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New Zealand Journey
11 days, Auckland to Queenstown
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Spend 11 days exploring the North and South Islands of this small country packed with wonders. Travelling by train, gondola, boat, and plane, connect with locals in artsy beach towns, walk through an ancient rain forest, and learn about local legends and cuisine from the Maori. Take a deep breath to fill your lungs with the impossibly clean air here – and fill your soul with the legendary Kiwi spirit.
This specific trip is no longer running.
Trip Code: ONING
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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View our Entry Requirements toolSee how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
In New Zealand even a nondescript cut in the woods can lead somewhere extraordinary. That magnetic pull to see what’s around the next bend, whether sparkling glacier or primeval forest, is my favorite thing about the country…” —Carrie Miller, “Cinematic Gold: Drive New Zealand,” National Geographic Traveler, June/July, 2015
More from New Zealand Journey
Itinerary Notes
Please note that due to seasonal weather the itinerary in Doubtful Sound varies from winter to summer months. The winter itinerary runs from approx mid-May to early Sept. The remaining departures will follow the summer itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1Auckland
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Auckland
Cruise Hauraki Gulf Marine Park on a research boat in search of whales, dolphins and sea birds. After our cruise spend one-on-one time with one of the expert crew to allow a deeper discussion on marine wildlife and conservation. Later, enjoy a short orientation walk and some free time to explore the city.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Auckland/Raglan
Drive a scenic route, visiting an eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture. Enjoy lunch, featuring food which has been sustainably produced on the farm. Continue to the artsy town of Raglan, stopping at Bridal Veil Falls en route, and enjoy a cruise on the stunning harbour.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Raglan/Rotorua
Drive to Rotorua, stopping for an excursion at Waitomo Caves where you'll take a boat ride through the cave and see thousands of flickering glowworms lighting up the walls.
This evening visit Tamaki Maori Village and enjoy a private welcome and talk from a “Kaumātua” (an elder in Māori society). After, enjoy an extravagant performance about local myths and legends while dining on traditional Hangi cuisine.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Rotorua/Christchurch
Enjoy free time this morning in Rotorua before catching a flight to Christchurch. Take an orientation walk with your CEO to get a feel for the city.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Christchurch/Franz Josef
Enjoy one of the world’s great scenic train trips on the TranzAlpine train, crossing the scenic Southern Alps to New Zealand's glacier region. Disembark and finish the journey over the highest pass in the Southern Alps in a private vehicle before transferring to a beautiful rainforest lodge, our home for two nights.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Franz Josef
Options are plentiful. Choose from a helicopter hike, ice walking on the glacier, or soaking in the hot pools amongst the stunning scenery.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Franz Josef/Queenstown
Travel through the rugged rainforest along the west coast to Queenstown. Enjoy an evening gondola ride with spectacular views of the city.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Queenstown/Doubtful Sound
Embark on an amazing wilderness cruise through Fiordland National Park. Led by onboard naturalist guides, we have the chance to see dolphins, fur seals, birds, and penguins along with an option to kayak. Spend the night onboard in comfortable cabins with time to relax on deck, stargaze, and enjoy some New Zealand wine.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 10Doubtful Sound/Queenstown
Enjoy morning wildlife viewing along the fiord as we cruise back to port, then return to Queenstown for the final night. Opt for a farewell dinner with your group.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Queenstown
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Dolphin and Whale Experience, Auckland
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet a Maori Elder, Rotorua
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Visit scenic Bridal Veil Falls
- Farm visit with local lunch
- Raglan Harbour cruise
- Tour Waitomo Caves
- Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi feast and entertainment
- Orientation walk in Christchurch
- Scenic TranzAlpine train
- Ride the Queenstown gondola
- Wilderness day cruise (winter) or overnight cruise (summer) on Doubtful Sound
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (9 nts), cruise boat (1 nt, seasonal).
Meals
10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Allow USD325-425 for meals not included.
Transportation
Mini-bus, plane, train, boat, walking.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.