Private/Group Tour Highlights
- Discover New Zealand's Underwater World with Kelly Tarlton's Sealife Aquarium and Antarctic Encounter.
- See boiling mud pools, roaring geysers and New Zealand's trout, birds and wildlife.
- Travel south to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo, dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro.
- Visit Te Papa, 'Museum of New Zealand'
- Explore New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt Cook.
- Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath-taking man-made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound.
- Travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park.
Tour Overview
Soak up New Zealand’s Must-See Attractions with this relaxing and reinvigorating journey prepared by Yampu’s Travel Experts. Begin by exploring New Zealand’s City of Sails and its underwater world in Kelly Tarlton’s Sealife Aquarium and Antarctic Encounter tour. Then, discover the Thermal city of Rotorua.
Travel south heading to Wellington to visit the Museum of New Zealand, Te papa. Continue your journey to Kaikoura passing through Marlborough sounds, Picton and the town of Blenheim. Leaving Kaikoura behind, travel to Queenstown to witness New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook.
While in Queenstown, travel through the breath-taking man-made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound and enjoy the activities Queenstown has to offer.
Leaving the beautiful city of Queenstown, travel to the Glacier Region of New Zealand, Fox and Franz Josef. Then, ascending through the quaint alpine villages, head into Christchurch to wrap up your unforgettable journey.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services, and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From £$ 6478
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand!
International Flight to Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
International Flight to Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Group Half Day Auckland Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Auckland city. Visit Kelly Tarlton's Sealife Aquarium and Antarctic Encounter. The remainder of the day is free.
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Auckland city. Visit Kelly Tarlton's Sealife Aquarium and Antarctic Encounter. The remainder of the day is free.
Waitomo Caves Tour, Dinner Included
Today, travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. On completion continue over the Mamaku Ranges to reach the 'Thermal City' of Rotorua.
Today, travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. On completion continue over the Mamaku Ranges to reach the 'Thermal City' of Rotorua.
Te Puia Geothermal Reserve, Dinner Included
Today, visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Agrodome for a farm show and Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand's trout, birds and wildlife. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.
Today, visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Agrodome for a farm show and Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand's trout, birds and wildlife. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening, enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.
Rotorua - Wellington
Today, travel south to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo before continuing on the Desert Road, dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. Continue south through farmland before arriving in the 'Capital City' of Wellington.
Today, travel south to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo before continuing on the Desert Road, dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro. Continue south through farmland before arriving in the 'Capital City' of Wellington.
Group Half Day Wellington Sightseeing Tour
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Wellington. Visit Te Papa, 'Museum of New Zealand' for a short-guided tour before enjoying a free afternoon to explore.
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Wellington. Visit Te Papa, 'Museum of New Zealand' for a short-guided tour before enjoying a free afternoon to explore.
Wellington - Kaikōura
Journey across Cook Strait and into the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton. Travel south through the town of Blenheim, before reaching Kaikoura.
Note: You might like to take an optional whale watch cruise or scenic flight.
Journey across Cook Strait and into the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton. Travel south through the town of Blenheim, before reaching Kaikoura.
Note: You might like to take an optional whale watch cruise or scenic flight.
Kaikōura - Christchurch
Leave Kaikoura behind as you turn inland and travel to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch. (112 miles and the drive is approximately 2.5 hours)
Leave Kaikoura behind as you turn inland and travel to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch. (112 miles and the drive is approximately 2.5 hours)
Christchurch Group Transfer to Queenstown with Visit to Mt. Cook
Today, you will travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo before continuing on to New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the 'Alpine Resort' of Queenstown. (overall 370 miles and the drive is 7-8 hours drive total)
Today, you will travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo before continuing on to New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the 'Alpine Resort' of Queenstown. (overall 370 miles and the drive is 7-8 hours drive total)
Group Full Day Milford Sound Tour, Lunch Included
Today, follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath-taking man-made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world-famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown.
Today, follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath-taking man-made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world-famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown.
Adventure in Queenstown
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more.
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more.
Group Glacier Region Tour
Depart Queenstown this morning and travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, a gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Fox and Franz Josef.
Depart Queenstown this morning and travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, a gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Fox and Franz Josef.
Glacier Valley Walk Tour
This morning, enjoy a guided glacier valley walk. This afternoon is at leisure.
Note: Optional activities include helicopter scenic flights (optional tours NOT included).
