New Zealand Discoverer
Take in the highlights of the North and South islands. Visit key cities and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of New Zealand at places such as Rotorua, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Queenstown, Aoraki Mt Cook and the west coast’s glacier country.
- 26 May 2026 – 06 Jun 2026
from $6,695 pp twin share / $10,195 pp solo * - 08 Sep 2026 – 19 Sep 2026
from $7,195 pp twin share / $10,795 pp solo * - 15 Sep 2026 – 26 Sep 2026
from $7,195 pp twin share / $10,795 pp solo * - 22 Sep 2026 – 03 Oct 2026
from $7,195 pp twin share / $10,795 pp solo * - 29 Sep 2026 – 10 Oct 2026
from $7,195 pp twin share / $10,795 pp solo * - 13 Oct 2026 – 24 Oct 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 20 Oct 2026 – 31 Oct 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 27 Oct 2026 – 07 Nov 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 10 Nov 2026 – 21 Nov 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 17 Nov 2026 – 28 Nov 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 24 Nov 2026 – 05 Dec 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 01 Dec 2026 – 12 Dec 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 08 Dec 2026 – 19 Dec 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 12 Jan 2027 – 23 Jan 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 19 Jan 2027 – 30 Jan 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 26 Jan 2027 – 06 Feb 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 09 Feb 2027 – 20 Feb 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 16 Feb 2027 – 27 Feb 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 23 Feb 2027 – 06 Mar 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 02 Mar 2027 – 13 Mar 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 09 Mar 2027 – 20 Mar 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 16 Mar 2027 – 27 Mar 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 23 Mar 2027 – 03 Apr 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 30 Mar 2027 – 10 Apr 2027
from $7,295 pp twin share / $10,895 pp solo * - 06 Apr 2027 – 17 Apr 2027
from $7,195 pp twin share / $10,795 pp solo * - 13 Apr 2027 – 24 Apr 2027
from $7,195 pp twin share / $10,795 pp solo * - 20 Apr 2027 – 01 May 2027
from $7,195 pp twin share / $10,795 pp solo * - 04 May 2027 – 15 May 2027
from $7,095 pp twin share / $10,595 pp solo * - 07 Sep 2027 – 18 Sep 2027
from $7,395 pp * - 14 Sep 2027 – 25 Sep 2027
from $7,395 pp *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive Auckland:
Arrive in the ‘City of Sails’, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your premium hotel. This evening, enjoy a dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
- Day 2 – Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua:
Travel to Waitomo and embark on a memorable Insider Experience. Continue to Rotorua and visit Te Puia and discover its Māori cultural centre. Visit Whakarewarewa Valley, an active geothermal area with geysers, hot mineral pools and boiling mud. In the evening, enjoy another Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Visit Waitomo’s Glowworm Caves
Descend into the caves beneath the lush Waitomo hills and look up to see a cavern illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights. A sight to behold, the phenomenon is the work of glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand.
Insider Experience – Māori cultural immersion and geothermal wonders in Rotorua
Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you’ll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand’s national treasures at their new Kiwi Conservation Centre. That evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and the sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.
- Day 3 – Rotorua:
Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to the Agrodome, where you’ll meet animals and learn about life in rural New Zealand. Alternatively, you may like to partake in one of our Enhance Your Journey experience.
Enhance Your Journey – Hobbiton movie set and farm tour
Explore the iconic set from The Lord of the Rings films, featuring charming Hobbit Hole doors and the home of Frodo Baggins nestled in the hillsides. (own expense)
- Day 4 – Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington:
Travel the Thermal Explorer Highway and visit Lake Taupō and Huka Falls. Afterwards, journey to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This tightly knit city is home to a stunning waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, and quaint colourful timber houses on the surrounding hills.
- Day 5 – Wellington, Interislander Ferry, Christchurch:
Begin the day with an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue your journey onwards to Christchurch.
Insider Experience – Cruise the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry
Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic voyages on the Interislander ferry en route to Picton. Take in marvellous sights as you navigate Cook Strait, travelling from the North Island to the South Island.
- Day 6 – Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Fox Glacier:
Today begins with an Insider Experience. Later, take a scenic drive along the West Coast. This stunning region is home to the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests.
Insider Experience – Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass
Journey through the heart of the Southern Alps, passing dramatic gorges, alpine rivers, and lush beech forests aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. This scenic rail journey offers breathtaking views and a relaxing way to experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.
- Day 7 – Fox Glacier, Queenstown:
A stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Bask in idyllic views at Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it’s great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you’re after, Queenstown has something just for you.
- Day 8 – Queenstown:
Start the day with an Insider Experience. Then, enjoy lunch at Queenstown’s famous Fergburger. With the rest of the day free for you to spend at leisure, you may like to try one of our Enhance Your Journey select experiences.
Insider Experience – Ride by Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak in Queenstown
Ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, 480 metres high. Marvel at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and the town sprawling out beneath you.
Enhance Your Journey – Million Dollar Cruise
Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which swim in the lake’s waters.
Enhance Your Journey – Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls.
Enhance Your Journey – TSS Earnslaw Cruise
Join the historic steamer TSS Earnslaw on a cruise to Walter Peak Station for dinner, where you will gain an insight into farming life in New Zealand’s high country.
- Day 9 – Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau:
Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the incredible Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Later, travel to the lakeside town of Te Anau.
Insider Experience – Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular scenery
Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter.
- Day 10 – Te Anau, Dunedin:
Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.
- Day 11 – Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo/Takapō:
See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you will enjoy an Insider Experience. Later, arrive at Peppers Bluewater Resort for a Farewell Dinner.
Insider Experience – Admire stunning views at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Travel through the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and stop to admire breathtaking views of New Zealand’s highest peak.
Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at Lake Tekapo/Takapō
Say ‘ka kite ano’ (see you again) to New Zealand and your fellow travellers at a special dinner at Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort on the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Enjoy exquisite locally inspired cuisine prepared by world-class chefs as you celebrate the end of your Kiwi adventure with newfound friends.
- Day 12 – Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Depart Christchurch:
Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking lake views of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Then continue on to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.
Highlights
- Explore stunning natural wonders like Milford Sound, Queenstown, and the West Coast glaciers.
- Immerse yourself in Māori culture with insider experiences in Rotorua.
- Travel in comfort with premium accommodation and expert local guides.
Take in the highlights of the North and South islands. Visit key cities and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of New Zealand at places such as Rotorua, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Queenstown, Aoraki Mt Cook and the west coast’s glacier country.
Inclusions
- Visit Waitomo’s glowworm caves.
- Māori Cultural Immersion in Rotorua.
- Cruise the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry.
- Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass.
FAQs
- Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
- Hotel Elms Christchurch
- Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
- Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Peppers Bluewater Resort
- Novotel Wellington
- Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
- Sudima Hotel Auckland
- Two Nights, Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
- Two Nights, Sudima Lake Rotorua
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 12 days and 11 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 26 May 2026 and 20 May 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Travel MarvelFine Print
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