Spirit of New Zealand

Auckland
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Dozens of lakes, rivers and waterfalls. Just as many beaches. A good dose of Māori history and culture. Glaciers, gorges and bubbling geysers. Wine, wonderful food and wildlife. It sounds like the recipe for the best New Zealand tour ever. We haven’t even touched on the forward-thinking cities and atmospheric towns you’ll encounter on a Christchurch tour, Wellington tour, Bay of Islands tour... And so much more. Pack your stamina.

Departure dates

From 30/01/2025 to 09/04/2025

What's included

Highlights.
We’ve crafted an itinerary with plenty of two-night stays, so you can sleep in and take the pulse of your destination, whether Queenstown, Wellington, Nelson or Rotorua.
From the bubbling geysers of Rotorua to the gem-like surface of Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, nature and culture unite across the North and South islands.
The Real Country Farm Show offers an authentic taste of in the trip price.
Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 4.
00pm into Christchurch AirportDay 21 – flights to depart any time from Auckland AirportLow level of fitness required.
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• Specialist team of two highly experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide • Comfortable accommodation with easy access to city centres • National Park entrance fees.
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Itinerary / more information

  • Day 1 Community spirit is strong in Christchurch, as you'll discover exploring its streets at your leisure. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers this evening for a Welcome Reception.
  • Day 2 More of Christchurch is revealed before the colours of the Canterbury Plains spread before you: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, snowcapped mountains and atmospheric towns. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You'll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.
  • Day 3 Architectural drama awaits in Dunedin. While away the afternoon in atmospheric art-lined alleys or sipping a lager or two in Speight's Brewery (a national institution). Or venture further afield to discover Larnach Castle, fur seals and penguins.
  • Day 4 Invercargill is obsessed with motor vehicles. Tributes to speed legends colour the city. So it's only fitting that you visit Classic Motorcycle Mecca for a self-guided tour followed by a guided tour and Highlight Dinner at Transport World, exploring classic vehicles as you are transported on a nostalgic walk back in time.
  • Day 5 Wild, wide and wonderful, Stewart Island's rugged coastline cuts a dramatic form in the Southern Ocean. It's largely untouched, which means that endemic flora and fauna thrive. But don't take our word for it. Meet the locals on a tour through the Village and Bays.
  • Day 6 The Real Country Farm Show, offers an authentic taste of what rural New Zealand is like. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER(R) Experience. Continue to Queenstown and take the afternoon at your own pace.
  • Day 7 Consider an epic journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, carved by waterfalls and a playground for dolphins and seals? (Own expense). There's a reason why this part of the island has World Heritage status. You choose today's path.
  • Day 8 We know you'll want to linger in Arrowtown's movie-set-like streets, lined with trees and character-filled boutiques and restaurants. But the Alpine countryside of the Southern Lakes is calling. Over the Haast Pass, the pretty town of Franz Josef/Waiau, at the edge of Westland World Heritage Park, awaits.
  • Day 9 Wander Hokitika's windswept coast before discovering the town's other beauty: pounamu (native greenstone or jade). Prepare yourself for Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and blowholes; they owe their existence to the thundering surf that will lull you to sleep.
  • Day 10 Ease along the Heritage Highway toward Nelson. Press your nose against the glass as your coach weaves through Buller Gorge and Kahurangi National Park.
  • Day 11 Lace up your hiking shoes and head off on a bushwalk, or cruise through Abel Tasman National Park (own expense). This pocket in the north of the island inspires calm, its golden beaches framed by sculpted granite cliffs.
  • Day 12 All aboard the Interislander for a cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound to Wellington.
  • Day 13 Travel to Napier. Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier's special point of difference.
  • Day 14 Experience The Daily Deco Tour for an insight into how Napier City became the Art Deco capital of the world. This comprehensive tour takes you on an historic timeline, sharing stories and showcasing the transformation and how Napier City and its people were resilient after the infamous 1931 Hawke's Bay Earthquake, rebuilding the city they love into a fabulous and stylish 'time warp' Art Deco!
  • Day 15 This afternoon, explore Te Puia's geothermal valley, and learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, including a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate, you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands.
  • Day 16 Today is one of decisions. Bliss out at Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa; take the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour or board a scenic flight for a bird's-eye view (all own expense).
  • Day 17 Today your sights are firmly set on New Zealand's national game: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture.
  • Day 18 The Bay of Islands is undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical significance: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Your guide, perhaps a descendent of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance.
  • Day 19 Trip the light fantastic and head off in whatever direction you please. Perhaps travel up to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach. Or glide around on an historic tall ship, cruise to the Hole in the Rock or join a tour of Russell (all own expense).
  • Day 20 For a little more northern exposure, make your way to Whangarei, the island's most northerly outpost and a place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums. Explore at your leisure before the commute back to Auckland for your Farewell Dinner.
  • Day 21 Over three weeks, we hope you've packed your address book with the names of new friends and your camera with photos. But at the end of the day, it's the memories that will fuel your flight home.
  • Prices quoted valid for sale until 20 October 2024 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
  • Price is per person and subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
  • Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
  • Local payments, "trip kittys" or food funds may apply and may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel agent prior to your departure. Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
  • Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
  • Additional conditions and travel restrictions may apply. Please enquire for further details.
  • Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at time of publication.
  • Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.
  • Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
  • Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
  • Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.
  • These prices are a guide to the best price. Prices are correct as at 15 October 2024 and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. Please enquire for further details.

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