Highlights of New Zealand

Highlights of New Zealand

569 Views
11 Days From

$3963

$3501

Highlights of New Zealand

11 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand

Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

3360-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Age range:

5-99

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, Photography

From: $3963 $3501 Operator discount: -$462 -12%

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Your affordable New Zealand tour begins in Auckland with a two-night stay to start exploring this fascinating country. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the Domain -- its park surrounding a dormant volcano. You’ll travel through the lush farmland of Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Maori (indigenous Polynesian people) culture, bubbling geothermal sites, and the setting for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. You’ll learn about the region’s natural wonders, agricultural and creative traditions, and the Maori culture. Your value-minded New Zealand guided vacation continues with big sights to see throughout the north island. You’ll travel past New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, on your way to visit the art-deco city of Napier. Go sightseeing in the New Zealand capital of Wellington and take in its vibrant art and dining scene. See the Beehive and Parliament buildings, then take in the sweeping views of the harbor from Mount Victoria.

Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across the Marlborough Sound keeping an eye out for dolphins, penguins, or whales on your way to Christchurch. Explore the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast plains of New Zealand’s south island as you venture on to Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore this “adventure capital” before your breathtaking cruise on Milford Sound. Here, be awed by waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, and tropical rainforests surrounding the marine home of seals, penguins, and dolphins. This budget-minded tour of New Zealand is nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy the idyllic and fantastic scenes around each turn in your escorted vacation from Auckland to Queenstown.

Highlights

  • Sightseeing tour in Auckland, including the Domain, Parnell Village, Queens Street, and Viaduct Harbour

  • Guided tour of Te Puia in Rotorua to see geothermal wonders and a Maori cultural performance

  • Walking tour in Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture

  • Sightseeing tour in Wellington, including the Beehive and Parliament building, and views from Mount Victoria

  • Scenic ferry journey from Wellington to Picton through Marlborough Sound

  • Full-day excursion to Milford Sound with a cruise to see waterfalls, cliff walls, rainforest, and wildlife

  • Visit to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd

  • Optional excursions such as helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, and a visit to Hobbiton

Places You'll See

Quest Auckland

Quest Napier

Atura Wellington

Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Ibis Christchurch

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Auckland, New Zealand

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Quest Auckland

Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.

Day 2 : Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Quest Auckland

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering firsthand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live. See the Domain, the city’s oldest park, developed around an extinct volcano. Highlights also include charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Day 3 : Auckland - Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Máori culture and geothermal wonders. Our first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour allows you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You’ll also have a chance to witness traditional Máori carving and weaving along with a Máori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries--sheep! This evening is at leisure.

Day 4 : Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free to explore more of Rotorua. You may wish to take an optional excursion to visit magical Hobbiton, the set used as the Shire in the movie trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Other options include a zipline and canopy tour, helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. In the evening, you may want to attend an optional Máori Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones), followed by an authentic Máori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance with singing, dancing, and storytelling.

Day 5 : Rotorua - Lake Taupo - Napier

Location: Napier

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Quest Napier

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we continue our journey on the North Island traveling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Later, arrive in Napier, located in the beautiful Hawk’s Bay region. This afternoon, a walking tour explains how a natural disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. With the rest of the day at leisure, you may wish to take a stroll on the beach, shop for a favorite souvenir, or visit the National Aquarium to see sharks, stingrays, penguins, and more.

Day 6 : Napier - Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Atura Wellington

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city known for its vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle. Upon arrival, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria.

Day 7 : Wellington - Interislander Ferry - Picton - Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ibis Christchurch

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy a special treat as you sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by. Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South IsIand for an overnight stay.

Day 8 : Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our journey continues across New Zealand’s South Island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. Stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo for a visit to the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital,” for a 3-night stay. This evening you may want to take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below.

Day 9 : Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A full free day to explore on your own. You may want to take the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner, discover a favorite boutique or art gallery, or take an exciting helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a festive farewell dinner.

Day 10 : Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Milford Sound. Cruise to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip! Return to Queenstown late this evening.

