Marvel at the unrivaled views of the snow-capped mountains on the New Zealand Tour and indulge in the brilliance of the beautiful bioluminescence of glowworms at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Go bungee jumping at Queenstown and encounter the magnificent whales and dolphins at the waters of Kaikoura. Set out on the Hobbiton Movie Tour and go kayaking at the Bay OF Islands.

Highlights

Visited Places:

• Auckland

• Rotorua

• Christchurch

• Queenstown

• Franz Josef

Travel Experience:

• Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea

• Hobbiton Movie Set

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves

• Maori culture

• Rotorua sightseeing tour

• Southern Alps

• Adventure capital – Queenstown

• Milford Sound Nature Cruise

• Adventure capital – Queenstown

• Walking / Hiking

• Franz Josef Glacier

• TranzAlpine scenic train

Notes

Tour Start

AUCKLAND

Tour End

CHRISTCHURCH

Destination

NEW ZEALAND

Flights

Arrival: Day01 before 3pm

Return: Day10 anytime after 12pm

FLY IN Airport: Auckland Airport (AKL)

FLY OUT Airport: Presidente Christchurch International Airport (CHC)

Meeting Point

The group meets at the arrival airport or at the hotel on Day01.

More details will be provided via group chat on WhatsApp

Availability

Seat available till the booking is open!

Balance due 2 months before the tour departure date!

* Minimum number of members requires for all group tour. Please confirm with the organizer before any flight booking!

Itinerary

Day01

AUCKLAND

auckland skyline new zealand | Bucket List Group Travel

Description:

Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed ‘City of Sails’ is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central city museums and galleries on foot, or take a drive through one of over 800 regional National Parks to see deserted beaches, waterfalls, and native forest.

Activities Included:

Airport transfer

Free day to explore the city

Optional Activities:

Harbour Dinner Cruise – $100 pp

Accommodation:

Hotel in Auckland

Day02

GLOWWORM CAVES - HOBBITON

Waitomo glowing worm cave | Bucket List Group Travel

Description:

Take a journey into the heart of the Central North Island, taking in the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Movie Set on a full-day sightseeing tour. Setting off from Auckland, travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Take a guided tour of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, located inside a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep and beef farm near Matamata. Here, the village of Hobbiton was carefully created in amazing detail as a film location for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies. During your guided tour of this amazing location you’ll see sights like Hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch at the Green Dragon Inn.

At the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, take a 45-minute guided tour through impressive underground caverns and learn how stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone structures were formed over millions of years. Your tour includes a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto – glide silently along an underground river as you gaze at the twinkling glowworms overhead.

After visiting Waitomo and Hobbiton, continue to Rotorua, arriving in the early evening.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.

Activities Included:

Guided sightseeing

Waitomo glowworm caves

Hobbiton

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Picnic lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel in Rotorua

Day03

MITAI MAORI VILLAGE

rotorua maori mital village | Bucket List Group Travel

Description:

Discover three of Rotorua’s best visitor attractions on this morning Rotorua sightseeing tour. Gain an insight into New Zealand’s Māori culture at Te Puia. You’ll see Te Puia’s woodcarving and weaving schools and see how these ancient Māori art forms are being passed on to a new generation of master artists. Experience Rotorua’s famous geothermal activity with a tour of the neighbouring Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Then onto the Agrodome, a working organic farm where you can find out all about farming life in New Zealand, watch a sheep shearing display and see sheep dog trials where the hard-working farm dogs show off their amazing skills. New Zealand wildlife and natural scenery is on display at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you can get up close to all kinds of native flora and fauna including the famous kiwi, a flightless native bird.

An evening at Mitai will give you an awe-inspiring introduction to the indigenous Maori culture. Marvel at the beautiful bush setting and see warriors in traditional dress who paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-whiro stream while trout and eels swim beneath the surface. Enjoy a traditionally cooked hangi meal and round your evening off with a spectacular cultural performance that tells the story of the Maori people, their past, carvings, and ta Moko -Tattoo art. Be captivated by the displays of weaponry and combat and be amazed by the spine tingling Haka finale. Truly an experience to remember.

Wear suitable clothing and comfortable walking shoes as some of this evening’s activities are outdoors.

Activities Included:

Guided sightseeing in Rotorua

Mitai Maori Village

Optional Activities:

Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa – $40 pp

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel in Rotorua

Day04

CHRISTCHURCH

christchurch new zealand | Bucket List Group Travel

Description:

Its time to say goodbye to North Island as today you will catch an early flight to Christchurch (South Island), on arrival you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

The rest of the day is free to explore the city.

Activities Included:

Airport transfer

Flight to Christchurch (one way)

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel in Christchurch

Day05

CHRISTCHURCH - QUEENSTOWN

mount cook new zealand | Bucket List Group Travel

Description:

Leaving Christchurch in the morning, travel through the fertile farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the shores of the stunning, glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the spectacular Southern Alps. Then continue to the location of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook, situated in a national park and UNESCO World Heritage site. Rising to 3,754 metres high, Aoraki certainly lives up to its name, which in Māori can be translated as ‘cloud piercer’.