This morning, enjoy a guided glacier valley walk. This afternoon is at leisure.
Note: Optional activities include helicopter scenic flights (optional tours NOT included).
Tranz Alpine Train to Christchurch
Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur's Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps onto Christchurch.
Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur's Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps onto Christchurch.
Christchurch - Home
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your international flight home.
International Flight Home
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and privately transferred to the airport for your international flight home.
International Flight Home
Places You'll See
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Auckland
Auckland’s diverse landscapes provide countless opportunities to get immersed in nature. In the west, lush native rainforest plunges down the hills to meet the sea on dramatic black sand beaches, while the east’s sheltered golden sand beaches are fringed with red-flowering pohutukawa trees. To the north, the rolling hills of wine country meet stunning coastlines and in the south, you’ll find picturesque country gardens, unspoilt forest and tranquil bays to explore.
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Rotorua
From crystal-clear streams and magical forests to epic biking trails and thermal mud pools, Rotorua has it all. The city offers a raft of attractions and experiences for everyone from adventure-seekers to those just looking to unwind.
Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud pools, clouds of steam, and natural hot springs perfect for bathing and relaxing in. After marveling at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity within a geothermal park, enjoy a simple soak in a natural hot stream or indulge in a wellness getaway at a luxurious spa.
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Wellington
Relax at Oriental Bay, Wellington’s golden-sand inner-city beach and delve into the many museums, art galleries and theatre show that make up the city’s pulsing cultural scene. If you’re into the outdoors, Wellington has action-packed adventure activities like mountain biking and sea-water kayaking, as well as beautiful walks around the harbor and surrounding hills. Try the visually stunning Makara Peak track, as well as the City to Sea walk where you can experience the best of Wellington’s waterfront. Ride the cable car up the hill to Kelburn for amazing views over the city and enjoy an ice cream at the top.
On the waterfront itself, you’ll find Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum. Te Papa, as it’s colloquially known, means ‘our place’ and is one of the best interactive museums in the world.
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Kaikōura
Kaikōura is a base for wildlife experiences of all kinds – it’s also a great place to eat crayfish (in the Māori language ‘kai’ means food, ‘kōura’ means crayfish). An easy two-hour drive north of Christchurch, Kaikōura makes for a great day trip or a fun stop on your way to Marlborough.
Kaikōura’s environment is truly spectacular – the village is caught between the rugged Seaward Kaikōura Range and the Pacific Ocean. In winter the mountains are covered with snow, adding to the drama of the landscape.
Kaikōura’s special talent is marine mammal encounters – whales, fur seals and dolphins live permanently in the coastal waters. Whale watching trips leave the town several times a day and the local seal colony is always entertaining. There are plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops to explore.
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Christchurch
Christchurch is the city of exploration, where urban regeneration and heritage thrive. The city is constantly evolving, always giving locals and visitors something new to explore. Expect street art and innovative projects, a bustling hospitality scene and established green spaces. Christchurch is the newest city in the world, and it’s time the world rediscovered its secrets.
The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. The Avon River intersects the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment. Christchurch is the basecamp for South Island exploration, with the Banks Peninsula within reach, as well as the stunning Southern Alps and famed Canterbury Plains.
The surrounding Canterbury region offers visitors unforgettable journeys and picturesque towns, zen-like retreats and thrill-seeking opportunities. Escape to Hanmer Springs for a thermal soak, or north to Kaikōura to encounter the local wildlife. Everything New Zealand has to offer can be found here.
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Queenstown
Queenstown sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic alpine ranges; it’s rumoured that gold prospectors – captivated by the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers – gave this now cosmopolitan town its name.
With a smorgasbord of outdoor activities, Queenstown is the home of the ultimate adventure bucket list. There’s skiing from winter right through to spring, and activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. It is also a renowned cycling destination, providing everything from easy scenic tracks to backcountry trails, road rides to heli-biking and the Southern Hemisphere’s only gondola accessed downhill mountain biking.
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Glacier Region
While glaciers around the world are retreating, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers still flow almost to sea level. The temperate climate at this low altitude means these glaciers are among the most convenient to visit in the world. An easy walk is available to the foot of Franz Josef Glacier along the river valley with steep sides bearing gigantic horizontal scars from when the glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia. You can also take in the view of magnificent Fox Glacier from Cook Flat Road (on your way to Lake Matheson). The sheer enormity of both glaciers is very humbling.