9-Nights Introduction to New Zealand with Airfare from $3,859

Day 1: Depart North America

Depart North America on your flight to New Zealand

You will cross the International Dateline on your way to New Zealand.

Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival to the airport, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for the next few nights. After checking in, the day is yours to explore and discover!

Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand on the North Island, is known as the “City of Sails” due to its attractive harbour, home to thousands of sailing boats, and a beautiful sight on a New Zealand vacation. It occupies a narrow isthmus between the harbour and the sea. It also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world.

Hotel: The Chancellor on Hobson (4 Star Rating)

Treat yourself to a relaxing travel experience at the preferred hotel in Auckland, Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland City. Guests benefit from contemporary styled rooms with balconies, complemented with an indoor swimming pool, gym and onsite parking.

Positioned opposite the famous viaduct harbour in the Central Business District, the hotel is one of the city’s preferred destinations for business and leisure travel.

Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Maori history of the city and as see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitmata harbour and it is known as the "City of Sails".

This city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as The Auckland Domain, Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities all day.

Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland's two harbours. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Maori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns.

Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand of Piha beach beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. The perfect Auckland day trip. During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including biscuits and tea and coffee or juice.

Hotel: The Chancellor on Hobson (4 Star Rating)

Treat yourself to a relaxing travel experience at the preferred hotel in Auckland, Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland City. Guests benefit from contemporary styled rooms with balconies, complemented with an indoor swimming pool, gym and onsite parking.

Positioned opposite the famous viaduct harbour in the Central Business District, the hotel is one of the city’s preferred destinations for business and leisure travel.

The morning travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching the Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way down with insights about the areas you are traveling through and insights to the backgrounds to the movies.

On arrival at Shire’s Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree.

At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee (which is included in the price) you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour you will travel on to Rotorua (drop off at selected inner city Rotorua accommodation included).

Hotel: Regent of Rotorua (5 Star Rating)

A gem that stands apart from the crowd as Rotorua's most stylish hotel, this luxury boutique hotel in Rotorua city center has been designed with the modern traveler in mind. Prepare to be wowed by an eclectic mix of stylish spaces. Refreshingly original, the Regent marks the epitome of chic, luxury accommodation in the city.

Our welcoming team is on hand to ensure that whether you are staying for business or pleasure, overnight or longer, your stay will be memorable and enjoyable. Whether relaxing with a cocktail by our heated pool, soaking in our restorative mineral pool, or picking up a coffee and a muffin to-go, the Regent of Rotorua is the perfect venue.

Meal(s): Lunch

This tour visits Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks: Wai O Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt and boiling mudfields.

Our local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. Your clients will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moonlike landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Know geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886. Tour costs include entry to both thermal parks.

In the afternoon visit Rotorua’s most popular attractions Te Puia and views of the our beautiful lakes including Tarawera, Okareka and the Blue/Green lake.

Spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand’s Maori culture and nature. Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Includes visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and NZ’s largest geyser Pohutu.

Includes entry to Te Puia. Upon conclusion of your tour you will be transferred back to your accommodation.

Hotel: Regent of Rotorua (5 Star Rating)

A gem that stands apart from the crowd as Rotorua's most stylish hotel, this luxury boutique hotel in Rotorua city center has been designed with the modern traveler in mind. Prepare to be wowed by an eclectic mix of stylish spaces. Refreshingly original, the Regent marks the epitome of chic, luxury accommodation in the city.

Our welcoming team is on hand to ensure that whether you are staying for business or pleasure, overnight or longer, your stay will be memorable and enjoyable. Whether relaxing with a cocktail by our heated pool, soaking in our restorative mineral pool, or picking up a coffee and a muffin to-go, the Regent of Rotorua is the perfect venue.

Transfer to the Rotorua Airport for your flight to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (4 Star Rating)

Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away.

Our accommodation in Queenstown is nestled within our garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Select rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimise impact on the environment.

This Milford Sound day tour was established in 1994 and is a top-rated small group Milford Experience. It allows guests to escape the crowds and offer a truly unique day, showcasing this world famous region.

On this full-day tour to Milford Sound enjoy guided commentary touring to and from Milford Sound with our experienced guides. These small group tours give guests the ability to get to know the driver and each other, creating a more personal and memorable experience.

Once in Milford Sound, join a stunning 1-hr 45-min small boat nature cruise on the fiord - see waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy fun and informative commentary from your nature guide, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds.

Enjoy custom made, 16 seat, glass roof Mercedes touring vehicles. This is business class travel with extended legroom, leather interior and panoramic windows for the best views.

Travelling to Milford is a 12-13 hour day from Queenstown. The smaller vehicles give the opportunity to stay away from the crowds as well as more flexibility with where we stop on the journey.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (4 Star Rating)

Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away.

Our accommodation in Queenstown is nestled within our garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Select rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimise impact on the environment.

A full day to discover Queenstown at your own pace.

On the shores of the incredible Lake Wakatipu and nestled in the alpine mountains of New Zealand’s South Island lies Queenstown, a city where breathtaking landscapes and adventure meet. Queenstown is a naturally spectacular city carved out of land glaciers, lakes, and rivers and aptly nicknamed the Adventure Capital of the World. From bungee jumping off the historic Kawarau Bridge to paragliding over Lake Wakatipu, river surfing in Kawarau River, heliskiing the Misty Mountains, jet boating through Mount Aspiring National Park, and canyoning along the alpine Routeburn Track, there is no shortage of heart-racing experiences in Queenstown.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront (4 Star Rating)

Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away.

Our accommodation in Queenstown is nestled within our garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Select rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimise impact on the environment.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Time permitting, extend your stay and discover more of the beautiful lands Downunder.