16 DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW ZEALAND
NEW ZEALAND TRIP
Explore all the iconic attractions of the North and South islands such as the breathtaking Milford Sound.
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Start Location: Christchurch
End Location: Auckland
TOP HIGHLIGHTS
- Haggis Ceremony & Gift
- Larnach Castle
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
- Te Papa, NZ's National Museum
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Thermal mud pools & geysers
- Traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
- Dolphin / Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Kauri Museum
- City sights tour of Christchurch
- City sights tour of Dunedin
- City sights tour of Wellington
- City sights tour of Auckland
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred your hotel.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Omarama
After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama.
Overnight: Omarama
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Omarama - Dunedin
Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Overnight: Dunedin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour including Devonshire Tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Queenstown at Leisure
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, including the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel's Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Queenstown - Arrowtown - Fox Glacier
Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.
Overnight: Fox Glacier
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Fox Glacier - Arthur\'s Pass - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur's Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Wellington
Today explore this exciting region and enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand's capital Wellington. A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Also enjoy the Gallipoli Exhibition. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure this afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua
Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that's unlike anything you've seen before. Enjoy some free time before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Rotorua - Auckland - Bay of Islands
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to the Bay of Islands, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.
Overnight: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Bay of Islands
This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.
Overnight: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Bay of Islands - Auckland
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner and a complimentary drink with your new found friends.
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16: Depart Auckland
Time to say goodbye. You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
DATES & PRICES
We accept 
Interested in this trip? Contact Us for 2021 dates and prices
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 15 nights of accommodation
- Travel by coach
- Professional driver
- Professional tour guide
EXCLUSIONS
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our specialists can take away the stress and create a custom trip tailored to your exact interests and budget.
Get A Custom Quote
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
Custom Trip Plans
You can see what you want, when you want, how you want.
Unique Experiences
Experiences that help you take in the region in a different way.
Freedom To Explore
Time to take in each place with only the tours you want to do.
Tour Questions
What is the maximum number of travellers in a group?
Anderson Vacations specializes in Small Group Fully Escorted tours. If the tour is classified as a 'Classic Tour', up to of 24 persons may join the tour although tours commonly travel with anywhere between 18 to 24 travellers.
However, if the tour is classified as a 'Tour of Distinction, only up to of 18 persons join the tour and many Tours of Distinction travel with 12 to 18 travellers.
What are Guaranteed Departures?
After dreaming about travel to an exciting destination, arranging for time off work, booking your flights the last thing you need is for your trip to be cancelled. Anderson vacation's Pre-Guaranteed tours take the uncertainty away from planning your travel and give you peace of mind to book our tours.
Pre-Guaranteed Tours are group tours that we have already confirmed as certain to travel on the specified date. All 'Guaranteed Tours' will travel except in the event of a natural disaster or a catastrophic event that is beyond our control. They may already have the minimum number of people booked or else are tours that are known to be popular. Select departures of many tours are 'Pre- Guaranteed'.
What is the average age of passengers for this tour?
Our tours are suitable for all age demographics. The average age of travelers is typically 45+
How physically demanding is this tour? Are you able to accommodate people with mobility restrictions/limitations?
Some tours are mainly coach based and may not be physically demanding while others may require walking inclines or on rough surfaces to access interesting locations. Please check with us and your booking agent carefully and discuss your mobility restrictions before completing any tour booking to ensure this style of travel is right for you.
How much luggage should I bring?
Each passenger may bring one large suitcase and one carry-on bag. The weight limit for baggage is 20 kilograms or about 40 pounds. Baggage handling is provided at the hotels in our tour packages but there may be places where you will be required to wheel in your bags for quicker access. Be sure to advise our reservations staff if you will be bringing additional items such as a cane, walker or wheelchair. You may also bring one small soft-sided carry-on bag, which should easily fit into the overhead shelf of a coach. Each person is responsible for his/her own carryon luggage. Remember to check your airline baggage restrictions if you are flying, as they may differ from Anderson Vacations guidelines.
What is your recommended spending amount for non-included meals?
