Itinerary Details
Costsaver: Bucket List New Zealand
Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
Kick off your bucket list New Zealand and Australia tour in Auckland, the City of Sails. After your arrival team up with your Travel Director and the rest of the group before jumping into adventure with a tour of the city sights. Make your way around the waterfront from central city out to Mission Bay. Have your camera ready for the stop at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial – it's the place to get stunning shots of Auckland, the North Shore and the Waitemata. Continue the fun toasting to what’s to come at a welcome reception at your hotel. Cheers!
Accommodations: President Hotel
Day 2 - Auckland Your Way
A little bit of leisure, a little bit of culture – and a lot of spots to explore today, your way with Choice Experiences like a ferry ride to Waiheke Island to join the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus or lunch at a winery. Or, learn what it takes to make, shape and be an All Black rugby player. You’ll have a blast channeling your inner athlete and testing your rugby skills in our hands-on, interactive zone.
Accommodations: President Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 - Auckland - Rotorua
Set off through Cambridge, ‘The Town of Trees and Champions,' on your way to Rotorua. Get your bearings before the ultimate New Zealand experience: a guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, the leader in kiwi husbandry. Learn about their work to save New Zealand’s national bird, watch kiwi eggs being incubated and even peek at the adorable newly hatched chicks. Unforgettable encounters continue at tonight’s Te Po Indigenous Experience at Te Puia. Dig into locally sourced cuisine with an authentic Maori twist before a thrilling cultural performance including a traditional Maori welcome and music. You’ll even get to see one of New Zealand’s mind-blowing dramatic geysers and bubbling mud while cozied up on natural heated rock-seating, steaming hot chocolate in hand.
Accommodations: Ibis
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Rotorua Your Way
Go big on nature wowing at the scenic wonders of the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. You could take a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, stroll around the 12-acre set past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you’ll enjoy Hobbit South-farthing beverage to end your own Middle-earth adventure. Or, relax with the magical two-hour restorative journey spa experience at Wai Araki Spa. And don’t miss your chance to discover Rotorua’s spectacular lakes from a fully restored World War II amphibious vehicle accompanied by stories.
Accommodations: Ibis
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - Rotorua - Queenstown
Travel back to Auckland by coach on your bucket list New Zealand tour for your flight to Queenstown, adventure capital of the world. Wind around the shores of Lake Wakatipu and get your bearings for what’s to come. Your Travel Director points out the steamer wharf for tomorrow’s trip to Walter Peak Station before taking you to your centrally located hotel. With anticipation building, speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations for tonight. They’re always eager to help! Internal flight included Auckland–Queenstown.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Queenstown Your Way
Thrill-seekers, foodies and outdoor enthusiasts are all in for a treat: today and tomorrow are all about taking in Queenstown and its world-famous adventures how you choose. Movie buffs can get the best of both worlds on a scenic tour of Glenorchy to discover iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations. Wine-lovers can join a Boutique Wine Tour of Queenstown, sampling Central Otago’s signature Pinot Noir and more at four vineyards. After a day of activity, sit back and relax on an evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a high-speed catamaran to Walter Peak Station where you’ll sit down to a mouth-watering BBQ dinner and farm show at the Colonel's Homestead.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Queenstown Your Way
The roll-call of activities you can sign up for is near endless. Tick a must-see South Island icon off your bucket list and join the day trip to the Fiordland National Park, cruising through the show-stopping Milford Sound. Make the most of the region’s great outdoors visiting the Kiwi Park wildlife sanctuary of over 20 species of native New Zealand wildlife. Adrenaline junkies will have their pick of the bunch, with jet-boat tours on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers, experiencing the famous 360 degree “Shotover Jet Turn”. Unwind grabbing a bite and raising a glass to another incredible day.
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 - Queenstown - Tekapo
Set your course to the Mackenzie region with a stop in Cromwell to taste stone fruit at a stall belonging to a local orchard. Get your cameras ready for views across the waters of Lake Tekapo framed by rugged hills and snow-capped mountains. In Tekapo, see the Church of the Good Shepherd and the bronze statue of a collie dog, the touching tribute to the sheepdogs which helped develop the Mackenzie Country. Later, take your pick of ways to explore to take in the stunning region. See Mount Cook National Park from the air soaring over New Zealand's highest peak and on to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Tonight, choose to view Tekapo's world renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve viewing amazing constellations that can only be seen in the southern hemisphere, including the Southern Cross, with a local astronomy guide.
Accommodations: Godley
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 - Tekapo - Christchurch
Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north to Christchurch via Ashburton. In Christchurch, bid farewell to New Zealand.
Meals: Breakfast
