NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands
Overview
Marvel at the unrivaled views of the snow-capped mountains on the New Zealand Tour and indulge in the brilliance of the beautiful bioluminescence of glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Go bungee jumping at Queenstown and encounter the magnificent whales and dolphins at the waters of Kaikoura. Set out on the Hobbiton Movie Tour and go kayaking at the Bay OF Islands.
Highlights
Visited Places:
• Auckland
• Rotorua
• Christchurch
• Queenstown
• Franz Josef
Travel Experience:
• Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea
• Hobbiton
• Glowworm Caves
• Maori culture
• Rotorua sightseeing tour
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise
• Walking / Hiking
• Franz Josef Glacier area
• TranzAlpine scenic train
Notes
Auckland
Christchurch
New Zealand
Flights
- Arrival: Day01 before 3pm (flexible time)
- Return: Day10 anytime after breakfast (flexible time)
FLY IN Airport: Auckland Airport (AKL)
FLY OUT Airport: Presidente Christchurch International Airport (CHC)
Availability
- Seat available till the booking is open!
- Balance due 2 months before the tour departure date!
* Minimum number of members requires for all group tour. Please confirm with the organizer before any flight booking!
Itinerary
Auckland
Description:
Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed “City of Sails” is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests, and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city-savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or get out onto the water to experience the best views of the city.
Activities Included:
- Airport transfer
- Free day to explore the city
Optional Activities:
- Harbour Dinner Cruise – $100 pp
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Auckland
ROTORUA HIGHLIGHTS
Description:
Auckland Central (Pass By) Your tour starts in New Zealand’s largest city. As we drive out of the city your guide will not only set the scene for your adventure today but also point out and guide you past some of the city’s top highlights.
- Waikato Region (Pass By)
- Tirau
- Te Puia
- Rotorua
-
Maori Cultural Performance & Traditional Maori Hangi Buffet Lunch.
Note: Each day tour itinerary is subject to availability, it is possible that the same day itinerary is sold out and in that case we will book the similar day itinerary that is available.
Activities Included:
- Guided sightseeing in Rotorua
- Mitai Maori Village
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Auckland
Glowworm Caves - Hobbiton
Description:
The fictional, yet globally famous, village of Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves rank among the most popular sites of interest in New Zealand. On this tour, visit both sites in one day—see the home of Bilbo Baggins and explore Waitomo’s subterranean caverns.
- Auckland Central (Pass By)
- Waikato Region (Pass By)
- Hobbiton Movie Set
- Karapiro
- Otorohanga (Pass By)
- Waitomo Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.
Note: Each day tour itinerary is subject to availability, it is possible that the same day itinerary is sold out and in that case we will book the similar day itinerary that is available.
Activities Included:
- Guided sightseeing
- Glowworm caves
- Hobbiton
Optional Activities:
- Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa – $40 pp
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Auckland
Auckland - Queenstown
Description:
Its time to say goodbye to North Island as today you will catch an early flight to Queenstown (South Island), on arrival you will be met by a driver and transferred to your accommodation.
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Although celebrated as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders.
Suggested activities:
Go hiking – Queenstown Hill
The Queenstown Hill walk is one of the best short hikes around Queenstown. The name just says it all! To get to the top of Queenstown Hill you’ll need to climb 600 meters (2000 feet) over the 2.5 kilometers. The total hike time is around 2 hours depending on how much time you spend at the top enjoying the view.
Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure
Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls. This 25 minute white water ride includes 360 degree spins and maximum thrills.
Nevis Bungy Jump
The Nevis Bungy is New Zealand’s highest bungy at 134 metres and 8 1/2 seconds of freefall. Located in the Nevis Valley high above the Nevis River this is the ultimate adrenaline experience.
Shotover River White Water Rafting
The upper section of the Shotover River gives rafters time to practice their paddle techniques before they hit the whitewater of the lower Canyon. Paddle numerous rapids such as Rock Garden, Jaws,
Activities Included:
- Airport transfer
- Flight Auckland – Queenstown (one way)
Optional Activities:
- Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride – $30 pp
- Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure – $105 pp
Meals Included:
- Breakfast @ hotel
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Queenstown
Mt Cook & Tasman Glacier lookout
Description:
Journey through dramatic alpine scenery including the rugged Kawarau Gorge and the sweeping views of Lindis Pass, with scenic stops at iconic locations such as the vibrant turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki. You may also visit local favourites like High Country Salmon and seasonal fruit stalls.
At Mt Cook National Park, enjoy free time to explore this remarkable alpine environment. Walk to the Tasman Glacier lookout for panoramic views of New Zealand’s largest glacier, glacial lakes, and towering peaks.
Note: This day tour itinerary is subject to availability, it is possible that the activity is sold out, in such situation we will offer you an alternate activity.
Activities Included:
- Sightseeing
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodation:
-
Hotel in Queenstown
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Description:
Return luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with a 1 hour 40 minute Cruise along the full length of the fiord. On boarding a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown or Te Anau, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the modern, spacious vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. During the cruise, your friendly crew provides commentaries in several languages and points out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.
Please bring comfortable shoes, a waterproof jacket, warm clothing, and insect repellent.
Activities Included:
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise with return luxury coach transfers
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Queenstown
QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF
Description:
Take a sightseeing day tour from Queenstown to Franz Josef and discover the wild beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast.
Leaving Queenstown, travel by luxury coach through the stunning scenery of the South Island. Your driver guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out sites of interest as you pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
After a morning tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you’ll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains.
