The Long White Cloud
The Long White Cloud
$13610
The Long White Cloud
19 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier, Wānaka, Queenstown, Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Napier, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NZLGFM25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Please advise request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
See the wonders of New Zealand on this 19-day guided tour. Explore the Southern Alps and see Franz Josef Glacier up close with a local Expert. Travel to the lakeside town of Wanaka where you will discover fields of lavender and enjoy a lake cruise surrounded by majestic Mountains. On your way to Queenstown, stop in the wine region of Gibbston Valley for a wine tasting of local pinot noirs, and visit the picturesque village of Arrowtown. In Queenstown choose to e-bike on a guided scenic tour or travel to Walter Peak Country station for an eco farm tour. Journey through Fiordland National Park to Doubtful Sound, a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife where you'll embark on an overnight nature cruise complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures. In Rotorua, walk the Redwoods Treewalk - a maze of forested suspension bridges - and tour a working kiwi nursery and hatchery, where you can learn more about the flightless bird. Savour a flavourful Maori Hangi feast and descend the Footwhistle Cave to see glow worms illuminate the caverns, then toast your trip during a celebration dinner in Auckland.
Choice Highlights
- Lake Wakatipu: Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to learn more about New Zealand conservation and contribute to biodiversity.
- Queenstown: Ride the scenic Lake trail, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
- Wellington: Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.
Make Travel Matter
Dunedin: On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits.
Napier: Brace yourself for a journey that takes you from coast to cape, to the world’s largest and most accessible Gannet colony in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay. Discover the mesmerising birds in an almost face to face experience and take in the stunning vista of the area.Your participation on Gannet Overland Safaris contributes to our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® initiative: TTC makes a donation on behalf of each guest to the Cape Sanctuary.
Rotorua: Join Whirinaki Forest Footsteps, a guided eco-tour into the heart of the ancient Whirinaki Rainforest.
Rotorua: Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. Seek out skinks, geckos, and incredible trout amidst the thick foliage of the park. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably.
Exceptional Dining
Queenstown: Enjoy dinner at the majestic waterfront Bathhouse, try locally grown, foraged and farmed produce, local and international wines, against the spectacular lakefront backdrop of Lake Wakatipu.
Dunedin: Step into Parcels Restaurant at the Distinction Dunedin and taste their exquisite modern twist on traditional local dishes. Sip delicious wines as you look across to the First Church of Otago from the old post office building which houses the hotel.
Christchurch: Say farewell to Christchurch with a final dinner. Let your tastebuds be delighted with a delicious meal and raise a glass to the health of your companions and your unforgettable journey.
Hawke's Bay: Indulge in wine tasting and an intimate dinner at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade of Te Mata Peak and drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards.
Rotorua: Tonight, visit Te Pa Tu Maori Experience. Tu Te Ra is a celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés), complimentary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.
Auckland: Raise a glass to your unforgettable journey as you enjoy your Celebration Dinner with a former member of the All Blacks rugby team. Hear stories of the world’s leading rugby team, his personal victories and how passionate Kiwis are about their national sport.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
Your New Zealand luxury tour begins by private car to your boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and just minutes from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Pay a visit to the blooms at the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Tram before meeting your Travel Concierge where you’ll raise a glass to a grand journey.
Day 2: Christchurch To Franz Josef
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on one of the world's great scenic railway journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train to the small village of Arthur's Pass. Along your journey, view the stunning scenery just outside your massive windows as you traverse the Canterbury Plains through the dramatic Southern Alps passing the ice fed Waimakariri River and native beech forest. From Arthur's Pass continue by coach to the charming town of Hokitika, the cultural centre of the West Coast. You will meet a local expert for a guided history walk in historic Holkitika. In the the town of Franz Josef, your eco friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness welcomes with natural ambience paired with impeccable luxury, inviting you to enjoy the view from your private balcony.
Day 3: The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier
Location: Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself in the grand natural surroundings traversing the brilliant blue ice and deep crevasses of Franz Josef Glacier on a valley walk with a Local Expert. Learn about this uniquely accessible glacier with only a seven-mile descent from the Southern Alps and less than 1,000 feet above sea level. Take in its majesty surrounded by distant rainforest, mountain tops, waterfalls and the upper glacier. Further your discovery of Franz Josef village luxuriating in panoramic viewpoints, taking a bike ride to the nearby beach where the Waiho river meets the Tasman Sea, or treating yourself to a massage at your hotel’s on-site Amaia Luxury Spa for a Lomi-Lomi or Hot Stone Massage.
