Best of New Zealand

Best of New Zealand

25 Views
14 Days From

$5827

Best of New Zealand

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

Visiting: Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Picton, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland

Tour operator:

Indus Travels

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 35

Physical rating:

Easy

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $5827

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

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Best of New Zealand" tour and experience the ultimate adventure across this stunning country. Begin your journey in Christchurch, marveling at the breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and Mount Cook. Travel in style on the TranzAlpine train, explore the Franz Josef Glacier, and bask in the beauty of Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand. Discover the enchanting Milford Sound, delve into Maori culture in Rotorua, and be mesmerized by the glowworm-illuminated Waitomo Caves. Conclude your adventure in Auckland, enjoying superior accommodations, guided tours, and delicious local cuisine throughout your 13-night stay.

Highlights

  • Discover the present volcanic activity of Auckland, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire

  • Head on a fascinating tour of the Waitomo Caves, famous for the glowworm-illuminated waters

  • Visit Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland known for its stunning hot springs and mud pools

  • Marvel over the breathtaking views of Christchurch on the South Island

  • Bask in the beauty of the Southern Alps and Mount Cook, the tallest peak in New Zealand

  • Explore Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand with fascinating outdoor activities

  • Experience the entrance to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a vast wonderland where waterfalls thunder from ancient escarpments into inky sea where dolphins play

  • Delve deep into Maori culture and traditions at Te Puia in Rotorua, with a hangi dinner and cultural performance

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Christchurch (Arrival) (-/-/-)

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: hotel

Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or book an optional tour.




Overnight in Christchurch

Day 2: Christchurch – Franz Josef/Waiau (B/-/D)

Location: Franz Josef

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, get on the TranzAlpine train when the journey is just as important as the destination. As you begin your trip of New Zealand's South Island, you will travel through tunnels and across viaducts with panoramic vistas of snow-capped mountains, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges, and river valleys. When you arrive in Hokitika, you have a pounamu perspective (native greenstone or jade). Flutter your eyelids at the person you love instead of purchasing this special stone for yourself, according to Maori culture. Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere, a snow and ice mass that sparkles like a pearl, is just around the corner. Get a bird's-eye view of this natural beauty by taking a Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere flight tour, which is optional. If the weather cooperates, you might even be able to land there. That's cool now.




Overnight in Franz Josef

Day 3: Franz Josef/Waiau – Queenstown (B/-/-)

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After that, wait till you reach the Haast Pass today to see how spectacular the panorama is compared to yesterday. Over the saddle, the Southern Lakes' alpine scenery unfolds before you in a patchwork of blues and greens. First up is the picturesque Lake Wanaka, which has a willow and poplar-lined shoreline that is perfect for Instagram. After that, you'll stop at Lake Dunstan and Lake Hawea, both of which have the colour of an Ice Mint, to refuel with flavor-packed stone fruits. The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu are in Queenstown, notwithstanding how alluring it would be to linger in the streets of movie-set-like Arrowtown.




Overnight in Queenstown

Day 4: Queenstown (B/-/D)

Location: Queenstown

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. Choose your own adventure from the many available now. On the speedy Shotover Jet, you might feel the wind in your hair. Or visit a wildlife centre to see some of New Zealand's avian companions. Wine enthusiast? As you stroll around the nearby vineyards, sip wine. Wherever you go, be sure to come back in time to take the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a fine BBQ meal and some late-night dancing.




Overnight in Queenstown

Day 5: Queenstown – Te Anau (B/-/D)

Location: Te Anau

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, you will experience the entrance to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a vast wonderland where waterfalls thunder from ancient escarpments into inky sea where dolphins play, is through the Cleddau Valley, which you travel through on your way from the Mirror Lakes. They'll probably be seen throughout your Milford Sound/Piopiotahi cruise. The entire region is carved up by the gin-clear rivers, meadows, and beech forests of the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. All the way to Te Anau, this will be your backdrop. Glow worm-filled grottoes appear just when you think the situation can't possibly get any more fantastic. We heartily urge you to go.




