Tour Code: GOW-04 - 13 Days Guided Group Tour)
Cities: Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, Franz Josef, Christchurch
Click on "Customise with Flights" and choose your Departure City and Departure Date to see the price, including airfare.
This 12 Night Itinerary includes:
Top-rated, centrally located hotel accommodation
Intercity Transport, as mentioned in the program (depending on the group size)
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program
Local English-speaking Guide
For more Details: Contact us at 1-800-710-8747 || info@amta.com.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Arrival in Auckland.
Day 2: Full Day Highlights of Auckland City & Bush Tour
Let Bush and Beach take you on a day tour to experience the best of Auckland sightseeing. We combine an Auckland city tour in the morning with an afternoon nature tour to the black sand beach and rainforest at Piha - a day of variety and a great introduction to Auckland and New Zealand. Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Maori history of the city and as see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitmata harbour and it is known as the "City of Sails". This city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as The Auckland Domain, Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities all day. Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland's two harbours. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Maori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns. Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand of Piha beach beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. The perfect Auckland day trip. During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including biscuits and tea and coffee or juice.
Day 3: Full Day Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton Tour
This trip from Auckland to Rotorua includes the Hobbiton movie set tour. Departing from Auckland this is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton movie set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films. Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching the Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way down with insights about the areas you are traveling through and insights to the backgrounds to the movies. On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree. At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee (which is included in the price) you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour you will travel on to Rotorua (drop off at selected inner city Rotorua accommodation included).
Day 4: Half Day Rotorua Highlights Tour & Evening at Te Pa Tu The Gathering Place
Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols new and old, with a guided tour to Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural centre. These are small group tours no more than 12 people. Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural attraction. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and finally the Pohutu geyser. Next we visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs. A short visit to Kuirau Park to view a recent geothermal eruption site. Finish the day visiting the pristine and tranquil lakes of our amazing volcanic region, including views of Mount Tarawera with explanation of volcanic and Maori history.
Day 5: Rotorua to Wellington
Departure transfer from Rotorua - City Centre to Rotorua Airport. On arrival in Wellington, transfer from Wellington Airport to Wellington City Centre.
Day 6: Half-Day Wellington Highlights Tour
An unforgettable journey around the city's dramatic highlights where guests will travel around the earthquake-scarred South Coast to see the site of the Wahine ferry disaster and the distant ranges of the South Island, overlooked by coastal houses perched on the steep, rocky hills On the Half day tour, enjoy views of the harbour from the top of Mount Victoria and ride the steep cable car up to an incredible, far-reaching panorama. Visit the magnificent Parliament buildings and the famous Beehive; see the gorgeous, timber-built Old St Paul's Cathedral and enjoy a tea or coffee at a local cafe.
Day 7:Wellington to Queenstown
Departure transfer from Wellington City Centre to Wellington Airport. Transfer from Queenstown Airport to Queenstown - City Centre.
Day 8: Full Day Milford Sound Excursion
This Milford Sound day tour was established in 1994 and is a top-rated small group Milford Experience. It allows guests to escape the crowds and offer a truly unique day, showcasing this world famous region. On this full-day tour to Milford Sound enjoy guided commentary touring to and from Milford Sound with our experienced guides. These small group tours give guests the ability to get to know the driver and each other, creating a more personal and memorable experience. Once in Milford Sound, join a stunning 1-hr 45-min small boat nature cruise on the fiord - see waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy fun and informative commentary from your nature guide, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds. Enjoy custom made, 16 seat, glass roof Mercedes touring vehicles. This is business class travel with extended legroom, leather interior and panoramic windows for the best views. Travelling to Milford is a 12-13 hour day from Queenstown. The smaller vehicles give the opportunity to stay away from the crowds as well as more flexibility with where we stop on the journey.
Day 9: Day at Leisure in Queenstown
Enjoy the day as you wish. If you would like to arrange an activity, excursion, or other experience, please contact your Goway Destination Specialist.
Day 10: Queenstown to Franz Josef via Wanaka
This fully-guided, small group tour takes you through the picturesque landscape of Wanaka and Hawea lakes, over the stunning Haast Pass and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Led by a famously passionate Cheeky Kiwi guide, you'll get a unique glimpse into the rugged landscapes, natural gems and rich cultural heritage of the West Coast with multiple stops along the way. Travel in a modern, comfortable minibus packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.
Day 11: Half Day Franz Josef Cruise & Walking Tour
Discover the true beauty of the West Coast on a personalised scenic cruise of Lake Mapourika. Marvel at the rainforest-fringed bays reflecting the majestic alps and glaciers. Your guide will take you on a journey through scenic bays to discover the rich birdlife of Lake Mapourika. Learn about the unique environment that gives the region it's World Heritage Status. Enjoy exclusive access to a private rainforest trail through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Stepping off the boat, you'll find yourself transported into a Jurassic rainforest. Experience the pristine beauty of old-growth rainforest, untouched and preserved in its natural state. This haven is home to abundant birdlife, including the graceful white herons and New Zealand's native bush birds.
Day 12: Franz Josef to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine Railway
Discover the untamed beauty of New Zealand's West Coast on a one-of-a-kind small group tour and train journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch. This iconic journey takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and quaint towns, offering unforgettable opportunities to stop and explore. Led by a famously passionate Cheeky Kiwi guide, this is your chance to truly discover the rugged landscapes, spectacular natural wonders and charming towns of the West Coast. Travel in a modern, comfortable minibus packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. At Greymouth, hop on the Tranzalpine train for a trip that offers panoramic landscapes of the majestic Southern Alps up close. On arrival at Christchurch Train Station you will be picked up by Cheeky Kiwi for your transfer to your hotel.
Day 13: Depart from Christchurch
Departure transfer from the hotel to the Airport to connect to a flight to the onward destination.
For more Details: Contact us at 1-800-710-8747 || info@amta.com
