New Zealand Explorer

New Zealand Explorer

2,841 Views
19 Days From

$8390

New Zealand Explorer

19 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch

Visiting: Auckland, Whakatāne, Gisborne, Napier, Wellington, Picton, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Hokitika, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Wānaka, Te Anau, Queenstown, Doubtful Sound / Patea

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

NZL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 16

Physical rating:

FullOn

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $8390

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover a little magic at the other side of the world on our packed tour of New Zealand. From sailing mist-shrouded fjords to hiking glacial valleys, spotting wildlife on the country's rugged coast to stepping inside Hobbiton, the land of giants has jaw-dropping scenery at every turn. Rub shoulders with locals, getting to the heart of Maori heritage and culture, sipping tipples at vineyards and walking the streets of the cosmopolitan capital, as you soak up the laidback charm of this bucket-list destination.

Sail Doubtful Sound - Cruise through the towering fjords of this UNESCO Heritage Site, one of the most breathtaking sites in New Zealand.

Explore Abel Tasman - Discover the sparkling blue waters and golden coastline of this stunning national park, by boat and on foot.

Relax in Hawke's Bay - Sample authentic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the world-famous wine-making region.

Highlights

  • Discover the beaches of Abel Tasman and cruise on the Doubtful Sound

  • Explore art deco Napier and enjoy wine tasting at Hawke's Bay

  • Walk to glaciers and discover volcanic White Island

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Join Trip In Auckland

Location: Auckland

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

Our tour starts today in Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most diverse city. Surrounded by volcanoes and volcanic cones, beautiful beaches and rolling countryside, Auckland is the perfect introduction to New Zealand. Situated on the North Island, the cosmopolitan city spans a narrow isthmus, between the harbours of Waitemata and Manukau.



For those arriving in time today, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Auckland at any time. We don't provide airport transfers on this tour, but you can find information on how to reach your hotel in the final documentation.



If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to take a stroll around the city centre and wharf or get a bird's eye view of the sprawling city with a trip up the Sky Tower.



Please note, if you plan to arrive before 3pm on Day 1 you might not be able to check-in to your hotel room, but baggage storage is available if you wish to explore the city.

Day 2: Explore Auckland, Visit Hobbiton And Drive To The Bay Of Plenty

Location: Auckland, Whakatāne

Accommodation Name: Lakes Lodge Wilderness Retreat - Okataina Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we'll get to know Auckland better with a city tour, taking in sites such as Tamaki Drive and Mission Bay.



In the late morning, we'll wave goodbye to the city and head to the heart of the North Island and the diverse landscapes of the Waikato region. We'll visit the Hobbiton movie set at Matamata where some of the original Hobbit holes from the Lord of the Rings sit amongst the fertile hills, in the shadows of the Kaimai Ranges. Here, we'll have a two-hour tour with a knowledgeable guide to discover the real Middle Earth. The set has been completely rebuilt as it appeared in the films, and we'll see the hobbit holes and the mill amongst other structures.



After our tour, we'll head to the Bay of Plenty, where we'll spend the next two nights.



Driving time today will be around four hours.

Day 3: Maori Cultural Experience With Modern Hangi Lunch

Location: Whakatāne

Accommodation Name: Lakes Lodge Wilderness Retreat - Okataina Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

The area around the Bay of Plenty is the heartland of Maori culture in New Zealand, and we plan to spend the day discovering this with two deeply authentic, cultural exchanges.



Firstly, we'll be welcomed into a Maori home between Whakatane and Rotorua, where our Maori host will share their rural farmland and life story with us. We'll have a home-hosted lunch in the form of a modern hangi with vegetables gathered from the garden and meat sourced from the bush. Please note, your experience might be outside the home or in the living area.



After this, we'll visit a private Marae (a Maori welcome house) for an exclusive visit. These are not walk-in tourist locations, but genuine homes and centres for local Maori communities to come together for ceremonies, funerals, and daily activities. During the visit, we'll learn about the customs behind the Marae, as well as how it harnesses the geothermal energy of the area for heating, cooking and bathing.

