The Best of New Zealand
The Best of New Zealand
The Best of New Zealand
21 Days Starting in Christchurch, New Zealand and ending in Auckland, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland, Northland, Bay of Islands
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTBNZ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 1
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Titan with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Best of New Zealand" tour and experience the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of this stunning country. Begin your journey in Christchurch, exploring its botanical gardens, before heading to Dunedin, known for its Scottish heritage. Discover the natural wonders of Fiordland National Park and cruise the majestic Milford Sound. Enjoy the vibrant outdoor activities in Queenstown and marvel at the towering Mount Cook. Visit the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, experience Maori culture, and explore the glow-worm caves of Waitomo. Conclude your adventure with city tours of Wellington and Auckland, and a serene cruise in the Bay of Islands. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, all with VIP door-to-door travel service.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Uk - In Flight
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: In flight
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flights to Christchurch.
Day 3 : Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Christchurch (4.5-star)
On arrival, the remainder of the day is free. You might choose to stretch your legs strolling through Hagley Park to the wonderful botanical gardens, fringed by the River Avon.
Day 4 : Dunedin
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel south to Dunedin, clustered around an attractive harbour. Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ for its strong Scottish influence, the city is home to New Zealand’s only kilt shop and produces the country’s whisky. We’ll follow the theme this evening with a grand, Scottish-style dinner.
Day 5 : Dunedin
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’re free to explore more of Dunedin. Admire the Edwardian and Victorian architecture, visit the botanical gardens or perhaps follow the Street Art Trail in the quirky Warehouse Precinct.
Day 6 : Te Anau
Location: Te Anau
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We journey across the rich Southland plains to Te Anau. It’s the gateway to Fiordland National Park, known for its spectacular waterfalls, dense native forest and rare birds.
Day 7 : Milford Sound - Queenstown
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: Heritage Queenstown (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We’ll make our way through the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, one of the most scenic drives in the country. Then, a cruise on spectacular Milford Sound takes us along the fiord, past the spectacular Mitre Peak, out to the open sea and back again. This majestic area was described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. We may catch a glimpse of seals frolicking in their natural habitat.Our drive to Queenstown skirts Lake Wakatipu, the only land-locked lake in the world with its own tide - its name translates as ‘the lake that breathes’.
Day 8 : Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heritage Queenstown (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Queenstown, dominated by the majestic Remarkables, is a favourite with those who love the great outdoors. After a free day, we take an evening cruise aboard the beautiful vintage TSS Earnslaw. We travel across Lake Wakatipu to the high country sheep station of Walter Peak where you’ll dine in the elegant Colonel’s Homestead.
Day 9 : Mount Cook
Location: Aoraki / Mount Cook
Accommodation Name: Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we visit Gibbston Valley Winery to sample their wine, before journeying into the heart of the Southern Alps. Our first glimpse of majestic Mount Cook, towering 3,754 metres above sea level, reveals why it’s known to Maori people as ‘Cloud Piercer’. The Tasman Glacier, nudging one side of Mount Cook, is one of the longest glaciers outside the Himalayas.
Day 10 : Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Christchurch (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We skirt the glacial blue waters of Lake Pukaki and pass Lake Tekapo en route to Christchurch.
Day 11 : Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We head north across the plains to the coastal town of Kaikoura, famous for its crayfish. At Picton, we leave the South Island and steam across the spectacular Cook Strait on the comfortable inter-island ferry. Wellington Harbour offers our first view of the capital city, our home for the next two nights.
Day 12 : Wellington
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Rydges Wellington (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We take a morning tour of the ‘Windy City’ of Wellington. The afternoon is free to explore and there are several attractions worth a visit, none more so than New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa.
Day 13 : Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Rydges Rotorua (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We head north, stopping at Huka Falls where the wide Waikato River squeezes through a narrow gorge and tumbles down into a beautiful aquamarine pool. We continue to one of the jewels of the country, Rotorua, known for its awe-inspiring geothermal activity.This evening, we’ll enjoy a Maori cultural experience, an authentic Maori concert and a traditional ‘hangi’ feast.
Day 14 : Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Rydges Rotorua (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll visit the Agrodome for a fascinating farm show, where the skills of mustering, shearing and milking and the use of sheep dogs are demonstrated. Then we’ll head to Rainbow Springs, one of the world’s most magnificent trout and wildlife habitats, where you have a chance to see the rare, flightless kiwi.This afternoon, we’ll take a tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Village, where the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao tribe have opened their doors to share their way of life for over 200 years.
Day 15 : Waitomo Caves - Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Auckland (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
At Waitomo Caves, we take a boat along the underground river to see the thousands of glow-worms - spectacular in the darkness of the grotto. The tiny blue-green lights shine brighter if the glow worms are hungry! We travel on via the dairy centre of Hamilton to Auckland.
