day 5: Return to Auckland
Return from Paihia to Auckland, with endless photo stops and places to see and visit on the way. Free leisure time in Auckland upon arrival.
Auckland
Day 6: Continued travel via Waitomo to Rotorua
Travel to Waitomo. Entry into the 30 million year old Waitomo Caves where you will see unique glow worms as you ride a boat on an underground river. Continued travel to Rotorua. In the evening you will be taken from your hotel to a Maori Village to see a traditional show and enjoy a traditionally cooked dinner.
Day 7: Departure from Rotorua visiting Taupo and Tongariro National Park
Sightseeing of Rotorua and surrounding areas including boiling mud pools and geysers at Te Puia Thermal reserve. Also you will get to see New Zealand’s national bird, the Kiwi. Explore the Redwood Forest, Rotorua Lake front and Government gardens. Departure from Rotorua, travelling via the Huka Falls and Taupo. Next continue your journey via Tongariro National Park, with three active Volcanoes, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu.
Day 8: Drive to Wellington
Arrival in Wellington, followed by an opportunity to explore the city’s main places of interest.
Day 9: Ferry crossing to the South Island, journey continues to Kaikoura
Morning transfer to the ferry terminal. The ferry takes approximately 3 hours to Cross the Cook Strait. Arrival in Picton and continued journey down the beautiful Kaikoura Coast where you can see wild seals sunbathing on the rocks.
West Coast
Day 10: Crossing the Arthur’s Pass continuing to Franz Josef
Travel via the Arthur’s Pass to Hokitika. Next down the West Coast to Franz Josef. There is the opportunity to walk very close to a glacier, and for the more adventurous there are helicopter flights with a glacier landing. Transfer to hotel.
Day 11: Travel from Franz Josef to Queenstown
Travel south through the Haast Pass and Wanaka to Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure capital.
Day 12: Free time to explore Queenstown and the surrounding areas
All day relaxing in Queenstown. We recommend a visit to the historic mining town of Arrowntown, Bungy Jumping or a steam boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu. In the evening you have a dinner reservation on Bob’s Peak, which you can only reach by Gondola. Enjoy stunning views of Queenstown from your table.
Day 13: Fiordland National Park with Milford Sound Cruise
Travel via Lake Wakatipu, Kingston and Te Anau to Fiordland National Park. The journey continues via Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, the Homer Tunnel and Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound. Cruise on the Milford Sound, followed by a return to Queenstown.
Fiordland National Park
Day 14: Drive from Queenstown to the Christchurch Area
Departure from Queenstown. Drive to Mt Cook Village and Lake Pukaki, followed by Lake Tekapo. See the famous stone church and dog statue.
Day 15: Departure from New Zealand
Transfer to the airport. Departure from New Zealand.
What's included
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14 nights in our selection of quality inspected hotels, motels and apartments | |
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Wine tasting in Auckland |
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Bay of Islands dolphin cruise |
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Waitomo Caves entry |
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Te Puia Park entry |
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Tamaki Maori Village concert and dinner |
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Ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton |
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Sky Gondola with dinner in Queenstown |
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Milford Sound cruise |
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Souvenir info pack including maps and documents |
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New Zealand GST (VAT) | |
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24/7 assistance from our head office in Auckland | |
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Plug adaptors for duration of travel | |
Rental Car Option
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Rental car self travel option |
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Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel |
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City tour with english speaking guide |
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Comprehensive tour briefing |
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Transfer to car rental company and assistance with car rental |
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Vehicle from a reputable car rental company |
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Vehicle Insurance (excluding excess of approximately 3500 NZD) |
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Continued 24/7 assistance from our office in Auckland |
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Provided extras (returned in Christchurch) |
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GPS |
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Road Atlas |
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Mobile Phone |
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The price does not include |
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Petrol for rental car |
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Insurance excess reduction (approximately 30 NZD per day) |
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Prices are given per person in NZD (New Zealand Dollars), depending on number of people in the group and room configuration
Please note! Prices are subect to change during special event times eg. New Year, Chinese New Year, November, February. |
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Driver Guide Option
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Driver-guide travel option |
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The mentioned itinerary is realised as a private tour with a professional english speaking driver-guide at your service from start to end and a vehicle for the size of the group. |
1-2 PAX  3-4 PAX  5-10 PAX |
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Prices are given per person in NZD (New Zealand Dollars), depending on number of people in the group and room configuration Please note! Prices are subect to change during special event times eg. New Year, Chinese New Year, November, February. |
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