Independent Naturally New Zealand
Independent Naturally New Zealand
Independent Naturally New Zealand
13 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IPN1-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Independent Naturally New Zealand" tour and experience the best of New Zealand's stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. Begin your journey in Auckland, exploring its bustling streets and scenic waterfront. Visit the iconic Hobbiton movie set before heading to Rotorua for geothermal wonders and cultural experiences. Fly to Wellington, the nation's capital, and enjoy its rich history and beautiful gardens. Continue to Christchurch, where you can explore the charming village of Akaroa and its native wildlife. Finally, arrive in Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World," and take a breathtaking excursion to Milford Sound. With ample leisure time and guided sightseeing, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Auckland,New Zealand
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Adina Auckland Britomart
ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND • Welcome to New Zealand! The rest of the day is at your leisure.Today's I-Time TipsWhy not browse the shops and galleries before relaxing in one of Auckland’s many superb restaurants on the water? Sip a glass of local wine or try a craft beer. The choices are endless!AUCKLAND-CITYSCAPE.jpg
Day 2: Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Adina Auckland Britomart
Meals Included: Breakfast
AUCKLAND• Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)Today's I-Time TipsYou may choose to travel to the top of Sky Tower for 360-degree views of the city or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, and fabulous local wines. Your Local Host is available to make recommendations and point you in the right direction. AUCKLAND-WINE.jpg
Day 3: Auckland,Hobbiton,Rotorua
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
AUCKLAND–HOBBITON–ROTORUA • Travel via motorcoach south to visit the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. • Continue on to Rotorua. (B,L)HOBBITON.jpg
Day 4: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
ROTORUA • Guided sightseeing includes a visit to The National Kiwi Hatchery, Agrodome, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry and to Te Puia, where you’ll explore this geothermal wonderland. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or join in an optional excursion.(B)Today's I-Time TipsChoose to join an optional Māori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance and Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). Other options include a relaxing soak in one of the therapeutic pools at the Polynesian Spa, a magical treetop walk through the Redwoods, or a helicopter tour to see this scenic region by air. ROTORUA-MAORI-CARVING.jpg
Day 5: Rotorua,Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Atura Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
ROTORUA–WELLINGTON • Fly to Wellington, capital of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to start exploring this vibrant city. An All Day tram pass is included.(B)WELLINGTON-BEEHIVE.jpg
Day 6: Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Atura Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
WELLINGTON • Guided morning sightseeing tour takes you to see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings as well as scenic views from the top of Mount Victoria. Take in the beauty of the Wellington Botanical Gardens, then drive around the rugged Wellington coastline, discovering hidden bays and some of Wellington’s most popular beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)Today's I-Time TipsDuring your free time, you may want to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, where interactive displays tell the story of the country’s great heritage and natural wonders. Other choices include a ride on Wellington’s historic cable car, finding a favorite restaurant on Cuba Street, going behind-the-scenes at Weta Workshop to see how some of the world’s biggest films were made, or exploring one of Wellington’s many outstanding hiking trails.WELLINGTON-CABLE-CAR.jpg
Day 7: Wellington,Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH • Today, fly to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Included in your stay is a tram pass that takes you around to the “must see” attractions. You are free to get on and off as you wish, and commentary is given by your tram driver. Please note that the pass is good for one calendar day. (B)CHRISTCHURCH-ARCHITECTURE.jpg
Day 8: Christchurch. Excursion To Akaroa
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
CHRISTCHURCH. EXCURSION TO AKAROA• Travel to Akaroa, a former French and British settlement where you will have some time to explore the charming village with its colonial architecture, galleries, and cafés. • Afterward, take a nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour for a chance to see some of the native wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, the white-flippered blue penguin, and the Hector’s dolphin, one of the smallest and rarest in the world. Return to Christchurch in the late afternoon. This evening is at leisure.(B)CHRISTCHURCH-AKAROA.jpg
Day 9: Christchurch,Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast
CHRISTCHURCH–QUEENSTOWN• Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The remainder of day is at leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Why not take a stroll by the lake and enjoy the sunset this evening? (B)QUEENSTOWN-CITYSCAPE.jpg
Day 10: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND • Enjoy a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. First, travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror Lakes as you pass through Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel, emerge into Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and penguins and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery. Return to Queenstown late this evening. (B,L)MILFORD-SOUND.jpg
Day 11: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast
QUEENSTOWN• Today is yours to explore as much or as little as you wish. Options include a scenic bike riding excursion, an exciting helicopter flight over the Remarkables Mountains, tee up for a round of golf, sip some local wines or just relax with a spa treatment. (B)QUEENSTOWN-WATERFRONT.jpg
Day 12: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast
QUEENSTOWN • Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. (B)Today's I-Time TipsPerhaps choose a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, visit a local winery to sample some of the region’s best, take a historic steamship across beautiful Lake Wakatipu, shop for souvenirs, or visit some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Your Local Host will be available to make shopping and dining recommendations. QUEENSTOWN-SHOTOVER-JET.jpg
Day 13: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Meals Included: Breakfast
QUEENSTOWN • Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)QUEENSTOWN-LAKEFRONT.jpg
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including Adina Auckland Britomart, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Atura Wellington, Rydges Latimer Christchurch, and Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront.
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Meals
Breakfast daily and 2 lunches.
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Guided Sightseeing
Guided sightseeing tours in Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, and Christchurch.
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Excursions
Excursions to Hobbiton movie set, The National Kiwi Hatchery, Agrodome, Te Puia, Akaroa, and Milford Sound.
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Transport
Transport via motorcoach, flights between cities, and tram passes in Wellington and Christchurch.
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Nature Cruise
Nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour.
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Local Host
Local Host available for recommendations and assistance.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner, helicopter tours, and other activities are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, dining outside of included meals, and spa treatments are not included.
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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; 2 lunches
Accommodation
Auckland: Adina Auckland Britomart, Rotorua: Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Wellington: Atura Wellington, Christchurch: Rydges Latimer Christchurch, Queenstown: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront
Mode of Transport
Travel via motorcoach, flights between cities, and enjoy included tram passes in Wellington and Christchurch for easy exploration.
Notes
During the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, certain activities may not be available. A different activity may be substituted or a refund offered if your included activity is not available. Intra-tour flights not included.
Check out our Q&As
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What activities are available in Auckland on the first day?
On the first day in Auckland, you have the day at your leisure. You can browse the shops and galleries, relax in one of Auckland’s many superb restaurants on the water, sip a glass of local wine, or try a craft beer.
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What can I expect during the guided sightseeing tour in Auckland?
During the guided sightseeing tour in Auckland, you will see bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
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What is included in the visit to Rotorua on Day 4?
In Rotorua, the guided sightseeing includes a visit to The National Kiwi Hatchery, Agrodome where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry, and Te Puia, where you’ll explore this geothermal wonderland. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or join in an optional excursion.
-
What is the itinerary for the excursion to Milford Sound?
The full-day excursion to Milford Sound includes traveling by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, viewing the Mirror Lakes as you pass through Eglinton Valley, and emerging into Cleddau Valley from the Homer Tunnel. You will join a Milford Sound cruise, where you can look out for wildlife such as dolphins and penguins and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery. You will return to Queenstown late in the evening.
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What are the optional activities available in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, optional activities include joining a Māori cultural performance and Hangi dinner, soaking in the therapeutic pools at the Polynesian Spa, a treetop walk through the Redwoods, or a helicopter tour to see the scenic region by air.
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What can I do during my free time in Wellington?
During your free time in Wellington, you may want to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, ride on Wellington’s historic cable car, find a favorite restaurant on Cuba Street, go behind-the-scenes at Weta Workshop, or explore one of Wellington’s many outstanding hiking trails.
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What is included in the nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour?
The nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour includes a chance to see native wildlife such as New Zealand fur seals, the white-flippered blue penguin, and the Hector’s dolphin, one of the smallest and rarest in the world.
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What are some activities available in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, you can choose from activities such as a scenic bike riding excursion, a helicopter flight over the Remarkables Mountains, golfing, wine tasting, a spa treatment, a jet boat ride on the Dart River, visiting a local winery, taking a historic steamship across Lake Wakatipu, shopping for souvenirs, or visiting sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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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 Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Apr 03, 2026 - Apr 15, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Globus 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 globus 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.