New Zealand: Land of the Long White Cloud

Title:
Firstname:		* required
Lastname:		* required
Email Address:		* required
Phone Number:
Address Line 1:		* required
Address Line 2:
Town:		* required
County:		* required
Postcode:		* required

New Zealand: Land of the Long White Cloud

21 days - Escorted Tours

New Zealand is a holiday destination of a lifetime. Explore the very best parts of this beautiful country, discovering the epic mountains, National Parks, rivers, and all the must-see attractions. Stay in Auckland before traveling to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands– a wonderful region of historic towns and a deeply indented coastline filled with golden coves. Then journey to Hamilton and marvel at the world-famous Hamilton Gardens, before exploring Rotorua, one of the North Island’s greatest areas of geothermal activity with its spectacular geysers. Continue to the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay, facing the Pacific Ocean, where you'll stay in charming Napier, famous for its unique architecture. From Mount Victoria, there are outstanding views of the capital city’s harbour. New Zealand has gained a reputation as an outstanding wine-growing nation, and Marlborough is certainly one of the key regions for producing premium quality wines. Our tour covers the highlights of this remarkable country, such as our trips on the TranzAlpine train and the helicopter flight over the beautiful Franz Josef glacier. Are you ready to begin your adventure in the lands down under?

Holiday Highlights

Experience the warm sub-tropical climate in the stunning Bay of Islands including a dolphin-watching cruise.
Spend time exploring the famous cities of Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown.
Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s great train journeys.
Enjoy an included helicopter flight around the iconic Franz Josef glacier, with an amazing alpine landing.
Get close-up views of snow-capped Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.

What's Included

The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room with single rooms available at the relevant supplement. Price includes 18 nights’ accommodation, scheduled flights to Singapore and Auckland, returning from Christchurch, all touring and transfers as mentioned, all local accommodation and airport/flight taxes, the services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager, hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person, daily breakfast in three-and-four-star-star hotels in Singapore (including an early-check-in) and New Zealand, 2 evening meals, and 2 packed lunches.
Your included excursions are sightseeing tours in Singapore, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch; a Bay of Islands cruise, Milford Sound cruise, Abel Tasman coastal cruise and Interislander ferry. There’s also visits to Tamaki Maori village, Arrowtown and Mount Coot, and Marlborough vineyard with wine tasting. There’s guided visits to Waitangi Treaty grounds, the Te Puia geothermal area and Napier, as well as a TranzAlpine train journey, with a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight with alpine landing.
Please note that some activities such as boat cruises are weather-dependent, and whilst there will be three opportunities to take the glacier helicopter flight during the tour, should weather conditions make flying unsafe and the sterling equivalent of the fare will be refunded on your return to the UK.

Itinerary

Day 1

Overnight flight to Auckland

Day 2

In flight

Day 3

Arrival in Auckland - Welcome to New Zealand! You’ll arrive in Auckland and transfer to the four-star Grand Millennium for one night with breakfast, well-located for all the city’s attractions. The rest of your day is at your leisure.

Day 4

Bay of Islands - Departing Auckland we’ll head north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge along the Hibiscus Coast to view giant Kauri trees at the Parry Kauri Park. Continuing our journey over the gentle green landscape of North Island we’ll reach Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands in the afternoon. Here you’ll take a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House, where in 1840, Maori chiefs and the original European settlers signed the Treaty of Waitangi, the basis of the future governance of New Zealand. Our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Scenic Hotel, with breakfast.

Day 5

Bay Of Islands cruise - This morning we’ll see the Bay of Islands in the best way possible via a boat cruise meandering around the idyllic beaches that make this area so popular. If you’re lucky, there’s a chance you may see wild dolphins which are common in the Bay of Islands. We’ll continue on to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, through which the boat will sail slowly, conditions permitting. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy many of the activities the Bay of Islands has to offer.

Day 6

Auckland - This morning we leave the Bay of Islands, travelling south on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway through Whangarei and across Harbour Bridge arriving in Auckland for a sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’. See this panoramic city and harbour views from Bastion Point, the trendy Parnell Village, the bays of the waterfront drive and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area. We’ll also visit the Auckland Museum which gives an introduction to the legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific including the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori, as well as the diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand.

Day 7

Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Leaving Auckland, we'll head south through some of New Zealand’s lush farmlands within the Waikato Valley and journey along the east bank of the country’s largest river – the Waikato – arriving in the rural area of Waitomo. Here, we’ll go underground to explore the famous Waitomo Caves – an ancient labyrinth of caves and grottos famous for their fascinating limestone stalagmites and stalactites formed over thousands of years. You can also enjoy a silent boat ride within the underground waters to the starry wonderland of the magnificent glowworm grotto. Back up above ground, the journey will continue across the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with mud pools, geysers, hot springs and terrace formations created by the hot, mineral-rich waters. Rotorua is also renowned for its Maori cultural activities. We’ll visit Te Puia – where our local Maori guide will explain traditional Maori arts and crafts - and we’ll view the famous Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. After our guided tour, our evening begins with a delicious buffet dinner in the Pātaka Kai Restaurant, including food from the hangi - a traditional Maori method of cooking. The evening concludes with a powerful cultural performance in the fully carved Te Aronui-a-Rua meeting house, featuring waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poiand haka.

