The Great New Zealand Journey with Airfare

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Departure Date

December 22, 2026

Overview

  • Wander Auckland’s volcanic harbors and west coast rain forest on a contrasting city-to-wilderness tour.
  • Step into Middle earth at Hobbiton, from iconic hobbit holes to the Green Dragon Inn.
  • Discover Rotorua’s colorful geothermal parks and Maori culture, ending with an atmospheric forest feast.
  • Cruise Milford Sound on a small-group nature tour spotting waterfalls, fur seals, penguins and dolphins.
  • Journey from Queenstown to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook’s dramatic alpine landscapes.

 

Highlights

Trip Includes

  • Round trip airfares with Air New Zealand
  • Transfers throughout
  • 2 nights premium accommodation in Auckland
  • 2 nights premium accommodation in Rotorua
  • 3 nights premium accommodation in Queenstown
  • 1 night premium accommodation in Christchurch
  • Shared full-day Auckland Best of Both Worlds Tour
  • Shared full-day Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Tour
  • Shared full-day Elite Rotorua Tour
  • Shared half-day Evening Experience at Tamaki Māori Village
  • Shared full-day Discover Milford Sound Tour
  • Small Group full-day Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt. Cook Tour
  • 1 lunch, 1 dinner

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • Meals & beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Passport & Visa fees if applicable

 

Board your Air New Zealand flight from North America to Auckland, New Zealand.

You will cross the International Dateline on your way to New Zealand.

Welcome to Auckland! Upon arrival to the airport, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel for the next few nights. After checking in, the day is yours to explore and discover!

 

Arrive to Auckland

 

Your Accommodation

The Chancellor on Hobson

Treat yourself to a relaxing travel experience at the preferred hotel in Auckland, Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland City. Guests benefit from contemporary styled rooms with balconies, complemented with an indoor swimming pool, gym and onsite parking. Positioned opposite the famous viaduct harbour in the Central Business District, the hotel is one of the city’s preferred destinations for business and leisure travel.

The Chancellor on Hobson

Experience the best sights of Auckland City in the morning combined with an afternoon Wilderness Experience - a day of contrasts. Auckland is set on 52 dormant volcanic cones and between two harbours, the sparkling Waitemata and the brooding Manukau. Known as the City of Sails, it's New Zealand's largest and busiest city. The morning tour is a journey of discovery designed to explore the history and sights as well as see how Aucklanders live and play. A 30 minute drive from downtown Auckland brings you to the Arataki Centre, the gateway to the rain forest, where the sweeping decks give breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Absorb the local history and admire the traditional Maori carvings that stand guard there. Head further west and experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along some of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. With your knowledgeable and experienced guide, your eco-tour continues on to the lush rain forest where you hear native birdsong as you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand's famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns.

 

Full Day Best of Both Worlds Tour

 

Your Accommodation

The Chancellor on Hobson

Treat yourself to a relaxing travel experience at the preferred hotel in Auckland, Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland City. Guests benefit from contemporary styled rooms with balconies, complemented with an indoor swimming pool, gym and onsite parking. Positioned opposite the famous viaduct harbour in the Central Business District, the hotel is one of the city’s preferred destinations for business and leisure travel.

The Chancellor on Hobson

Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills signaling that you are approaching The Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way to Hobbiton with insights into the areas you are travelling through, along with some background to the movies. On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton Movie Set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge, and the party tree. At this stunning location, you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. The tour ends with lunch and visit to the Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy time in the Hobbiton gift shop and the opportunity to spend your souvenir voucher before joining the shuttle and heading to Rotorua to check into your hotel for the next few nights.

 

Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton

 

Your Accommodation

Regent of Rotorua

A gem that stands apart from the crowd as Rotorua's most stylish hotel, this luxury boutique hotel in Rotorua city center has been designed with the modern traveler in mind. Prepare to be wowed by an eclectic mix of stylish spaces. Refreshingly original, the Regent marks the epitome of chic, luxury accommodation in the city. Our welcoming team is on hand to ensure that whether you are staying for business or pleasure, overnight or longer, your stay will be memorable and enjoyable. Whether relaxing with a cocktail by our heated pool, soaking in our restorative mineral pool, or picking up a coffee and a muffin to-go, the Regent of Rotorua is the perfect venue.

