Mildford Sound
Mildford Sound
Auckland harbour (left), Huka Falls (right)
Auckland harbour (left), Huka Falls (right)
Clockwise from top left: Franz Josef, Dunedin, Arthur's Pass and Lake Taupo
Clockwise from top left: Franz Josef, Dunedin, Arthur's Pass and Lake Taupo
Lake Wanaka (left), and Rotorua (right)
Lake Wanaka (left), and Rotorua (right)
Queenstown (left), and Milford Sound (right)
Queenstown (left), and Milford Sound (right)
Waitomo Caves (left), Bay of Islands (top right), and Lake Pukaki (bottom right)
Waitomo Caves (left), Bay of Islands (top right), and Lake Pukaki (bottom right)
Clockwise from top left: Wellington Bay, Russell Bay, Charlotte Sound and Lake Te Anau
Clockwise from top left: Wellington Bay, Russell Bay, Charlotte Sound and Lake Te Anau

New Zealand Magic

16 nights from £5,299 per person Including Flights

Overview

Rich Maori culture, spectacular lakes, unforgettable cruises and cool cities: this fabulous 16-night tour embodies everything that makes New Zealand such an interesting place to explore. Starting in Christchurch and ending in Auckland, your journey will take you through some breath-taking routes, including the Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Rotorua and Franz Josef Glacier.

From hopping on board the TranzAlpine train through Arthur’s Pass and dining with natives in Rotorua, to cruising through Waitomo’s Glow Worm caves and visiting a fascinating greenstone factory, there’s plenty of fantastic moments that will make your New Zealand trip all the more exciting (AA).

Highlights

  • Delight in a traditional Maori Hangi feast
  • Enjoy jaw-dropping cruises in the Bay of Islands and through Milford and Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Discover impressive lakes, including Lake Taupo and Pukaki
  • Cruise through the Glow Worm Grotto in Waitomo
  • Have fun in the region’s adventure capital, Queenstown
  • Relish in a fascinating tour of Wellington
Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with New Zealand Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Christchurch

Upon arrival, you’ll have a few hours to relax before meeting your Travel Director and your fellow group of travellers for a welcome reception.

Overnight: Ibis Hotel Christchurch or similar

Day 2

Christchurch – Franz Josef

Today you will board the renowned TranzAlpine train, journeying across beautiful scenery and through Arthur’s Pass. You’ll stop at Hokitika to learn all about the fascinating New Zealand greenstone (jade), before continuing on to Franz Josef.

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing) or similar. (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 3

Franz Josef – Queenstown

Your journey will take you over the jaw-dropping Haast Pass in the morning, travelling past Thunder Creek Falls and the tranquil Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Your adventure includes a quick top in the small town of Cromwell to relish a taste of the juicy stone fruit, before moving on to the historic gold mining settlement, Arrowtown.

Once you’ve arrived in Queenstown, you’ll be treated to an orientation tour of the city, including seeing the soaring mountain ranges that frame Lake Wakatipu.

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown or similar (Breakfast included)

Day 4

Queenstown

The daytime is free for you to explore Queenstown as your own pace. Whether you fancy sipping divine wines on a vineyard tour, hopping on board a jet boat ride, or even white-water rafting, the adventure capital of New Zealand has plenty to excite you. In the evening, you’ll be enjoying a cruise along Lake Wakatipu onboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Your cruise will take you to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a decadent barbecue at the Colonel’s homestead.

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 5

Queenstown – Te Anau

Your coach will take you over the famous highway known as Devil’s Staircase today, travelling along the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Your journey takes you through the lush rainforests and jagged mountains of Fiordland National Park before boarding a cruise to Milford Sound. From there, you’ll drive through hand-hewn Homer Tunnel, past the awe-inspiring Mirror Lake, past Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, Mirte Peak and Bown Falls, and on to Te Anau.

Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 6

Te Anau – Dunedin

In the morning, you’ll drive through the plush sheep grazing country and make your way to Dunedin. Once there, you’ll enjoy a riveting city tour before being treated to some spare time to explore the streets yourself. There’s plenty to do here, including riding the historic Taieri Gorge railway or embarking on a wildlife cruise.

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 7

Dunedin – Omarama

Continue your journey on to Oamaru, a large town characterised by its tree-lined streets and white limestone buildings. You will pass by the monumental Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Omarama is a gorgeous small township in the Waitaki District, with striking mountain views.

Overnight: Heritage Gateway Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 8

Omarama – Christchurch

Your drive is a very scenic one today, travelling through the astonishing Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with the option of stopping for an amazing scenic flight. Next up, you’ll travel past the regal Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, before stopping to enjoy the views of the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. Your drive ends with a drive through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Overnight: Ibis Hotel Christchurch or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 9

Christchurch – Picton

Day nine will see you travelling along the rocky Pacific Ocean coast to Kaikoura, where you’ll hopefully spot sperm whales – there’s a fantastic option of a whale-watching flight if you fancy. You’ll then pass the pretty pink-hued crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, before travelling to the picturesque coastal village, Picton.

