Private/Group Tour Highlights
- Try jet boating on the harbor or venture up Auckland's iconic SkyTower for a SkyWalk.
- Find New Zealand's cool little capital Wellington, a funky, compact city packed with cultural activities and stellar eating-places.
- The journey across the Cook Strait takes you through beautiful Marlborough Sounds – a network of sunken, emerald-green river valleys. dolphin, whale and fur seal sightings along the way are common.
- Discover the region's gold-mining history in Arrowtown or search Glenorchy for The Lord of the Rings filming locations.
Tour Overview
With Yampu’s New Zealand’s Double Island Feature itinerary, travelers will enjoy thirteen days of unforgettable experiences exploring geothermal wonders, vibrant cities, soaring mountains, and majestic fiords during this two-week journey from Auckland to Queenstown.
Dine on world-class food, taste some of the region’s spectacular wines, and revel in unique adventure opportunities while learning of the country’s culture in landscapes that promise to take your breath away. Along the way, friendly locals and easy transport options make this a holiday you’ll remember for life.
Begin your adventure with a walking wine tour of Waiheke Island, known as ‘New Zealand’s Island of Wine’ before heading into Rotorua to visit the Lord of the Rings set of Hobbiton. The following day, walk past steaming fumaroles and hot pools of boiling mud through Hells Gate Geothermal Park with its large variety of thermal features. Here is where travelers can enjoy a spa experience that genuinely refreshes and revitalizes the mind and body.
Moving onto Napier, be introduced to New Zealand’s ‘culinary, coffee, and craft beer capital, then set sail on Queenstown Wharf aboard the historic coal-fired vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Explore the region’s nature with a wilderness safari jet-boat journey through the Dart River’s braided river system. Then wrap up your journey with a cable car ride to the summit of Bob’s Peak for the best views in one of Queenstown’s most spectacular locations.
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 £$ 5599
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 the City of Sails!
Welcome to New Zealand!
Upon arrival to Auckland - "the City of Sails", you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
Welcome to New Zealand!
Upon arrival to Auckland - "the City of Sails", you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
Group Waiheke Island Wine Tour
Today, read more...
Today, you will make your own way to the Ferry Terminal for the Ferry to Waiheke (about a 10-minute walk from the hotel).
Then, you will start your Waiheke Island tour. Known as 'New Zealand's Island of Wine’, Waiheke has become home to a dedicated group of award-winning wine producers. With a unique micro-climate and the winemakers' philosophy of "small is beautiful", Waiheke has produced some of New Zealand's most prestigious wines. On this tour, you will visit three of Waiheke's top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way enjoy a commentated scenic drive, learning about the Island's history, geography, people and culture from your knowledgeable local guide.
After your wine tasting experience sits back, relax and enjoy a lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer at a local favorite restaurant before heading back to the ferry.
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Auckland - Rotorua
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Leave Auckland and travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions.
This tour includes Hobbiton Movie Set where you will see Hobbit holes, the Mill and many other structures from the movies and enjoy lunch at the Green Dragon Inn. Continue on to Waitomo Glowworm Caves and take a 45 minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto.
After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, continue to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.
This evening, enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert within a traditional Maori village. ...read less
Group Half Day Te Puia, Rainbow Springs & Agrodome Tour
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Today, visit Te Puia geothermal reserve, Rainbow Springs and the Agrodome for an entertaining show featuring sheep dog demonstrations. The tour returns to the hotel.
Hells Gate Geothermal Park is set in 50 acres with a large variety of thermal features. Walk past steaming fumaroles and hot pools of boiling mud. Follow the footsteps of ancient Maori Warriors through the swirling clouds of steam, past the hot pool where the Maori Princess "Hurutini" lost her life, see the violent geothermal activity of the Inferno and the Kakahi Falls, the largest hot waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, warriors would bathe in the sulfurous waters to heal their wounds after battle and remove the "tapu" (sacredness) of war.