The suggested allowance for non-included meals is $40.00 – $60.00 CAD per day (with tipping).
Can you accommodate passengers with dietary restrictions (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian etc.)?
Yes, but within reason. There are many meals included on our fully escorted tours. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking so we can ensure there are alternative meal choices.
Booking & Flight Questions
Do you arrange airport transfers?
Yes! We can help with booking airport transfers for you in most locations at a reasonable extra cost. Several tours have airport transfers already included. Please ask for details.
Can you assist with booking additional accommodation?
Yes! We can certainly assist with booking additional nights of hotel accommodation for you before and after your fully escorted tour. Please inquire for further information and prices.
Can you assist with booking airline flights?
Yes! We can help with booking your flights for you. We do not recommend you book any flights until you receive your booking confirmation from Anderson Vacations including specific confirmation that your tour is 'Guaranteed'. Please be aware that you may be liable for airline cancellation costs should your tour not become guaranteed and your travel dates need to be amended or cancelled.
I am a solo traveler. Is there a single surcharge?
There are options for single travelers to join most tours. Solo travellers can choose to pay a Single Supplement and have their own room throughout the tour. For those willing to share with a co-traveller of the same gender, we have a Twin Share option that is offered for most tours where you share a hotel rooms with another same gender traveller. No Single Supplement payment is charged to you in this case.
Is it possible to book a triple share accommodation?
Yes, it is possible to book triple share accommodations on select trips. Please inquire about this option, as prices and availability varies from tour to tour.
Can we book this tour with our exclusive group?
Anderson Vacations works with many private groups and helps to customize a tour to travellers needs. Please ask us for details.
Are gratuities included in the tour cost?
For convenience, gratuities for local guides and meals that are specified in the itinerary are included in the tour price. For meals not included in your tour package please remember that it is customary to tip your server 10-20% in North America. Gratuities for your Coach Driver (where appropriate)and Tour Director are entirely at your discretion. We recommend about CDN $5.00 per person, per day, for your Driver and CDN$7.00 per person, per day for your Tour Leader.
Ready? Have More Questions?
Over 25 years offering custom trips and small group tours.
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS TRIP
OR CALL
1.866.814.7378
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Tour Code
16HN
16 Day Highlights of New Zealand
16 days
Created On: 26 Jan 2022
Highlights
- Haggis Ceremony & Gift
- Larnach Castle
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Lakes District Museum
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
- Te Papa, NZ's National Museum
- Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge Ride
- Agrodome
- Thermal mud pools & geysers
- Traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
- Dolphin / Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Kauri Museum
- City sights tour of Christchurch
- City sights tour of Dunedin
- City sights tour of Wellington
- City sights tour of Auckland
Inclusions
- 15 nights of accommodation
- Travel by coach
- Professional driver
- Professional tour guide
Exclusions
- Airfare unless specified as included within the itinerary
- Taxes as applicable
- Travel Insurance and Cancellation Protection (strongly recommended, ask us for a quote!)
- Gratuities for Local Guides, Tour Managers, and/or Bus Drivers
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary
- Items (attractions and sightseeing & entrance fees) not listed as included in the itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred your hotel.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Omarama
After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama.
Overnight: Omarama
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Omarama - Dunedin
Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Overnight: Dunedin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour including Devonshire Tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Overnight: Te Anau
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Queenstown at Leisure
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, including the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel's Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Queenstown - Arrowtown - Fox Glacier
Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.
Overnight: Fox Glacier
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Fox Glacier - Arthur\'s Pass - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur's Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Wellington
Today explore this exciting region and enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand's capital Wellington. A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Also enjoy the Gallipoli Exhibition. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure this afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Overnight: Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua
Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that's unlike anything you've seen before. Enjoy some free time before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13: Rotorua - Auckland - Bay of Islands
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to the Bay of Islands, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.
Overnight: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Bay of Islands
This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.
Overnight: Paihia, Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15: Bay of Islands - Auckland
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner and a complimentary drink with your new found friends.
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16: Depart Auckland
Time to say goodbye. You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
