Highlights of New Zealand (3360)

11 Day Tour from Auckland to Queenstown

2019 Tour Details

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 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.

800.646.5374

 Tour Highlights

AUCKLAND
Welcome briefing; sightseeing tour
ROTORUA
Te Puia; Agrodome
NAPIER
Walking tour
QUEENSTOWN
Cruise on Milford Sound

The following UNESCO World Heritage Sites can be seen or visited on this vacation:

  • Te Wahipounamu

Transportation:

Transportation:
Private, first-class air-conditioned motorcoach while touring, Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton.

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

 Itinerary

Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.

Day 1 ARRIVE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or start exploring.

Day 2 AUCKLAND

This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering first-hand 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. You may wish to take a trip to the top of Sky Tower, enjoy a sailing experience on Auckland Harbour, or visit nearby picturesque Waiheke Island. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Day 3 AUCKLAND–ROTORUA

Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farm land to Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Maori 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 Maori carving and weaving along with a Maori 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

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 relaxing in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. In the evening, you may want to attend an optional Maori Hangi dinner and cultural performance.

Day 5 ROTORUA–LAKE TAUPO–NAPIER

Today we continue our journey on the north island traveling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. This afternoon, 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

Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city known for is 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

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–QUEENSTOWN

Our journey continues across New Zealand’s south island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. 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 breath-taking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below.

Day 9 QUEENSTOWN

Today is free to explore more of Queenstown 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, take an exciting helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains, or enjoy a wine tour.

Day 10 QUEENSTOWN. EXURSION TO MILFORD SOUND

Today, travel to breathtaking Milford Sound and enjoy a 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 this evening.

Day 11 QUEENSTOWN

Your vacation ends this morning.

 Tour Director

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. Averaging over a decade... we’d like you to meet a Tour Director, who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

MELISSA ROFF

Escorting tours for more than 15 years

“I feel very lucky to live here and privileged to share my home with visitors from around the world. We have such unique and pristine environments, it thrills me to see how people react to the wonderful and diverse landscapes as well as the activities and experiences that they can have here. Between Australia and New Zealand, we have it all. I love my job and showcasing this remarkable part of the world, its culture, and history. It brings me great satisfaction knowing our guests return home with magical memories that we have helped create is its own reward.”

Tour Director - MELISSA ROFF

 Accommodations

Auckland
Rotorua
Napier
Wellington
Christchurch
Queenstown

 Optional Excursions

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyCosmos site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 USD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 USD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 USD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Auckland
Rotorua
Queenstown

Auckland

Auckland Dinner Sail

Auckland Dinner Sail

Enjoy a unique experience on Auckland's magnificent Waitemata Harbour.

Price Range: $$

Sky Tower

Sky Tower

Enjoy incredble views of Auckland and the harbor from atop Sky Tower. Spot the key landmarks, a number of volcanoes and historical locations within the greater Auckland area.

Price Range: $

Rotorua

Mt Tarawera Volcanic Valley by Floatplane

Mt Tarawera Volcanic Valley by Floatplane

Near the northeast coast of the North Island is Mount Tarawera, the volcano whose massive eruption in 1886 destroyed the famed Pink and White Terraces and buried three Maori villages. This exciting flight-seeing excursion includes the thrill of a water take-off and landing on Rotorua Lake.

Price Range: $$$$

Rotorua Duck Tours

Rotorua Duck Tours

Get a unique view of Rotorua's geothermal wonders on this fun excursion by Duck! Discover historic sights, Maori culture, and incredible natural beauty on this sightseeing adventure aboard a WWII amphibious vehicle that travels on both land and water.

Price Range: $

Rotorua Zipline and Canopy Tour

Rotorua Zipline and Canopy Tour

Soar along 500-year-old Mamaku Forest on New Zealand's only native forest zipline canopy tour. Set in a 1,200-acre forest, this 3-hour adventure combines heart-racing fun and pristine natural beauty as you switch between six zipline cables suspended 72 feet above the ground. Keep your eyes open for bellbirds, whiteheads, fantails, and many other native bird species. This is an experience of a lifetime!

Price Range: $$$

Hangi Dinner & Maori Concert

Hangi Dinner & Maori Concert

Meet New Zealand's indigenous people during this fascinating and entertaining evening.

Price Range: $$

Dinner with a New Zealand Family

Dinner with a New Zealand Family

Experience New Zealand "Kiwi" hospitality and a traditional 3-course dinner on this authentic New Zealand dining experience.

Price Range: $$

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the beautiful setting for The Shire that was featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings. Your tour starts with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Next, your guide will escort you through the 12 acre site recounting fascinating details on how the Hobbiton Movie Set was created, showing you the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations, and explaining how movie magic was made. After your tour of the film set you have time to visit the Green Dragon Inn, The Shire's Rest Cafe, and the popular Shire Store.