The traditional mud bath experience, followed by the relaxing Sulphur spa overlooking the geothermal reserve, provides visitors with a completely unique geothermal experience. The silky-smooth geothermal mud in combination with the sulfurous geothermal water opens the skin’s pores allowing the active ingredients to gently exfoliate and treat the skin while in the spa leaving it very clean and soft to the touch. Other effects include increased blood circulation and a sense of overall wellbeing. A spa experience that truly refreshes and revitalizes the mind and body.
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Rotorua - Napier
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and travel south to Taupo, and continue over rugged mountain ranges and well-cultivated farmland to arrive in the fertile Hawkes Bay wine region and the "art deco" city of Napier.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and travel south to Taupo, and continue over rugged mountain ranges and well-cultivated farmland to arrive in the fertile Hawkes Bay wine region and the "art deco" city of Napier.
Group Morning City Walk of Art Deco Napier
This morning, join a professionally trained Art Deco Trust guide for a fascinating stroll through the city and discover its unique Art Deco style.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and travel through the Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North, traveling down the Kapiti Coast to arrive in the "Capital City" of Wellington.
This morning, join a professionally trained Art Deco Trust guide for a fascinating stroll through the city and discover its unique Art Deco style.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and travel through the Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North, traveling down the Kapiti Coast to arrive in the "Capital City" of Wellington.
Private Full Day Gourmet Walking Tour
Throughout your tour, you will be introduced to New Zealand's 'culinary, coffee and craft beer capital'. It then concludes with a delicious, light lunch matched with New Zealand wines or craft beer at a top Wellington restaurant. On Sundays, your itinerary will include the lovely waterfront Harborside food market.
Included is a short guided tour of New Zealand's nature, art, history, and cultural heritage at Te Papa.
Throughout your tour, you will be introduced to New Zealand's 'culinary, coffee and craft beer capital'. It then concludes with a delicious, light lunch matched with New Zealand wines or craft beer at a top Wellington restaurant. On Sundays, your itinerary will include the lovely waterfront Harborside food market.
Included is a short guided tour of New Zealand's nature, art, history, and cultural heritage at Te Papa.
The Great Journeys of New Zealand
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At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the port for your interisland ferry to Nelson. Travel across Cook Strait, the stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand and into the Marlborough Sounds with its sparkling clear waters and lush forests, before arriving in Picton.
Then, Leave Picton and follow the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive route to Havelock. This accords beautiful views of the Sounds. From here continue inland to Nelson.
Depending on arrival time, the afternoon or evening will be at leisure to enjoy Nelson.
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Group Abel Tasman National Park Tour
Today, you will enjoy BBS Beaches, Bays & Seals with Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park.
Experience the heart of the park with a vista cruise into Torrent Bay. Then explore some of the most scenic parts of the coast via kayak with your guide. Your guide designs each day to make the most of the tides and weather conditions.
Depending on arrival time after your tour, the afternoon or evening will be at leisure.
Today, you will enjoy BBS Beaches, Bays & Seals with Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park.
Experience the heart of the park with a vista cruise into Torrent Bay. Then explore some of the most scenic parts of the coast via kayak with your guide. Your guide designs each day to make the most of the tides and weather conditions.
Depending on arrival time after your tour, the afternoon or evening will be at leisure.
Nelson - Queenstown
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At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight to Queenstown. Flight to Queenstown. Upon arrival at Queenstown, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Depart Queenstown Wharf on the historic coal-fired vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Cruise from Queenstown Bay to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Onboard, the captain provides an interesting commentary as you enjoy spectacular views of Cecil and Walter Peaks and the western shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
Disembarking at Walter Peak, enjoy a buffet-style traditional carvery dinner at the Colonel's Homestead featuring New Zealand cuisine. Following the meal, there is also the option of an entertaining brief farm show.
On your return journey, a tradition is the TSS Earnslaw's sing-along around the piano.
