Enter the sensational world of New Zealand, where the culture resounds and the landscapes take your breath away. The rolling mountain ranges are seemingly endless. The ocean is incredibly calm. Waterfalls thunder down mountains as geysers explode into the sky. The saw-toothed mountains pierce the sky. The turquoise glacial lakes glisten in the sunlight. The consuming darkness disappears within the bright luminescence of glowworms. Step into the ineffable world of New Zealand and experience its...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Auckland – Arrive to New Zealand
Arrive in Auckland, the City of Sails, and experience the delights of New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city. Ships sway in the gentle waters of the harbor. Islands linger along the horizon, ranging from fashionable suburbs to uninhabited craters. The skyline towers over the city, including Skytower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. The gentle breeze glides through Queens Street, the pulse of the city’s urban life. The scent of rich coffees and fresh, sweet macaroons floats away from the shops. The street is gilded with fashion that highlights a mixture of European tastes with Polynesian flair. Whether you stroll along the shops and vibrant life of Queens Street or choose to explore the outlying Waiheke Island, where art, wine, nature, and food create a fabulous day of exploration, Auckland is filled with pearls in and out of the city center.
What's Included:
Day 2
Rotorua – Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Day 3
Rotorua – Cultural Joys
Day 4
Christchurch – The Not–So-Secret Garden
Day 5
Queenstown – Alpine Majesty of Mount Cook
Day 6
Queenstown – Day Excursion to Milford Sound
Day 7
Queenstown – Delightful Exploration
Day 8
Franz Josef – Enchanting Glacier
Day 9
Christchurch – Cheerful Trains and Mountaintops
Trip Highlights
- Experience the inspiring cultural history of Rotorua
- Explore the breathtaking world of Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Sail through the majestic Milford Sound
- See the tallest peak in the Southern Hemisphere, Mount Cook
- Traverse the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
- Experience the Waitomo Caves and the Glowworm Grotto
- Enjoy the luxuries of the alpine city of Queenstown
- Witness the majesty of the Franz Josef Glacier
Detailed Description
Experience the unparalleled delights of New Zealand on this 9-day adventure through the exceptional, charming, and ineffable sights of the North and South Island. Whether in the lush summer months or the paradise of winter, the landscapes, and the flavors are always breathtaking in magnitude, and the people are always charming and friendly. From the cultural history of the Maori, the alpine charm of Queenstown, to the towering beauty of Mount Cook, New Zealand will be sure to delight you, entice you, and keep you wanting more.
Begin your journey through the North Island upon your arrival in Auckland, the City of Sails. The day is yours to explore the wonderful delights of the city, from the Polynesian influence, to the flavors of the surrounding islands. As you make your way to Rotorua you will experience the deep luminescence of the Waitomo Caves and the Glowworm Grotto. Once in Rotorua you will be welcomed into the Maori community with a feast and an introduction into the culture and history of the indigenous people. The exploration of Rotorua continues with a tour of Te Puia Thermal Reserve where the earth froths, the mud boils, and the pools sizzle. Witness the exceptional sights of the city’s natural and cultural wonders as you visit the Agrodome and the Rainbow Springs Nature Reserve, who take seriously the charge to repopulate the endangered kiwi.
The delights of the South Island begin as you set down in Christchurch, the Garden City, filled with blossoming parks and gardens that are sure to impress. The looming peak of Mount Cook is yours to explore as you make your way through Mount Cook National Park, whether from a far or on a fabulous scenic flight, on your way to the alpine luxuries of Queenstown. Enjoy the unparalleled cruise through the famous Milford Sound as you drift through the waters of the Fiordland National Park. Take advantage of the opportunity to venture through Queenstown at your leisure to experience all the enchantments that the city offers before you depart for Franz Josef.
The alpine town of Franz Josef gives you the perfect place to see the Franz Josef Glacier whether on foot or in the sky, glowing in the drifting sun. Your final day will have you comfortably winding through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train, taking you back to Christchurch where your final evening waits to be enjoyed. The sounds, sights, flavors, and joys on this trip to New Zealand are never-ending and will forever fill you with delight at the very thought of them.
Starting Price
$10,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service
4.85 stars based on 1708 reviews.
We absolutely loved so much of our trip! My kids’ (ages 11 and eight) favorite activities were luging in Rotorua, NZ, and the sunset camel ride in Uluru, AU, while my husband and I were enchanted by Hobbiton and enjoyed exploring a glowworm cave with the owner's father! We all loved Tasmania.
There were a few hiccups. However, we were very happy with all the support the Zicasso travel company's team provided in real time to help us get back on track.
The overall trip was fantastic. My husband and I appreciated having the team support our adventures, both the highs and the lows. The team members were detailed-oriented. This trip exceeded our expectations and we’re incredibly grateful for their expertise in curating such memorable experiences.
Reviewed By Sivly R.
The trip was awesome; the trip of a lifetime! We saw/experienced everything we could imagine. The trip reflected all of our wish-list items. Zicasso's travel specialist was very accommodating to our ideas and was very detail-oriented. We didn't have to worry about a thing on this vacation.
Reviewed By Sharon B.
We had a fabulous time celebrating my 75th birthday in New Zealand and Bora Bora. Zicasso's travel specialist was fantastic to work with. She was very responsive to all of our questions and concerns and even checked in with us numerous times while we were on the trip. I'd highly recommend her and the travel company when traveling to New Zealand or French Polynesia.
Reviewed By Paul S.
Zicasso's travel specialist worked with us every step of the way to create an amazing itinerary filled with adventure in New Zealand and luxurious relaxation in Fiji. She helped us adjust the itinerary until it was just right. Unfortunately, there were a couple of excursions that were impacted by the weather and other logistics, which impacted our experience, but it was not her fault and she was willing to try to find other options.
Reviewed By Stephanie G.
Great trip! Zicasso's travel planner was responsive to our needs and put together an enjoyable trip. It was organized, with all documents in order and no surprises!
Reviewed By Lisa D.
The process was straightforward and Zicasso's trip planner was very easy to work with. She came up with an itinerary that we were able to tweak and work with to fit our timeline and expectations.
Reviewed By Jodi R.