Day 4: Visit Lake Taupo En Route To Napier, Hawke’S Bay Vineyard Wine-Tasting

Location: Gisborne

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Quality Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we'll head out on the journey to Taupo. On the way, there is an option to stop at Wai-o-tapu to discover its vibrant and colourful volcanic features, including geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. Once in Taupo, we'll take time to explore the iconic Haka Falls and New Zealand's biggest lake. Arriving in Napier, we'll take a tour of one of Hawke's Bay's oldest and most famous vineyards, as well as enjoying a tasting of gourmet cheeses and some of the best wines the area has to offer. Famed for its Chardonnays and superb reds, the region is home to over 80% of the country's Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes, and produces some of the richest and most exquisite wines in New Zealand.



Our driving time today will be approximately four hours.

Day 5: Art Deco Tour Of Napier

Location: Napier

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Quality Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast

The engaging town of Napier lies on the southern edge of Hawke's Bay. Its unique collection of art deco buildings makes it one of the most popular attractions on North Island. In 1931, Napier was destroyed by a massive earthquake that registered 7.9 on the Richter Scale. Following the destruction of the city, its centre was rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the period - we'll explore a little of this heritage this afternoon during an expert-led walking tour with Napier's Art Deco Trust.

Day 6: Free Time In Napier, Drive To Wellington

Location: Napier, Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: West Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we'll head south, towards New Zealand's capital, Wellington. The cultural centre of the country, the city has an engaging mix of art, food, and craft beer, combined with stunning harbour views and a backdrop of rolling hills and forest.



On arrival, we'll have free time to take a wander through Wellington's captivating streets. If time permits, we'll drop by the Te Papa National Museum, one of the finest museums in the world, home to a staggering collection of Maori treasures, artworks, and a unique Marae. There'll be free time tomorrow for you to explore the museum at your leisure.



Our driving time today will be around five hours.

Day 7: Free Day To Explore The Capital

Location: Wellington

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: West Plaza Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is free to explore more of Wellington and there are several ways you could spend it. The top of the cable car, a Wellington icon running from Lambton Quay, gives a great close-up view of the city. From here, you can visit the Observatory and stroll back through the Botanic Gardens, extending all the way down to the parliamentary complex. The Parliament's Buildings, including the 'Beehive', are well worth visiting.



Aside from its importance as the political centre, the city offers a large choice of museums and art galleries as well as an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, many situated around Cuba Street. You could visit Zealandia and see some of New Zealand's rarest birds, reptiles and insects living wild in their natural environment, including the hihi, tuatara, saddleback, kaka and (at night) little spotted kiwi.



Alternatively, you could simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbourside, which is particularly beautiful on a fine day or when lit up in the evening.

Day 8: Ferry Across The Cook Strait To Picton, Drive To Nelson

Location: Picton, Nelson

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: The Hotel, Nelson

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we'll cross the Cook Strait and make our way to the bustling port of Picton, at the head of the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound. On arrival, we'll drive west, following the coastline of the South Island to the town of Nelson. A lively city on New Zealand's northwest coast, Nelson is a haven for hikers, beachgoers, and kayaking fans, and is often known as the 'sunshine capital' of the country. Located next to the wine-making region of Marlborough, Nelson also has its fair share of wineries as well as being a great starting point for visiting the Abel Tasman National Park, full of golden sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, seals, and forest birds.



Our hotel is located just outside the city, so after taking some time to explore, our tour leader will drive us to our hotel.

Day 9: Explore The Abel Tasman National Park By Boat And On Foot

Location: Abel Tasman National Park

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: The Hotel, Nelson

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we'll explore New Zealand's coastal paradise, the Abel Tasman National Park, discovering its pristine waters and secluded coves by boat and on foot. Taking a water taxi from Kaiteriteri Beach, we'll glide through the cobalt-blue ocean to the golden beach at Torrent Bay. The shallows here mean our final approach to the beach will be an adventurous wade through the waters. From here, we'll take a leisurely two-to-three-hour walk through the lush native forest towards Medlands Beach, crossing an impressive suspension bridge as well as numerous coves en route. Medlands Beach has some of the whitest sand around, and on arrival, we'll have time for a packed lunch (not included, but our tour leader will help us to collect snacks and food to bring along), as well as a swim, before taking the water taxi back to Kaiteriteri. Our route today is a small section of one of New Zealand's 'Great Walks' - the Abel Tasman Coastal Path - and the water taxi service here gives us the great opportunity to discover it in just a day.