Day 4: Travel From Franz Josef To Wānaka
Location: Wānaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Wānaka Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cruise down the Haast River in a purpose-built, fully enclosed jet boat past snow-capped mountains contrasting with sub-tropical, untouched rainforest basking in the beauty of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Your guide is eager to share their expert knowledge of this glacial valley as the sunlight pours across the wilderness or the waterfalls tumble down in a light, misty rain. Experience fairy-tale lavender fields. Your destination is your hotel in Wānaka: sitting at the edge of Lake Wānaka and designed to flow with the seasons, Edgewater is a place you’ll find nature at your own pace.
Day 5: Wānaka
Location: Wānaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Wānaka Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Be awed at the natural beauty around you while relaxing on a lake cruise. Complete your bonding-with-nature experience on an afternoon nature walk.
Day 6: Wanaka To Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Rees Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Highlands Motorsport Museum and come face to face with the state-of-the-art machines. Meet Mrs Jones Orchard, a traditional fruit stall owner, and indulge in real fruit ice-cream and stone fruit. Enjoy lunch and experience exclusive wine tasting in Gibbston Valley of the Vines at Kinross. Visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown.
Day 7: Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: The Rees Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take in the surrounding landscape on a Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak High Country farm for an Eco Experience - an idyllic place to spend a few peaceful hours. Or, choose a guided e-bike scenic ride along the lake. Enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant The Bathhouse, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Day 8: Queenstown To Doubtful Sound (Overnight Cruise)
Location: Doubtful Sound
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Fiordland Navigator
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel by road to Manapouri, then by Catamaran and coach to Doubtful Sound to meet the Fiordland Navigator. Doubtful Sound is a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife. Your overnight nature cruise comes complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures, not to mention delicious locally sourced cuisine.
Day 9: Doubtful Sound To Dunedin
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Upon disembarking the cruise, continue by road to Dunedin, stopping for lunch at Te Anau. In Dunedin, your heritage hotel welcomes you with a cosy atmosphere in the city centre. Dine on favourites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant.
Day 10: Distillery Tour And Dunedin At Leisure
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before taking a guided tour at Dunedin Craft Distillers, the first distillery in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of only a handful worldwide, to produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Discover on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell do it in a ‘Bread to Bottle Tour’ which takes you through the process used to turn bread into spirits. Venture just next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate covering the history of chocolate in Dunedin, OCHO's genesis, how 'real' chocolate is made and a 10-sample bean to bar tasting. Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula or visit the iconic Larnach Castle.
Day 11: Dunedin To Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel up the coast through the towns of Oamaru and Timaru to Christchurch to uncover the city’s highlights on a fascinating sightseeing tour. On arrival in Christchurch embark on a sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the devastating 2011 earthquake. View historic landmarks including Canterbury Museum built in the late 1800s and New Regent Street’s Spanish Mission architectural style and quirky boutiques. Sample the best of Christchurch over dinner at Montreal Bar and Restaurant, highlighting seasonal ingredients with sophistication.
Day 12: Christchurch To Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Naumi Hotel Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel the dramatic rugged coastline to the whale watching hub of Kaikoura and onto the seaside town of Picton. Cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington where you’ll get acquainted with the city on an illuminating tour. Discover the highlights of this capital city, viewing the 1866 Old St. Paul’s gothic cathedral with an interior made of native timber. Stop at the political hub of the Parliament Buildings before finishing at Mount Victoria and the scenic waterfront. Unwind this evening with a drink and dinner in your hotel’s Lola Rouge Restaurant.
Day 13: Wellington Sightseeing
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Naumi Hotel Wellington
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today personalise your day. Choose from the the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne or discover the stunning waterfront and hidden lanes of Wellington with a local expert.