Price Range: $$

Redwoods TreeWalk at Night

Redwoods TreeWalk at Night

The TreeWalk consists of 21 suspension bridges traversing between 22 Californian coastal redwoods. It gives walkers a unique view of the native undergrowth below from up to 12 meters (40 feet) above the ground. The TreeWalk allows plenty of time to appreciate the beauty of the forest that is quite different from what you experience on the ground. In the evening, the forest and ferns are illuminated by 30 suspended lanterns designed by David Trubridge and multiple colored spot lights. A truly unique night time experience!

Price Range: $

Queenstown

Station to Station Bike Ride

Station to Station Bike Ride

The perfect half day - an independent cycling trip experiencing the best that Queenstown has to offer. Enjoy a Spirit of Queenstown cruise to Mt Nicholas High Country Farm, stopping at Bob's Cove to view flora and fauna up close and spectacular views towards Glenorchy, Mt Earnslaw, the Southern Alps and The Remarkables mountain range. Disembark the vessel and journey between Mt Nicholas and Walter Peak (high country farms) located on the western shores of Lake Wakatipu as you cycle along a quiet country road through open farm land at your own pace. Breathe in the fresh mountain air, watch the landscape unfold and take in the panoramic alpine views while cycling 14 kms (8.6 miles) along a remote but public, shingle road to Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak. Then, enjoy a BBQ lunch at Walter Peak before boarding the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw for the return cruise to Queenstown. What a perfect way to see the best of Queenstown!

Price Range: $$$

Discover Arrowtown and Wanaka

Discover Arrowtown and Wanaka

Discover the beauty of Arrowton and Wanaka with a half day tour exploring these stunning towns. Experience Arrowtown's charming streets, journey over the Crown Range (New Zealand's highest main road), and learn the histiory of the area and take in breathtaking view at every turn.

Price Range: $$$

Walter Peak Farm and BBQ Lunch

Walter Peak Farm and BBQ Lunch

Cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the 103-year-old TSS Earnslaw steamship to enjoy a popular lunch excursion at the historic Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy great scenery, a delcious meal, and learn more about life on a New Zealand farm.

Price Range: $$

Safari of the Scenes

Safari of the Scenes

Explore the magical side of New Zealand and understand why this beautiful country was chosen to portray Middle Earth in the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy. This is the perfect tour for those who want the thrills of an off-road adventure to see the breathtaking film locations.

Price Range: $$$

Wilderness Safari

Wilderness Safari

Take a spectacular jet boat journey along the Dart's ever-changing braided river system. Awe-inspiring surroundings include breathtaking snowcapped mountains, ancient native forest, waterfalls, and glacial valleys frozen in time. Your excursion includes an easy guided walk through the Heritage Trail at Paradise, where your knowledgeable guide will enhance your experience with informative and entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest, the unique fauna, amazing history, and fascinating Maori legends. You'll also ride aboard a 4WD coach along a scenic backroad route to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings movies.

Price Range: $$$$

KJet Thrill Ride

KJet Thrill Ride

KJet offers 60 minutes of unforgettable thrills, spins and exhilaration across three waterways in one of the world's most stunning locations.

Price Range: $$

Panorama Evening

Panorama Evening

Take a cable car to the top of Bob's Peak for a wonderful dinner and one of the best views in the world!

Price Range: $$

Cruise onboard the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship

Cruise onboard the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship

It's New Zealand's most iconic boat and one of Queenstown's most historic destinations.The leisurely cruise across beautiful Lake Wakatipu showcases some of Queenstown's spectacular alpine scenery while offering you plenty of time to explore a piece of Queenstown's living history - the 105 year old TSS Earnslaw.

Price Range: $

Helicopter Flight over the Remarkables Mountains with Landing

Helicopter Flight over the Remarkables Mountains with Landing

See Queenstown's most famous and iconic mountain range from one mile high. This "Remarkable" excursion takes you towards the South Eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu where the Remarkables stand tall over Queenstown - one of only two Mountain ranges in the world that run directly North to South. Soar straight to the top and take in the views of the incredible alpine environment. On the top, we make a landing and shutdown the helicopter to allow you to take in the grandeur scale of the Wakatipu Basin. Take the ultimate photograph, breathe in the southern fresh air and you may even be lucky enough to enjoy some fresh snow. From there, your helicopter will take off and make its way back to base, showing off the picturesque scenery of Queenstown on the way down.

Price Range: $$$$

Queenstown Wine Trail Tour

Queenstown Wine Trail Tour

Take this tour and experience the true flavor of the local pinot noir and other wine varietals at three premium vineyards.

Price Range: $$$

 Know Before You Go

These Know Before You Go travel tips are designed with you in mind, with helpful hints to help you prepare for and enjoy your escorted vacation. They are your guide to getting ready and contain general information on travel documentation, customs, and the country/countries you will be visiting, including budgeting, transportation, climate, languages, and much more. With Globus, you benefit from our experience.



* The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include airfare; additional fees/charges are not included. If a price is crossed out, the new price includes a limited time promotional offer(s) – please review current promotions or deals for additional information. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos).

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