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Group 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.
Group Dart River Wilderness Jet & Skyline Queenstown
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The Wilderness Safari is a jet boat journey through the Dart's braided river system. It includes an easy guided 30 - 40-minute walk through the 'Heritage Trail' at Paradise. Journey by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route, stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films.
Take a cable car ride to the summit of Bob's Peak. The best views are found here spread out in a 220-degree panorama. Enjoy a Taste of New Zealand buffet dinner at one of Queenstown's most spectacular locations.
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Queenstown - Home
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home.
At the appropriate time, you will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Auckland, New Zealand
Rotorua, New Zealand
Napier, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand
Nelson, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand
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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Nelson
Nelson Tasman is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, with diverse geography capturing everything from long golden beaches to untouched forests and rugged mountains.
Perhaps it’s the sun, perhaps it’s the location, but Nelson Tasman has long been a magnet for creative people. With one of the largest numbers of working artists and galleries in the country, you’ll find an array of craftspeople living in the region; traditional, contemporary and Māori. Visit their studios, explore the weekend craft markets, taste the delicious locally made artisan products and find something extraordinary to take home with you.
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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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Napier
Napier, a coastal city on New Zealand’s North Island, is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. Rebuilt after a 1931 earthquake, the city is known for its art deco landmarks like the zigzag-patterned Daily Telegraph Building. Along the tree-lined waterfront promenade the Marine Parade, the Pania of the Reef statue depicting a Maori maiden, is a symbol of the city.
Media Gallery
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Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Sky City Hotel
Auckland , NEW ZEALAND
Escape to a hotel where exceptional experiences happen every day. A place where you can enjoy genuine Kiwi hospitality and modern, spacious accommodation.
Explore the sights and sounds of vibrant Auckland, including the iconic Sky Tower. Pamper yourself at rejuvenating spa facilities. Experience magnificent dining with over 20 restaurants, cafes and bars close by, not to mention theatres and the exciting SkyCity Casino. Before you return, relax and refresh with our world-class facilities and services, where your comfort is our priority.
Rotorua : Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel
Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel
Rotorua , NEW ZEALAND
If you’re visiting New Zealand, Rotorua is simply unmissable. Located at the heart of the North Island it’s an adventure capital, a geothermal hot-spot, and a cultural hub. With its unique natural environment, you’ll never run out of things to do. Whether you crave adrenalin-fuelled fun, sight-seeing, and natural wonders, or a bit of pampering and relaxation, Rotorua combines it all in one bubbling, boiling, the beauty of a city.
As well as smelling a bit funny, Rotorua is famous for its stunning geothermal parks. Wai-O-Tapu is nothing short of spectacular. Te Puia never fails to impress. And if you love bubbling mud, Hells Gate is heaven on earth. For pure beauty, there’s Hamurana Springs and Lake Tarawera is beyond compare. In all, there are over 18 lakes in the region you can walk around or explore by boat. Swim at sandy beaches, enjoy the tranquillity of stunning waterfalls, soak in a hot stream… somehow you always feel you’ve discovered your very own secret spot.
Wellington : James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Wellington , NEW ZEALAND
We want to assure you that the health and wellbeing of our guests, staff, and community are of the utmost priority. We are following the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and the government.
As per the announcement on 23 March 2020 to move into Level 4 lockdown, non-essential businesses must close. Therefore, the hotel will be closed from 25th March 2020 for the duration of this lockdown period. Should you need to contact us about a reservation during this time please contact us here.
Look after yourselves, be kind and support each other. Aroha Nui.
Nelson : Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco
Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco
Nelson , NEW ZEALAND
Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco is a relaxing retreat offering boutique accommodation at the water’s edge in a village setting with beautiful grounds. With a choice of hotel rooms, garden and lane-way suites and 2 bedroom terrace houses, the resort meets the needs of all guests and offers outstanding service. Amenities include a restaurant, beauty and hair salon, craftsman jeweler, swimming pool, gym, free WiFi, and free parking.
