Inspiring Journeys
The Long White Cloud
19 Day | Christchurch to Auckland
Travel Period
19 Days The Long White Cloud NZIJ
On Sale
Prices From CODE: NZIJ
$11170
Above lowest price is based on 2024-02-19 departure
$14255
Above lowest price is based on 2024-02-19 departure
Secure your trip with a deposit
Trip Details
What's included
- • Small group (16 guests max)• 13+ Unforgettable experiences• 33 included meals• 18 Nights premium accommodation
Dining
- • 1 Welcome Reception
- • 18 Full Breakfasts
- • 8 Dinners with Wine
- • 3 Lunches
- • 3 Local Dining Experiences
- • 1 Celebration Dinner
Flight Information
- NZIJ: CHRISTCHURCH TO AUCKLAND
Flights are not included in holiday price.
Flight Information:
Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
Day 19 – flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport
Return airport to hotel transfers are included in the holiday price
What to Bring
- • Water bottle
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
Fitness Requirements
Low level of fitness required.
Itinerary
The Long White Cloud (Travel Period: 01 Apr 2024 – 31 Mar 2025)
On arrival in Christchurch, board a private transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception with local wines and canapes.
Hotel:
Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Included Meals:
Welcome Reception
Travel through the Southern Alps aboard TranzAlpine train. From Arthur’s Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast well-known for its jade. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you’ll spend two nights in an eco-friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness.
Hotel:
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Included Meals:
Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
This morning, explore Franz Josef/Waiau, where a local guide explains the history behind the imposing Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.
Hotel:
Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Discover the Haast River this morning as you journey its length in a fully enclosed river jet boat. Stop at Makarora, then explore the heritage gold settlement of Arrowtown, before an orientation of breathtaking Queenstown.
Hotel:
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
Included Meals:
Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
Enjoy Queenstown your way! Perhaps view The Lord of the Rings film locations on a scenic tour of Queenstown and Glenorchy. Tonight, why not cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet barbecue dinner?
Hotel:
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Perhaps join a wine tour and taste some of Central Otago’s world-renowned Pinot Noir. Tonight, enjoy a Local Dining Experience in one of Queenstown’s most exclusive restaurants.
Hotel:
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
Included Meals:
Local Dining Experience, Breakfast
Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, where you'll stop for lunch at a local farm, and then through World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Tonight, you will stay aboard the iconic Milford Mariner, taking in Milford Sound along the way.
Hotel:
Milford Mariner
Included Meals:
Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago through to Gore, the country music capital of New Zealand, for a lunch stop. Journey to Invercargill, a commercial hub full of grand architecture and gardens. A city obsessed with motoring history, there are tributes to speed legends across town, from Burt Munro to Bill Richardson and his shed full of classic vehicles. Enjoy a tour of the largest private collection of its type in the world. Later this afternoon you will have some free time to explore this city, and an evening free to seek out local hot spots.
Hotel:
The Langlands Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to the pristine Stewart Island. Later, join a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and see diverse flora and birdlife.
Hotel:
The Langlands Hotel
Included Meals:
Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Enjoy a relaxed start before departing for Dunedin. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit Dunedin Craft Distillers, who produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill.
Hotel:
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Included Meals:
Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
Travel up the east coast through Omarau and Timaru. On arrival in Christchurch, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city.
Hotel:
Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Included Meals:
Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
Travel along the Pacific coast to Kaikoura. Continue to the seaside village of Picton and later, cross the Cook Strait to Wellington.
Hotel:
QT Wellington
Included Meals:
Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
Today see Wellington your way. Perhaps visit the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne, or Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.
Hotel:
QT Wellington
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range winery, in the shadow of spectacular Te Mata Peak.
Hotel:
Porters Boutique Hotel
Included Meals:
Local Dining Experience, Breakfast
Join a local guide for a vintage car tour through Napier and surrounds areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild in the Art Deco style.
Hotel:
Porters Boutique Hotel
Included Meals:
Dinner with Wine, Breakfast
Continue your journey, arriving in Rotorua. This afternoon you will have a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Armed with a packed lunch and with your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest on a guided cultural walking tour, including Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end.
Hotel:
Pullman Rotorua
Included Meals:
Lunch, Breakfast
Ascend the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk for an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year old redwood giants. At the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a seasonal canapés and complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.