Overnight: Picton Beachcomber Inn or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 10

Picton – Wellington

The day begins with a calm cruise across Queen Charlotte Sound, before crossing the Cook Strait to Wellington. Once there, you’ll be taken on an interesting city tour before enjoying some time for yourself. In the afternoon, you’ll meet again to visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, giving you the chance to discover it’s though-provoking exhibits that reveal New Zealand’s history, culture, natural heritage and art.

Overnight: Travelodge Wellington or similar (Breakfast included)

Day 11

Wellington – Rotorua

Today you will drive alongside the beautiful Kapiti Coast, travelling through dairy-farming country to reach Tongariro National Park and the snow-capped Mt Ruapehu. Throughout your journey, you’ll be treated to sensational views of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in Australasia, and you’ll also discover the cascading Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. This evening enjoy an entertaining cultural experience at the Tamaki Maori Village. Experience a powerful Haka challenge, witness a concert showcasing Maori culture and dine at a traditional Maori Hangi feat dinner.

Your packed lunch today is special as it will also feed a Kiwi child who may otherwise go without, through the charity 'Eat My lunch'.

Overnight: Ibis Rotorua Hotel or similar (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 12

Rotorua

Today explore Rotorua at your own pace. We’d recommend exploring Rainbow Springs Nature Park to see the famous New Zealand kiwi birds, or perhaps you’d prefer to discover the Te Puia thermal reserve.

Overnight: Ibis Rotorua Hotel or similar (Breakfast included)

Day 13

Rotorua – Auckland

Today will be spent driving to Auckland. The day’s itinerary includes travelling through Waikato farmland to see the breath-taking Waitomo Caves, discovering the incredible underground Glow worm Grotto by boat and walk through the fabulous limestone caverns, all before driving along the Waikato River into Auckland.

Overnight: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites (Breakfast included)

Day 14

Auckland – Bay of Islands

Your trip out of Auckland involves crossing the impressive Harbour Bridge, before driving through Orewa, along the Hibiscus Coast, and over to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Once there, you’ll board an incredibly scenic cruise to Cape Brett, where you’ll discover on the New Zealand’s most iconic landmarks known as the "Hole in the Rock'.

Overnight: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Room or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 15

Bay of Islands

The whole day is free for you to explore and do your own thing. The Bay of Islands present a whole array of delightful experiences to discover, including sailing on a tall ship, exploring the region’s first capital – Russell – or driving further on to Cape Reinga via the peaceful 90 Mile Beach.

Overnight: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Room or similar (Breakfast included)

Day 16

Bay of Islands – Auckland

The morning is at your leisure, before heading back to Auckland. Take an orientation tour of the city before joining your Travel Director for a farewell dinner.

Overnight: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 17

Auckland

Today marks the end of your tour. Transfer to the airport for your onward travel.

(Breakfast included)

What’s Included

  • International Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Travel via luxury coach
  • 16 nights of accommodation
  • 16 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 8 dinners
  • Travel director and driver guide

What’s Not Included

  • Optional excursions

The following excursions are available to book - approximate prices per person in New Zealand dollars:

  • Discover Kerikerl (Bay of Islands) $65
  • Discover Russell – Mini Tour (Bay of Islands) $45
  • Waitangi Treaty Grounds (Bay of Islands) $45
  • Fuller Cape Reinga Via 90-mile Beach (Bay of Islands) $155
  • Larnach Castle (Dunedin) $78
  • Monarch Wildlife Cruise (Dunedin) $154
  • Taleri Gorge Railway (Dunedin) $109
  • Haast River Safari (Franz Josef Glacier) $109
  • Grand Traverse Scenic Flight (Mt cook) $395
  • Boutique Wine Tour (Queenstown) $199
  • Kiwi Birdlife Park (Queenstown) $55
  • Lakeshore, Forest and Bird Guided Walk (Queenstown) $115
  • Shotover Jet Boat Ride (Queenstown) $159
  • Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour (Queenstown) $195
  • Canopy Tours (Rotorua) $159
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (Rotorua) $119
  • Rainbow Springs Wildlife Park (Rotorua) $45
  • Rotorua Duck $95
  • Te Pula (Rotorua) $60
  • Te Anau Glow Worm Caves Tour $101

Please note these prices are a guide only and can change at any time.

Please note that the availability changes with new departure dates added and other dates fully booked. We'd recommend calling one of our consultants to double check availability for you as new dates may be added/ fully booked due to popularity.
 

Holly Reid
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