Duration:
14
Days
Group size:
Single supplement:
Destinations:
Departs From:
Ends In:
Travel Styles:
Booking validity:
–
Best Months to Visit
Upon arrival into Auckland, after completing immigration and customs formalities, collect your baggage and proceed to the Arrivals Hall. Here you will be met by a Luxury Trips representative for your private road transfer to Auckland Sky Tower before being transferred to Heritage Auckland Hotel, where you will stay for two nights.
Location:
LocationAuckland
Accommodation:
Accommodation Heritage Auckland
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
10:00 am: You will be collected by a Luxury Trips representative for your Full Day Coast and Rainforest Walking Tour.
This full day tour is for lovers of nature and walking. Your experienced local nature guide will take you on a range of rain-forest, beach and clifftop walks. The black sand beaches and rain-forest of West Auckland are unique in New Zealand and this tour is a great way to experience the best they have to offer.
After pick up from your Auckland city center hotel we have a short (30min) drive to the Arataki Visitor Center – gateway to the coastal rain-forest. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the rain-forest back to the city and across to Auckland’s southern harbor. The visitors center is also home to some traditional Maori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area.
Your eco-tour includes a guided walk in an area of original rain-forest where ancient kauri trees tower over the unique trees and plants that have developed separately from the rest of the world for millions of years. Your experienced guide will explain about the local plants and animals as you stroll through the forest.
Next your guide will take you out to the west coast to enjoy a kiwi-style picnic lunch at a scenic location. After lunch walk the clifftop tracks with stunning views along the coast and out across the Tasman Sea.
Then walk in regenerating rain-forest with giant tree ferns and palm trees growing alongside the picturesque stream to unwind by a spectacular cascading waterfall.
During the day we go to an awe-inspiring west coast beach where you can stroll along the soft black sand beach, watch the surf waves crashing in and feel the clear ocean breeze.
As well as keeping you entertained and informed, our guides will make sure you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and make sure there are lots of photo opportunities
Location:
LocationAuckland
Accommodation:
Accommodation Heritage Auckland
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, collect your rental car for the next five days before beginning your drive to Whitianga. Say farewell to the “City of Sails,” travelling south along the Seabird Coast towards the Coromandel Peninsula.
Afterwards, enjoy a Driving Creek Railway EyeFull Tower Tour. The 1 hour return trip on innovatively designed trains travels through replanted native kauri forest and includes 2 spirals, 3 short tunnels, 5 reversing points and several large viaducts as it climbs up to the mountain-top terminus. The Eyefull Tower, offers great panoramic views out over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf with the forested valley and mountains behind. From here, make your way to Admiralty Lodge where you will stay for two nights.
Location:
LocationWhitianga
Accommodation:
Accommodation Admiralty Lodge Whitianga
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, enjoy a Cathedral Cove Cruise.
This two hour cruise departs from Whitianga wharf to explore the breath-taking volcanic coastline, including world famous Cathedral Cove, stunning Champagne Bay, Orua Sea Cave and Gemstone Bay where the fish swim right under the boat. Sit back and watch the amazing marine life through the glass panels or take the plunge and snorkel amongst the fish.
Location:
LocationWhitianga
Accommodation:
Accommodation Admiralty Lodge Whitianga
Type:
Accommodation Type Lodge
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, travel the scenic route through the Karangahake Gorge, a spectacular area with large cliffs covered in the world’s largest tree ferns and native forest. Continue to the ‘thermal city’ of Rotorua to Novotel Lakeside, where you will stay for two nights.
Later, visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve and see the boiling mud-pools and cascading Pohutu geyser that makes Rotorua famous as New Zealand’s “thermal city”. Enjoy a visit to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute with local Maori carvers in action. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.
Location:
LocationRotorua
Accommodation:
Accommodation Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, enjoy a Mt. Tarawera Crater Walk Experience (Small Group). Experience the unique landscape and history of Mt Tarawera. Infamous for its eruption on June 10th, 1886, Mt Tarawera created the world’s youngest geothermal valley of Waimangu, at the same destroying the legendary Pink and White Terraces. This fully guided walking experience encompasses the unique landscape and history of the area. With unmatched scenic vistas and 360 panoramic views this experience is ideal for all ages and includes an optional run in to the heart of the volcanic crater.
