15 Day New Zealand Getaway

Journey north to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve – one of New Zealand’s most famous Kauri forests and the largest of its kind remaining on the North Island. Here, a short walk from the roadside will take you to the base of a giant Kauri tree, called Tãne Mahuta or ‘Lord of the Forest’. Continue to the stunning Bay of Islands, where you’ll enjoy a special Welcome Dinner.

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands, in a room with garden views (2 nights) (B, D)

The Bay of Islands is also home to 144 islands providing a stunning aquatic playground off the north coast of the North Island. After breakfast today, you’ll enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the idyllic subtropical surrounds. Perhaps relax on a pristine beach, explore the stunning wilderness areas via one of the many walking tracks, or set off into town and dine at a local restaurant. (B)

Explore New Zealand’s finest national maritime park on a dolphin watching cruise to Cape Brett. This captivating coastline provides sheltered waters for dolphins, whales, seals, penguins and other marine life, so keep a look out while enjoying the scenery. Then, continue to the Hole in the Rock, a distinctive arch formation, which defines this remarkable coast. Later, return to Auckland.

Stay: Rydges Hotel, Auckland (B, D)

Travel to Waitomo and discover the famous glowworm caves. Then continue to Rotorua. Visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier cultural centre, and tour the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. During your time here you’ll see the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Later, enjoy a Maori Hangi Feast with performances of song and dance. Delight in the opportunity to dine and interact with locals who will enchant you with their local customs and cheerful hospitality.

Stay: Rydges Rotorua (2 nights) (B, D)

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Maori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions, the Agrodome. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional helicopter flight over the White Island volcano (own expense). (B)

Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway through a region abundant with geothermal activity and rich Maori culture. Visit Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia and thundering Huka Falls with its striking blue water. Later, travel south across the volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

Stay: Travelodge Hotel Wellington (B)

Today you’ll enjoy one of the world’s most scenic voyages as the Interislander ferry traverses Cook Strait through the breathtaking landscape of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Weave through unspoilt islands and admire coastlines defined by tiny coves on the way to Picton. Continue to Christchurch via Kaikoura.

Stay: Christchurch, Quality Hotel Elms (B, D)

Absorb the picturesque rural scenery from aboard your coach before beginning the ascent into the Main Divide, or maybe ride the TranzAlpine. Rejoin your group and continue along the coast and through rainforest to Westland National Park. Marvel at the twin glaciers of Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.

Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (B, D)

Experience one of the world’s top 6 train trips aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass.

Additional cost: $NZ 185 per person. Select option when requesting your quote.

Today you’ll travel across the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps this morning, through spectacular Haast Pass, skirting the tranquil shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. Special Stay and settle in for a relaxing two-night stay admiring the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains capped in snow overseeing the calming blue waters of Lake Wakatipu. Delicious food is always on the menu in Queenstown as it is renowned for its world-class culinary scene. This evening, you may like to dine at one of the many local restaurants located within the heart of the city and sample some of the region’s fresh flavours (own expense).

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview (2 nights) (B)

Queenstown is perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Today, during time at leisure, you have the freedom to simply relax or choose one of Travelmarvel’s exciting optional experiences. These include a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for spectacular panoramic views or a thrilling ride on a Shotover Jet Boat (both own expense). (B)

Today, follow the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along Milford Road, renowned as one of the world’s best alpine drives, to Milford Sound. Step aboard a ship to cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord, viewing cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest and towering mountains that surround this World Heritage-listed area.

Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau (B, D)

Leaving the Fiordland region, journey through rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin for a tour. Later, discover Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Steeped in scandal and tragedy, filled with magnificent antiques and offering breathtaking views, Lanarch Castle provides a memorable holiday highlight. Enjoy some time at leisure before dinner.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B, D)

Today you’ll journey along the east coast to see the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Oamaru to discover some of New Zealand’s finest 19th-century architecture. Head into Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to view Australasia’s highest mountain, Mt Cook. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Stay: Lake Tekapo, Peppers Bluewater Resort (B, D)

En-route to Christchurch today you’ll pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of locally gathered stone and oak and erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Our tour concludes on arrival at Christchurch airport. (B)