Highlights of New Zealand
Highlights of New Zealand
$3875
Highlights of New Zealand
11 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound
Tour operator:
Tour code:
3360-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Your affordable New Zealand tour begins in Auckland with a two-night stay to start exploring this fascinating country. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the Domain -- its park surrounding a dormant volcano. You’ll travel through the lush farmland of Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Maori (indigenous Polynesian people) culture, bubbling geothermal sites, and the setting for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. You’ll learn about the region’s natural wonders, agricultural and creative traditions, and the Maori culture. Your value-minded New Zealand guided vacation continues with big sights to see throughout the north island. You’ll travel past New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, on your way to visit the art-deco city of Napier. Go sightseeing in the New Zealand capital of Wellington and take in its vibrant art and dining scene. See the Beehive and Parliament buildings, then take in the sweeping views of the harbor from Mount Victoria.
Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across the Marlborough Sound keeping an eye out for dolphins, penguins, or whales on your way to Christchurch. Explore the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast plains of New Zealand’s south island as you venture on to Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore this “adventure capital” before your breathtaking cruise on Milford Sound. Here, be awed by waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, and tropical rainforests surrounding the marine home of seals, penguins, and dolphins. This budget-minded tour of New Zealand is nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy the idyllic and fantastic scenes around each turn in your escorted vacation from Auckland to Queenstown.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Auckland, New Zealand
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Quest Auckland
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.
Day 2 : Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Quest Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering firsthand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live. See the Domain, the city’s oldest park, developed around an extinct volcano. Highlights also include charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
Day 3 : Auckland - Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Máori culture and geothermal wonders. Our first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour allows you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You’ll also have a chance to witness traditional Máori carving and weaving along with a Máori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries--sheep! This evening is at leisure.
Day 4 : Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to explore more of Rotorua. You may wish to take an optional excursion to visit magical Hobbiton, the set used as the Shire in the movie trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Other options include a zipline and canopy tour, helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. In the evening, you may want to attend an optional Máori Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones), followed by an authentic Máori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance with singing, dancing, and storytelling.
Day 5 : Rotorua - Lake Taupo - Napier
Location: Napier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we continue our journey on the North Island traveling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Later, arrive in Napier, located in the beautiful Hawk’s Bay region. This afternoon, a walking tour explains how a natural disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. With the rest of the day at leisure, you may wish to take a stroll on the beach, shop for a favorite souvenir, or visit the National Aquarium to see sharks, stingrays, penguins, and more.
Day 6 : Napier - Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Atura Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city known for its vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle. Upon arrival, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria.
Day 7 : Wellington - Interislander Ferry - Picton - Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ibis Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy a special treat as you sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by. Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South IsIand for an overnight stay.
Day 8 : Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our journey continues across New Zealand’s South Island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. Stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo for a visit to the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital,” for a 3-night stay. This evening you may want to take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below.
Day 9 : Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A full free day to explore on your own. You may want to take the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner, discover a favorite boutique or art gallery, or take an exciting helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a festive farewell dinner.
Day 10 : Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Milford Sound. Cruise to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip! Return to Queenstown late this evening.
Day 11 : Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Quest Auckland, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Quest Napier, Atura Wellington, Ibis Christchurch, and Heartland Hotel Queenstown.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and 1 farewell dinner.
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Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing tours in Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, and Queenstown.
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Cultural Experiences
Visit Te Puia for a guided tour of geothermal wonders and a Máori cultural performance.
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Ferry Journey
Sail from Wellington to Picton through the spectacular Marlborough Sound.
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Milford Sound Excursion
Full-day excursion to Milford Sound with a cruise to see waterfalls, cliff walls, rainforest, and wildlife.
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Tour Director
Expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.
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Small Group Discoveries
Limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure for select South Pacific dates.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit Te Wahipounamu.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as visiting Hobbiton, zipline and canopy tours, helicopter and floatplane flights, and Máori Hangi dinner.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and extra nights in Queenstown.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from New Zealand are not included.
Meals
Breakfast daily, 1 farewell dinner
Small Group
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Te Wahipounamu
Accommodation
Quest Auckland offers guests a relaxed and comfortable Auckland accommodation experience. Located in downtown Auckland, the hotel is nearby ample shops and restaurants. Comfortable guestrooms feature cable TV, laundry, hairdryer, and internet access. Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua offers spectacular vistas. The hotel features a lakeside restaurant and bar, pool, currency exchange, spa services, coin-operated, self-service laundry, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Quest Napier offers comfortable apartment-style guestrooms. The hotel features valet dry cleaning service and complimentary Wi-Fi. Atura Wellington is perfectly positioned within comfortable walking distance of Lambton Quay shopping, vibrant waterfront dining and all the must-see events at Sky Stadium. Ibis Christchurch is located just off Cathedral Square, and is close to cafes, restaurants, museums and many of Christchurch's most popular attractions. Heartland Hotel Queenstown offers stunning views of the mountains and Lake Wakatipu. The hotel features guest laundry and dry cleaning, on-site restaurant and bar, 24-hour room service, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various comfortable hotels such as Quest Auckland, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Quest Napier, Atura Wellington, Ibis Christchurch, and Heartland Hotel Queenstown. These hotels offer amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry services, and on-site dining options.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional excursions available. In Rotorua, you can visit the Hobbiton movie set, take a zipline and canopy tour, enjoy helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or relax in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. In Queenstown, you can take the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm, visit boutiques and art galleries, or take a helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains.
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to Te Puia in Rotorua where you can witness traditional Māori carving and weaving, along with a Māori cultural performance. There is also an optional Māori Hangi dinner and cultural performance available.
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Will there be any opportunities to see wildlife during the tour?
Yes, there are several opportunities to see wildlife. During the ferry journey from Wellington to Picton, dolphins are frequent traveling companions, and you might also spot whales or penguins. Additionally, the Milford Sound excursion includes the chance to see seals and dolphins.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily and one farewell dinner.
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Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there are several days with free time to explore on your own. For example, in Auckland, Rotorua, and Queenstown, you will have leisure time to discover additional sights, shop, or dine at local restaurants.
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What is the group size for this tour?
Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include a sightseeing tour of Auckland, a guided tour of Te Puia in Rotorua, a walking tour of Napier, a sightseeing tour of Wellington, a scenic ferry journey from Wellington to Picton, and a full-day excursion to Milford Sound.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.