North & South Island Private Tour [AANZ27]

9 Days / 7 Nights - North & South Island, New Zealand

Arrive in Auckland, with it's mixture of landscapes, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Not only is Auckland close to the beaches but it is also close to over twelve different Islands

Next is Rotorua, an exciting city with a vast history, tradition and culture. It is surrounded by volcanoes, lakes, parks and is a great place to go hiking or to view native birds and animals. The surrounding areas are a geothermal wonderland, with geysers, boiling mud pools, and steaming craters. Rotorua is also a showcase of Maori cultural activities and a place of exceptional natural beauty.

Then off to Queenstown, which is known as the Adventure Capital of the World. A reputation earned through the actions of a number of locally residing thrill seekers who have developed several unbelievable, adrenalin stirring, sanity-reducing adventures in a wildly exciting environment.

Last is Christchurch, located on the east coast of the South Island. Christchurch is just like the rest of New Zealand, it is a city of contrasts. It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation (Breakfast included) - Auckland (1 Night), Rotorua (2 Nights), Queenstown (2 Nights), Christchurch (2 Nights)
• US Domestic Flights are Not Included (as per your Own Arrangements)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Auckland (return)
• New Zealand Domestic Flights - Rotorua to Queenstown, Queenstown to Christchurch, Christchurch to Auckland
• Private Transfers - Auckland Airport to Accommodation, Rotorua Accommodation to Airport, Queenstown Airport to Accommodation (return), Christchurch Airport to Accommodation (return)
• Day Tours - Auckland: Auckland Harbour Cruise, Deluxe Coach to Rotorua; Rotorua: Helicopter tour over White Island; Queenstown: Gondola Ride, Doubtful Sound; Christchurch: Trans Alpine Safari
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

(Day 1 cont) - International Flight, Los Angeles to Auckland, New Zealand

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Auckland.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

(Day 2) - Private Transfer, Auckland Airport to Accommodation

Travel by private car from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

Luggage: 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on per person

(Days 2 to 3) - 1 Night Accommodation in Auckland

Hyatt Regency Auckland is a 5 star luxury hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. Enjoy stunning views of the Auckland harbour and parks. Located just a few minutes walk from Auckland city centre, within easy access of Auckland's numerous attractions and just 40 minutes from Auckland Airport.

Your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand features a business center, an on site florist and the Spa at the Hyatt boutique to pamper yourself with. Auckland's centre of entertainment, dining, and nightlife, the Viaduct Harbour precinct, is just a short walk away. Experience the rich New Zealand culture as you travel to Rotorua and its geothermal springs. Or maybe travel to New Zealand's Waitakere and Hunua Ranges, to the west and south of the city centre respectively, to take you deep into cool, peaceful rainforests.

(Day 2 cont) - Day Tour - Auckland Harbour Cruise

Visit a true thing of beauty and cruise the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbour!

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Head out on this one and a half hour tour to see the Devonport Naval Base, travel past the township and North Head, then cruise towards the iconic Rangitoto Island as you pass the historic Bean Rock lighthouse. You'll pass under the Harbour Bridge twice and then off to Westhaven Marina to catch a glance at the viaduct harbour bustling with super yachts! This cruise also gives you a chance to "hop-on, hop-off" and discover nearby islands at your leisure.

Daily at 10.30am & 1.30pm. Tours do not operate on Christmas day.

(Day 3) - Day Tour, Deluxe Coach to Rotorua

On your vacation travel by deluxe luxury coach to the Waitomo Glow-Worm Caves and the spectacular geothermal regions of Rotorua, New Zealand.

DEPART AUCKLAND: Travel the main Southern Highway through small rural townships steeped in early pioneer history. Your host serves morning tea during this sector.

WAIKATO: Travel through New Zealand's largest dairy and sheep farming province. Travel the outskirts of Hamilton City via the small farming settlements towards the King Country, birthplace of the Maori Monarchy.

WAITOMO GLOW WORM CAVES: Join a guided tour through this world-famous cave formation, climaxed by drifting silently in a boat through a glow worm cavern lit up with thousands of tiny glow worm lights.

