12 days tour

New Zealand Journey National Geographic Journeys

New Zealand Journey National Geographic Journeys

This tour includes:

Transport

Private vehicle, plane, train, boat, walking.

Accommodation

Hotels (11 nts).

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Others

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Waiheke Island Wineries, Waiheke Island Your Journeys Highlight Moment: A day at Kohutapu, Rotorua. Waitomo Caves tour. Scenic TranzAlpine train. Ride the Queenstown gondola. Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) in Fiordland National Park. Internal flight. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventuresโ€™ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours. The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only โ€˜Travel-Readyโ€™ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour. Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date.

Not included:

Others

Auckland - Maritime Museum Visit (20NZD per person) Rotorua - Hot Springs (30-50NZD per person) Franz Josef - Hiking (Free) - Franz Josef Kayaking (99-129NZD per person) Queenstown - Vineyard Tour (185-230NZD per person) - Shotover Jet Boating (155NZD per person) - Earnslaw Steamship Cruise (55-95NZD per person)

Insurance

Flights

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip New Zealand Journey National Geographic Journeys

  • Day 1 Day 1: Auckland
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Auckland

      Arrive at any time.
      Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Our CEO will have a welcome meeting this evening.

      Auckland is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. Should you want more time to explore on your own, we recommend booking pre-nights.

      Accommodation:
      - CityLife Auckland (or similar).

      Included Activities:
      - Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

      Optional Extras to chose from:
      - Auckland Sailing: Americaโ€™s Cup Experience (Pre Tour)

      Additional Notes: Jump right into your adventure by adding the โ€™Auckland Sailing: Americaโ€™s Cup Experienceโ€™ extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Aucklandโ€™s Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.

      If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour.
  • Day 2 Day 2: Auckland (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Auckland (1B)

      Take an orientation walk in Auckland, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Weโ€™ll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit two wineries to learn about New Zealandโ€™s burgeoning wine industry and the history of viticulture in the country while sampling some of the local blends.


      Accommodation:
      - CityLife Auckland (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Included Activities:
      - Orientation Walk
      - Waiheke Island Wineries
  • Day 3 Day 3: Auckland/Rotorua (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Auckland/Rotorua (1B)

      Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Maori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark.
      Rotorua sits over an active geothermal zone with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. This is a fascinating region with Maori history and culture tied directly to the geothermal aspects of the land.

      Accommodation:
      - Millennium Rotorua (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 07:00 - 08:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Waitomo Cave Excursion
  • Day 4 Day 4: Rotorua (1B, 1L)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Rotorua (1B, 1L)

      On a full-day excursion, head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealandโ€™s indigenous culture. See ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Maori people, both past and present. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way--buried in an underground pitโ€”and enjoy the resulting feast with your Maori hosts. After lunch, take a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.


      Accommodation:
      - Millennium Rotorua (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Lunch

      Included Activities:
      - A day at Kohutapu
  • Day 5 Day 5: Rotorua/Christchurch (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Rotorua/Christchurch (1B)

      Enjoy time at leisure this morning before catching a flight to Christchurch on New Zealandโ€™s South Island. Take some time to explore this small city on your own.
      With free time in Rotorua this morning, opt to relax in one of the hot pools fed by water coming directly from the natural springs.

      Accommodation:
      - Chateau on the Park Hotel (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Plane 01:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Orientation Walk
  • Day 6 Day 6: Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B)

      Board the TranzAlpine trainโ€”one of the worldโ€™s most scenic rail routesโ€”for a breathtaking journey through verdant plains, beech forests, and majestic, misty mountains. After a whistle stop at Arthurโ€™s Passโ€”the highest pass in the Southern Alpsโ€” continue to the end of the line in Greymouth, gateway to the West Coast. Continue on a private vehicle to a rainforest lodge near the town of Franz Josef, our home for the next two nights.


      Accommodation:
      - Rainforest Retreat (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Train 04:30 Hr(s)
      - Private Vehicle 02:30 - 03:00 Hr(s)

      Additional Notes: Please be aware that if you are traveling over the Christmas holiday the TranzAlpine train will not operate on December 25. Instead your CEO will drive the group through the Southern Alps on a similar route. An additional group holiday dinner will be provided as a substitute for missing the train experience.
  • Day 7 Day 7: Franz Josef (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Franz Josef (1B)

      Discover the natural wonders of the Franz Josef area on your own today. Opt to embark on a walk in the area; soak in natural hot pools surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery; and more.


      Accommodation:
      - Rainforest Retreat (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Additional Notes: Please note that when in Franz Josef optional activities may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
  • Day 8 Day 8: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8: Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B)

      Set out towards Queenstown on a drive along the South Islandโ€™s magnificent west coast. Stop at tranquil Lake Matheson, where, on a clear day, you can capture a postcard-perfect image of New Zealandโ€™s highest peaks reflected in the water. Continue to Queenstown, pausing for short walks through the rainforest and visits to picturesque waterfalls.
      Early start to travel to the picturesque Lake Matheson. When the weather is right, you can get a great photo of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake. Follow the wild West Coast Road, through the rainforest before stopping for some short walks and waterfall visits.

      Accommodation:
      - Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle 08:00 - 09:00 Hr(s)
  • Day 9 Day 9: Fiordland National Park Day Trip (1B, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 9: Fiordland National Park Day Trip (1B, 1D)

      Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night.


      Accommodation:
      - Fiordland Navigator Boat (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Dinner

      Transport:
      - Private Vehicle: Fiordland National Park to Queenstown 03:00 Hr(s)

      Included Activities:
      - Fiordland National Park Wilderness Cruise

      Additional Notes: Please note that the January 21, 2024 departure of this tour will have an overnight cruise in Milford Sound, instead of Doubtful Sound.
  • Day 10 Day 10: Queenstown (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 10: Queenstown (1B)

      After breakfast spend the rest of the day at leisure in this fun-loving lakeside town, known as the adventure capital of the world. Opt to visit a vineyard for a tour, or simply wander around, cafe hopping and sightseeing.


      Accommodation:
      - Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
  • Day 11 Day 11: Queenstown (1B, 1D)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 11: Queenstown (1B, 1D)

      The day is yours to explore Queenstown. Choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the regionโ€™s award-winning vintages. This evening, enjoy a cable car ride to the top of Bobโ€™s Peak for panoramic vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps and then have dinner together as a group.


      Accommodation:
      - Peppers Beacon Hotel (or similar).

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast
      - Dinner

      Included Activities:
      - Gondola Ride
  • Day 12 Day 12: Queenstown (1B)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 12: Queenstown (1B)

      Depart at any time.
      For more time to explore Queenstown, we recommend booking post nights with your agent if you are interested in the countless adrenaline-packed activities in the town known as the "adventure capital of the world." Jet boating and mountain biking are some of the activities available.

      Meals Included:
      - Breakfast

      Included Activities:
      - Departure Day
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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Basic

Almost everyone is fit for these activities. Every hike or physical exercise last less than 30 minutes, such as paragliding and horseback riding. Please ask about specific conditions.

Age range

Age range

Min: 12 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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