The Long White Cloud
The Long White Cloud
$12535
The Long White Cloud
19 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Franz Josef/Waiau, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Invercargill, Dunedin, Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NZIJ25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 16
Age range:
13-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Long White Cloud" tour and experience the best of New Zealand's natural beauty and rich culture. This 19-day journey takes you from Christchurch to Auckland, offering unforgettable experiences such as the traditional Maori greeting at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, a guided eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, and a cruise on the Milford Mariner. Savor exquisite dining at Craggy Range Winery and enjoy premium accommodations, including the eco-friendly Te Waonui Forest Retreat. With a small group of up to 16 guests, you'll explore iconic locations like Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, and Wellington, all while enjoying 33 included meals and 13+ unique experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch, board a private transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception with local wines and canapes.
Day 2: Christchurch – Tranzalpine – Franz Josef/Waiau
Location: Franz Josef/Waiau
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Travel through the Southern Alps aboard TranzAlpine train. From Arthur’s Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast well-known for its jade. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you’ll spend two nights in an eco-friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness.
Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
This morning, explore Franz Josef/Waiau, where a local guide explains the history behind the imposing Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.
Day 4: Franz Josef/Waiau - Arrowtown - Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: The Rees Hotel
Discover the Haast River this morning as you journey its length in a fully enclosed river jet boat. Stop at Makarora, then explore the heritage gold settlement of Arrowtown, before an orientation of breathtaking Queenstown.
Day 5: Queenstown At Leisure
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: The Rees Hotel
Enjoy Queenstown your way! Perhaps view The Lord of the Rings film locations on a scenic tour of Queenstown and Glenorchy. Tonight, why not cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet barbecue dinner?
Day 6: Queenstown At Leisure
Location: Queenstown
Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Perhaps join a wine tour and taste some of Central Otago’s world-renowned Pinot Noir. Tonight, enjoy a Local Dining Experience in one of Queenstown’s most exclusive restaurants.
Day 7: Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Location: Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Accommodation Name: Milford Mariner
Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, where you'll stop for lunch at a local farm, and then through World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Tonight, you will stay aboard the iconic Milford Mariner, taking in Milford Sound along the way.
Day 8: Milford Sound - Invercargill
Location: Invercargill
Accommodation Name: The Langlands Hotel
We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago through to Gore, the country music capital of New Zealand, for a lunch stop. Journey to Invercargill, a commercial hub full of grand architecture and gardens. A city obsessed with motoring history, there are tributes to speed legends across town, from Burt Munro to Bill Richardson and his shed full of classic vehicles. Enjoy a tour of the largest private collection of its type in the world. Later this afternoon you will have some free time to explore this city, and an evening free to seek out local hot spots.
Day 9: Invercargill (Stewart And Ulva Islands)
Location: Invercargill
Accommodation Name: The Langlands Hotel
Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to the pristine Stewart Island. Later, join a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and see diverse flora and birdlife.
Day 10: Invercargill - Dunedin
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation Name: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Enjoy a relaxed start before departing for Dunedin. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit Dunedin Craft Distillers, who produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill.
Day 11: Dunedin - Oamaru - Timaru - Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Travel up the east coast through Omarau and Timaru. On arrival in Christchurch, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city.
Day 12: Christchurch - Kaikoura - Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: QT Wellington
Travel along the Pacific coast to Kaikoura. Continue to the seaside village of Picton and later, cross the Cook Strait to Wellington.
Day 13: Wellington At Leisure
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: QT Wellington
Today see Wellington your way. Perhaps visit the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne, or Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.
Day 14: Wellington - Hawke's Bay
Location: Hawke's Bay
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range winery, in the shadow of spectacular Te Mata Peak.
Day 15: Napier (Relaxed Start)
Location: Napier
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Join a local guide for a vintage car tour through Napier and surrounds areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild in the Art Deco style.
Day 16: Hawke's Bay - Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Continue your journey, arriving in Rotorua. This afternoon you will have a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Armed with a packed lunch and with your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest on a guided cultural walking tour, including Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end.
Day 17: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Ascend the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk for an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year old redwood giants. At the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a seasonal canapés and complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.
Day 18: Rotorua - Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: QT Auckland
Make your way to the famous Caveworld Waitomo for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience in Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel to Auckland. This evening, toast your tour at a Celebration Dinner.
Day 19: Farewell From Auckland
Location: Auckland
Your epic New Zealand journey comes to an end today and you are transferred by private car to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Small group
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 guests.
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Unforgettable experiences
The tour includes 13+ unforgettable experiences.
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Included meals
The tour includes 33 meals.
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Premium accommodation
The tour includes 18 nights of premium accommodation.
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Private transfers
Private transfers from the airport to the hotel and vice versa are included.
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Guided tours
The tour includes guided tours such as the cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest and the vintage car tour in Napier.
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Dining experiences
The tour includes unique dining experiences such as dinner at Craggy Range Winery and a gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak Station.
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Cruises
The tour includes cruises such as the Milford Mariner cruise and the ferry to Stewart Island.
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Train journey
The tour includes a journey through the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine train.
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Cultural experiences
The tour includes cultural experiences such as the Te Pa Tu Maori Experience.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as wine tours in Queenstown and visits to Zealandia/Te Mara a Tane in Wellington are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through New Zealand with a mix of private transfers, scenic train rides, river jet boats, and ferry cruises. Return airport transfers are included, ensuring a seamless journey from Christchurch to Auckland.
Accommodation
Enjoy 18 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at Hotel Montreal Christchurch, Te Waonui Forest Retreat, The Rees Hotel, Milford Mariner, The Langlands Hotel, Distinction Dunedin Hotel, QT Wellington, Porters Boutique Hotel, Pullman Rotorua, and QT Auckland.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of fitness level is required for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
Flights to and from the start and end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16 guests.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes 18 nights of premium accommodation.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 33 meals.
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What should I bring with me on the tour?
You should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, warm layers for cooler months, a waterproof layer, a camera, and a sense of adventure.
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What kind of experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes over 13 unforgettable experiences, such as a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, a dining experience at Craggy Range Winery, and a cruise on the Milford Mariner.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Christchurch, board a private transfer to your hotel, and meet your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception with local wines and canapes.
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What activities are available in Queenstown during the leisure days?
In Queenstown, you can view The Lord of the Rings film locations on a scenic tour, join a wine tour to taste Central Otago’s Pinot Noir, or enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner at Walter Peak Station.
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What is the Te Pā Tū Māori Experience?
The Te Pā Tū Māori Experience is a summer celebration of the abundant harvest season, exploring concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace. It includes seasonal canapés, a complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.
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What is included in the guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest?
The guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest includes a walking tour with a local expert guide, exploring the vast Jurassic podocarp rainforest, possibly sighting native and endangered birds, and enjoying hot kawakawa tea.
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What can I expect during the Milford Mariner cruise?
During the Milford Mariner cruise, you will stay aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and take in the stunning scenery of Milford Sound.
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What is the Footwhistle Cave experience?
The Footwhistle Cave experience is an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm tour in Caveworld Waitomo, where you can see the luminous shimmer of glowworms.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.