LIGHT LUNCH: Served on-board as we make our way to Rotorua through magnificent rural farmland with its vast numbers of grazing animals.

ROTORUA: New Zealand's highest city, 305 meters (1000 feet) above sea level, located inside the rim of a volcanic crater. An area of great geothermal activity. We visit the following attractions:

AGRODOME FARM TOUR: An introduction to New Zealand farming, with a 45-minute tour of an authentic working farm in all-weather, all-terrain vehicles. Watch a sheep being shorn and hand-feed the animals.
Optional Upgrades:
1. Choose to go Zorb globe riding inside a giant inflatable ball instead of the Agrodome Farm Tour.
OR
2. Replace the Agrodome Farm Tour with a soak in an award-winning Polynesian spa.

LAKE ROTORUA: Drive through the foreshore park past the hundreds of ducks and swans. Then through the beautiful historic Government Gardens.

TE PUIA INSTITUTE (MAORI ARTS & CRAFTS AND WHAKAREWAREWA THERMAL RESERVE): One of Rotorua's most famous attractions. See woodcarving, weaving displays, Maori village and the thermal valley with the famous Pohutu Geyser, fumaroles, colourful silica deposits and boiling mud pools.

This tour ends in Rotorua.

(Days 3 to 5) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Rotorua

Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Lake Rotorua, Peppers on the Point is an intimate luxury retreat featuring spectacular views to the historic Mokoia Island.

This stunning retreat offers the perfect base for experiencing New Zealand's rich culture or you can simply relax and enjoy the tranquility of this stunning location from the comfort of our inviting entertainment rooms with open fireplaces. Just five minutes from the heart of Rotorua City, Peppers on the Point is located on Kawaha Point Road and comprises of an exquisitely furnished converted 1930s mansion.

Without leaving the retreats surrounds you can indulge in a heavenly massage at our onsite spa, try fly fishing from our private beach, enjoy water sports and tennis or even spend your day boating. Peppers on the Point's dining room is also renowned for serving fabulous New Zealand cuisine accompanied by the finest New Zealand and international wines, it is an experience not to be missed.

Peppers on the Point, Rotoura is the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture and is set amidst a landscape of erupting geysers, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools. With so many sights to see and cultural offerings within easy reach, we will have you immersed in relaxation upon your return.

(Day 4) - Day Tour, Helicopter over White Island - 1/2 Day

Fly to and land on New Zealand’s only permanently active volcano, White Island.

Your helicopter flight takes you north over Hell's Gate Thermal Valley to the Pacific Ocean coastline and the active volcano of White Island. Land at the crater's rim and spend approximately one hour on a guided walk of this fascinating natural attraction. Experience the volcanic fury of the main crater, view sulphur deposits, and the remains of the old sulphur mine.
Allow 3 hours

Insider's Tip: Adventure in Rotorua

Experience a memorable adventure in Rotorua!

If you consider yourself to be an adventure buff then consider a day filled with one of these exciting Rotorua attractions! Take a "Must see, must do!" 2 1/2 to 3 hour ride on a New Zealand Riverjet and experience the fantastic geothermal wonderland on a thrilling jet boat! If a need for speed is present then opt to luge down one of three racing tracks or experience the Sky Swing at the Skyline Skyrides Complex. Whether a beginner or an extreme adrenalin seeker, have yourself a once in a lifetime experience with white water rafting! With these activities you are sure to make your time in Rotorua a memorable one!

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Riverjet Thermal Safari - 1/2 Day

The only jetboat that incorporates a fantastic geothermal wonderland and a thrilling jet boating experience.

This awesome adventure brings you up close to a slice of New Zealand scenery. The stunning scenery of the mighty Waikato River makes you feel like time stood still as you gently cruise through the spectacular Tutukau Gorge where the canyon walls rise dramatically up to 50 metres above the water.

The stunning native bush and abundant wildlife you'll encounter will leave you with a lasting impression. During several stops along the way the drivers explain about the rich history of the area and its unique wildlife.

Entry to Orakei Korako, also known as the Hidden Valley, is part of this awesome adventure.The serene beauty formed from and around all this geothermal commotion will leave you astounded.