Overnight in Te Anau

Day 6: Te Anau - Dunedin (B/-/-)

Location: Dunedin

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel. On the banks of the South Islands biggest lake, Te Anau turns on the sunrise charms. Enjoy a morning stroll before swapping the forested slopes of Fiordland for the rolling green hills of the Edinburgh of the South. Welcome to Dunedin, a beguiling union of both Māori and Scottish heritage (it was colonised by Scots in the 19th century). While away the afternoon in atmospheric art-lined alleys or sipping a lager or two in Speights Brewery (a national institution). Or venture further afield to discover the wildlife that thrives in this pretty pocket of the country




Overnight in Dunedin

Day 7: Dunedin – Omarama (B/-/D)

Location: Dunedin

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast before heading out to explore grand Larnach Castle at your leisure – this is, after all, the only one of its kind in the country – then wander the manicured grounds of Otago University or the citys main George Street for an additional reminder of the citys ties to Europe. If youve ever wanted to see New Zealands oldest public gardens, today youre in luck with a visit to Oamaru, known for its stately tree-lined streets and limestone buildings.




Overnight in Omarama

Day 8: Omarama – Christchurch (B/-/D)

Location: Christchurch

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast at hotel. Your outlook this morning is the Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, hemmed by snow-capped mountains and atmospheric towns. If it seems familiar, thats because it regularly stars on postcards. Take it in on an optional scenic flight for added perspective of the Southern Alps and on to Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Back on the ground, its time to become reacquainted on a Christchurch tour, your in-the-know guide pointing out the citys miraculous transformation over the last decade. Local spirit is strong here.




Overnight in Christchurch

Day 9: Christchurch – Picton (B/-/D)

Location: Picton

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, start a great day! Forget powdery white sand – once youve seen the dramatic black Kaikoura cove, youll be spoilt for all future beach-bashing. Bonus points if you spot a sea lion or sperm whale frolicking offshore; a sighting is practically guaranteed if you opt for an aerial tour over the coastline. Your onward route skirts the pink-tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, before arriving in the pretty seaside fishing village of Picton.




Overnight in Picton

Day 10: Picton – Wellington (B/-/-)

Location: Wellington

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast you will cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, up the Tory Channel and across Cook Strait is a journey as scenic as it is serene. Todays chariot, the Interislander, transports you from the South Island to the North, navigating a maze of arms and inlets into New Zealands cool little capital of Wellington. We hope you got some rest on your journey, because youll need all your stamina to explore the award-winning (and eye-opening) Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand on a Wellington tour. Ask your Travel Director for tips on where to sip wine and coffee tonight – this city is known for its uber-cool cafes, restaurants and bars.




Overnight in Wellington

Day 11: Wellington – Rotorua (B/-/D)

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Follow the lead of locals along the Kapiti Coast, the summer playground of Wellingtonians. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, the largest (and perhaps bluest) of its kind in the country. Its a landscape almost as otherworldly as Rotorua, where mud pops and jettisons from bubbling geysers, and steam rushes skywards from cracks in the Earth. Tonight, delve deep into Maori culture and traditions at Te Puia. Your dinner, a hangi cooked underground, is served while you overlook the spectacular geothermal valley. The highlight is a Maori cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua.




Overnight in Rotorua

Day 12: Rotorua (B/-/-)

Location: Rotorua

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at hotel and spend the day at leisure to explore Rotorua on your own pace or pre-book an optional tour.
Overnight in Rotorua

Day 13: Rotorua – Auckland (B/-/D)

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Before you reach your destination for the day, enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After that, get set to glow on a tour through the Waikato Rivers Waitomo Caves. This place is radiant - quite literally. While cruising cavernous limestone waterways, your route is cast in a magical light by thousands of glowworms. Auckland, New Zealands largest city, appears on the horizon, dazzling with not one, but two harbours. And plenty of yachts to decorate both, as youll see from the lookout at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.




Overnight in Auckland

Day 14: Auckland Departure (B/-/-)

Location: Auckland

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning you will have breakfast and check out of your hotel. If needed, you will be able to store your luggage in the hotel and explore the town before you are transferred to the Auckland International Airport to prepare for your onward flight home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    13 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at superior hotels or similar.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfasts, 1 lunch at local restaurants, 6 dinners at local restaurants, and 2 highlight dinners at local restaurants.

  • Transfers

    All arrival and departure airport transfers.

  • Transportation

    All transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Guided Tours

    Services of English-speaking guide during the tours.

  • Sightseeing

    All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary.

  • Entrance Fees

    All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary.

  • Taxes

    All applicable taxes.

  • Transport Description

    Travel in style with all transportation provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers, and a scenic journey on the TranzAlpine train.