Day 16 : Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Auckland (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we introduce you to the ‘City of Sails’, the largest metropolis in New Zealand. Our city tour highlights include Old Customhouse, the shoppers’ delight of Lower Queen Street, and Parliament Street. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 17 : Bay Of Islands
Location: Northland
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Crossing the bridge spanning the Waitemata Harbour this morning, we can look back at Auckland’s famous landmark, Rangitoto Island, before heading to Northland, the birthplace of the nation.We drive along the west coast, passing sleepy harbourside hamlets and native forests. The Waipoua Forest is home to huge kauri trees, the largest of which - ‘Tane Mahuta’ (Lord of the Forest) - stands 30 metres tall. We’ll learn more about these ancient trees at the Kauri Museum.
Day 18 : Bay Of Islands
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (4-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We embark on a delightful cruise around the bay to see Cape Brett lighthouse and hopefully spot seals, dolphins or whales. We also cruise into the grand Cathedral Cave and through the ‘Hole in the Rock’.This afternoon, we visit Waitangi Treaty House, where the historic signing between Maori and British formed the nation of New Zealand in 1840. Our visit includes a guided tour of Waitangi.
Day 19 : Bay Of Islands - Auckland
Location: Bay of Islands
Accommodation Name: Grand Millennium Auckland (4.5-star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The charm of this region is the solitude and outstanding scenic beauty; and today, you’re free to soak it all up. Visit historic Russell, the country’s first capital, or perhaps join a launch cruise to see where Captain Cook first anchored on his voyage of discovery. The sand dunes and hillocks of shells along Ninety Mile Beach also captivate the hearts of visitors.
Day 20 : Auckland - In Flight
Location: Auckland
Accommodation Name: In Flight
Meals Included: Breakfast
We transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
Day 21 : Uk
Location: Auckland
Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
What's Included
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17 nights in hotels and 3 in flight
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International flights. Prices are based on return flights with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow via Singapore.
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Titan tour manager
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23 meals: 17 breakfasts 1 lunch 5 dinnersundefined excursions and visits
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Visits to Fiordland National Park; Kinross Winery and Cellar Door; Mount Cook; Huka Falls; the National Kiwi Hatchery; Agrodome farm show; Waitomo glow-worm caves; and Kauri Museum
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Milford Sound cruise
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TSS Earnslaw cruise
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City tours of Wellington and Auckland
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Tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village
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Te Puia Maori Village
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in destination by coach, with international flights included. Enjoy scenic drives, cruises on Milford Sound and Bay of Islands, and a ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington.
Accommodation
Enjoy 17 nights in comfortable hotels, including the Chateau on the Park in Christchurch, Scenic Hotel Southern Cross in Dunedin, and Heritage Queenstown, with 3 nights spent in flight.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Tamaki Maori Village for a cultural experience, an authentic Maori concert, and a traditional 'hangi' feast. Additionally, there is a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Village where the Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao tribe shares their way of life.
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Are there any wildlife experiences on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to Rainbow Springs Wildlife Park where you can see the rare, flightless kiwi, and a cruise on Milford Sound where you may catch a glimpse of seals in their natural habitat. Additionally, there is a cruise around the Bay of Islands where you might spot seals, dolphins, or whales.
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What kind of scenic drives can I expect on this tour?
You will experience several scenic drives, including the journey through the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. The drive to Queenstown skirts Lake Wakatipu, and you will also travel across the rich Southland plains to Te Anau, and along the west coast passing native forests and harbourside hamlets.
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What are some of the unique natural features included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Mount Cook, Huka Falls, and the Waitomo glow-worm caves. You will also see the glacial blue waters of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo, and the Waipoua Forest which is home to huge kauri trees.
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What kind of cruises are included in the tour?
The tour includes several cruises: a cruise on Milford Sound, an evening cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu, a Bay of Islands cruise to see Cape Brett lighthouse and the 'Hole in the Rock', and a boat ride along the underground river in the Waitomo Caves to see the glow-worms.
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What kind of historical sites will we visit?
The tour includes a visit to the Waitangi Treaty House, where the historic signing between Maori and British formed the nation of New Zealand in 1840. You will also visit the Kauri Museum to learn about ancient trees and the historic town of Russell, the country's first capital.
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Are there any wine tasting experiences on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Gibbston Valley Winery where you will have the opportunity to sample their wine.
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What kind of city tours are included?
The tour includes city tours of Wellington and Auckland. In Wellington, you will have a morning tour of the 'Windy City', and in Auckland, the 'City of Sails', the city tour highlights include Old Customhouse, Lower Queen Street, and Parliament Street.
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Do I have to pay a Single Supplement?
In most cases a single supplement will apply. If the price for a Single room for sole occupancy is not shown, please ask our team for details and we will be able 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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How long has the tour company been trading?
We've been taking our customers across the world on escorted tours for more than 40 years
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Our commitment to sustainable travel is part of our ethos. We love exploring the world and hope that, alongside our customers, we can be part of a bigger change in respecting the people and wildlife on our planet and minimising the impact we have on our environment.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
With some COVID-19 rules and restrictions still in place there are a few details that you need to know. This information is subject to change. It’s your responsibility to monitor changes and ensure you fulfil all relevant criteria for travel. Rest assured that we’re on hand to help and answer any questions you might have.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You’ll receive your Final holiday documents via email approximately 14 days prior to your departure.
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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