Regent of Rotorua

This tour visits Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks: Wai O Tapu, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Rainbow Mt and boiling mudfields. Our local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. Your clients will see volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool, and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes of farmland, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moonlike landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Know geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley the guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886. Tour costs include entry to both thermal parks. In the afternoon visit Rotorua's most popular attractions Te Puia and views of the our beautiful lakes including Tarawera, Okareka and the Blue/Green lake. Spend an afternoon gaining an appreciation of New Zealand's Maori culture and nature. Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols, with a guided visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's premier cultural centre. Includes visit to the wood carving school, arts and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving, boiling mud pools and NZ's largest geyser Pohutu. Includes entry to Te Puia. Upon conclusion of your tour you will be transferred back to your accommodation. This evening, you will engage in an immersive experience blending the best in Maori culture and cuisine. Get the chance to explore concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace. Tu Te Ra is a time of year when the sun expresses its optimal energy. It is when days are longest and when the energy of the light nourishes the natural world. It is a time for harvesting and a time for celebrating. It is also a time for warfare, settling old scores and forging peace. Your experience is filled with drama, performance and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) shared against a backdrop of blazing bonfires, towering Tawa trees and a natural forest amphitheater. Tonight's menu has been designed by award-winning Maori chefs and includes staple favorites, such as crispy pork, caramelized apple wrapped in kawakawa, paua, pikopiko fronds, smoked eel and charred hangi kumara, which are followed by a four-course hakari (feast). Served al fresco on warmer nights and indoors on cooler nights, the space is eclectically designed to make you wonder if you have journeyed back to the times of trade and warfare and to make you feel the depth and generosity of hakari.

 

Elite Rotorua Tour and Evening Experience

Meal

Dinner

 

Your Accommodation

Regent of Rotorua

A gem that stands apart from the crowd as Rotorua's most stylish hotel, this luxury boutique hotel in Rotorua city center has been designed with the modern traveler in mind. Prepare to be wowed by an eclectic mix of stylish spaces. Refreshingly original, the Regent marks the epitome of chic, luxury accommodation in the city. Our welcoming team is on hand to ensure that whether you are staying for business or pleasure, overnight or longer, your stay will be memorable and enjoyable. Whether relaxing with a cocktail by our heated pool, soaking in our restorative mineral pool, or picking up a coffee and a muffin to-go, the Regent of Rotorua is the perfect venue.

Regent of Rotorua

Enjoy one last wake up in the beauty of Rotorua before heading to the airport. After a quick flight, depart your plane in Queenstown and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Settle in with your bags before taking off the explore the city streets for the rest of the day.

 

Rotorua to Queenstown

 

Your Accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away. Our accommodation in Queenstown is nestled within our garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Select rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star 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 minimise impact on the environment.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

This Milford Sound day tour was established in 1994 and is a top-rated small group Milford Experience. It allows guests to escape the crowds and offer a truly unique day, showcasing this world famous region. On this full-day tour to Milford Sound enjoy guided commentary touring to and from Milford Sound with our experienced guides. These small group tours give guests the ability to get to know the driver and each other, creating a more personal and memorable experience. Once in Milford Sound, join a stunning 1-hr 45-min small boat nature cruise on the fiord - see waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy fun and informative commentary from your nature guide, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds. Enjoy custom made, 16 seat, glass roof Mercedes touring vehicles. This is business class travel with extended legroom, leather interior and panoramic windows for the best views. Travelling to Milford is a 12-13 hour day from Queenstown. The smaller vehicles give the opportunity to stay away from the crowds as well as more flexibility with where we stop on the journey.

 

Milford Sound Small Group Day Tour with Picnic Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away. Our accommodation in Queenstown is nestled within our garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Select rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star 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 minimise impact on the environment.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

 

Queenstown at Leisure

 

Your Accommodation

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Experience tranquility all year round. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront sits overlooking on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Popular ski areas such as Coronet Peak is a 20 minutes drive and Remarkables is a 45 minutes drive away. Our accommodation in Queenstown is nestled within our garden-inspired property: 240 guest rooms, including 6 Suites and over 80 rooms that have views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Select rooms also feature private balconies or courtyards. There are meetings facilities with Wi-Fi access in public areas, as well as in Impressions Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront is a 4-star 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 minimise impact on the environment.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Today, transfer from Queenstown to Christchurch while exploring some of New Zealand's most spellbinding landscapes. This small group, fully-guided day trip combines all of the key highlights in the region, including the famous Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook National Park, Lindis Pass, and the Church of the Good Shepard making it the ultimate way to get from Queenstown to Christchurch. Your tour is led by passionate tour guides notorious for bringing the journey to life by sharing their stories and rich background knowledge. Upon arrival to Christchurch, settle in at the hotel and explore the streets for your last night.

 

Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook

 

Your Accommodation

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

Distinction Christchurch Hotel

This morning, transfer to the airport to board your flight back to North America. Of course if you want to stay longer agent can customize your perfect New Zealand Vacation


Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.