On the way back the excitement begins! You'll experience legendary 360-degree spins. The rides are tailored to suit the needs and adventure feel of all passengers, making sure it is a safe and enjoyable experience.

Insider's Tip: Rotorua's Historical Culture

Learn about Rotorua's fascinating history and culture.

A town full of natural wonders and evidence; discover the interesting history of Rotorua. The Buried Village once known as Te Wairoa, destroyed by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, today serves as a living museum where visitors can experience this unique piece of New Zealand history. The excavated site, the only one to be open for public viewing in New Zealand, offers a first hand insight into the devastation, chaos and mayhem that transpired on the night Mt Tarawera erupted. Also visit the place where great stories began at the Rotorua Museum of Art and History. With its rich history and culture, it is easy to discover the essence of Rotorua in its people, culture and volcanic landscape.

(Day 5) - Private Transfer, Rotorua Accommodation to Airport

Travel by private car from your vacation accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand to the Airport.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

(Day 5 cont) - New Zealand Domestic Flight - Rotorua to Queenstown

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Rotorua to Queenstown (South Island).

(Day 5 cont) - Private Transfer, Queenstown Airport to Accommodation

Travel by private car from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

Luggage: 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on per person

(Days 5 to 7) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Queenstown

Travel to your accommodation to Queenstown, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 5 Star vacation accommodation features rooms and suites, most offering private balconies with either spectacular mountain or lake views. All rooms are equipped with Plasma television, CD and DVD player, espresso machine, wireless LAN and an additional LCD television in the bathroom. You have an opportunity to relax from your travel by visiting the day spa, business lounge, library, conference area, bar and restaurant. Other activities available include: Bungee jumping, Fly Fishing, Boating, and Golf. Travel and explore the surroundings by visiting New Zealand's Milford Sound and Central Otago Wineries. For the nature lover, maybe enjoy a nice stroll on walking trails that meander along the lakes shores.

(Day 5 cont) - Day Tour, Skyline Gondola Ride

One of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex high above town.


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Located an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic gondola, Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge is a must-see attraction during your visit to Queenstown. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkable mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It's truly magnificent and awe-inspiring!

Of course there's more to do than just admire the view! For an additional cost you can:
<ul><li>Enjoy a dinner or relax in the bar in the Skyline Stratosfare Restaurant. Casual dining is also available during the day in the Cafe. </li>
<li>Thrill seekers can hurtle down the winding downhill Skyline Luge. Purpose built Luge carts put you in complete control as you take on a half-mile of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. Once you’ve conquered the course, hop on the chairlift and do it all again, and again, and again! Gentle and leisurely or steep and adventurous, you'll be hooked.</li>
<li>Explore the southern night sky of Queenstown with a guided tour of the galaxy and learn about the stars, nebulae and planets that make up our solar system and beyond. </li></ul>

Ask your Destination Specialist about available combo packages to make your day at Skyline more enjoyable.

Various walking tracks can also be accessed from Skyline, from an easy 30 minute walk to a full day hike.

<b>Operates</b>
Daily. Stratosfare Restaurant closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 8:30pm Monday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday. Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 6:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday. Saturday operation hours are 8:50am to 8:30pm.

<b>Includes</b>
- Gondola ride

<b>Need to Know</b>
Gondola ride is approximately 7-10 minutes one way.

<b>Upgrades</b>
- Add a thrilling luge ride to your Gondola experience.
- Add the Taste of New Zealand buffet at Stratosfare Restaurant
- Stargazing evening event

(Day 6) - Day Tour, Doubtful Sound & Fiordlands

When you discover Doubtful Sound you will be struck by its silence, a silence broken only by birdsong, or maybe the rushing of a distant waterfall.

The beauty and isolation of Doubtful Sound are so compelling that it's difficult to believe you were in civilisation just a few hours earlier.

A day excursion into this pristine fiord begins with a cruise across beautiful Lake Manapouri to West Arm. You will then board a coach and travel the sub-alpine road over Wilmot Pass, pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below.