Please note, that tidal considerations could mean that we complete the walk in the opposite direction or change the route to accommodate weather or sea conditions.

Day 10: Scenic Drive On The Great Coast Road To Hokitika

Location: Hokitika

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Jade Court Motel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll have an early start today as we head down the Great Coast Road towards Hokitika at the mouth of the Hokitika River. This journey takes us on one of the greatest coastal drives in the world, passing through Punakaiki Rocks, where we'll stop to visit the amazing coastal rock formations, as well as take in the seal colony at Cape Foulwind. The wild and rugged beauty of the West Coast surrounds us on our journey before we finally arrive into the old gold mining town later this afternoon.



Founded in 1864, Hokitika was once a thriving community of over 30,000 until the end of the gold seams saw its population drift away. Today it's home to around 4,000 people and, as well as gold still being found here, it's also home to New Zealand greenstone (similar to jade), with a prolific number of craft galleries and open studios. It still retains something of its frontier spirit though and a stroll through its historic heart makes for an interesting diversion. The town was put back on the map in 2013 after it was used as the gold-rush era setting of Eleanor Catton's The Luminaries (the winner of the Man Booker Prize 2013). If the weather is clear, the sunsets from Hokitika are amazing, and there is a handily named Sunset Point that looks over the beach - the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer or fish and chips as you watch the sun go down.



Our driving time today will be around five hours.

Day 11: Visit Franz Josef Glacier En Route To Fox Glacier

Location: Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Heartland Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Crossing the Hokitika River this morning, we'll head south on a two-hour drive to Fox Glacier, passing through the native bush of Rimu (red pine) and Kahikatea (white pine). The first European to discover the west coast was Abel Tasman in December 1642. Long and thin and enclosed by the Tasman Sea to the east and the Southern Alps to the west, it's a land of glacial deposits and alluvium that flows from the rivers and glaciers of the Alps. There are some 60 glaciers in the park, but Franz Josef and Fox are the most famous. Up to ten years ago, the Franz Josef Glacier was one of the few glaciers in the world that crept down below the vegetation line. Today however this glacier has receded so much that you can only see the terminal face at a distance. The whole landscape of this glacial region is quite fascinating and there are several optional excursions available today, including glacier valley walks (short walks within the old valley of the glacier), heli-hikes that take you up onto the glacier itself, and scenic helicopter flights over both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. We'll spend tonight in Fox Glacier town.

Day 12: Explore Fox Glacier Then Travel To Wanaka

Location: Fox Glacier, Wānaka

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Wanaka Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

A short drive south this morning brings us to the breathtaking setting of Lake Matheson, where (weather permitting) we'll be treated to a picture-perfect view of Aoraki/Mount Cook reflected in the lake's mirrored waters.



Following this, we'll head to Fox Glacier, named after a former Prime Minister of New Zealand. The walking track from the car park along the glacial valley crosses a landscape of ancient moraine that testifies to the continual advance and retreat of the glacier over the centuries. Our journey then continues across the River Haast and away from the coast, passing through the beautiful scenery of the Haast River Valley as we snake our way through the Aspiring National Park and onto the town of Makaroa. After a brief stop to refresh, we'll head for the lakeside setting of Wanaka, impressively situated amongst an encircling ring of mountain peaks before the still waters of the lake.

Day 13: Free Day In Wanaka

Location: Wānaka

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Wanaka Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wanaka is a vacation hot spot for New Zealanders thanks to its beautiful surroundings, with the glaciers of Mount Aspiring dominating the area. Today is at your leisure and there are several optional activities to choose from, including an exhilarating jet boat ride and wilderness walk through moss-covered forest, waterfalls, and glacier-fed streams. Alternatively, there's the option to take a boat across Lake Wanaka to the remote Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, which is predator-free and home to the rare flightless Buff Weka (extinct on the mainland since 1920). Wanaka is a hiker's paradise so there are plenty of other walking trails in the vicinity, too, from short one-hour hikes to full-day trails.

Day 14: Visit Queenstown And See Glowworms En Route To Te Anau

Location: Te Anau, Queenstown

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll leave Wanaka behind this morning, heading in the direction of Queenstown, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. En route, we'll stop at the pretty gold-mining town of Arrowtown with its clapperboard buildings and historic Chinese settlement to learn about New Zealand's gold rush history. From here, we'll continue to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, where we'll soak up the town's resort-like vibe with a short walk around the foreshore and town.



