New Zealand Explorer

Visit both the North and South Island on this nine-day tour through the best of New Zealand. Explore the stunning North Island and its geothermal park, stargaze around Lake Tekapo (the world's largest dark sky reserve), and cruise along fjords, cliff walls, and waterfalls in Doubtful Sound. Cross a few items off your bucket list by visiting the adventure capital of the world with pretty much every thrilling sport at your fingertips (paragliding, skydiving, jet boating). It is, after all, the birthplace of the bungee jump.

Itinerary

Dec 6, 2020 (Sunday) - Auckland

• Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.  There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city.  Meet the rest of the group at the arrival meeting this evening.​
• Overnight at Ramada Auckland Federal Street (or similar).
• Your hotel room may not be ready until 3 pm.  You can store your luggage at the front desk until you can check in.

Dec 7, 2020 (Monday) - Auckland

• Today we visit the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glowworms, Walk through caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time.  We'll continue on to Rotorua.  
• Overnight at Jet Park Hotel Rotorua (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Dec 8, 2020 (Tuesday) - Rotorua

• Visit the Tamaki Maori Village. Receive the traditional Powhiri welcome ceremony followed by a captivating stage performance explaining Maori history, myths and culture. For dinner, enjoy a traditional Hangi meal, similar to the Hawaiian Luau, with dishes such as chicken, sweet potatoes (kumara), and lamb steamed over heated rocks.
• Overnight at Jet Park Hotel Rotorua (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Dec 9, 2020 (Wednesday) - Rotorua/Christchurch (flight)

• Catch a flight to Christchurch on the South Island.  Explore lesser-known paths around Christchurch on this walking tour of the city led by a member of Rekindle — a social enterprise where resourcefulness skills are shared among members to build self-confidence and create art out of under-valued materials. The hands-on, workshop-based environment keeps everyone engaged and helps to strengthen the community.
• Overnight at All Stars Inn (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast​

Dec 10, 2020 (Thursday) - Lake Ohau

• Drive to beautiful Lake Ohau with a stop at Lake Tekapo along the way. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and admire the stunning alpine scenery that surrounds this local landmark.  Spend the afternoon hiking the region around Aoraki/Mt Cook. Aoraki/Mount Cook is both a village, a national park and the name of New Zealand's highest mountain. Located in central South Island, the park includes a mix of rocks and glaciers, as well as alpine plants including the world's largest buttercup, the Mount Cook lily. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.  Learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary at the Aoraki/Mt Cook Visitor's Centre.
• Overnight at Lake Ohau Lodge (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Dec 11, 2020 (Friday) - Queenstown

• Today, we drive to Queenstown with a stop at a local vineyard in the beautiful Central Otago region, known for it's Pinot Noir. Learn about how this famous red wine is produced and, more importantly, sample some!
• Overnight at Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Dec 12, 2020 (Saturday) - Doubtful Sound

• Cruise through the stunning Doubtful Sound, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. The only way to get here is by boat across Lake Manapouri, then bus across Wilmont Pass to Doubtful Sound. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds. This isolated part of New Zealand is truly a special place!
• Overnight at Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Dec 13, 2020 (Sunday) - Queenstown

• Enjoy a free day in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving, paragliding, hiking or mountain biking. Or take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak.
• Overnight at Heartland Hotel Queenstown (or similar)
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Dec 14, 2020 - (Monday) - Queenstown - Departure Day

• Depart at any time
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Overview

Arrival Information

• Auckland, New Zealand (AKL)
• Dec 6, 2020
• Arrive in time for 6 pm welcome meeting
• Arrival transfer from Auckland airport to joining hotel included

Departure Information

• Queenstown, New Zealand (ZQN)
• Dec 14, 2020
• Depart at any time
• Departure transfer from Queenstown hotel to Queenstown airport included

Places visited

• Auckland, New Zealand
• Rotorua, New Zealand
• Christchurch, New Zealand
• Lake Ohau, New Zealand
• Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
• Queenstown, New Zealand

Price

• ​$3,074 per person for double occupancy
• $4,273 per person for single occupancy

• If you don't have a roommate, I can match you with one of the same sex so you can pay the double occupancy price.​

Deposit

• $350 per person
• Deposit payment is 100% non-refundable!

Ready to Book?

• Call Rene at 866-869-1760
• Email us at rene@grandexplorations.com

Travel Insurance

• It is mandatory for all travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers for both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000.  An all inclusive plan that covers cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended.  You can learn more about your options from Travel Guard and purchase a policy here. 

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Inclusions

Accommodations

• 1 night hotel in Auckland
• 2 nights hotel in Rotorua
• 1 night hotel in Christchurch
• 1 night hotel in Lake Ohau
• 3 nights hotel in Queenstown

Activities

• Resourceful Ōtautahi Walking Tour in Christchurch
• Central Otago District Winery Visit and Tasting
• Waitomo Caves visit
• Maori cultural experience
• Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park visit with hiking opportunity (weather permitting)
• Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park Visitor's Centre visit
• Fiordland National Park visit
• Doubtful Sound day cruise

Meals

• 8 breakfasts
• Lunch - Included during the Doubtful Sound excursion
• Dinner - traditional Hangi meal at the Maori Village
• Dinner - at Lake Ohau on Day 5

Transportation

• All transportation to and from included activities in a private vehicle
• Doubtful Sound cruise
• Flight from Rotorua to Christchurch

Guides and Host:

• Rene from Grand Explorations Travel will escort the group
• Private New Zealand tour guide for the duration of the trip
• Local expert guides where appropriate

Exclusions

• International Flights to Auckland and from Queenstown
• Any meals and drinks not listed under Inclusions
• Any activities not listed under Inclusions
• Items of a personal nature
• Travel Insurance (Can be purchased here from Travel Guard. Travelers are required a sum of $200,000 for both emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Important Notes

• A visa is required for American citizens traveling to New Zealand.  You must get an eTA before your flight. An eTA is delivered electronically, and is tied directly to your passport. It should be obtained online at this link before traveling to New Zealand.
• Please be aware that wifi and internet access is not as readily available in New Zealand as in other parts of the world. There are often additional charges to connect to the internet, and speeds may be slower than what you are used to.
• While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to this style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable.