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From the dramatic scenery of Waikato and the rolling hills of The Hobbit's Shire to the magical waters of Milford Sound, New Zealand will have you in its grip.
Welcome to the City of Sails! On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Take some time to relax, or venture out and start exploring New Zealand's largest city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception and dinner.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - The Grand by SkyCity
Dive Into Culture with a city sightseeing tour this morning, starting at the city's beautiful harbour. Explore the waterfront, from the commercial hub of central city out to the vibrant beachfront suburb of Mission Bay. Have your camera at the ready as we ascend to Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial for sweeping views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. Spend the afternoon at leisure, gazing at the yachts in the harbour or relaxing in one of Auckland's many harbourside cafes.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 3
Auckland - Rotorua
Journey through the dramatic scenery and landscapes of the North Island's Waikato region, passing through Cambridge, 'The Town of Trees and Champions', on your way to Rotorua. Once there, you'll enjoy an orientation of the city before joining a Local Specialist at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Encounter New Zealand's indigenous creatures that find sanctuary alongside the park's crystal-clear mineral springs, learn about the work being done to save New Zealand's national bird, and see if you can spot the shy kiwi amongst the native bush, ferns and trees. This evening, Dive Into Culture and gain a deeper understanding of Māori traditions, dance and music while enjoying a Regional Dinner at the Tamaki Maori Village, a traditional 'gathering place' of Māori storytelling, rituals and cultural experiences.
This morning, we'll enjoy breakfast in the charming village of Hobbiton - the movie set of the now iconic The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Experience the rolling hills and green pastures of The Shire before continuing to Auckland to board your flight to Queenstown. Tonight, speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Millennium
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 5
Milford Sound
Journey south, over the Devil's Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, the gateway to South Island's spectacular fiords. Continue along this stunning alpine highway to Fiordland National Park, enjoying photo stops at Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat, Hollyford Valley Lookout (Pop's View), Cleddau Valley and the Chasm. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards the iconic Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, before reaching Milford Sound. Take to its still waters for a nature cruise, complete with lunch and incredible 'pinch-me' moments. Return to Queenstown for an evening at leisure.
Your final day in Queenstown could see you take an Optional Experience ride on the famous Shotover Jet Boat or a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue lunch. This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed, set in the historic New Zealand Railways Shipping Office built in 1936. Restored and relocated to its lakefront setting, The Boatshed, with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, is the perfect venue for your exclusive Regional Dinner.
Leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown behind, travelling through Central Otago to the Mackenzie region, enjoying stops in Arrowtown, with its lovingly-restored mining cottages, and Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. Indulge in some of the area's delicious stone fruit before heading over the dramatic Lindis Pass and onto Tekapo's world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. Enjoy the views of Mt. Cook before viewing the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. This evening we'll join a 'Local Specialist' on an incredible voyage of discovery through the Southern Hemisphere's night sky, including the Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud and the Milky Way. Your guide will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our southern skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through powerful optical telescopes.
Enjoy a relaxed start before heading north through South Canterbury, visiting the charming boutique village of Geraldine en route to Christchurch.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Distinction
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 9
Christchurch Sightseeing
Pop into the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, which was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake. It is the world's only cathedral made substantially of cardboard! After a city sights tour, you're invited to 'Connect With Locals' at the home of Tim and Isabelle Weston, owners of Britten Stables, for a unique 'Be My Guest' experience over morning tea. They'll tell you the story behind the Britten V1000 motorcycle, which was designed and built by Isabelle's late father in the garage at Britten Stables. This evening, join your Travel Director and your new-found friends for a Farewell Dinner.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest, Farewell Dinner
Day 10
Depart Christchurch
Our New Zealand adventure has sadly come to an end. Say a fond goodbye after breakfast as we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).
All transport shown. VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Join the Weston's for a 'Be My Guest' morning tea and hear about the world-record-setting motorcycle that was designed and built in their garage (Day 9).
Dive into Culture
Immerse yourself in Māori culture and enjoy a traditional Māori feast at the Tamaki Māori Village. (Day 3)
Local Specialist
For included sightseeing in Rotorua and Lake Tekapo (Days 3, 7).
Make a Difference
You'll explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park and learn about the kiwi breeding program. You'll also discover how your visit supports their vital work (Day 3).
Sightseeing highlights
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CITY TOUR in Auckland and Christchurch
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CRUISE on Milford Sound.
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VIEW native flora and fauna, Church of the Good Shepherd
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VISIT Rainbow Springs Nature Park, Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve
Daily breakfast and an average of 50% of evening meals
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels all tried and trusted
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Handcrafted Highlights
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and local charges included
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and separate Driver, Driver Guide only on Mini-Stays
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
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VIP entry to many sights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Contrasts of New Zealand Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Contrasts of New Zealand
Trip Rating
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5
A well organized, full itinerary with memorable stops and experiences
Trafalgar offers exceptional service. Our guide (Marty,) was well organized and engaging, we stayed in well appointed accommodations, and our sights of interest were first rate!
Service at the hotels, including room maintenance and amenities, food and other services was great. The itinerary was interesting and the tour guide personalized the tour with a lot of interesting, varied information.
There was a miscommunication in the hotel billing when we checked in; we had requested a single room for three family members, with an extra day before the trip. This was straightened out and I learned from my travel agent that we are receiving a refund from Trafalgar. The tour guide, **************, and both of the coach operators we used were terrific. I am writing a letter to Trafalgar regarding this trip.
Air: Please note that pricing does not include internal flights, with the exception of guests booking and travelling from the USA and Canada. Land Only price requires the following intra-trip flight to be purchased separately in order to fulfil the trip itinerary: Day 4 from Auckland to Queenstown – NZ623. Trafalgar guarantees to quote you the lowest possible airfare available to us on the day that you book.
This trip is operated in conjunction with our sister company and South Pacific Specialists - AAT Kings.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
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