On arrival in Doubtful Sound, board our spacious catamaran Patea Explorer for a three-hour cruise through some of the fiord's most stunning scenery. Throughout the cruise, a specialist nature guide provides commentary, answers questions and points out highlights.
Wildlife sightings are common in Doubtful Sound. Fur seals bask on rocky outcrops and the fiord's resident pod of bottlenose dolphins are often seen roving through the deep, dark waters.
A day excursion to Doubtful Sound also includes a visit to one of New Zealand's major sources of sustainable hydro-power - the Manapouri Underground Power Station.


*A picnic lunch can be pre-ordered before your tour for an additional cost. There is also a selection of cafe food aboard the vessel for purchase.

(Day 7) - Private Transfer, Queenstown Accommodation to Airport

Travel by private car from your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand to the Airport.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

Luggage: 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on per person

(Day 7 cont) - New Zealand Domestic Flight - Queenstown to Christchurch

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Christchurch (both on the South Island).

(Day 7 cont) - Private Transfer, Christchurch Airport to Accommodation

Travel by private car from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

Luggage: 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on per person

(Days 7 to 9) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Christchurch

Travel to your 5 star accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 5 star luxury hotel is located in the iconic and picturesque Cathedral Square. Just across from the Christchurch Cathedral, the hotel is in the heart of the city - with all that the central business district has to offer for attractions, shopping and entertainment. While other facilities in the city such as the Christchurch Convention Centre, Town Hall, Arts Centre and Casino are just a few minutes walk from the hotel. Positioned to offer unprecedented access to the cultural and geothermal wonders of New Zealand's most unique city, it also offers superb views and an impressive list of features.

The rooms are all fitted with the most elegant and stylish quality fixtures and furnishings, from the marble in the bathrooms to the creamic vases and lamps in the bedrooms. A refurbishment of all rooms was carried out in late 2006, and has ensured a continuation of the Millennium's high standards and reputation. Amenities include an on site activities & tour desk, gym & sauna, internet access & conference facilities. Enjoy meals at the award winning restaurant or catch a live local jazz show on the weekends in the lounge.

(Day 8) - Day Tour - Trans Alpine Safari

See the spectacular mountain vistas of Arthur's Pass National Park and immerse yourself in New Zealand's high country scenery on this journey through the South Island. You'll discover breathtaking mountain landscapes and alpine forests on personal, up close encounters most people never get to witness.

Your day begins with a hotel pick up that takes you to the train station for boarding on the famous TranzAlpine train, rated one of the top six train journeys in the world. This scenic rail experience takes you westward across the rich agricultural belt of the Canterbury Plains, river canyons, tunnels and viaducts to the grand mountains of the Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass.

At Arthur's Pass village you will meet your guide, a friendly and professional tour leader who will give you profound insight into each stop of the day. You will have the opportunity to:

- View the pristine Waimakariri River and its unique braided river system
- Explore the alpine forest, crystal rivers and mountain vistas on short walks through Arthur's Pass National Park
- Enjoy lunch at a historic high country hotel
- Follow the old stage coach route and view the spectacular Otira Gorge, a testament to the road builders of the 1860’s and the route taken by the Maori in their quest for greenstone
- Visit Cave Stream, where underground limestone cliffs, gorges and craggy outcrops await to be discovered. This area was also used for the filming of C.S. Lewis’s – “The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe”
- Visit the incredible Castle Hill rocks, unique rock formations and sacred landmarks to the Maori

Your journey ends with a deluxe mini van trip back to Christchurch, traveling via sub-alpine Porter's Pass and the Canterbury Plains.

(Day 9) - Private Transfer, Christchurch Accommodation to Airport

Travel by private car from your vacation accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand to the Airport.

Please note: Standard airline luggage restrictions apply. If you are travelling with more luggage than is typically allowed by the airlines, please notify us right away so that we can adjust the type of vehicle to accommodate you.

Luggage: 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on per person

(Day 9 cont) - New Zealand Domestic Flight - Christchurch to Auckland

Travel within New Zealand from Christchurch to Auckland (North Island).

(Day 9 cont) - International Flight, Auckland, New Zealand to Los Angeles

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.