Travel Specials > New ZealandNew Zealand Independent Packages and Tours > New Zealand Trek

Auckland to Christchurch
15 Days / 14 Nights from $3079
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Package Name

New Zealand Trek

 

Duration

15 days/14 nights

 

Description

The best way to see New Zealand in just over two weeks is with this package, which takes you from Auckland to Christchurch and all of the interesting areas in between.  Beginning in the country's largest city, you'll travel into the geothermal region around Rotorua and Taupo for hot springs, geysers and Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings before exploring the national capital of Wellington.  Travel through Cook Strait aboard the Interislander Ferry to Picton and the South Island before exploring all of New Zealand's least inhabited regions.

 

Package Inclusions

  • 14 nights accommodation (1 night Auckland, 2 nights Rotorua, 2 nights Wellington, 2 nights Christchurch, 1 night Greymouth, 1 night Franz Josef, 2 nights Queenstown, 1 night Te Anau, 1 night Invercargill, 1 night Dunedin)
  • Sightseeing tours throughout
  • All day Milford Sound excursion, including cruise
  • Transportation between Franz Josef and Christchurch via the Tranz Alpine Train

We can also make any adjustments if you want to stay a bit longer or do more!
Call us at 1.800.788.0829

Learn more about our Tailor-Made Itineraries. 

 

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1 - Arrive in Auckland
Welcome to Auckland - the 'City of Sails'.  Walk along the harbor, visit a museum, or dine at a trendy restaurant in Parnell Village, as you prepare to embark on your journey across New Zealand.

Overnight in Auckland.

Day 2 - Auckland to Rotorua
Leaving Auckland, head on down to the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves where the mystery and mystique of nature's uniqueness will awe even the world's most traveled visitors.  As you glide down the river in the caves, lit by thousands of tiny glow-worms, only the sound of dripping water will remind you that you are not, in fact, under a starry night sky.  Then, you will continue onto Rotorua.

Overnight in Rotorua.

Day 3 - Rotorua
Today, experience the geothermal wonders around Rotorua!  Begin the morning with a trip to Te Puia thermal Reserve where you will see bubbling mud pools, steaming hot springs, and the famous Pohutu Geyser.  Then, your journey continues on to the wildlife reserve of Rainbow Springs, home to the native Kiwi bird.  After enjoying the flora and fauna, taste the life of New Zealand's farmers with a trip to the Agrodome where you can discover New Zealand's agriculture and see a sheep-sheering display.

Overnight in Rotorua.

Day 4 - Rotorua to Wellington
Travel south today, passing Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.  Travel through the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, where the three volcanic mountains of Ruapehu (Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings), Ngauruhoe and Tongariro dominate the landscape.  Continue onto Wellington.
Overnight in Wellington.

Day 5 - Wellington
Enjoy New Zealand's capital at leisure: Hike up Mount Victoria for fantastic views of the surrounding landscape, visit Te Papa (the national museum), stroll through the city, taking note of the impressive architecture, or catch an evening show at one of the city's theaters.

Overnight in Wellington.

Day 6 - Wellington to Christchurch
Travel on the Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait to Picton.  Join the TranzCoastal Train to complete the journey to Christchurch.  On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 7 - Christchurch to Greymouth
Travel on the famous TranzAlpine scenic train from Christchurch to Greymouth, traveling across the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains.  Arrival in Greymouth is followed by transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Greymouth.

Day 8 - Greymouth to Franz Josef
Travel south, along New Zealand's isolated West Coast, to Franz Josef.  Spend your afternoon on a guided walk of the glacier valley or take a helicopter up for truly amazing views (additional cost).

Overnight in Franz Josef.

Day 9 - West Coast Glaciers to Queenstown
Travel south to Queenstown, through the Haast Pass.  Enjoy the views of Lake Wanaka and Lake Dawea. 

Overnight in Queenstown.

Day 10 - Queenstown
A day set aside for rest and relaxation (or even another adventure), today you can experience all that the Adventure Capital Queenstown has to offer.  Eco-tourism, hiking trips, river rafting, helicopter rides, shopping, and wine-tasting, you decide!

Overnight in Queenstown.

Day 11 - Queenstown to Te Anau
Journey past Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, from where you will enter the Fiordland National Park.  Spend the day on the Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise, exploring the breathtaking fiord.  Enjoy dinner and the evening back in beautiful Te Anau.

Overnight in Te Anau.

Day 12 - Te Anau to Invercargill
This morning depart for Invercargill, the southernmost city in New Zealand.  This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Invercargill.

Overnight in Invercargill.

Day 13 - Invercargill to Dunedin
Continue on through the scenic Catlins area and onto the charming city of Dunedin - "Edinburgh of the South".  Take time to enjoy the city's impressive architecture, considered some of the best in New Zealand.

Overnight in Dunedin.

Day 14 - Dunedin to Christchurch
A University Town, Dunedin has plenty for travelers to see and do.  Tour the Cadbury chocolate factory, learn the history of beer at Speights Brewery, people-watch at the Octagon (the city center), and attempt to climb Baldwin Street (the steepest street in the world!).  This afternoon, continue north to Moeraki, and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch via the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony.

Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 15 - Depart Christchurch
Your New Zealand vacation ends with a transfer to the Christchurch Airport for your departure flight.

 

 

Pricing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accommodations

1 January 2008 - 30 September 2008

Economy

$3249

Standard

$3529

Superior

$3959

Click to make a tentative booking
or call 800.788.0829 to speak to
one of our travel professionals.

Notes:

  • Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
  • We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale.
  • All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
  • Prices reflect cash discount.
  • Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply.
  • Taxes and airport fees not included.
  • UBI-600-307-872-WA