Day 14: Wellington To Hawke's Bay
Location: Hawke's Bay
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Wind your way through the pastoral dairy farming land of Manawatū to Napier in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand’s Art Deco capital and world-renowned winecountry. This evening savour a tasting and dinner at family-owned Craggy Range Winery in the shadow of Te Mata Peak. Sample the region’s premium wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while dining on Head Chef Casey McDonald’s signature seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce from their award-winning restaurant. After a sumptuous evening, relax in your plush room decorated with original local artwork in your boutique hotel in charming Havelock North Village.
Day 15: Exploring Napier
Location: Napier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Partake in a Gannet safari. Your participation on Gannet Overland Safaris contributes to our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® initiative: TTC makes a donation on behalf of each guest to the Cape Sanctuary. Their amazing team is made up of over 300 volunteers that are giving their time to restore our beautiful land and replant grasses and natives to support the return of our wildlife. Take in Napier’s art deco architecture with a Local Expert in a vintage car.
Day 16: Geothermal Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Continue your journey to Rotorua, where this afternoon, armed with a packed lunch, you'll join a local guide for a cultural walking eco-tour to discover the Jurassic Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Day 17: The Sights Of Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Unveil the sights of Rotorua viewing the 120-yearold Californian Coastal Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest at Redwoods Treewalk. Crossing 28 suspension bridges from 65 feet above ground, feeling like one of the native birds sweeping through the forest. Learn more about the “local residents” going behind the scenes on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa. Understand how this working kiwi nursery and hatchery is leading the conservation efforts of the national icon and perhaps see a newly hatched kiwi chick. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū for insights into the local rituals and traditions of fascinating Māori culture with a celebration of the abundant harvest of the season, and explore concepts, rituals and stories of ancient warfare and peace in an amalgamation of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a special three-course feast with aperitif.
Day 18: Waitomo And Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: QT Auckland.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your final full day finds you embarking on an exclusive, private guided tour of Waitomo Cave on a five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld. Your guide sets the scene for an underground cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Then you’re off to Auckland for a tour showcasing bustling Queen Street and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge before you're treated to dinner with one of New Zealand’s famous former All Black rugby players. Feast on local fare as you are regaled with stories and learn about life on one of the most successful teams in the world.
Day 19: Farewell Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After one final breakfast, say farewell to your Christchurch-to-Auckland luxury tour as you are chauffeured to Auckland Airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at luxurious hotels such as Hotel Montreal in Christchurch, Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef, and The Rees Hotel in Queenstown.
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Meals
Enjoy 18 breakfasts, 10 dinners, 1 lunch with wine, and 2 additional lunches throughout the tour.
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Transportation
Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold.
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Guided Tours
Experience guided tours with Local Expert Guides in select destinations.
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Exclusive Experiences
Participate in unique experiences such as the Walter Peak Eco Experience, a guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, and a private tour of Footwhistle Glowworm Cave.
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Dining Experiences
Indulge in exceptional dining experiences at places like The Bathhouse in Queenstown and Craggy Range Winery in Hawke's Bay.
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Wi-Fi
Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi and, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
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Travel Concierge
Benefit from seamless personal assistance throughout your journey with a dedicated Travel Concierge.
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Hotel Taxes and Tips
Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
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Luxury Stays
Experience luxury and relaxation at Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef, Edgewater Wanaka Hotel, The Rees Hotel in Queenstown, and Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
What's Not Included
International TravelInternational flights to and from New Zealand are not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
18 Breakfast (B)10 Dinner (D)1 Lunch with Wine (L)2 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.Included at all hotels.Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.?Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.
Magnificent Stays
Franz Josef: Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.Hawke's Bay: Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with plush, classic furnishings and local artwork, all moments away from the charming village of Havelock North.