NOTE:
The excursion to Milford Sound may occur on Day 9, based on weather and road conditions.

Day 11 : Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.

What's Included

  • Transportation

    The tour includes a variety of transportation modes, including coach travel through lush farmlands, a scenic ferry journey from Wellington to Picton, and a full-day excursion to Milford Sound.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Quest Auckland, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Quest Napier, Atura Wellington, Ibis Christchurch, and Heartland Hotel Queenstown.

  • Meals

    Breakfast is provided daily, and there is one farewell dinner included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours are included in various locations such as Te Puia in Rotorua, a walking tour in Napier, and a sightseeing tour in Wellington.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Cultural experiences include a visit to Te Puia to see geothermal wonders and a Máori cultural performance.

  • Scenic Excursions

    Scenic excursions include a full-day trip to Milford Sound and a ferry journey through Marlborough Sound.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, a visit to Hobbiton, and a Máori Hangi dinner are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and extra nights in Queenstown are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from New Zealand are not included.

Small Group

Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Te Wahipounamu

Meals

Breakfast daily, 1 farewell dinner

Accommodation

Quest Auckland offers guests a relaxed and comfortable Auckland accommodation experience. Located in downtown Auckland, the hotel is nearby ample shops and restaurants. Comfortable guestrooms feature cable TV, laundry, hairdryer, and internet access. Set on the shores of mystical Lake Rotorua, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua offers spectacular vistas. The hotel features a lakeside restaurant and bar, pool, currency exchange, spa services, coin-operated, self-service laundry, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Conveniently located in the town center just a short walk from the beach, Quest Napier offers comfortable apartment-style guestrooms. The hotel features valet dry cleaning service and complimentary Wi-Fi. Atura Wellington is perfectly positioned within comfortable walking distance of Lambton Quay shopping, vibrant waterfront dining and all the must-see events at Sky Stadium. Superbly situated in the very heart of this historic garden city, Ibis Christchurch is located just off Cathedral Square, and is close to cafes, restaurants, museums and many of Christchurch's most popular attractions. The Swiss-style Heartland Hotel Queenstown offers stunning views of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu. The hotel features guest laundry and dry cleaning, on-site restaurant and bar, 24-hour room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a variety of transportation modes, including coach travel through lush farmlands, a scenic ferry journey from Wellington to Picton, and a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. Additionally, there are optional excursions such as helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley.

Check out our Q&As

  • What types of transportation are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of transportation modes, including coach travel through lush farmlands, a scenic ferry journey from Wellington to Picton, and a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. Additionally, there are optional excursions such as helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour offers a range of comfortable accommodations, including Quest Auckland, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Quest Napier, Atura Wellington, Ibis Christchurch, and Heartland Hotel Queenstown. These hotels feature amenities such as cable TV, laundry services, complimentary Wi-Fi, and on-site restaurants and bars.

  • Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional excursions available, including a visit to Hobbiton, zipline and canopy tours, helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, and a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. Additionally, you can attend an optional Māori Hangi dinner followed by a cultural performance.

  • What activities are included in the Rotorua segment of the tour?

    In Rotorua, you will visit Te Puia to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser. You will also witness traditional Māori carving and weaving along with a Māori cultural performance. Additionally, you will visit Agrodome to learn about the sheep industry.

  • What can I expect during the ferry journey from Wellington to Picton?

    The ferry journey from Wellington to Picton is one of the most scenic in the world, offering spectacular views of the Marlborough Sound. Dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry, and you might also spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by.

  • What is included in the full-day excursion to Milford Sound?

    The full-day excursion to Milford Sound includes a cruise to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. This excursion is considered a highlight of the trip.

  • Is there a farewell dinner included in the tour?

    Yes, there is a festive farewell dinner included on the last night in Queenstown, where you can join your Tour Director and travel companions.

  • What are the highlights of the Auckland city tour?

    The Auckland city tour includes a visit to the Domain, the city's oldest park developed around an extinct volcano, charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.