This 9-day trip invites you to see the best of both worlds, taking in New Zealand’s North Island followed by a day in the fjords of the south.
Land in Auckland and take an easy first day to acclimate and shake off any jetlag. Then explore all that makes Auckland one of the world’s most liveable cities on a full-day tour through the city. Built on 52 dormant volcanic cones and set between two harbours, Auckland is all about combining the best indoor and outdoor experiences and perfecting life’s balance. Visit a nearby rainforest, see the rugged west coast, and explore the City of Sails.
Head south to Rotorua via a quick stop in Hobbiton, which preserves New Zealand’s most famous cinematic identity, as ‘Middle Earth’ in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Then discover New Zealand’s real stories on a full-day tour of Rotorua. See the famous mud pools and geysers, and explore M?ori culture in detail at Te Puia. The day draws to a close at Tamaki M?ori Village with a traditional hakari 4-course meal prepared by award-winning M?ori chefs.
Fly to Queenstown, arguably New Zealand’s most stunning city, and its undisputed capital for adventure sports. Take an all-day trip into Fiordland National Park and cruise Piopiotahi/Milford Sound, the largest and most impressive of New Zealand’s fjords. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including dolphins, seals, and even the occasional whale, in between staring at Mitre Peak and the cliffs surrounding you. The following day is at leisure in Queenstown. Walk or bike along Lake Wakatipu, go zip-lining through the forest canopy, ride the Shotover jet boat, climb aboard the famous Skyline Queenstown cable car to the top of Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve, or try bungee jumping in the town where it was invented. Your options are limitless in Queenstown.
Get a scenic taste of the South Island as you weave through the mountains toward Christchurch. You might even catch a glimpse of Aoraki/Mount Cook! When you reach Christchurch, you might have time to visit the Antarctic Centre, Hagley Park, and the Canterbury Museum or explore Quake City to learn about how the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes devastated the city… and how it rebuilt! In the evening, enjoy one of the many restaurants, bars, or live music venues that have popped up in the reinvigorated Christchurch.
Transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.
8 nights from $2,625 per person
Featured Destinations
Rotorua
New Zealand's premier destination on the edge of beautiful Lake Rotorua offers visitors so much to see and do the trouble is deciding what to do. From a quiet stroll through the magnificent Redwood Forest to an adrenaline rafting plunge over one of the world's highest commercially rafted waterfalls or an entertaining view of life on the farm at one of our award winning farmshows - Rotorua has it all. Famous for awesome geological forces, Rotorua has hundreds of gentle plopping mud pools, powerful erupting geysers, and intriguing geothermal lakes. Maori Culture is another unique facet to Rotorua's popularity. For more action try hiking down Mt Ngongatah, fishing for trophy-sized trout on one of Rotorua's many lakes, tandem skydiving, horse trekking, or off-road driving. Or just sit back, watch the world go by and enjoy the fresh, clean, picturesque atmosphere from one of many sidewalk cafes and bars. To end the day, soak away ailments in one of many thermally heated natural mineral spas.
Auckland
Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world, with the cosmopolitan city centre complemented by great escapes within half an hour of downtown. Indulge in Auckland's shopping, nightlife and unrivalled cuisine and experience some of the many attractions and adventure activities on offer. There is never a shortage of things to do in the City of Sails. Sights to see include Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Zoo, and Museum of Transport and Technology.
Queenstown
Queenstown hosts an outstanding collection of adrenaline inducing activities and spectacular scenery. From jumping from tall bridges or quiet fishing, this is New Zealand's number one adventure destination. Lake and river join towering mountain ranges to make Queenstown as popular in the winter as it is in the summer.
At the heart of the action are cafes, the entire spectrum of accommodation, boutique shopping, restaurants and the visitor services expected in a small town with a big reputation.
Christchurch
Christchurch was founded in 1850 by members of the Church of England, who wanted a little bit of heaven on earth. They succeeded, and today the city takes great pride in its spacious layout and distinctive English-style buildings in elegant grey stone. The River Avon winds through Christchurch, along parks and gardens that cover one-third of the city.
Vacation Details
Valid Date Ranges
02/05/2025 -
12/31/2025
from
$2,625 per person
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $2,625 per person
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
Remarks
Standard Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing this trip. Special savings cannot be combined with any other offer. Airfare available for better packaging and pricing. Ask your travel advisor for details. All prices are per person and quoted in U.S. dollars. Single supplement applies. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Accommodations, inclusions and itinerary subject to change depending upon specific departure date. From pricing is based on lowest marketed price for this tour, rates vary by date of departure; please inquire for details for your preferred travel dates. Inquire for a list of exclusions. Departures: Daily except Monday * This trip is also available with a reverse itinerary departing from Christchurch
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
OFFER ID
1619032
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Swain's Travel, Inc.
35 Old South Road
Nantucket, MA 02554
USA
(508) 228-3201