  • Accommodation Description

    Enjoy 13 nights of superior accommodation on a twin sharing basis at top-notch hotels, ensuring comfort and relaxation throughout your New Zealand adventure.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees, if applicable.

  • Unmentioned Items

    Any item not mentioned as included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with all transportation provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers, and a scenic journey on the TranzAlpine train.

Accommodation

Enjoy 13 nights of superior accommodation on a twin sharing basis at top-notch hotels, ensuring comfort and relaxation throughout your New Zealand adventure.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers. Additionally, there is a scenic journey on the TranzAlpine train.

  • What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    You will enjoy 13 nights of superior accommodation on a twin sharing basis at top-notch hotels, ensuring comfort and relaxation throughout your New Zealand adventure.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, daily breakfasts, 1 lunch at local restaurants, 6 dinners at local restaurants, and 2 highlight dinners at local restaurants are included in the tour package.

  • Will there be a guide during the tours?

    Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide are provided during the tours.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?

    Yes, all entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary are included in the tour price.

  • What activities are available in Queenstown?

    In Queenstown, you can choose from various adventures such as the speedy Shotover Jet, visiting a wildlife centre, or strolling around nearby vineyards. Additionally, you can take the historic TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a fine BBQ meal and some late-night dancing.

  • What cultural experiences are included in Rotorua?

    In Rotorua, you will delve deep into Maori culture and traditions at Te Puia, enjoy a hangi dinner cooked underground, and witness a Maori cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua.

  • What can I expect during the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi cruise?

    During the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi cruise, you will experience a vast wonderland where waterfalls thunder from ancient escarpments into the inky sea where dolphins play. The entire region is carved up by gin-clear rivers, meadows, and beech forests of the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park.

  • Is there an option to explore the Waitomo Caves?

    Yes, you will have a tour through the Waitomo Caves, where you can cruise through cavernous limestone waterways illuminated by thousands of glowworms.

  • What is the final destination of the tour?

    The final destination of the tour is Auckland, New Zealand, where you will be transferred to the Auckland International Airport for your onward flight home.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.

  • If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?

    You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.

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

    No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.

  • Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?

    In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!

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

    Yes.

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

    Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.

Reviews of this operator

Terry Kratz (Google Reviewer)  

Thanks to Indus and Nicko...

13-Sep-2024

Thanks to Indus and Nicko Cruise for a great trip down the Danube. I had not been on a river cruise prior to this and found it a very relaxing way to travel and see some European highlights. The ship was superb. The staff served great meals, were friendly and accommodating. As far as the tours and city visits, they all gave us a reasonable amount of time and insight into the location we were visiting to come away with a sense that we had a good glimpse of the city and were able to spend some free time in the city as well. A special thanks to Dhruv our fearless leader from Indus who was a great organizer. Lastly - nice to meet all of you in our group. terry

Joyce Elyse Baumbach  

The tour organized by Indus Travels ...

16-Dec-2022

The tour organized by Indus Travels was flawless. Hotels, tours, and transportation all impressed me. We had a very relaxing time knowing what was happening at each stage. The scenery and activities were fantastic and did not disappoint. The highlight of the trip was definitely Galapagos Islands.

Indus Travel Reviews
Sirjirick Gibson (Google Reviewer)  

This is my fourth Indus...

20-Aug-2024

This is my fourth Indus trip coming up. I love the way the app works. I love the way the trips are organized and small groupings. I love the accommodations. I love the transportation it’s just top-notch service for individual traveler. I just completed my fourth trip with This and I have already signed up for my up-and-coming fifth trip with Indus travel. Once again, I have to say the service of this is absolutely top-notch service. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to travel and style and comfort. The organization of this is top-notch service from start to finish.. I have to say this sales management and associate team is absolutely amazing which basically allows me to continuously book my trips through end this. My travel life is to travel to as many countries as possible, and it will all be done through excellent job. I would like to give a special thanks to Rachel P. And Ravi., I have been involved with Rachel for the past five years and I will continue to travel within due to the fact that she makes this such a pleasant experience. Great job to her..

Neeraj Nauhwaar (Google Reviewer)  

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with...