After a short time in Queenstown, we'll continue to the small town of Te Anau, the gateway to New Zealand's Fjordland National Park. The town is stunning, situated on the banks of Lake Te Anau (from which the town takes its name). According to Maori legend, there was a cave on the shore of the lake that was filled with iridescent light. Centuries later, in 1948 the entrance to a series of limestone caves was discovered to be home to hundreds of glowworms - perhaps explaining the ancient legend. This afternoon, we'll visit the glowworms ourselves, travelling across Lake Te Anau by boat to reach them. At 12,000 years old, the caves are still relatively young and continue to be carved out by the torrent of water that flows through them. This has created a twisting network of passages hiding whirlpools, sculpted rock features and an underground waterfall. Exploring the caves on a small boat, we'll finally visit the small glowworm grotto. In the darkness, the glittering light is quite mesmerising.



Our driving time today will be around four hours.

Day 15: Take A Cruise On The Magnificent Doubtful Sound

Location: Doubtful Sound / Patea, Te Anau

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Te Anau

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We have a long day ahead of us today, but it'll all be worth it to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Fjordland National Park, a fantastic way to experience New Zealand's wild nature.



We'll drive along the southern coast to reach Lake Manapouri, which we'll traverse by boat to West Arm. We'll then board a coach to travel over Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest. There are opportunities along the way to examine the plant life and view the spectacular scenery. In Deep Cove, we'll embark on the majestic Fiordland Navigator boat. As we cruise through some of New Zealand's most stunning scenery, our knowledgeable nature guides will provide commentary - be it on the pod of resident dolphins, fur seals or penguins that we may encounter. We'll have a picnic lunch on board the boat, surrounded by the majesty of the rugged Sounds.



After a day on the boat, we'll return to Deep Cove, and then drive back to Lake Manapouri, traverse it by boat and continue to our hotel at Te Anau.

Day 16: Drive To Dunedin, Afternoon Wildlife Cruise To See Albatross

Accommodation Name: Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin

Meals Included: Breakfast

We'll continue south-east today, arriving on the coast at Dunedin, a city known as the 'Edinburgh of the South'. It's around a four-hour drive, so we'll arrive in time to check into our hotel and have lunch in this charming town. Dunedin was settled by Scottish settlers in the middle years of the 19th century and today is a picturesque setting of towers and spires that still retains something of its Gaelic heritage.



After lunch, we'll travel to the Otago Peninsula, where we board a boat for our wildlife cruise around Weller's Rock and Tairua Head. We'll see uninterrupted views of the world's only mainland nesting place of albatross, and we may be lucky enough to see them soaring and banking, with their three-metre wingspan unfurling overhead. We'll also see the New Zealand fur seals playing on the rocks around their breeding rookeries, with expert guides telling us all about these beautiful creatures.



Depending on the timings for the wildlife cruise, we might have some free time this afternoon to visit Larnach Castle or St Paul's Cathedral and enjoy a hearty meal and a beer at Speight's Brewery.

Day 17: Drive To Mackenzie Country Via The Moeraki Boulders

Accommodation Name: Mackenzie Country Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After a short visit to Dunedin's city gardens, we'll head up the coast to view the incredible boulders that lie strewn across Moeraki Beach before continuing to the limestone town of Oamaru, which has the best-preserved Victorian precinct in New Zealand. It was from here that the world's first frozen meat products were exported by boat. There's also a steampunk museum, distillery, and quirky shops to explore before we continue to the rural town of Twizel. Though it's home to under 1,500 residents, Twizel is the largest town in Mackenzie County. It sits within the International Dark Sky Reserve, where you can spot the Milky Way in high definition once the sun goes down.



Our driving time today will be around four hours.

Day 18: Drive To Christchurch

Accommodation Name: Bealey Quarter

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, we'll have the chance to explore the dramatic vistas of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. There'll be the option to take a helicopter ride directly over Aoraki/Mount Cook and the stunning park. Alternatively, weather-dependent, we might drive into the park for a walk on one of the many trails - even the short, 30-minute trails, are enough to be impressed by the park's towering mountains and glaciers.



