Best of New Zealand

Best of New Zealand

98 Views
14 Days From

$6156

$5702

Best of New Zealand

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

Visiting: Auckland, Bay Of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Milford Sound, Queenstown

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

PN-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English
From: $6156 $5702 Operator discount: -$454

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

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Best of New Zealand" tour and experience the diverse beauty and rich culture of this stunning country. Begin your journey in Auckland with a sightseeing tour of Queen Street, Auckland Domain, and Parnell Village. Explore the historic Waitangi Treaty House and enjoy a scenic cruise in the Bay of Islands. Discover Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Maori culture, and take a scenic cable-car ride in Wellington. Visit Christchurch's famous landmarks and gardens, and enjoy a breathtaking Tranzalpine train journey to Arthur’s Pass and Franz Josef Glacier. Conclude your adventure with an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Milford Sound, in Fiordland National Park. Travel comfortably by coach, scenic train, and domestic flights, and stay in luxurious accommodations throughout your journey.

Highlights

  • Sightseeing tour of Auckland, including Queen Street, Auckland Domain, and Parnell Village

  • Visit to the historic Waitangi Treaty House in the Bay of Islands

  • Sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands

  • Exploration of Rotorua's geothermal wonders and Maori culture

  • Scenic cable-car ride and visit to Te Papa Museum in Wellington

  • Sightseeing tour of Christchurch's famous landmarks and gardens

  • Scenic Tranzalpine train journey to Arthur’s Pass and Franz Josef Glacier

  • Excursion to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Places You'll See

Jw Marriott Auckland

Copthorne Hotel & Resort

Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Rydges Wellington

Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Ramada Queenstown Central

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Auckland,New Zealand

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: JW Marriott Auckland

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.

Day 2: Auckland,Bay Of Islands

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. Continue to the Bay of Islands, known for its stunning beauty and history. Before arriving at your resort, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House.

Day 3: Bay Of Islands

Location: Bay Of Islands

Accommodation Name: Copthorne Hotel & Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, embark on a sightseeing cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to stroll the beach, explore some of the island’s historic attractions, shop for souvenirs, or just relax at your hotel.

Day 4: Bay Of Islands,Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, travel through the Bay of Plenty region to Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, and a thriving Māori culture

Day 5: Rotorua

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: Distinction Hotel Rotorua

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Rotorua,Marton,Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel south today through rolling farmlands and pass massive Lake Taupo. After lunch, continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

Day 7: Wellington

Location: Wellington

Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our day begins with a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Take a scenic cable-car ride, visit the beautiful botanic gardens, see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city and harbour from the top of Mount Victoria. You’ll also spend time at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.

Day 8: Wellington,Christchurch

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to Christchurch located on New Zealand’s south island. Christchurch was named after the city in England that has the same name and has a history of English heritage. A sightseeing tour highlights some of Christchurch’s famous landmarks and spectacular gardens. This evening is at leisure.

Day 9: Christchurch,Tranzalpine Train,Arthur’S Pass,Franz Josef

Location: Franz Josef

Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, take one of the world’s great train journeys aboard the scenic Tranzalpine. Spend the next two nights in the small town of Franz Josef, located at the base of the impressive Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 10: Franz Josef

Location: Franz Josef

Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Franz Josef,Queenstown

Location: Franz Josef

Accommodation Name: Ramada Queenstown Central

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Queenstown. Excursion To Milford Sound

Location: Milford Sound

Accommodation Name: Ramada Queenstown Central

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late evening return to Queenstown.

NOTE:
The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 13 depending on weather and road conditions today.

Day 13: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: Ramada Queenstown Central

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Tour some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy, shop for souvenirs, or take a thrilling jetboat ride on the dart river. Tonight, you’re free to enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown’s many restaurants or cafes and sample some of the regional wines.

Day 14: Queenstown

Location: Queenstown

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your tour ends with breakfast 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

    Accommodation in various hotels including JW Marriott Auckland, Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Rydges Wellington, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, and Ramada Queenstown Central.

  • Meals

    Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, and 5 dinners are included.

  • Sightseeing Tours

    Sightseeing tours in Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.

  • Cruise

    Sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands.

  • Tranzalpine Train Journey

    One of the world’s great train journeys aboard the scenic Tranzalpine.

  • Excursion to Milford Sound

    Travel into scenic Fiordland National Park and visit Milford Sound.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visit to Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Small Group Discovery

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

  • Transport

    Travel through New Zealand by coach, scenic Tranzalpine train, and domestic flights, ensuring a comfortable and picturesque journey across the country’s diverse landscapes.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as jetboat rides, Lord of the Rings tours, and additional excursions are not included.

  • Extra Nights

    Extra nights in Queenstown or other locations are available for purchase but are not included.

Meals

Breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 5 dinners

Small Group

Globus 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 Globus 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

Stay in luxurious accommodations including JW Marriott Auckland, Copthorne Hotel & Resort in Bay of Islands, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Rydges Wellington, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, and Ramada Queenstown Central.

Mode of Transport

Travel through New Zealand by coach, scenic Tranzalpine train, and domestic flights, ensuring a comfortable and picturesque journey across the country's diverse landscapes.

Notes

This tour visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation will be used during the tour?

    The tour includes travel through New Zealand by coach, scenic Tranzalpine train, and domestic flights, ensuring a comfortable and picturesque journey across the country’s diverse landscapes.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?

    You will stay in luxurious accommodations including JW Marriott Auckland, Copthorne Hotel & Resort in Bay of Islands, Distinction Hotel Rotorua, Rydges Wellington, Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, and Ramada Queenstown Central.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, breakfast is provided daily, along with 2 lunches and 5 dinners.

  • What sightseeing activities are included in the tour?

    The tour includes sightseeing tours in Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. Additionally, there is a sightseeing cruise in the Bay of Islands and an excursion to Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park.

  • Is there a limit on the group size for this tour?

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

  • What is the policy on optional activities and personal expenses?

    Optional activities such as jetboat rides, Lord of the Rings tours, and additional excursions are not included. Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are also not included.

  • What happens if the weather affects the Milford Sound excursion?

    The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 13 instead of Day 12 depending on weather and road conditions.

  • Are international and domestic flights included in the tour package?

    No, international and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Can I extend my stay in Queenstown after the tour ends?

    Yes, you may choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

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

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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 Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Thursday

Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025
$6200 $5746

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Thursday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
$6156 $5702

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Thursday

Sep 19, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025
$6156 $5702

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Thursday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
$6229 $5774

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Thursday

Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025
$6229 $5774

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Thursday

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 27, 2025
$6229 $5774

Operator discount: -$454

Friday - Thursday

Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 29, 2026
$6692 $6108

Operator discount: -$584

Friday - Thursday

Feb 13, 2026 - Feb 26, 2026
$6796 $6212

Operator discount: -$584

Friday - Thursday

Feb 27, 2026 - Mar 12, 2026
$6796 $6212

Operator discount: -$584

Friday - Thursday

Mar 13, 2026 - Mar 26, 2026
$7412 $6827

Operator discount: -$584

Friday - Thursday

Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 09, 2026
$6796 $6212

Operator discount: -$584

Friday - Thursday

Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$6752 $6168

Operator discount: -$584

Friday - Thursday

Sep 18, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026
$6752 $6168

Operator discount: -$584

Friday - Thursday

Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$7500 $6916

Operator discount: -$584

Friday - Thursday

Oct 30, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$6825 $6241

Operator discount: -$584

Friday - Thursday

Nov 13, 2026 - Nov 26, 2026
$6825 $6241

Operator discount: -$584

Prices last published on 07-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Globus 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 globus 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

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