Later, enjoy a Hells Gate Combo: Gerothermal Walk, Mud Bath & Spa. Hells Gate Geothermal Park is set in 50 acres with a large variety of thermal features. Walk past steaming fumeroles and hot pools of boiling MUD so violent they are unnerving. 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 sulfur 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 skins pores allowing the active ingredients to gently exfoliate and treat the skin while in the spa leaving it very clean and soft to touch. Other effects include increased blood circulation and a sense of overall well being. A spa experience that truly refreshes and revitalizes the mind and body.
Location:
LocationRotorua
Accommodation:
Accommodation Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, return your rental car to the Rotorua Airport before your scheduled flight to Queenstown. On arrival, collect your rental car for the next seven days. Begin your drive to Millennium Hotel, where you will stay for three nights.
In the evening, enjoy a Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner. 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.
On 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
Location:
LocationQueenstown
Accommodation:
Accommodation Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Enjoy the day at your leisure in Queenstown.
Queenstown is situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and has stunning views of the surrounding alpine peaks. Considered by many as one of the world’s adventure capitals, it offers visitors a wide selection of adrenaline-boosting activities to choose from, such as bungee jumping, white water rafting, zip lining, skiing and skydiving. Queenstown also has a lively bar and restaurant scene, and for those who prefer the quieter things in life there are vineyards, golf courses, spas and wellness centers.
Location:
LocationQueenstown
Accommodation:
Accommodation Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, enjoy a day trip to Milford Sound.
Luxury glass-roofed coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, a Milford Sound Scenic Cruise of the fiord onboard modern vessels and a scenic flight back to Queenstown.
Location:
LocationQueenstown
Accommodation:
Accommodation Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, 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. Make your way to Scenic Hotel, where you will stay for two nights.
Location:
LocationFranz Josef
Accommodation:
Accommodation Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, enjoy a Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike including Glacier Hot Pools. Take a scenic flight over three ice-falls. Land high up on the glacier and undertake a guided walk.
*All equipment provided, including raincoat and over-trousers, boots, crampons, woolen socks, gloves and a hat.
After, enjoy a KIWI Combo including Kiwi Backstage Pass Tour. Meet and discover New Zealand’s rarest kiwi, the rowi, at the West Coast Wildlife Center in Franz Josef, West Coast, New Zealand. A partnership with The Department of Conservation & Te Runanga o Makaawhio.
Open from 8 am every day of the year, the West Coast Wildlife Center is a unique and interactive experience that brings together nature, conservation and wildlife all under one roof! Our all-weather attraction is fun for all ages to explore and takes place against the stunning backdrop of the Franz Josef Glacier.
Location:
LocationFranz Josef
Accommodation:
Accommodation Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, begin your drive through Greymouth to Punakaiki Resort where you will stay for one night.
Location:
LocationPunakaiki
Accommodation:
Accommodation Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Today, make your way to the Greymouth Railway Station to return your rental car before boarding your train to Christchurch. On arrival, you will be collected by a Luxury Trips representative for your private road transfer to Distinction Christchurch Hotel, where you will stay for one night.
Location:
LocationChristchurch
Accommodation:
Accommodation Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
At a time to be advised the night before: You will be collected from your hotel by a Luxury Trips representative for your private road transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Return home, taking with you the sights, sounds, and memories of an incredible trip!
Location:
LocationChristchurch
Accommodation:
Accommodation Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Type:
Accommodation Type Hotel
Room Basis:
Room Basis B&B: Bed and Breakfast
Dear David Do you remember us? We spent our holyday in Namibia in 2007 following your itinerary. This email is to inform you, that advertising of your agency is now shown in the italian travel web magazine Viaggionelmondo.net In this…
We just came back from a safari in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, which was organised by Charlotte at ATI Holidays. We had a truly fantastic time, and would like to thank them for their help in organising it all. The…
Located in the heart of Gibbston in Queenstown, New Zealand, Kinross Cottages is an excellent option for a countryside getaway. Accommodation options feature 14 well-appointed self-catering cottages. The en-suite units are equipped with Wi-Fi, TVs, and kitchens/kitchenettes. A complimentary breakfast…
Distinction Christchurch Hotel is located in the beautiful city of Christchurch, New Zealand. The hotel offers 179 comfortable rooms that feature Wi-Fi access, a television, air conditioning and a sitting area. Guests may also enjoy delicious meals at the onsite…
One of the world's leading luxury eco-lodges. The Resurgence is set in 50 acres of tranquil wilderness with 5km of bush tracks. Surrounded by birds, this relaxed and friendly Lodge is a perfect base for exploring the Nelson Region. Dinner…