Day 8

Middle Earth - This morning, we'll step into the pages of JRR Tolkien's famous novels - or as close as we can get - with a guided visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire which featured in Peter Jackson's films, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and, more recently, ‘The Hobbit’. It begins with a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. We'll then follow our guide around the ten-acre site as they recite fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. We’ll see structures made for both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films - including The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, and the Mill - and learn more about how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. After our walking tour, we'll return to the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary drink and return to The Shires Rest, before heading back to Rotorua for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Day 9

Napier - Departing Rotorua we’ll travel to the charming lakeside town of Taupo, stopping en-route at Huka Falls to marvel as the mighty Waikato River thunders through its narrow canyon. Then it’s on to Napier, known as the Art Deco capital of the world. After an earthquake in 1931, the centre of the town was rebuilt in the Art Deco style which was in fashion at the time. On arrival we’ll meet our local guide and take a fascinating walking tour of these beautiful Art Deco buildings. Our hotel is the excellent four-star superior Scenic Hotel Te Pania, with breakfast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Day 10

Wellington - Today we’ll continue south through Hastings and the Hawkes Bay sheep and cattle farming country to Woodville, before driving onto Wellington. On arrival we will enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing passing Parliament Buildings, Ols St Paul’s Cathedral, the lovely Botanical Gardens, Victoria University and a visit to Te Papa – the National Museum of New Zealand.

Day 11

Nelson - Today we’ll cruise to South Island, across the Cook Strait by Interislander ferry, through the Marlborough Sounds, including the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound and into Picton. We’ll continue to Blenheim and the famous wine-producing region of Marlborough where we’ll stop for some wine tasting. Our final destination today is Nelson, New Zealand’s sunshine town, known for its many art and craft galleries, and relaxed atmosphere. Our hotel for the next two nights is the excellent four-star Rutherford Hotel Nelson, with breakfast.

Day 12

Abel Tasman cruise - This morning we’ll join a catamaran cruise along the stunning shoreline of Abel Tasman National Park. En route you’ll learn about the history of the park and view the famous Split Apple Rock, a fur seal colony and the park’s golden beaches and clear waters. For the more adventurous, there is the option of landing ashore at Anchorage and take the Pit Head Loop walk (approx 2hrs), where the boat will pick you up at Anchorage on its return down the coast. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Nelson. A packed lunch is included today.

Day 13

Christchurch - Travelling south through the Maruia Forest and over the Lewis Pass we’ll arrive at the alpine village of Hanmer Springs for a lunch stop (not included) before joining the upper reaches of the Canterbury Plains to the ‘garden city’ of Christchurch. Since the earthquake of 2011, the city’s rebuilding programme is in full swing and there will be an opportunity to visit to the Botanic Gardens. Our hotel is the four-star Distinction Christchurch Hotel, with breakfast.

Day 14

Tranzalpine train & helicopter flight - Today we’ll traverse the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass. From your modern panoramic carriage, you’ll see the farmland of the Canterbury Plains give way to the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, crossing bridges and viaducts en route. At Arthur's Pass, we’ll be met by our coach for the journey to the West Coast, stopping in Hokitika to visit a Greenstone workshop where the local jade-like stone, highly prized by pre-European Maori, is crafted into exquisite jewellery. We’ll continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, to the village of Franz Josef. This afternoon prepare yourself for what will be one of your trip’s highlights! On arrival you will experience this magnificent glacial alpine environment with a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight. View the incredible phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the ice-carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you. This exhilarating experience finishes with an alpine landing (subject to poor weather conditions. Alternative flights are in Queenstown or Mount Cook). Our hotel tonight is the four-star Scenic, with breakfast.

Day 15

Queenstown - Continuing south, we’ll travel past deserted beaches, through vibrant rainforests and settlements. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest, mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. We’ll travel over the scenic Haast Pass to the popular Lake Wanaka, and then on to the beautiful year-round resort of Queenstown where our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Copthorne Lakefront Resort, with breakfast. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the city - the centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away.

Day 16

Free day in Queenstown - Nestled below the rugged Remarkable Mountains, Queenstown enjoys an exceptionally scenic setting and is known as the ‘adventure capital of the world. Today is at leisure to enjoy all that this resort town has to offer. The centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away or you may choose to join one of our additional optional excursion. Personalise your holiday - TSS Earnslaw Cruise and BBQ lunch Price: From £129pp Step on board the TSS Earnslaw cruise, an iconic century-old coal-fired steamship, and travel across Lake Whakatipu, where you will take time to explore the vessel that has been lovingly maintained since 1912, view the engine room and study the historic displays of the steamship’s former life. Your journey will take you across the lake, past the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak, to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you will then enjoy a BBQ at the Lakeside Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, whilst overlooking Lake Whakatipu and Queenstown’s alpine scenery. You will then have time to explore the beautiful lakeside gardens and enjoy an entertaining farm demonstration. Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.