Afterwards, we'll continue towards Christchurch, stopping en route at the glacial Lake Pukaki, where we'll have the opportunity to admire the magnificent glaciers of Mount Cook (weather permitting). The Maori name for the highest peak in New Zealand is Aoraki, which translates as the 'Cloud Piercer'. We'll also stop at Lake Tekapo and visit the 'Church of the Good Shepherd', the oldest church in New Zealand. The view from the church window over the Lake and up to the snow-covered mountains of the Southern Alps is particularly beautiful. We'll arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon/early evening.

Day 19: Trip Ends In Christchurch

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Christchurch.



There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Christchurch at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. We don't provide departure transfers on this tour, but you can find information on how to get to Christchurch International Airport (CHC) in your final documentation.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Comfortable

  • Meals

    As detailed in the itinerary

  • Fully Guided

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Country Entry Visas

Meals

Breakfasts: 18
Lunches: 2

Check out our Q&As

  • Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16 people (average group size is 12)

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    High

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

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

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Cycle Hadrian's Wall - Coast to Coast

02-Nov-2021

' Excellent trip with a mixture of easy riding days, mixed with great scenary ' The trip was excellently organised by the group leader. The accommodation was very good throughout the trip. The bikes were ideal for this trip.

Gemma Jackson  

Peru Encompassed - spectacular trip

02-Jan-2023

I booked for my husband and I to go on the Peru Encompassed trip with the 3 day Amazon extension trip tagged on the end, we also booked to go to Lima few days early to get over the jetlag and see something of Lima before setting off on the group trip. Everything was booked for us by Explore! with seamless ease and without any hitches. This was the first time I had booked onto an organised trip so I was a bit concerned it might not be for us. How wrong I was. We were a group of 9, ranging from 30s to 60s, and a mixture of couples and singles and different nationalities. As a group we gelled really well and chose to spend most of our free time together which made the trip great fun. As for the trip itself, it surpassed all expectations. The Peru Encompassed trip was superb. I don't think any other country offers so much culture, wildlife, specular scenery and amazing food, all of which we experienced in abundance on the trip. We had a local tour guide for the whole trip who was fantastic and then expert guides joined us on different legs of the journey. We learned so much as a result. The highlights for me were visiting the local market in Arequipa with our guide and sampling lots of different fruit and street foods, the day on Lake Titicaca and of course Machu Picchu itself. We booked an additional trip to go back ourselves the second morning which was great as we could do a different route around the ruins and get different views from the afternoon before. Our final highlight was the additional 3 day trip to the Amazon staying at the Hacienda Conception. The lodges were immersed in the jungle which was wonderful if noisy! the food was fab and the daily trips provided were excellent. It was a great relaxing way to end the trip although it did rain quite a bit. Both my husband and I said our trip to Peru was one of the best trips we have ever done.

Trustpilot
Ms D Brown  

Excellent company

07-Dec-2022

Excellent company, there are so many trips, you really get looked after. Everything is dealt with by your Tour Leader, all logistics are taken care of and usually things go smoothly, I only use explore because I know what to expect each time, that makes me happy, with a stress free holiday

Trustpilot
Stephen  

Azores Island Hopping

08-Nov-2021

Very well organised tour. Brilliant Tour Leader who went out of her way to make sure everyone was happy and enjoyed the trip. The Azores are an incredible location with amazing scenery and good food.

Barbara in Beckenham  

Iceland Northern Lights Adventure

05-Nov-2021

' Steina was a great guide - full of information made the trip so interesting ' Everything was just perfect - just as I had hoped - except the Northern lights were a no show!

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Friday

Nov 11, 2024 - Nov 29, 2024
$8620

Monday - Friday

Nov 18, 2024 - Dec 06, 2024
$8390

Monday - Friday

Dec 16, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
$8660 $8390

Operator discount: -$270

Monday - Friday

Jan 20, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
$8660

Monday - Friday

Feb 03, 2025 - Feb 21, 2025
$8390

Monday - Friday

Feb 17, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
$8390

Monday - Friday

Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
$8390

Monday - Friday

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 28, 2025
$8660

Monday - Friday

Nov 17, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
$8660

Thursday - Monday

Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 05, 2026
$8940
Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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