07-Dec-2023

Booked Mystical Egypt tour with them visiting Cairo and a 03 Nights Cruise from Luxor to Aswan in May. All services were perfect since the time we arrived at the airport, we were met by a hospitable Indus Representative who helped us with the purchase of local SIM and currency exchange. He was always there in time to assist for transfers. The Amwaj Cruise which we took from Luxor to Aswan was a Gem. We had great guides and all sightseeing worked like a clockwork. We enjoyed visiting Karnak Temples, Temples of Edfu, Kom Ombo and the boat ride to see Phillae Temple. Evening entertainment on cruise were great and engaging. In Cairo and Aswan, we had ample leisure time to explore on own, the Pyramids were impressive and visiting Khan e Khalili was fun. Overall and impressive and enjoyable tour, Thanks to Indus Travels!

Dhruv R (Google Reviewer)  

Recently went on a Rhine...

09-Jun-2023

Recently went on a Rhine River Cruise, a first for me. I must say the experience was exceptional, their tagline says. The group I was with were some of the most fun and interesting set of people I've ever traveled with. The ground transportation arrangements were top notch and comfortable. Variety in menu that we were provided with in the cruise was astounding. I was a bit worried if they'd have much options for me as I'm a vegetarian. But they not only had options, the taste was something I'd savor for foreseeable future. There's a reason Rhine cruises are popular owing to it's serene and picturesque route. Guided tours were very informative and gave us a bit of an insight of German culture. We had good amount of time to explore the towns on our own too. Strasbourg and Cochem were my favorite stops. Luckily the weather worked in our favour and it didn't rain the way it was predicted originally. No one from our group wanted the tour to end. If this trip was any indication, I can't wait to book my next trip with Indus Travels.

Dennis V (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I travelled...

02-Jul-2024

My wife and I travelled with Indus on the essentials Portugal Spain Switzerland and Italy tour last October and had the time of our lives. The tour was very well planned we visited a lot of the highlights the countries had to offer. The tour went very smoothly with knowledgeable guides and courteous drivers. We would highly recommend travelling with Indus.

Gloria Parra (Google Reviewer)  

Indus Travel runs a highly...

04-Mar-2024

Indus Travel runs a highly professional organization. From customer service to brochures, bookings, tour guides, etc. and the consideration for their customers is superb. This was the first time I had travelled with Indus Travels. We took the Taste of Portugal Tour. Group numbers are small, accommodation comfortable and food excellent. The expert guide who accompanied us was outstanding - passionate, informative, engaging, and entertaining. This company is obviously at the heart of the itinerary planning, and attention to detail is second to none. I would highly recommend this company to anyone wanting a fun, relaxed, educational vacation with fine food - they will deliver! We will never forget this trip and we are already planning for another one to Wonders of Italy, Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.

Olivia  

Best of Italy

16-Nov-2022

Indus Travels did an excellent job planning the trip to Italy. We were on Best of Italy in Oct 2022. The tour was 5 stars all the way. The hotel accommodations were comfortable and clean & guides were top-notch.

Indus Travel Reviews
Kim Eisnor (Google Reviewer)  

We had an absolutely amazing...

12-Sep-2024

We had an absolutely amazing experience on our first ever river boat cruise. The itinerary and ports were incredible, the ship was beautiful, the food was great (especially Mario’s Grill), the excursions were excellent and the staff was lovely. We had such a memorable trip with our group and made lots of memories that will last a lifetime.

DJWalter Capote (Google Reviewer)  

We were looking for a...

07-Oct-2023

We were looking for a customized, small group tour. We took a chance on Indus without knowing much about the company. We just returned from our trip to Greece and are more than highly please and satisfied with our experience. They planned an amazing itinerary, booked amazing hotels, hired knowledgeable tour guides and arranged high quality transportation services. Everyone went above and beyond to please us. We are already planning a trip for next year (2024) and will definitely use Indus to do so.

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Monday - Sunday

Jan 27, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025
$5827

Monday - Sunday

Feb 24, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025
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Monday - Sunday

Mar 10, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
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Monday - Sunday

Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$6404

Monday - Sunday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$6194

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Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$6247

Monday - Sunday

Nov 17, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025
$6247

Monday - Sunday

Jan 26, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026
$6404

Monday - Sunday

Feb 09, 2026 - Feb 22, 2026
$6404

Monday - Sunday

Feb 23, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026
$6404

Monday - Sunday

Mar 09, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
$6404

Monday - Sunday

Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026
$6404

Monday - Sunday

Mar 30, 2026 - Apr 12, 2026
$6299
Prices last published on 06-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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