The Long White Cloud
The Long White Cloud
The Long White Cloud
19 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Tauranga, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Christchurch, Lake Ōhau, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wānaka, Franz Josef
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NZIJ25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 16
Age range:
13-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Traverse New Zealand’s North and South Islands, exploring hidden wonders and iconic landscapes. Witness majestic glaciers, shimmering lakes and ancient rainforests brimming with wildlife. Immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, fresh seasonal fare, world class wines and scenic stays. Experience a journey like no other.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: QT Auckland
Upon your arrival in Auckland, you'll be greeted with a private transfer to QT Auckland hotel for a Welcome Reception with drinks and canapés.
Day 2: Auckland – Tauranga
Location: Tauranga
Accommodation Name: Trinity Wharf Tauranga
Meals Included: Dinner
Explore Auckland starting in historic Parnell, renowned for its boutiques and galleries. Discover New Zealand's cultural heritage at Auckland Museum in the Domain's beautiful surroundings. Wander along the waterfront, enjoying views of the harbor and the lively ambiance of Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour. Experience Mission Bay and Bastion Point for their seaside charm and views over Waitemata Harbour. Visit the magical Hobbiton Movie Set for "Lord of the Rings" fans, followed by a scenic drive to Tauranga. Enjoy dinner at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, surrounded by coastal scenery.
Day 3: Tauranga – Rotorua
Location: Rotorua, Tauranga
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Day 3 Tauranga to Rotorua Explore Mount Maunganui, a volcanic cone, which offers panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty. Continue to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a seasonal canapé and complementary chef choice aperitif, and three-course dinner.
Day 4: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Enjoy a day of leisure at your own pace in magnificent Rotorua. Why not relax in one of the many natural hot springs or go on a leisurely stroll around Lake Rotorua to see the serene views. The day is yours to enjoy.
Day 5: Rotorua – Napier
Location: Rotorua, Napier
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Today, you’ll be guided on a tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Together with a packed lunch and your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rainforest on a cultural walking tour where if you’re lucky you might sight an endangered bird. Relax with whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range Winery, New Zealand's 2024 top restaurant, in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak.
Day 6: Napier
Location: Napier
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Gannet Safaris Overland at Cape Kidnappers offers exclusive access to New Zealand's largest privately-owned nature reserve. Explore pristine coastline, farms, and native bush by 4x4 to reach the Gannet Colony. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Cape Sanctuary's conservation, aiding the return of these seabirds through extensive native tree planting. Then, travel to Napier and relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide fascinating commentary as you are driven in style. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild of Napier in the Art Deco style.
Day 7: Napier – Wellington
Location: Napier, Wellington
Accommodation Name: Naumi Hotel Wellington
Upon your arrival in Wellington see the city sights. Visit Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand, a treasure trove of over 800,000 artworks, scientific specimens, historical archives and artefacts or take in the views on a historic Wellington Cable Car ride; the choice is yours today.
Day 8: Wellington – Marlborough Sounds
Location: Wellington, Marlborough Sounds
Accommodation Name: Furneaux Lodge
Set off on a scenic journey as you cross the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry, bound for Picton. From there, a private sea transfer awaits to whisk you into the serene beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your destination - the remote and tranquil Furneaux Lodge.
Day 9: Marlborough Sounds
Location: Marlborough Sounds
Explore Marlborough Sounds at your leisurely pace. Hike the scenic stretch of Queen Charlotte Track or enjoy fishing at Furneaux Lodge with provided equipment. Alternatively, join a Paua Pearl Tour guided by the owners, learning about New Zealand's Blue Pearl cultivation. See paua at different growth stages, from larvae to mature shells with pearls, gaining insights into this unique marine industry (own expense).
Day 10: Marlborough Sounds – Christchurch
Location: Marlborough Sounds, Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Depart from the tranquil Marlborough Sounds and travel to Picton, where you'll begin your journey southward towards Christchurch. En route, pass through the coastal town of Kaikōura, renowned for its marine life and stunning coastal scenery.
Day 11: Christchurch – Lake Ohau
Location: Christchurch, Lake Ōhau
Accommodation Name: Lake Ohau Lodge
Begin your day by exploring Christchurch's city sights before journeying to the brilliant blue waters of Lake Tekapo. You'll visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing your adventure to the exquisite Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat. Here, you'll indulge in a sophisticated High Tea complemented by local sparkling wine, hosted by the owners who will share stories of their land regeneration efforts. Conclude your day at the charming Lake Ohau Lodge, nestled in the Mackenzie High Country and surrounded by breathtaking wilderness.
Day 12: Lake Ohau – Queenstown
Location: Lake Ōhau, Queenstown
Accommodation Name: The Rees
Meals Included: Lunch
Travel through Lindis Pass to Cromwell. Visit Mrs. Jones Orchard for fresh produce, then explore the Highlands Museum, a paradise for car enthusiasts and novices alike. See Michael Schumacher’s Benetton Formula One car, learn about New Zealand motorsport history and see unique exhibits. Next, enjoy a special wine tasting experience and delicious lunch at Gibbston Valley's Kinross cellar door. Continue your journey to Arrowtown, rich in gold rush history, before reaching scenic Queenstown for the night.
Day 13: Queenstown At Leisure
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: The Rees
Today, explore Queenstown at your own pace. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station (own expense). As the day winds down, prepare for an unforgettable evening at the Bathhouse, an elegant dining establishment spectacularly situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Savor a sumptuous meal while taking in vast, serene lakeside views, creating a perfect finale to your day.
