The Long White Cloud

The Long White Cloud

14 Views
19 Days From

$12430

$11187

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:

AAT Kings

Tour code:

NZIJ25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

13-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

From: $12430 $11187 Operator discount: -$1243

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Embrace the traditional Maori greeting at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience and immerse yourself in Jurassic rainforest.

  • Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke's Bay.

  • Join a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest and discover the luminous shimmer of the Footwhistle Cave.

  • Wake up to the wonder of Fiordland on your Milford Mariner cruise.

  • Explore the heritage gold settlement of Arrowtown and enjoy an orientation of breathtaking Queenstown.

  • Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to the pristine Stewart Island.

  • Ascend the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk for an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year-old redwood giants.

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What is the maximum group size for this tour?

    The tour is designed for small groups with a maximum of 16 guests.

  • What level of fitness is required for this tour?

    A low level of fitness is required for this tour.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 100 years

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Ann Purcell  

Well worth the money

24-Feb-2023

Absolutely wonderful trip. Tastes of southern Australia. Hotels were good quality. Sightseeing was amazing. Manuela our travel director was lovely. A great trip all round

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Lynda Whittingham  

Particularly loved QUEENSTOWN (jet boat) and plane ride over Mt Cook

18-Feb-2023

Great guide “Dexter” who was pleasant and knowledgeable, skilled and pleasant driver, Aaron, interesting activities, and comfortable hotels in good locations. I have been on organized bus trips in different countries and this company stands out. I would travel with them again. Read less

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Milford Sound , West Coast , Queenstown, Christchurch

22-Feb-2023

The most professional tour group i have ever travelled with. Both tour director (Hope) & driver (Dave) had extensive knowledge of NZ. Highly recommended.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Keith Jones  

Christchurch, Milford Sound and the Franz Joseph Railway journey

02-Mar-2023

Very professional service throughout. Friendly experienced tour guide imparting excellent knowledge and local anecdotes. Friendly professional driver enhanced the overall pleasure. Excellent hotels throughout the holiday.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Allison Cooper  

Wonderful experience, highlight had to be Uluru so spiritual and beautiful

22-Feb-2023

Very professional. Excellent travel director very knowledgeable and a lovely guy. Amazing experience seeing do many great places.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Friday

Feb 03, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
$12535

Monday - Friday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
$12430 $11187

Operator discount: -$1243

Monday - Friday

Nov 03, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
$12430 $11187

Operator discount: -$1243

Monday - Friday

Feb 09, 2026 - Feb 27, 2026
$12430 $11187

Operator discount: -$1243

Monday - Friday

Mar 09, 2026 - Mar 27, 2026
$12430 $11187

Operator discount: -$1243

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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