Highlights of New Zealand

Highlights of New Zealand

250 Views
11 Days From

$3838

$3455

Highlights of New Zealand

11 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand

Visiting: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand, Auckland, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Marton-Wellington, Wellington, Interislander Ferry, Picton, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound

Tour operator:

Cosmos

Tour code:

3360-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Budget

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3838 $3455 Operator discount: -$383

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Your affordable New Zealand tour begins in Auckland with a two-night stay to start exploring this fascinating country. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the Domain -- its park surrounding a dormant volcano. You’ll travel through the lush farmland of Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Maori (indigenous Polynesian people) culture, bubbling geothermal sites, and the setting for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. You’ll learn about the region’s natural wonders, agricultural and creative traditions, and the Maori culture. Your value-minded New Zealand guided vacation continues with big sights to see throughout the north island. You’ll travel past New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, and enjoy lunch at a local farm in Marton. Go sightseeing in the New Zealand capital of Wellington and take in its vibrant art and dining scene. See the Beehive and Parliament buildings, then take in the sweeping views of the harbor from Mount Victoria.

Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across the Marlborough Sound keeping an eye out for dolphins, penguins, or whales on your way to Christchurch. Explore the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast plains of New Zealand’s south island as you venture on to Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore this “adventure capital” before your breathtaking cruise on Milford Sound. Here, be awed by waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, and tropical rainforests surrounding the marine home of seals, penguins, and dolphins. This budget-minded tour of New Zealand is nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy the idyllic and fantastic scenes around each turn in your escorted vacation from Auckland to Queenstown.

Highlights

  • Sightseeing tours in Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, and Queenstown.

  • Visit Te Puia for a guided tour of geothermal wonders and a Maori cultural performance.

  • Sail from Wellington to Picton through the spectacular Marlborough Sound.

  • Full-day excursion to Milford Sound with a cruise to see waterfalls, cliff walls, rainforest, and wildlife.

  • Visit Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Walking tour of Napier, one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world.

  • Sightseeing tour of Wellington including the Beehive and Parliament building, and panoramic views from Mount Victoria.

  • Stop at Lake Tekapo and visit the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd.

Places You'll See

Adina Auckland Britomart

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Atura Wellington

Ibis Christchurch

Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive Auckland,New Zealand

Location: Arrive Auckland, New Zealand

Accommodation: Hotel

Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.

Day 2: Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering firsthand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live. See the Domain, the city’s oldest park, developed around an extinct volcano. Highlights also include charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

Day 3: Auckland,Rotorua

Location: Auckland, Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Máori culture and geothermal wonders. Our first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour allows you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You’ll also have a chance to witness traditional Máori carving and weaving along with a Máori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries--sheep! This evening is at leisure.

Day 4: Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free to explore more of Rotorua. You may wish to take an optional excursion to visit magical Hobbiton, the set used as the Shire in the movie trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Other options include a zipline and canopy tour, helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. Indulge in an evening of singing, storytelling, and sizzling meats and veggies prepared on underground hot stones in true Máori fashion. Hang out with an optional Hangi dinner with a side of authentic cultural performances in the indigenous Polynesian tradition.

Day 5: Rotorua,Lake Taupo,Marton-Wellington

Location: Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Marton-Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Today, continue your journey on the North Island traveling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Stop in the historic town of Marton to visit a local farm for lunch. During your time here, tour a tour of the farm and learn about the importance of the sheep industry to the local economy. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city known for its vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle.

Day 6: Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.

Day 7: Wellington,Interislander Ferry,Picton,Christchurch

Location: Wellington, Interislander Ferry, Picton, Christchurch

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy a special treat as you sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by. Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South IsIand for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Christchurch,Lake Tekapo,Queenstown

Location: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our journey continues across New Zealand’s South Island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. Stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo for a visit to the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital,” for a 3-night stay. This evening you may want to take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below.

Day 9: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A full free day to explore on your own. It’s full steam ahead with an optional ride on the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner. Browse your favorite boutique or art gallery, or take a heady helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a festive farewell dinner.

Day 10: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound

Location: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Lunch

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Milford Sound. Cruise to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip! Return to Queenstown late this evening. NOTE:The excursion to Milford Sound may occur on Day 9, based on weather and road conditions.

Day 11: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Quest Auckland, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Quest Napier, Atura Wellington, Ibis Christchurch, and Heartland Hotel Queenstown.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily and 1 farewell dinner.

  • Sightseeing Tours

    Sightseeing tours in Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, and Queenstown.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Visit Te Puia for a guided tour of geothermal wonders and a Máori cultural performance.

  • Ferry Journey

    Sail from Wellington to Picton through the spectacular Marlborough Sound.

  • Milford Sound Excursion

    Full-day excursion to Milford Sound with a cruise to see waterfalls, cliff walls, rainforest, and wildlife.

  • Tour Director

    Expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides.

  • Small Group Discoveries

    Limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure for select South Pacific dates.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit Te Wahipounamu.

What's Not Included

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as visiting Hobbiton, zipline and canopy tours, helicopter and floatplane flights, and Máori Hangi dinner.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and extra nights in Queenstown.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from New Zealand are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinners

Small Group

Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Cosmos escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Te Wahipounamu

Accommodation

Auckland:Adina Auckland Britomart
Rotorua:Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
Wellington:Atura Wellington
Christchurch:Ibis Christchurch
Queenstown:Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at various comfortable hotels such as Quest Auckland, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Quest Napier, Atura Wellington, Ibis Christchurch, and Heartland Hotel Queenstown. These hotels offer amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi, laundry services, and on-site dining options.

  • Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional excursions available. In Rotorua, you can visit the Hobbiton movie set, take a zipline and canopy tour, enjoy helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or relax in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. In Queenstown, you can take the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm, visit boutiques and art galleries, or take a helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains.

  • What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a visit to Te Puia in Rotorua where you can witness traditional Māori carving and weaving, along with a Māori cultural performance. There is also an optional Māori Hangi dinner and cultural performance available.

  • Will there be any opportunities to see wildlife during the tour?

    Yes, there are several opportunities to see wildlife. During the ferry journey from Wellington to Picton, dolphins are frequent traveling companions, and you might also spot whales or penguins. Additionally, the Milford Sound excursion includes the chance to see seals and dolphins.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes breakfast daily and one farewell dinner.

  • Is there any free time during the tour to explore on my own?

    Yes, there are several days with free time to explore on your own. For example, in Auckland, Rotorua, and Queenstown, you will have leisure time to discover additional sights, shop, or dine at local restaurants.

  • What is the group size for this tour?

    Cosmos offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates, limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure.

  • What are some of the highlights of the tour?

    Highlights include a sightseeing tour of Auckland, a guided tour of Te Puia in Rotorua, a walking tour of Napier, a sightseeing tour of Wellington, a scenic ferry journey from Wellington to Picton, and a full-day excursion to Milford Sound.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1961

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.

Reviews of this operator

Mrs Susan Hyland  

We have just returned from a Cosmos…

28-Sep-2022

We have just returned from a Cosmos tour- Gourmet Tuscany. We stayed in Montecatini Terme and traveled from there to many wonderful places, in towns and the fabulous Tuscan countryside. We visit Vineyards for wine tastings, farms for cooking lessons and lunches and dinners in authentic Italian restaurants. All assisted by a friendly, informative tour director. First class holiday

Trustpilot
Rick  

Excellent in every respect

08-Dec-2022

I recently did a 2-week "best of Italy" tour with this company. Our guide, Daniella, was fantastic, the itinerary was excellent and they catered for my rather difficult dietary requirements really well. Really happy and will certainly book with them again

Trustpilot
John Lomanno  

A wonderrful experience

09-Nov-2022

WE saw so much. The tour director Mladin was very knowledgeable and made the experience so enjoyable. The bus driver Paul was so nice and helpful. A couple of the hotels had no refrigerators to keep the water cold. We had to carry our own luggage to and from the rooms. There should have been porters to help us. Over all we had a great time.

Trustpilot
Bruce  

Old South &Florida tour

27-Oct-2022

Great organisation, tour guide(Kris) and driver(Tony) who went extra mile and good group of people from all over world. The hotels were excellent in New Orleans and Nashville and very good in other cities. The itinerary was well thought out with visits to Gracelands and Grande ole Oprey topping the bill. We added 3extra nights in New Orleans (giving us 6nights) which was absolutely fab and would advise anyone doing this tour that they consider some extra nights to see and do as much as you can

Trustpilot
Francine Ramos  

The tour director expertise and…

18-Dec-2022

The tour director expertise and personality made the trip all the more pleasant. No stress. The local guides as well added to the beauty of this trip. They were knowledgeable and personable. I also have to mention the travelers (the group of 21). The people were friendly an accommodating. This is my third trip with this tour company and I will continue to travel with this company due to excellent planning and customer service. Thank you

Trustpilot

Save on this tour

Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!

Send me one now.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Tuesday

Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 04, 2025
$3838 $3455

Operator discount: -$383

Saturday - Tuesday

Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025
$3838 $3455

Operator discount: -$383

Saturday - Tuesday

Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 18, 2025
$3838 $3455

Operator discount: -$383

Saturday - Tuesday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025
$3838 $3455

Operator discount: -$383

Saturday - Tuesday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
$3897 $3514

Operator discount: -$383

Saturday - Tuesday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025
$3897 $3514

Operator discount: -$383

Saturday - Tuesday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 28, 2025
$3897 $3514

Operator discount: -$383

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 25, 2025
$3897 $3514

Operator discount: -$383

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 09, 2025
$3897 $3514

Operator discount: -$383

Saturday - Tuesday

Jan 24, 2026 - Feb 03, 2026
$4211 $3636

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Feb 14, 2026 - Feb 24, 2026
$4211 $3636

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 17, 2026
$4211 $3636

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Mar 28, 2026 - Apr 07, 2026
$4211 $3636

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Apr 18, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026
$4211 $3636

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Sep 19, 2026 - Sep 29, 2026
$4296 $3721

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 13, 2026
$4296 $3721

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 27, 2026
$4296 $3721

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 10, 2026
$4296 $3721

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 24, 2026
$4296 $3721

Operator discount: -$575

Saturday - Tuesday

Nov 28, 2026 - Dec 08, 2026
$4296 $3721

Operator discount: -$575

Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enquire for huge savings

Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.

By submitting this form, I accept Travel Club Elites terms & conditions and privacy policy.

Similar Tours