We specialize in planning trips to New Zealand... The Experience of a Lifetime!
If you have always wanted to go to New Zealand, you're in luck! Our in house New Zealander, Geoff Hendren, will be taking a group to one of the most stunning places on Earth in February 2023.
If you prefer to travel on your own or with a private small group, please give Geoff a call and let him help you plan a true "trip of a lifetime".
New Zealand Group Information Sheet February 18 - March 5, 2023 (subject to change) Pricing to be determined
This trip is currently waitlisted Inclusions: • 14 night’s accommodation as listed with breakfast. • Daily schedule for each tour member. • Touring transport by 2 x Mercedes Sprinter 17 seat vehicles with professional drivers (service begins on arrival and ends at midday on day 12). • Mitai cultural show and Hangi on the evening of day 4. • Abel Tasman day trip with kayak and walk on day 7. • Kaikoura whale watch experience on the morning of day 10. • Lake Tekapo star gazing at Mount John Observatory on the evening of day 10. • Shotover Jet boat ride on afternoon of day 12. • Walter Peak Farm cruise and gourmet BBQ on the evening of day 12. • Doubtful Sound cruise on day 13. • Queenstown Airport transfer on departure day. • Air New Zealand flight between Auckland and Nelson (one checked bag per person). • Air New Zealand flight between Queenstown and Auckland on departure day (one checked bag per person)
Other: Working with a New Zealand based company – keeping it local This is an active trip! There is little to no disability access in New Zealand
Itinerary: – Depart Chicago for Auckland
- Day 1: Auckland to The Coromandel: Arrive in Auckland. You will be met by your drivers and transfer to Whitianga on The Coromandel (2h). Evening: At leisure on The Coromandel. Accommodation: Admiralty Lodge Whitianga, Studio Rooms x 3 nights (tour is priced based on Puka Park – currently on waitlist)
- Day 2: The Coromandel: Morning: You will visit Cathedral Cove and Hot water Beach. (Low tide forecast to be 6:30am or 7pm) Evening: At leisure on The Coromandel.
Day 3: The Coromandel at leisure on The Coromandel. Your drivers will be available for the touring of choice.
Day 4:The Coromandel to Rotorua Travel inland to Rotorua (2h 30m). Evening: Matai Maori Show with Hangi dinner – departs the hotel at 6:15pm Accommodation: Novotel Hotel Rotorua, Superior Room x 2 nights
Day 5: Rotorua at leisure / touring / activities (additional expense)
Day 6: Rotorua to Auckland to Nelson Morning: Travel to Waitomo (2h). Experience glow worm caves (additional expense). Afternoon: Travel to Auckland (2 h 15m) to meet your flight to Nelson. Flight NZ5081 departs Auckland at 4:05pm and arrives in Nelson at 5:35pm (based on 2020 schedule) On arrival in Nelson you will transfer to your central hotel. Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Premium Room x 3 nights
Day 7: NelsonWilsons Abel Tasman Beaches, Bays & Seals Plus Walk Your transport will depart the Rutherford Hotel at 7:30am. The trip begins at 9am in Kaiteriteri with a 6pm return. Cruise / kayak / walk / cruise.
Day 8: Nelson At leisure.
Day 9: Nelson to Blenheim to Kaikoura Morning: Travel to Blenheim (1h 30m) and visit a selection of wineries (tasting at own expense). The group will have lunch at a location to be determined. Afternoon: Following lunch you will travel to Kaikoura (2 hours) and spend the evening at leisure. Accommodation: White Morph, Studio Rooms x 1 night
Day 10: Kaikoura to Lake Tekapo Morning: The group will check out and transfer the short distance to the Kaikoura Whale Watch office for an 8:30am check in (timings subject to 2021 schedule). The group will enjoy a whale watching experience with approx. 2 hours on the water. Afternoon: Following the whale watch the group will transfer to Lake Tekapo (5h) Evening: Star gazing via the Summit Experience at the Mt John Observatory. Accommodation: Bluewater Resort, One Bedroom Mountain View Suites x 1 night (booked)
Day 11: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown Touring day to Queenstown with evening at leisure. Accommodation: Ramada Central Queenstown Hotel, Studio Rooms x 4 nights
Day 12: Queenstown Morning: Glenorchy touring. Afternoon: On your return to Queenstown your tour guides will bid you farewell. The group will experience the adventurous Shotover Jet boat ride during the afternoon. Evening: Walter Peak farm experience with gourmet BBQ travelling on the TSS Earnslaw.
Day 13: Queenstown Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise. Your Real Journeys transport will depart the hotel at 7:45am and take the 2-hour journey to Manapouri. You will check in and depart on your cruise at 10:30am. You will return to Manapouri at 5:30pm and travel back to Queenstown (eta 7:30pm) Highlights: - A 3 hour cruise of Doubtful Sound, exploring beautiful waterways on our way to meet the Tasman Sea - Commentary by our knowledgeable onboard nature guide - Wildlife viewing, including dolphins, fur seals and even occasionally penguins - Start with a cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a coach trip over the epic Wilmot Pass through Fiordland’s rainforest and into the Sound. Duration: 7 hours 15 mins to 8 hours Please note that the Power Station visit is not included in this tour. Lunch is at additional cost.
Day 14: Queenstown Leisure day in Queenstown.
Day 15: Queenstown to Auckland Departure day. Your transfer will depart the hotel 90 minutes prior to your domestic flight to Auckland. Domestic flight number and departure times are to be determined. We will book a flight that arrives in Auckland at least 3 hours prior to your International departure. On arrival in Auckland you will walk to the International Terminal for your departing flight