Day 14: Queenstown – Milford Sound
Location: Queenstown, Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Milford Mariner
Meals Included: Lunch
Start your day with a scenic drive along the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local farm, tasting authentic regional flavours. Journey through Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing glaciers, mountains, and Mirror Lake before entering the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Spend an exclusive overnight experience on the renowned Milford Mariner, waking up amidst stunning landscapes. The cruise allows ample time to admire the fiord’s waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife like seals, penguins, and dolphins. Experience the ship's amenities including spacious decks, a dining saloon with a bar, and an observation lounge. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, and your choice of cooked breakfast included.
Day 15: Milford Sound – Wānaka
Location: Milford Sound, Wānaka
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Lake Wānaka Hotel
Leave the serene beauty of Fiordland National Park for the picturesque town of Wānaka, nestled among the Southern Alps. Spend the afternoon at Edgewater Lake Wanaka Hotel, exploring the scenic surroundings. This idyllic town blends natural splendour with leisurely pursuits. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and wine, enjoying the serene backdrop of Lake Wānaka.
Day 16: Wānaka – Franz Josef
Location: Wānaka, Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals Included: Lunch
Start your journey with a scenic drive from Wānaka, passing Lake Hawea and the picturesque settlement of Makarora amidst alpine scenery and lush rainforest. Reach Haast on the West Coast, with diverse landscapes to captivate your senses. Enjoy a thrilling Haast River jet boat adventure through pristine waterways surrounded by wilderness, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty. Arrive in Franz Josef and settle into the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat. In the evening, savour a sumptuous dinner with wine in the serene ambiance of this forest sanctuary.
Day 17: Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals Included: Dinner
Begin your day at a leisurely pace, soaking in the spectacular surroundings of Franz Josef. Then, explore this captivating region with a local guide, who will illuminate the wonders of its majestic glaciers, lush rainforests, and uniquely varied landscapes.
Day 18: Franz Josef – Christchurch
Location: Franz Josef, Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Meals Included: Dinner
Leave Franz Josef for Hokitika, joining an informative walking tour led by a local history expert. Learn about the West Coast's rich heritage, from shipwrecks to gold miners and pounamu hunters. Then, embark on the scenic TranzAlpine journey from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch. Marvel at the Southern Alps' breathtaking peaks and valleys along one of the world’s most scenic train routes. Arrive in Christchurch for a memorable Celebration Dinner, raising a toast to your unforgettable journey.
Day 19: Farewell From Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
As your extraordinary journey draws to a close, enjoy a seamless transfer to Christchurch Airport. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories made during your exploration of New Zealand.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as wine tours in Queenstown and visits to Zealandia/Te Mara a Tane in Wellington are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through New Zealand with a mix of private transfers, scenic train rides, river jet boats, and ferry cruises. Return airport transfers are included, ensuring a seamless journey from Christchurch to Auckland.
Accommodation
Enjoy 18 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at Hotel Montreal Christchurch, Te Waonui Forest Retreat, The Rees Hotel, Milford Mariner, The Langlands Hotel, Distinction Dunedin Hotel, QT Wellington, Porters Boutique Hotel, Pullman Rotorua, and QT Auckland.
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 18 Full Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- 3 Local Dining Experience (LD)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 1 Celebration Dinner (CD)
Explore
- Join a nature guide on the breathtaking Milford Track, and discover the luminous shimmer of the Footwhistle Cave.
- Voyage through New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes: breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound, Franz Josef’s dramatic glaciers, Marlborough Sounds' peaceful waters.
Fitness Requirement
- Low level of fitness required
Flight information
- Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland AirportDay 19: Flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport Privat vehicle return airport to hotel transfers are included in the price. Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.
Immerse
- Embrace the traditional Maori greeting at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, and immerse yourself in Jurassic rainforest.
- Take a stroll through a fantasy land at Hobbiton Movie Set, and learn about Maori culture at Te Pa Tu. Experience Napier's Art Deco charm and take a guided walk through the prehistoric Whirinaki Forest.
Indulge
- Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.
- Enjoy culinary delights, from native flavours to outstanding local wine. Experience an elegant High Tea, and dine amidst Te Mata peak at Craggy Range Winery, New Zealand's 2024 top restaurant.
Relax
- Wake up to the wonder of fiordland on your Milford Mariner cruise, and take a deep breath and unwind at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
- Wake up amidst nature at these unique stays: Milford Mariner on the stunning fiord, scenic elegance at Furneaux Lodge and tranquillity at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Warm layers in cooler months, and a waterproof layer A sense of adventure
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes a mix of private transfers, scenic train rides, river jet boats, and ferry cruises. Return airport transfers are also included, ensuring a seamless journey from Christchurch to Auckland.
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will enjoy 18 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at Hotel Montreal Christchurch, Te Waonui Forest Retreat, The Rees Hotel, Milford Mariner, The Langlands Hotel, Distinction Dunedin Hotel, QT Wellington, Porters Boutique Hotel, Pullman Rotorua, and QT Auckland.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
Flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price. However, return airport transfers are included.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The tour is designed for small groups with a maximum of 16 guests.
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What level of fitness is required for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour.
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Are there any optional activities not included in the tour price?
Yes, optional activities such as wine tours in Queenstown and visits to Zealandia/Te Mara a Tane in Wellington are not included in the tour price.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as a traditional Maori greeting at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, and an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke's Bay.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.