Perfectly positioned on the shores of Tasman Bay, Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco is just 5-minutes from Nelson Airport and 15-minutes from the heart of Nelson city near the top of the South Island. A fantastic, relaxed base for your family holiday or to stay during your journey around New Zealand, enjoy a peaceful stroll to the water’s edge, or take an afternoon drive for a round of golf or to explore the World of Wearable Art Museum.
Millennium Hotel
Queenstown , NEW ZEALAND
Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities such as bungy jumping, white water rafting, and jet boating. The popular ski destinations of Coronet Peak, Remarkables, and Cardrona are also close by. Our 220 guest rooms and suites, meeting facilities, business center, gym, sauna, spa, feature contemporary city-inspired designed.
Our luxury hotel also offers accessible rooms for our special needs guests with our friendly staff on hand to assist you anytime. Most of our accommodation also offers scenic views of Queenstown city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for your trip. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel, with an Environmental Sustainability Plan for the future. We are firmly committed to sustainability best practices, constantly reviewing and improving operations to minimize the impact on the environment.
Testimonials
Bryony and Peter C, from Australia
Traveled April, 2013
Everything went completely to plan and we cannot speak highly enough of all our guides
Just letting you know that we arrived safely back in Australia today. We would like to thank you for arranging such a great trip through central-america for us. Everything went completely to plan and we cannot speak highly enough of all our guides. We were picked up and dropped off at the advised times with the minimum of fuss, tours were excellent, well planned and our guides were extremely knowledgeable and easy to get on with. Our accommodation was very good and all included meals were of top quality and organized for our requests.
Traveled To
Chris
Traveled July, 2007
Thank you so much for looking after us so well.
My girlfriend, Annie, and I had the most awesome time in South America. We arrived to snow which was a bit of bonus for me, coming from Australia. Apparently it was the first time in 80 years that they had had snow in BsAs (Buenos Aires).The Kempinski Hotel was absolutely fabulous. They had a helpful staff, and it was probably the best position in town for us. They looked after our luggage while we went off to Iguazu Falls and Uruguay, and couldn’t have been more helpful.In fact, all arrangements were on time in Argentina (apart from Aerolinas’ flights!) and after that first hiccup I must say we were impressed.Iguazu Falls, what can I say? You booked the Grand Adventure for us and I shall never forget the boat trip and seeing the falls for the first time from the water! It was awesome. I am so glad we booked the Sheraton Hotel for its situation.Staff at all hotels were excellent. Mabel and Mercedes at Colonia sorted out our vouchers and travel details for us, and we found that one of the male members on staff at The Balmoral spoke excellent English and even tuned the TV in so that we could watch the BBC World News.I would definitely recommend the tour we did and we are even talking about seeing more of Argentina later on, perhaps combining it with a trip to Chile.We met some very interesting people and thoroughly enjoyed all our tours. Thank you so much for looking after us so well.
Traveled To
Paul from Australia
Traveled March, 2013
Thanks again for your co-ordination of our trip
Just to advise you that we arrived home in Australia yesterday after another successful trip to Chile and Argentina (plus a short side trip to Uruguay!). Apart from a couple of hiccups in the first half of the trip that you were aware of, the trip overall went very well. All the connections worked out, the hotel/hospedaje accommodation was overall very good, with some outstanding (e.g. Tierra Atacama, KKala, Nothofagus, Entre Hielos) and we lucked a presidential suite (without the President) at the Hotel Antofagasta. Bahia Bustamante was also a refreshing highlight. The guide services also worked out well and as it eventuated, all aspects of the original itinerary were met, including the remote area crossing from Chile into Argentina from Cochrane to Los Antiguos. There were many geographic, geological and cultural highlights and we were generally very fortunate with weather conditions. Thanks again for your co-ordination of our trip. Graham and Anita were spending an extra couple of days in Santiago and return to Australia tomorrow.
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