Day 17

Milford Sound cruise - Leaving Queenstown we’ll skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and travel via Te Anau through the Homer Tunnel into the spectacular Cleddau valley and famous Milford Sound, arguably the most spectacular fjord in the country within the Fiordland National Park part of the UNESCO South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. A boat trip on the deep fjord Thermal pool in Waiotapu, Rotorua waters between sheer granite cliffs rising thousands of feet, affords wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and the 500-foot Stirling Falls. There is a good chance of seeing dolphins, fur seals or penguins during our trip before we’ll return to the charming small lakeside resort of Te Anau. A packed lunch is included today. Our hotel in Te Anau is the four-star Distinction Luxmore, with breakfast.

Day 18

Omarama - Today we’ll travel back north and visit Arrowtown, a township with a colourful history - in its heyday this was a rough and ready frontier gold-mining boomtown. Nowadays, its popular main street is lined with some excellent art galleries, cafés and boutiques. We’ll continue through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, pass pretty Lake Dunstan, cross the distinctive Central Otago countryside (where many scenes from the Lord of the Rings were filmed) and over the dramatic Lindis Pass to the vast Mackenzie Basin. Your overnight accommodation is the three-star Heritage Gateway Hotel, with breakfast, in the small rural community of Ōmarama.

Day 19

Mount Cook - A day with some more spectacular sights. We’ll head north alongside the azure glacier-fed Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook, at 12,316ft New Zealand’s highest mountain and surrounded by jagged snow-covered peaks. We’ll continue towards the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo and visit the exterior of the Church of the Good Shepherd, before crossing Burkes Pass and the Canterbury Plains back into Christchurch, and the Distinction Christchurch Hotel for our last night in the country.

Day 20

Journey home

Day 21

Arrive home

Distinction Luxmore Hotel

The hotel has a popular bar, two restaurants and a fitness room. The 180 rooms have a bath/shower, hairdryer, fridge, iron/board, TV and tea/coffee-maker....

Heritage Gateway Hotel

This simple, motel-style property has a bar and restaurant with outside seating which is available in good weather. The 98 rooms are arranged in several low rise buildings and include a bath/shower,...

Distinction Rotorua

The four-star Distinction Hotel, Rotorua, has a bar, three dining outlets as well as an outdoor pool (heated). The modern style rooms feature a bath or shower, hairdryer, iron/board, TV, mini fridge,...

Grand Millenium Hotel

The hotel’s facilities include a large indoor pool and fitness centre, a popular bar, the Straits café for casual dining with either a la carte of buffet service or try some sushi and teppanyaki in...

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

The hotel has a café for light meals on the ground floor and a restaurant on the 17th floor where both buffet and a la carte options are available. The 268 rooms all have bath/shower, hairdryer,...

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

The four-star Scenic offers two restaurants (one a la carte) and a cozy bar with a fireplace. The 177 comfortable rooms have a shower, hairdryer, fridge, TV, tea/coffee-maker and free Wi-Fi....

Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Facilities include a bar and main restaurant. The 109 spacious modern rooms all have bath/shower, hairdryer, iron/board, minibar (local charges apply), flat-screen TV, tea/coffeemaker and free Wi-Fi....

4* Scenic Hotel Bay of Island - Paihia

The four-star Scenic Paihia Hotel is located in a quiet location just a 10 minute easy stroll into the small centre of Paihia. The hotel is set out between a number of small low-rise buildings and...

Novotel Hamilton Tainui

The hotel has a bar and restaurant, offering a contemporary fusion of European and Pacific Rim cuisine. The 177 comfortable and rooms have a bath with shower, hairdryer, minibar (local charges apply),...

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

The hotel offers an on-site restaurant and bar and the 179 rooms have a bath or shower, hairdryer, fridge, mini bar (extra charge), iron/board, TV, tea/coffee-maker, safe and complimentary wi-fi....

Rutherford Hotel

The hotel has a restaurant, bar (open in evening) and the Atom Café serving tasty tea and cake. There is a gym, sauna and outdoor pool (unheated October to March). The 113 comfortable rooms feature a...

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront

The large lobby area includes a popular bar and there’s a restaurant with wonderful mountain and lake views on the 6th floor. The 240 rooms have bath/shower, hairdryer, minibar, iron/board, TV,...

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

When you're ready to unwind, head to the on-site restaurant and bar for some delicious local and international cuisine or take a dip in our heated outdoor swimming pool. The air-conditioned rooms are...

Scenic Hotel Bay of Island

The hotel is set out between a number of small low-rise buildings and offers a pool, restaurant and bar. The 114 recently refurbished rooms all have shower, hairdryer, iron/board, minibar (local...

Holiday provided by

Read further information about our partner and full Terms and Conditions by clicking here