At Mt Cook Village you’ll enjoy lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel. After lunch, you’ll have time to explore the village and soak up the view. The tour continues south, past Lake Pukaki, and through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. En route, enjoy a stop in the quaint village of Omarama. Your tour concludes in the evening upon reaching Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.

Activities Included:

Sightseeing on the way to Queenstown

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel in Queenstown

Day06

QUEENSTOWN

queenstown new zealand | Bucket List Group Travel

Description:

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Although celebrated as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders.

Suggested activities:

Go hiking – Queenstown Hill

The Queenstown Hill walk is one of the best short hikes around Queenstown. The name just says it all! To get to the top of Queenstown Hill you’ll need to climb 600 meters (2000 feet) over the 2.5 kilometers. The total hike time is around 2 hours depending on how much time you spend at the top enjoying the view.

Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed. Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls. This 25 minute white water ride includes 360 degree spins and maximum thrills.

Nevis Bungy Jump

The Nevis Bungy is New Zealand’s highest bungy at 134 metres and 8 1/2 seconds of freefall. Located in the Nevis Valley high above the Nevis River this is the ultimate adrenaline experience.

Shotover River White Water Rafting

The upper section of the Shotover River gives rafters time to practice their paddle techniques before they hit the whitewater of the lower Canyon. Paddle numerous rapids such as Rock Garden, Jaws,

TSS Earnslaw

A 1 ½ hour scenic cruise on board the coal fired vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. You will cruise from Queenstown Bay to Walter Peak High Country Farm (without going ashore) and return.

Activities Included:

Free day to explore Queenstown

Optional Activities:

Queenstown Skyline Gondola Ride – $30 pp

Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure – $105 pp

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel in Queenstown

Day07

MILFORD SOUND NATURE CRUISE

MILFORD SOUND NATURE CRUISE

Description:

Return luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with an extended two hour Nature Cruise along the full length of the fiord. On board a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the Milford Mariner for a leisurely extended cruise of the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rain forest, mountains and wildlife with extensive commentary by the onboard nature guide.

Please bring comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing and insect repellent.

Activities Included:

Milford Sound Nature Cruise with return luxury coach transfers

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel in Queenstown

Day08

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER

Franz Josef Glacier | Bucket List Group Travel

Description:

From Queenstown to Franz Josef discover the wild beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast. Leaving Queenstown, travel by luxury coach through the stunning scenery of the South Island. Your driver guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out sites of interest as you pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. After a morning tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you’ll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Skirt the coast and see waves crashing on rocky beaches before returning inland. Before arriving in the afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.

You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area. You will be returned to your accommodation by the Glacier Valley Shuttles.

Activities Included:

Glacier Valley Shuttle

Sightseeing on the way to Franz Josef

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel in Franz Josef Glacier Village

Day09

TRANZALPINE SCENIC TRAIN

TranzAlpine-train | Bucket List Group Travel

Description:

This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Stop at the Bushman’s Centre for refreshments and a chance to experience a bit of West Coast humour. Continue through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand’s richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival in Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch and explore the town centre. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing being the other major industries. Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

Considered one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You’ll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur’s Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.

NOTE: Your TranzAlpine train departs Greymouth Train Station at 14:05. Please check-in at least 20 minutes before departure by presenting your reference number to the ticket office. You will receive your boarding pass and your suitcases (large bags) will be checked in.

Your train is scheduled to arrive at Christchurch Train Station at 18:30. Get transferred to the hotel on arrival.

Activities Included:

TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Sightseeing half day on the way to Greymouth

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Accommodation:

Hotel in Christchurch

Day10

CHRISTCHURCH

Hobbiton New Zealand | Bucket List Group Travel

Description:

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and the guide as the tour ends today with breakfast at the hotel. Check out is usually by 11am so book your return flight accordingly. Hoping that you have captured the best moments on camera and packed in a host of travel memories to carry back home with you.

Activities Included:

Airport transfer

Meals Included:

Breakfast

COMBINE THIS TOUR WITH AUSTRALIA

Follow the link below

AUSTRALIA - NEW ZEALAND

australia new zealand landscape | Bucket List Group Travel

Best Of Australia And New Zealand 17 Days Group Tour

17 Days

From

$5,350

VIEW DETAILS

Inclusions

Price Includes

Airport pickup and transfers

9 Breakfast @ Hotels

3 lunch

1 Dinner

9 nights hotel accommodation

One way flight (Auckland – Christchurch)

Transportation in A/C bus / Van (shared)

Excursions and activities as per the itinerary

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Glacier Valley Shuttle

TranzAlpine Scenic Train

Tour leader

Price Excludes

International Flights

Meals (other than mentioned above)

Personal Expenses

Tips and gratuities

Transfers other than mentioned in the Itinerary (available at extra cost)

Travel insurance / Visa

For more details follow the link:https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/new-zealand-10-days-highlights-of-north-and-south-islands/