Passport Moments
Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.Franz Josef: Experience the mighty natural wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier and what the ice age must have felt like. The sheer enormity of these giant ice puzzles will leave you spellbound as you explore the area with your Local Expert.Makarora: Visit Makarora, a great base point to explore the beauty of the Southern Alps. Your Travel Concierge will take you on an orientation of the town where you can admire remarkable scenery and hear more about its history.Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.Lake Wanaka: Wanaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wanaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wanaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.Cromwell: Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines. Since you only ever see them in the movies or on TV, there’s just something about being in the same room with these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing.Gibbston Valley: Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting in Gibbston Valley Wine Region at Kinross, followed by lunch.Lake Wanaka: Take a leisurely cruise out to Stevensons Arm, home to Mount Burke high country sheep station. Verdant green pastures precede Mount Gold which rises majestically into the Northern skyline. On Stevensons Island take a short hike with your guide and enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and cookies back onboard.Fiordland National Park: Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Patea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.Queen Charlotte Sound: Cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Straight as you pass from South Island to North to begin the next leg of your incredible journey. See the coves, bays and lush green forests rising from the tranquil waters as you pass.Wellington: Familiarise yourself with the landmarks of Wellington on a city orientation tour. Discover the highlights of New Zealand’s capital from Old St Paul’s wooden cathedral and the Parliament Buildings through vibrant and colourful Cuba Street to Mount Victoria and the scenic waterfront.Napier: Climb into a luxury vintage car with a discerning local guide for your personal tour of Napier. Uncover the highlights of this world-famous town’s 140 art deco buildings and sculptures from the comfort of your luxurious vehicle.Rotorua: Stand eye to eye with giant redwoods on the Redwoods Treewalk. Immerse yourself in the serene majesty of these 118-year-old trees from your 20-metre high perspective. Cross swing bridges and platforms on your elevated path through Whakarewarewa Forest.Auckland: Discover the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the rejuvenated Viaduct Harbour to the historic buildings around the city’s university and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge.Footwhistle Glowworm Cave: Enter the subterranean Footwhistle Cave for a private tour. Your guide will lead you down to the entrance of the cave, where on this intimate, private tour you will discover the beauty of the New Zealand Glowworm, and learn about the cave formations and beauty of Footwhistle Cave. A cup of locally brewed Kawa Kawa tea is the perfect finish.
Personalise your day
Lake Wakatipu: Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to learn more about New Zealand conservation and contribute to biodiversity.Queenstown: Ride the scenic Lake trail, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.Wellington: Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.
Mode of Transport
Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold.
Accommodation
Stay at luxurious hotels such as Hotel Montreal in Christchurch, Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef, and The Rees Hotel in Queenstown.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as the Walter Peak Eco Experience, a guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, and a private tour of Footwhistle Glowworm Cave. Additionally, you can enjoy a 'Bread to Bottle Tour' at Dunedin Craft Distillers and a Gannet safari in Napier.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You can expect exceptional dining experiences at places like The Bathhouse in Queenstown, Craggy Range Winery in Hawke's Bay, and a celebration dinner with a former member of the All Blacks rugby team in Auckland. The tour also includes a special three-course feast at Te Pā Tū in Rotorua.
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How does the tour contribute to conservation efforts?
The tour contributes to conservation efforts through the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, such as the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, which helps fund kiwi conservation, and the Gannet Overland Safaris in Napier, where a donation is made to the Cape Sanctuary on behalf of each guest.
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What activities are available in Queenstown during the tour?
In Queenstown, you can take a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, visit Walter Peak High Country farm for an Eco Experience, or choose a guided e-bike scenic ride along the lake. You will also enjoy dinner at The Bathhouse, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
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What is the accommodation like on this tour?
The tour offers luxurious accommodations such as Hotel Montreal in Christchurch, Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef, and The Rees Hotel in Queenstown. You will also stay at the Edgewater Wanaka Hotel and Distinction Dunedin Hotel, among others.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Absolutely! We are very selective in who we work with and choose to only use hotels that take the health and well-being of our guests as seriously as we do and agree to meet expected guidelines and specifications. We only work with establishments that we are confident will consistently adhere to our standards.
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Which countries does Luxury Gold visit?
We offer incredible luxury trips in Europe, North America, South America, Hawaii, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent (including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand.
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What other modes of transport does Luxury Gold use?
A Luxury Gold tour will include touring on high-speed trains, alpine cable cars, hydrofoils, river cruisers and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to our high-deck luxury coaches with extra legroom.
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Who travels with Luxury Gold?
We are delighted to welcome guests who have a shared love of travel, adventure, entertainment and exploration. A mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends and family join us from all over the English-speaking world.
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What is the role of the Well-Being Director?
Working closely together with your Travelling Concierge, the Well-Being Director* will help make sure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our guests. This includes our enhanced screening and hygiene protocols, complying with distancing and other requirements set by government authorities. They are also there to support our guests & answer any questions.
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Low Deposit
Luxury Gold requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of luxury gold 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.
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