Skirt the coast and see waves crashing on rocky beaches before returning inland. Pass tree-fringed lakes and stop at a boutique salmon farm on the Paringa River for afternoon tea, before arriving in the afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.
The German explorer Julius von Haast named the Franz Josef Glacier after Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria. Located in Westland Tai Poutini National Park, it is approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) long.
Activities Included:
- Sightseeing on the way to Franz Josef
Meals Included:
- Breakfast @ hotel
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Franz Josef Glacier Village
FRANZ JOSEF
Description:
Today is a free day to explore the Franz Josep area. Some of the optional activities which is recommended:
Cruise & Rainforest Walk
Explore beyond the glacier at Franz Josef with a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. See the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake on a calm, clear day, as you cruise across the lake to a hidden nature trail through the ancient, untouched rainforest. Visit a kiwi sanctuary and look out for other birds along the way.
Kayak Adventure
Journey across Lake Mapourika and enjoy exclusive access to our private rainforest trail through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest that feels like another world!
Activities Included:
- Free day to explore
Optional Activities:
- Scenic cruise and rainforest walk ($95 / person)
- Kayak adventure ($85 / person)
Meals Included:
- Breakfast @ hotel
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Franz Josef Glacier Village
TranzAlpine Scenic Train
Description:
Today you will be transferred to the Greymouth train station.
Check-in and board a train through New Zealand’s Southern Alps on a gorgeous rail journey from Greymouth to Arthur’s Pass and Christchurch. You have the option to ride one segment of the mountainous route, or take the entire 4.5-hour journey, passing wide-open views, rugged peaks, and vast forests of native beech. Personal headsets with GPS-triggered audio commentary tell the story of the communities and places you’ll pass, with a combination of seats and open-air viewing decks for a comfortable ride.
NOTE: Your TranzAlpine train departs Greymouth Train Station at 14:05. Please check-in at least 20 minutes before departure by presenting your reference number to the ticket office. You will receive your boarding pass and your suitcases (large bags) will be checked in.
Your train is scheduled to arrive at Christchurch Train Station at 18:30. Get transferred to the hotel on arrival.
Activities Included:
- TranzAlpine Scenic Train
- Transfer to train stn
Meals Included:
- Breakfast @ hotel
Accommodation:
- Hotel in Christchurch
Christchurch
Description:
It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and the guide as the tour ends today with breakfast at the hotel. Check out is usually by 11am so book your return flight accordingly. Hoping that you have captured the best moments on camera and packed in a host of travel memories to carry back home with you.
Activities Included:
- Airport shuttle/transfer
Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Combine this tour with Australia
* Baggage Allowance: One item of baggage per person with a maximum weight of 23kgs (50lb) and one Wheeled or hard‐sided cabin bag* with a maximum weight of 7kgs (15lb).
Inclusions
Price Includes
- Airport pickup and transfers
- Breakfast @ Hotels – Note: tour starts early each day so you may request for a box to go breakfast at the hotel!
- 9 nights of hotel accommodation
- Guided day tours
- One-way flight (Auckland – Christchurch)
- Transportation in A/C bus / Van (shared)
- Excursions and activities as per the itinerary
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
- Tranz Alpine Scenic Train
Price Excludes
- International Flights
- Meals (other than mentioned above)
- Personal Expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Transfers other than mentioned in the Itinerary (available at extra cost)
- Travel insurance / Visa
NOTE: Some activities have a pickup/dropoff location that requires a 5 to 15 mins walk from the hotel accommodation. We do not offer transfers for a such short distances.
Reviews
Most of the hotels were good except the La Quinta in Las Vegas was a true one star hotel.
All in all, a good trip. Great people on the trip also. I would travel with bucket list again but ask a lot more questions in the future.
We did New Year in Las Vegas over 4 days with 3 Americans, staying at the Luxor Hotel & Casino. The itinerary included Helicopter ride over the strip, socialising to get to know the group, Little Church of the West, Strat Observation tower with rides, New Year celebrations and Casinos, drive to Red Rock Canyon for hiking, 7 Magic Mountains stone art, Shark Acquarium, Zipline over Fremont Street, drive to Death Valley for Zabriskie point, Furnace Creek, Badwater Creek salt planes, Artist Palet, Mosaic Creek, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Star Gazing in Nevada, Gondola ride at Venetian Hotel, Indian dining.
Very flexible and accommodating, great communicator before and during tour, and even on the departure day helped give airport taxi and accompanied to hotel exhibitions of Titanic, and the Human Body.
Good degree of being part of the group whilst also sitting back allowing the group to interact and take photo opportunities while friendships were formed. Highly recommended.
Truly one of the best trips I've ever had. It was my first time ever doing a solo trip. Himanshu gave us an itinerary and a list of good traveling tips for Egypt months in advance. He is very organized and responsive so I never had any concerns. Everything was already taken care of. All I had to do was show up.
The scenes in Egypt were breathtaking and I saw places that I never thought I'd see. I got to experience floating over the Valley of Kings in a hot air balloon! How many people can say they got to travel via plane, train, bus, hot air balloon, and boat all within one week?! Such an adventure!
The people I met in our group were so cool and accommodating, all with their own unique backgrounds and stories. Dancing on the boat with them while sailing up the Nile River is one of my favorite memories. I now have new friends scattered all over the United States. The tour-guides were so friendly and patient despite the fact that our group kept scattering in different directions taking pictures. If you're looking for a fun, stress-free vacation where you get to move around, meet new fun people, and immerse yourself in new cultures, TripNTrek is for you. I'm definitely doing another trip.
Trip at a reasonable price. Hope to try another in the new year!
