New Zealand Panorama
New Zealand Panorama
New Zealand Panorama
7 Days Starting in Queenstown (Nz) and ending in Auckland
Visiting: Queenstown, Auckland, Rotorua
Tour operator:
Tour code:
RPACA1M24
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Experience the contrasts of New Zealand's two distinct islands. From Queenstown's magnificent outdoors and Rotorua's geothermal wonderland to Auckland's sparkling harbor - yours to explore along a journey through this island nation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium
Your journey to the Islands of New Zealand kicks off in Queenstown (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). The the evening is free for you to enjoy one of its many lakefront restaurants and bars. Why not try some of the famous New Zealand lamb with a Pinot Noir from the local Otago wine region?
Day 2: Meet Local Farmer Laura
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium
Meals Included: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Get a feel for real New Zealand farm life with what awaits today. Begin the day with an immersive experience with your host, Southern Girl Laura. Born and raised on a sheep and deer farm in the deep south of New Zealand, you'll Connect with Locals as passionate Laura shares her story of her life growing up in the country before you have the chance to try your hand at sheep mustering, whip cracking, and the chance to feed and pet the sheep, horses, and goats. After this fun insight into the real New Zealand, you’ll leave feeling more like a local than a visitor and ready for a scenic afternoon. Jump right in traveling to the historic gold mining heritage of Arrowtown. Learn the town’s history when in 1862 thousands flocked to Arrowtown to strike it rich in gold mining. Stroll through town admiring the dozens of buildings from the gold rush era and more recently restored historic cottages, churches, and new boutiques and shops. Don’t miss the Chinese Settlement at the edge of the Arrow River made of restored shelters and buildings originally constructed in 1868. The next part of your adventure, it’s all aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw heading across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner, piled high with ribs and salad. After dinner at this historic homestead, learn about life on the farm watching the sheep dogs in action before the scenic cruise back to your Queenstown hotel.
Day 3: Queenstown, It's All Yours
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Millennium
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say ‘good morning’ to Queenstown with a full day of ways to play in this adventure capital. How about an Optional Experience of a thrilling, adrenalin-rush jet boat ride with Skippers Jet or an excursion through Skippers Canyon? If you’re looking for another type of adventure, consider a journey through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park for an unforgettable cruise on heritage listed national park Milford Sound/Piopiotahi past sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls. This stunning landscape—shared by dolphins, penguins, and seals—showcases the beauty of New Zealand. Or tempt your taste buds on a wine tour of the Otago region renowned for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. You’ll visit and tour three premium boutique vineyards and enjoy a wine paired platter lunch. However you explore, there’s plenty of adventure to be had and shared with your travel mates after a full day.
Day 4: Auckland, New Zealand's Largest City
Location: Queenstown, Auckland
Accommodation: The Grand by SkyCity
Meals Included: Breakfast
With fond memories of your time in Queenstown and its surrounds, it's a change of scene today departing Queenstown and flying north to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails.’ As you fly in over the harbor, admire the city’s namesake sailboats and get excited for Auckland’s rich Maori history paired with its cosmopolitan vibe. Settle into your hotel in the heart of the city’s Federal Street—a hotspot for food lovers offering plenty of options. The evening is yours to enjoy in Federal Street or to head downtown for waterfront dining. You could even choose to dine in the towering Skytower for rotating, 360-degree views across the city.
Day 5: Rotorua, Center Of Maori Culture
Location: Auckland, Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium
Meals Included: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Journey through King Country, which was at the center of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s. Join a Local Specialist in in a starry wonderland - a cavernous galaxy of twinkling glowworms, in shades of iridescent green and blue, lighting up the Ruakuri Caves in Waitomo. This evening, you'll Dive Into Culture and Māori traditions at Te Puia. Learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a spellbinding cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the powerful Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with hot chocolate, you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands - featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud, surrounded by beautiful native bush.
Day 6: Rotorua's Natural Wonders
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
It’s you’re final full day on your tour and it’s a big one. Begin at the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn everything about the New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Watch kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and newly hatched kiwi chicks. Your Local Specialist will tell you all about their kiwi bird breeding program, 'Operation Nest Egg' and how your visit contributes to it. After a morning learning about the kiwi, you’re off to Dive Into Culture at the Living Māori Village Whakarewarewa for more insights into the Māori people. Soak in this beautiful land of geothermal fields and steaming lakes that the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people have been living on since 1886. Take the trails and gain an appreciation of the Māori’s connection to this land. You’ll cap off your day joining your Travel Director and companions for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 7: Farewell Rotorua And Auckland
Location: Rotorua, Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Savor your last morning of your New Zealand tour over a final delicious breakfast with your travel mates. Then bid farewell as you are transferred from Rotorua to the Auckland Airport for your onward flight (flights to depart after 2pm).
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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All land transport shown. All transfers shown
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A Trafalgar bonus - Intra-Air Flight: Queenstown to Auckland
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Optional Experiences and free time
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions