Discover New Zealand Tour

Refreshing travel through the North and South Islands of New Zealand

Waiheke Island, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown and Mt Aspiring National Park, Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park

New Zealand is refreshing…the perfect escape. Its temperate climate, vibrant culture and breathtaking environment are exhilarating. Experience thriving arts, boutique vineyards, welcoming hospitality and unique adventures amidst spectacular landscapes of ancient forests, golden beaches, lakes, mountains and wide open spaces.

Discover New Zealand Tour Highlights

• Vineyards and beaches and coastal walks on sub-tropical Waiheke Island
• Te Papa National Museum – Wellington
• Karori Wildlife Sanctuary – Wellington
• Arts, vineyards and adventure options – Nelson
• Day hike in Abel Tasman National Park – sea kayaking available
• Swimming with wild dolphins, or whale / dolphin watching – Kaikoura
• Glacier boat trip or hike in Mt Cook National Park (summer months only)
• Travel through the scenic heart of the South Island – Christchurch to Queenstown
• Jet-boating and hike amidst the spectacular wilderness of Mt Aspiring National Park
• Overnight boating journey - Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
• Very personalized small group experience
• Escorted by fantastic tour leader/s supported by local guides

“We were first time travelers looking for an ‘off the beaten track’ type trip with a bit of adventure. We certainly had this. We enjoyed the company of a great group of fellow travelers. The attention to detail by Pacific Discovery and the tour leaders was exceptional.” Mary-Anne and Trevor Stretton

Discover New Zealand Tour Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 Arrive Auckland, transfer to Waiheke Island, welcome
Day 2 Explore Waiheke Island
Day 3 Transfer to Auckland, flight to Wellington
Day 4 Ferry to South Island, drive to Nelson
Day 5 Explore Nelson region
Day 6 Nelson, Abel Tasman daytrip
Day 7 Drive to Kaikoura
Day 8 Drive to Christchurch (winter), or Mt Cook (summer)
Day 9 Drive to Queenstown
Day 10 Queenstown, Mt Aspiring National Park day trip
Day 11 Drive to Milford Sound, board ship for overnight journey in Fiordland National Park
Day 12 Disembark, drive to Queenstown
Day 13 Farewell New Zealand, depart Queenstown

Discover New Zealand Tour Itinerary

Refreshing travel through the North and South Islands of New Zealand - Waiheke Island, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown and Mt Aspiring National Park, Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park

BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

DAY 1. Auckland to Waiheke Island

Dawn light, vibrant colors and a very warm welcome greet your arrival in Auckland. Transfer by ferry to Waiheke Island, a gem nestled in the Hauraki Gulf with golden beaches, award-winning vineyards and tranquility. Freshen up before strolling to the beach for a picnic lunch and perhaps a swim in the ocean. While the evening away at a delightful vineyard restaurant serving sumptuous fresh cuisine, local wines and a good dose of ‘Kiwi’ cheer.
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DAY 2. Waiheke Island

Try a sunrise dip in the sea to kick-start your day, then head out to explore the island’s nature reserves, walkways, beaches and boutique vineyards. Enjoy lunch at a renowned vineyard restaurant. Optional activities on offer include sailing, sea kayaking, mountain biking and golf.
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DAY 3. Waiheke Island to Wellington

Farewell our island retreat as we transfer to Auckland and fly south to Wellington, New Zealand’s invigorating capital. Explore the interactive and contemporary national museum, Te Papa. Walk along the city’s attractive waterfront or hike up Mt Victoria for fantastic city and sunset panoramas. Late afternoon we wander through the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, a conservation 'world first' where the reintroduction of endangered and rare native birds allows us to imagine a journey back in time, before human settlement, when the forests were alive with birdsong.
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DAY 4. Wellington to Nelson

Enjoy a morning exploring Wellington at your own pace before we board the inter-island ferry for a stunning cruise across Cook Strait and through the twisting arms of the Marlborough Sounds, our gateway to the South Island. A scenic drive through rural landscapes and native forest brings us to sunny Nelson. Balanced between rugged forest covered hills and the lapping waves of Tasman Bay, Nelson is home to a diversity of artists, exciting adventure options and some of the countries most notable vineyards.
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DAY 5. Nelson

A stay in Nelson is not complete without sampling the city’s thriving art and fresh produce market. Spend the afternoon soaking up the region’s treats with an art and wine tour hosted by Katy Sanson, a successful local artist, or try mountain biking on forest trails. Optional activities on offer include skydiving, ATV adventures and hiking trails. Yachts, fishing boats and the soft evening light are a wonderful backdrop to dinner at a waterfront café specializing in fresh regional seafood and cuisine.
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DAY 6. Abel Tasman National Park

This delightfully temperate beach wilderness offers close encounters with wildlife, leafy forest trails, lagoons and idyllic golden beaches lapped by the turquoise sea. Explore by foot, hiking along the coastal track, or choose a sea kayaking and walk daytrip (optional). Enjoy a fresh tasty picnic lunch on the beach as waves lap at your feet.
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DAY 7-8. Kaikoura and Christchurch (winter), or Mt Cook (summer)

Leaving the Abel Tasman we travel to a small coastal community world renowned for its abundant marine life. Kaikoura is poised on a peninsula of the rugged east coast and provides unique opportunities to interact with wildlife (seals, dolphins, whales, pelagic birds) in their ocean environment. Choose between a sunrise swim with frisky dusky dolphins or a boat trip to watch majestic sperm whales or dolphins. Those without seafaring genes can take a short hike along the coastal trail to visit a fur seal colony. In winter months (May-Sep), we then continue down the coast to the picturesque city of Christchurch and enjoy a late afternoon walk through its beautiful parklands or across the dramatic Port Hills. During summer months (Oct-Apr) we enjoy a late lunch in Christchurch, then continue south to Mt Cook, and take a fascinating boat trip on Tasman Lake to the foot of the glacier.
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DAY 9. Queenstown

We travel south through undulating tussock land passing spectacular alpine vistas to Queenstown, celebrated as New Zealand’s adventure capital and beautifully set amidst a stunning lakeside mountain environment.
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DAY 10. Mt Aspiring National Park

Experience the wide open spaces of the regions magnificent wilderness with a jet boat and hiking day trip on the Dart River, or a day hike into the Mt Aspiring National Park, a pristine reserve of mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and ancient forest.
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DAY 11. Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

Journey through sheer walled valleys with cascading waterfalls to breathtaking Milford Sound. We board a motor yacht and sail the pristine waters of this glacial carved fjord to anchor for the night beneath towering granite peaks. Sea kayaks on board give you the option for a close-up look at the waterfalls and wildlife. Soak up the solitude and treasure this once in a lifetime experience.
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DAY 12. Queenstown

Return to Queenstown and take the opportunity to explore at leisure or relax at one of the many lakeside cafés. You may like to squeeze in a bungy jump, tandem hang-glide, rafting trip or historic steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu (all optional). We celebrate our time in New Zealand with a wonderful dinner high above the city, overlooking the lake and mountains.
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DAY 13. Farewell New Zealand

Our travels conclude. We farewell the lands ‘downunder’ and hope you will carry with you vibrant memories and a hearty affection for these special places.
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Discover New Zealand Tour Notes

Refreshing travel through the North and South Islands of New Zealand - Waiheke Island, Wellington, Marlborough Sounds, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown and Mt Aspiring National Park, Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park

Suitability

This tour is suitable for anyone who is moderately active, wanting a flexible itinerary and an energizing and interpretive taste of New Zealand. We’ve had 10-80 year olds join us on our itineraries. For the active, there are opportunities for: day and half-day walks in Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura, Christchurch (winter), Mt Cook (summer) and Queenstown; sailing on Waiheke Island; sea kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park and Milford Sound; mountain biking in Nelson and Queenstown.

Accommodation

Our accommodation is diverse, very comfortable and carefully chosen to enhance our experience. On this itinerary we enjoy: 11 nights in boutique character hotels and lodges with private bathroom/ensuite; 1 night onboard the Milford Mariner motor yacht in twin sleeper cabin with ensuite.

Meals

Food is a highlight when traveling and the food on offer will amaze you - Kiwis are particularly proud of their fresh, locally grown, fusion cuisine. Special dietary requirements are catered for. Half the meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. Half are independent meals enabling a choice of where, when and what you eat. At these times we often encourage group members to dine together, but you are welcome to dine independently.

Transport

The itinerary has been designed to maximise comfort and safety whilst also giving you the opportunity to experience local transport and take part in daily life. We utilise private vehicles, taxis, a Milford Sound motor yacht, and take one flight within New Zealand.

Tour Cost

Tour cost is $4,150 USD (change currency).

Tour inclusions

› All tour related travel and transfers from tour start to finish, including one flight
› All accommodation*
› Meals as indicated in the itinerary
› All excursions, activities and entry fees as described in the itinerary (unless noted as optional)
› Escorted by a Pacific Discovery tour leader and the services of English-speaking local guides
› Self-guided option: 24-hour support from the Pacific Discovery team and the services of English-speaking local guides for many activities.
› Online image library for your tour
›› Refer information booklet for international flight options and exclusions
*Twin or double share basis. Single supplement available for additional $1,050 USD (change currency)