New Zealand

Nature & Wildlife

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The Essence of New Zealand

Air-inclusive 13 day package
from $2639.00 per person based on double occupancy

Enjoy a 2 week vacation to the icons of New Zealand.

From the Bay of Islands to Rotorua with their cultural and spiritual history, along to Abel Tasman and Milford Sound, truly remarkable and awe inspiring natural wonders, you’ll be delighted at New Zealand and the diverse experiences that make up this multi-cultural and unique country.

INCLUSIONS

Your journey will take into several of the magnificent food and wine regions of New Zealand while giving you the flexibility of your own rental car, allowing you to explore at your leisure.

International round-trip Economy class airfare (Los Angeles-Auckland) on Air New Zealand
Domestic Economy class airfare (Rotorua-Nelson, Nelson-Queenstown, Queenstown - Auckland)
10 nights standard accommodation
7 days car rental
5 sight seeing tours

HIGHLIGHTS

Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock
Maori cultural show including dinner
Te Puia Cultural/Geothermal tour
Abel Tasman National Park tour
Milford Sound Cruise

ITINERARY

Day 1 Depart Los Angeles
Board your Air New Zealand flight this evening for Auckland, New Zealand.

Day 2 En-route to Auckland, New Zealand
Today, as you cross the International Date Line you will ‘lose’ a day.

Day 3 Arrive Auckland / Maori show & dinner*
Welcome to Aotearoa! At the airport you will proceed to the rental car counter and make your way to The Hotel Paihia in the Bay of Islands.

Tonight you will enjoy a cultural show that explores Maori and European settlement provides a wide range and gives visitors the opportunity to experience Maori as a living, vibrant culture. Set in the meeting house at the Waitangi Treaty grounds, and told through the eyes of a grandparent and his grandson, guests are intimately transported back 1000 years then forward to the 19th century and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand. The experience is sure to educate, entertain and enlighten.
* Offered only Oct through March
Overnight: Paihia, Hotel Paihia, 2 nights. (D)

Day 4 Full day Hole in the Rock Supercruise
The Hole in the Rock, off Cape Brett, has been etched by wind and wave in the Bay of Islands north of Auckland. During today’s tour you will meander the picturesque bays of Cape Brett and see stunning sea life and unusual volcanic formations.

Day 5 Bay of Islands to Auckland
Today you will drive to Auckland where you will stay at the New Presidents Hotel, located in the city center just minutes from Victoria Street West and SkyCity.

The Auckland region is an antipasto of environments laid out on a huge platter to make one amazing city, boasting three harbours, two mountain ranges, 48 volcanic cones and more than 50 islands. Auckland’s population is approximately 1.3 million, making it by far the largest city in New Zealand, with one third of the country’s entire population.
Overnight: New Presidents Hotel, 1 night

Day 6 Drive – Auckland to Rotorua
Today you will drive to Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand, spiritual home to the Maori, nature’s spa of the South Pacific, host to some of the world’s most incredible earth forces, and the healing properties of the mineral springs and mighty geysers. Rotorua boasts an array of icon experiences that together encapsulate the essence of New Zealand. Stay at the Suidma Hotel on the shores of Lake Rotorua, just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua’s city center.
Overnight: Suidma Hotel, Lake Rotorua, 2 nights

Day 7 Te Puia Mai Ora Experience
Today’s tour is led by a Maori Guide and includes a gallery and weaving house, kiwi bird hours, thermal valley, pohutu geysers, mudpools, and Mai Ora Cultural performance.

Day 8 Fly – Rotorua to Nelson
This morning you will return your rental car to the Rotorua Airport and fly on to Nelson. Upon arrival in Nelson you will proceed to the rental car counter and make your way to to the Trailways Motor Inn, in the heart of Nelson.

Discover the creative paradise of Nelson. From the northern edge of the Southern Alps across the fertile plains and out to a great sweep of beaches, Nelson is beautifully laid out under a generous sun that delivers New Zealand’s highest sunshine hours. Explore the region, famous for its seafood, wine, art and craft, Saturday morning open-air market, national parks and outdoor recreation.
Overnight: Nelson, Trailways Motor Inn for 2 nights

Day 9 Abel Tasman’s Great Day Out, full day tour
Whether you’re looking for an active day of tramping and boating, or a lazy day at the beach, Abel Tasman National Park is the perfect destination. With your knowledgeable guide, embark on a leisurely walk to a beautiful protected cove, cruise to picturesque Anchorage Bay and end the day with an easy walk to Te Pukatea Bay and return. includes transfers from hotel.

Day 10 Fly Nelson to Queenstown
Today you will return your rental car to the Nelson airport and fly to Queenstown. Queenstown is a resort town in Otago in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. The town is built around an inlet on Lake Wakatipu, a long thin lake shaped like a staggered lightning bolt, and has spectacular views of nearby mountains. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand and there are plenty of adrenalin rush activities to keep you going!

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Garden Court Suites and Apartments, just four minutes walk from the heart of Queenstown. Garden Court enjoys superb lake and mountain views from its courtyards and balconies as well as surrounding a private garden setting.
Overnight: Queenstown, Garden Court Suites & Apartments for 3 nights

Day 11 Discover Milford Sound Tour
Journey through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a ¾ mile long tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your Red Boat vessel for a spectacular cruise. See the wonders of Mitre Peak, and the glacier scarred rock walls that rise just under 4000 feet vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below. Return by coach to Queenstown.

Day 12 at leisure
Explore Queenstown and the surrounding areas at your leisure. There is bungy jumping, jet boating, wine trails & 4WD tours to the heart of the Lord of the Rings areas. (activities, own expense).

Day 13 Depart Queenstown - Los Angeles via Auckland
It’s time to say farewell to your newfound Kiwi friends. Depart for the airport in time to connect with your onward flights.