New Zealand - The Long White Cloud
New Zealand presents an amazing panorama of magnificent mountain scenery, meandering rivers and coastal plains. We take the time to explore the cities of Auckland and Christchurch but immerse ourselves in the pristine countryside
After enjoying Auckland and the Rotorua we head to the south island and its delightful West Coast, Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound. We take time in beautiful Dunedin, before two special nights at Mt Cook surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world
| 15 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 9th February 2025 | (Sunday to Saturday) |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | Inquire | |
Day 1 - Auckland - Arrival Day This evening we will have a group meeting and enjoy dinner tonight at one of our favourite local restaurants Day 2 - Auckland I half day tour of Auckland and all it has to offer. A wonderfully vibrant city with a relaxed atmosphere and so much to take in. The afternoon is free to explore at your leisure Day 3 - Auckland to Chateau Tongariro This morning we enjoy a lovely train journey arriving in time for lunch at the gorgeous Chateau Tongariro. There are multiple options including a coach ride further up into the mountains to the Chairlift which you can ride to the top field. There are splendid views from the top to cap off a great day. There are also a number of bush walks to enjoy or you can relax and soak up the atmosphere in and around the Chateau Day 4 - Chateau Tongariro to Rotorua We have a short journey this morning to Rotorua and plan to enjoy our sightseeing in the city known for its geothermal activity. We get up close and personal with the famous geysers and hot mud pools Day 5 - Rotorua to Christchurch (fly) Depart from Rotorua on Air New Zealand to arrive Christchurch before lunch. Experience an orientation tour of the city before time to enjoy lunch in the heart of the city. Check into hotel with the remainder of the day free Day 6 - Christchurch Depart by coach for a day on Banks Peninsula. The drive through natural beauty has spectacular views overlooking bays and beaches before arriving in Akaroa. Time to enjoy the history, shops, harbour and French character. Lunch at own expense before returning to Christchurch Day 7 - Christchurch to Franz Josef (via Greymouth) This morning board the Tranz Alpine train to journey across the spectacular Southern Alps to the rugged West Coast. We climb the mountain range with scenic stops along the way including Arthurs Pass. We continue through the renowned rain forests and wetlands to arrive in Greymouth. Transfer to our coaches and enjoy a scenic drive to Franz Josef for our two night stay Day 8 - Franz Josef A sightseeing day to this unique part of New Zealand, passing through typical west coast bush and rain forests we explore both Fox and Franz Josef. If you prefer an optional helicopter ride from Franz Josef Glacier is available. Return to Franz Josef for dinner and a relaxing evening Day 9 - Franz Josef to Queenstown Today our journey continues south past Fox Glacier winding through lush forests and eventually back to the coast line before catapulting you into the mountains and over one of the most spectacular mountain passes, the Haast Pass. The road then continues alongside the two mountain fed lakes of Wanaka and Hawea before entering the wine country at Cromwell and on into the Kawarau Gorge arriving at Queenstown late afternoon for a two night stay Day 10 - Queenstown Today is at leisure to enjoy ‘The Jewel of the South’. Maybe take the gondola to admire the panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu or for the more adventurous a helicopter ride above Lake Wakatipu. The choices are extensive Day 11 - Queenstown to Te Anau (Milford Sound Cruise) After breakfast we follow the Lake Wakatipu shoreline through farmland before travelling through mountain beech forests. The views are framed by spectacular snow-capped mountains and passing through the Homer Tunnel we emerge at Milford Sound for our lunch time cruise. Later we journey to Te Anau for an overnight stay Day 12 - Te Anau to Dunedin After breakfast we drive a scenic road and the beautiful Southland countryside to Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. In the afternoon we enjoy the sights the city including Olveston House, Signal Hill and the Forsyth Barr sports stadium Day 13 - Dunedin to Mt Cook We travel north to Oamaru turning inland along the Waitaki River. We pass through Duntroon, Kurow, the Benmore Dam and Omarama before arriving at Mt Cook for our two night stay Day 14 - Mt Cook A day to participate in optional activities and / or simply enjoying the area at your leisure. The Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre is included in your stay. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner Day 15 - Mt Cook to Christchurch (depart) We depart Mt Cook National Park after breakfast returning again past the azure waters of Lake Pukaki, through Tekapo, Fairlie and Geraldine across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Arrive in time to depart Christchurch on your International connection.
*Additional accommodation options will be available |  |
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.