Nestled in the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is well known for its peaceful green surroundings, magnificent lakes, expansive vineyards, snow-capped mountains and amazing biodiversity. If you have been waiting for a chance to visit this fascinating country and explore all that it has to offer, then TravelOcat’s New Zealand: Enchanting Caves, Peaks and Lakes package is the perfect opportunity for you. Diligently planned by our experienced tour managers, this 7-day itinerary not lets you enjoy a thrilling boat ride in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, but also offers you to witness the astonishing geysers at Te Puia thermal reserve. A visit to Rainbow Springs Nature Park, Agrodome, Church of the Good Shepherd and Mount Cook is also a part of this comprehensive package.
What is included in the tour
- Meet and Greet assistance on arrival at the airport
- Accommodation for 1 night at Auckland
- Accommodation for 1 night at Paihia
- Accommodation for 2 night's at Rotorua
- Accommodation for 3 night's at Christchurch
- Accommodation for 1 night at Franz Josef Glacier
- Accommodation for 3 night's at Queenstown
- Daily Breakfast
- Trip up the Sky Tower at Auckland (only tickets)
- Discover the Bay of Islands by 'Hole in the Rock Cruise' at Cape Brett in Paihia (without transfers)
- Scenic Drive to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Rotorua sightseeing covering Agrodome, Te-Puia Village and Rainbow Thermal Springs
- Morning City Tour of Christchurch covering Cathedral Square, Bridge of Remembrance, Avon River Art’s Centre and museum, etc.
- Tranz Alpine Train Tickets (Christchurch - Franz Josef Glacier)
- All transfers and sightseeings would be on seat in coach
- TravelOcat Protect Assist
- Visa Charges
What is NOT included in the tour
- Anything not mentioned in Tour Inclusions
- Tips & gratuities for drivers & guides
- Meals not mentioned in the Itinerary or Inclusions
- Drinks (neither with meals, nor on vehicles or during tours, unless otherwise indicated)
- Items of a personal nature, such as telephone bills, room service, laundry, etc
Day 1 - Arrive in Auckland
After you arrive in Auckland, you will be accompanied by TravelOcat representative to the hotel. Ensuring smooth check-in, the tour manager leaves you to rest for some time at the hotel. In the evening, visit New Zealand's highest building ‒ The Sky Tower. Then, take a short walk to Viaduct Harbor, which boasts posh restaurants, lively bars, and buzzing nightlife. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 - Auckland - Paihia
"Wake up to a fresh new day and relish a tasty breakfast. Begin your journey as you proceed towards the North over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast. You will travel through Whangarei, a great port city to get a taste of the laid-back Northland lifestyle. Later, we take you to the picturesque Bay of Islands.
Inthe afternoon, you can take a ‘Hole in the Rock and Cape Brett’ Cruise. You can choose to pick up rental car from the local city branch for travel spend some time at Russell exploring this historic town and learning about its interesting history. A local ferry then gets you back to Paihia return to the city. Spend the night in the comfort's of your hotel and rejuvenate your energy for the day to follow."
Day 3 - Paihia
"After your breakfast, you have an option to go for an exciting day and drive along Ninety Mile Beach and the Te Paki Quicksand Stream. If you are an adventure enthusiast, try surfing down the massive sand dunes. Go to Cape Reinga ‒ the most spiritually significant place in New Zealand. Enjoy a panoramic view of two oceans merging with each other. Then, pay a visit to the factory processing century old kauri wood, which is dug out from the swamp. Stroll amongst the giant Kauri trees at Puketi Forest. Return to your hotel in Paihia in the evening.
Note: Rental cars are not allowed on 90 mile beach"
Day 4 - Paihia - Rotorua
Have your breakfast and head to Rotorua via Auckland where you are free to spend the evening at leisure. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5 - Rotorua
"Savor the morning meal and continue the exploration of Rotorua with a visit to Agrodome. Visitors from all around the world gather here to see the world-famous Agrodome Agricultural Show, which stars almost 19 different breeds of sheep. Witness the live sheep
shearing demonstration and take part in a fun sheep auction. Then, you can head out to visit Te Puia Thermal Village. You will be amazed by the vistas of the natural geothermal wonders and famous hot springs, geysers, and boiling mud pools. Enjoy the unique Kiwi experience highlighting Maori culture and Maori artisans. Visit the Rainbow Springs Nature Park to see the flower and fauna of New Zealand. Spend the evening at leisure and return to the hotel for an overnight stay."
Day 6 - Rotorua - Christchurch
After breakfast at the hotel, you travel to Rotorua airport in your car, drop the car at Rotorua branch and board your flight to Christchurch (flight ticket is not included in the package). Upon your arrival in Christchurch, pick up your rental car and drive down to your hotel. Check-in at your hotel after which you are free to spend your evening at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7 - Christchurch
"Today is an exciting morning as, after breakfast, we begin the morning city tour. Explore the popular tourist destinations like the Cathedral Square, Bridge of Remembrance, Avon River, and the Arts Centre of Christchurch. Spend time at the beautiful Mona Vale Garden and Hagley Park. Capture spectacular views of the city from the Sign of the Takahe and go to the Canterbury Plains to witness the mighty Alps.
Get back to the hotel in the evening and spend your time at leisure."
Day 8 - Christchurch - Greymouth - Glacier Region
After a hearty morning meal, head to the Glacier Region via Greymouth - a very scenic drive. Drive past Canterbury Plains and scale through the lush beech forest. Then, cross the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass to reach Greymouth. From Greymouth, travel south to reach Glacier Region. Glacier Region offers visual beauty of ancient rivers of ice,descending past the valleys. Check-in at the hotel in the evening and relax.
Day 9 - Glacier Region-Queenstown
Have your breakfast and pass by the native forest, lakes, and mountains of the Glacier Region and Lake Wanaka before reaching the Alpine Resort of Queenstown. Reach your hotel in Queenstown and take rest.
Day 10 - Queenstown
After breakfast, experience the magnificent Milford Sound with Milford Sound Cruise. Sit back and relax as your cruise makes its way out past the iconic Mitre Peak. A nature guide accompanies you on this trip who helps you with observing the natural gems of the place at their best. People often, and easily, witness seabirds, numerous waterfalls, and fur seals lazing on the rocks. Retire for the day at the hotel.
Day 11 - Queenstown
"On this day, after a hearty breakfast, travel to Queenstown. Enjoy some exciting optional activities, such as jet boat ride at Shotover Jet, bungee jump at Ledge, river rafting, and skydiving or sky swing. Shotover Jet offers the ultimate jet boating experience for the adrenaline junkies. Your trip will be incomplete without bungee jump at Ledge, providing you with the breathtaking and panoramic views of the city.
After the end of this exciting day, return to your hotel for an overnight stay."
Day 12 - Queenstown - Mount Cook - Christchurch
Have a scrumptious breakfast, then check out from the hotel and leave for Christchurch. Travel past Central Otago Plains and Lake Pukaki, before reaching Mount Cook. Continue your journey via Lake Tekapo and the Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch. Head straight to your hotel and relax after an exhilarating day.
Day 13 - Departure
Your tour ends on this day. Head straight to Christchurch airport and drop the car at the airport branch to board your flight for onward journey. Return home with some special memories from this exciting trip.
