New Zealand Explorer
New Zealand Explorer
New Zealand Explorer
9 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Queenstown, New Zealand
Visiting: Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown
Tour operator:
Tour code:
IndTur276
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 6
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "New Zealand Explorer" tour, where you'll experience the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture of New Zealand. Begin your adventure in Auckland, exploring its volcanic history and iconic landmarks. Marvel at the glowworm-lit waters of the Waitomo Caves and immerse yourself in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Fly to Christchurch to enjoy its stunning views and historic sites before heading to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, for a variety of outdoor activities. With superior accommodations, daily buffet breakfasts, and all transportation included, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland (Arrival) (B/-/-)
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Auckland
Day 2: Auckland (B/-/-)
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will head on a half-day tour of Auckland that is packed with city sights and historical landmarks! Board your coach and travel through the city center, along Karangahape Road as you discover its diverse vibe and pass by the fashionable Ponsonby area. Make your way over the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you take in the breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and discover Auckland's famous Queen Street before making your way to the Auckland Domain. The Domain is the city's oldest park, and, at 75 hectares, one of the largest. Developed around an extinct volcano, the park boasts tropical gardens, duck ponds, and public art, and is also home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. After visiting the Domain, your tour will continue to the Parnell Village for a short morning tea stop (at your own expense). The historic buildings of Parnell have been transformed into a trendy shopping area featuring a wide range of boutiques, craft, and specialty stores. From there you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight in Auckland
Day 3: Auckland – Rotorua - Auckland (B/-/-)
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will discover the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand along with the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Your tour will also take you to the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo. Depart Auckland in the morning to travel the breathtaking farmlands of the Waikato and King Country regions as you listen to the commentary from your driver guide. Learn about the history of the region as you pass by sites of interest such as Rangiriri, the site of a major battle in the Maori Land Wars in 1863. Your first stop will be in the small town of Waitomo, where you will head on a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Travel through these underground limestone caverns, discovered in 1887, and find out how the incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating rock formations were formed over a period of 30 million years. Your tour will end with a short yet magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto — a subterranean cavern illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. After that you will visit Rotorua, in the heart of the Central North Island. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia's marae (meeting house) where you will receive a traditional welcome and an invitation to see a Maori cultural performance, where ancient and modern stories will be told through songs, dance, poi, and stick games. You will develop an understanding of this unique culture and history as you are entertained by the talented and charismatic performers. You will be transfered back to Auckland by the end of the tour.
Overnight in Auckland.
* We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.
Day 4: Auckland – Christchurch (B/-/-)
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. 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 5: Christchurch (B/-/-)
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hop on your coach for a half-day tour of Christchurch. The trip will start by covering the central city highlights including the botanical gardens, the Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance, the city's new pop-up container mall, and many other highlights. As you leave the inner city, the coach will take you to Mona Vale and its historic homestead and gardens. You will travel up to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building boasting breathtaking views of the city, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps, and make your way over the Port Hills to the Port of Lyttleton. Travel through the harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and the cave rock before returning to the central city and the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Christchurch
Day 6: Christchurch – Queenstown (B/-/-)
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will board you coach and head to Queenstown. There will be short breaks along the way.
Overnight in Queenstown
Day 7: Queenstown (B/-/-)
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day at leisure or pre-book an optional tour.
Overnight in Queenstown
Day 8: Queenstown (B/-/-)
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.
Overnight in Queenstown
Day 9: Queenstown (B/-/-)
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning you will 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 Queenstown International Airport to prepare for your onward flight home.
What's Included
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08 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar
Enjoy comfortable stays at superior hotels or similar accommodations for 8 nights on a twin sharing basis.
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Daily Buffet Breakfast
Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast each morning.
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All Arrival and departure airport transfers
Convenient airport transfers for both arrival and departure are included.
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All Transportation in AC modern vehicles
Travel comfortably in air-conditioned modern vehicles throughout the tour.
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Services of English-speaking guide during the tours
Benefit from the expertise of an English-speaking guide during your tours.
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All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary
Experience all the sightseeing activities as outlined in the detailed itinerary.
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All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary
All entrance fees for attractions mentioned in the itinerary are covered.
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Domestic flight: Auckland - Christchurch
A domestic flight from Auckland to Christchurch is included in the package.
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All applicable taxes
All applicable taxes are included in the tour cost.
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities
Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities are not included.
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Visa fees, if applicable
Visa fees, if required, are not included.
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Airport transfer for land only passengers
Airport transfers are not included for passengers who book land-only packages.
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Items not mentioned as included
Any items or services not specifically mentioned as included are excluded.
Mode of Transport
All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers and a domestic flight from Auckland to Christchurch.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights of superior accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transportation is provided in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, including arrival and departure airport transfers and a domestic flight from Auckland to Christchurch.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy 8 nights of superior accommodation on a twin-sharing basis at listed hotels or similar, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Daily buffet breakfast is included in the tour package, allowing you to start your day with a delicious meal each morning.
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Is there an English-speaking guide available during the tours?
Yes, the services of an English-speaking guide are provided during the tours.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour cost?
Yes, all entrance fees for attractions mentioned in the detailed itinerary are covered.
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What activities are planned for the day in Rotorua?
In Rotorua, you will visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia's marae, where you will receive a traditional welcome and see a Maori cultural performance. You will also explore the geothermal wonderland and the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo.
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What can I expect during the half-day tour of Christchurch?
The half-day tour of Christchurch includes visits to the botanical gardens, the Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance, and the city's new pop-up container mall. You will also visit Mona Vale, the Sign of the Takahe, the Port of Lyttleton, and the seaside suburb of Sumner.
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Are there any optional tours available during the free days in Queenstown?
Yes, you can pre-book optional tours during your free days in Queenstown.
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What should I wear for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour?
It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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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!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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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.
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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.
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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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