Hotel:
Pullman Rotorua
Included Meals:
Local Dining Experience, Breakfast
Make your way to the famous Caveworld Waitomo for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience in Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel to Auckland. This evening, toast your tour at a Celebration Dinner.
Hotel:
QT Auckland
Included Meals:
Celebration Dinner, Breakfast
Your epic New Zealand journey comes to an end today and you are transferred by private car to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
The Long White Cloud
Inspiring Journeys
19 Day
Christchurch to Auckland
19 Days The Long White Cloud NZIJ
Highlights
Indulge
Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke's Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Day 1 - Hotel Montreal Christchurch
363 Montreal St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
A 4-minute walk from the sprawling Hagley Park, this upscale, all-suite hotel with an old-word, European vibe is an 11-minute walk from Cathedral Square in Christchurch centre.
Features
- Wi-Fi
- Kitchenette
- Balcony or Terrace
- Plasma television
- iPod/iPhone docking station
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
1/11
Day 2 - Te Waonui Forest Retreat
3 Wallace St, Franz Josef Glacier 7886, New Zealand
A haven from the city rush, a foray into New Zealand’s pristine wilderness – Te Waonui Forest Retreat is truly a place to relax and refresh. All focus has been on creating a healthy, environmentally safe habitat to maximise guests’ wellbeing. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat seamlessly incorporates measures that greatly reduce its environmental impact. Designed to stand the test of time, Te Waonui’s durable, New Zealand building design blends in with its stunning natural setting. Management and staff at Te Waonui actively support community-based projects to preserve our outstanding natural heritage in Franz Josef Glacier Town.
Features
- In-room safe
- Wireless Internet access
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Pillow Menu (Choice of pillows)
- Luxurious bed linen
- Private balcony or courtyard
- Electronic security key system
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Mini Bar
- TV
2/11
Day 4 - Hotel St Moritz Queenstown
10-18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown 9300
Idyllically situated in the heart of Queenstown and with wonderful views overlooking Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables mountain range, Hotel St Moritz embodies the spirit of its location. Blending understated luxury with warmth, and genuine hospitality, Hotel St Moritz offers a choice of rooms and suites, each handsomely appointed to cleverly blend timeless classics with modern essentials.Offering unparalleled views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain ranges, Hotel St Moritz Queenstown is perfectly positioned for sightseeing and adventure.
Features
- WiFi / Internet Access
- Mini Bar
- Bathroom Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Satellite/Cable Colour TV
3/11
Day 7 - Milford Mariner
Milford Sound Visitor Terminal, Milford Sound 9846, New Zealand
Spend the night aboard the Milford Mariner waking up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. You’ll cruise the full length of Milford Sound accompanied by a specialist nature guide. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.
Features
- Private cabins with en suites
- Use of Kayaks
4/11
Day 8 - The Langlands Hotel
59 Dee Street, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand
The Langlands Hotel is Invercargill’s newest accommodation experience. This seven-storey, 78-room, 4.5 star hotel brings contemporary style to the inner city.
5/11
Day 10 - Distinction Dunedin Hotel
6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
The Distinction Hotels Group has transformed the 1937 former Chief Post Office in Dunedin into an elegant 4 1/2 star luxury hotel, located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The modern Distinction Dunedin Hotel consists of 121 elegant suites and studio rooms. Offering a variety of premier accommodation to suit everyone from the businesses traveller requiring spacious and modern facilities to those wanting a relaxing weekend away.
Features
- Air-conditioning
- Flat Screen TV
- Desk & chair
- Wi-Fi
- Hair Dryer
6/11
Day 11 - Hotel Montreal Christchurch
363 Montreal St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
A 4-minute walk from the sprawling Hagley Park, this upscale, all-suite hotel with an old-word, European vibe is an 11-minute walk from Cathedral Square in Christchurch centre.
Features
- Wi-Fi
- Kitchenette
- Balcony or Terrace
- Plasma television
- iPod/iPhone docking station
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
7/11
Day 12 - QT Wellington
90 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Surprise yourself at QT Wellington, a significant fusion of expressive and luxurious art, technology and indulgence. Loosely based in the new creative capital of the South, QT Wellington is a warm invitation to explore and define one of New Zealand’s most eclectic collections of art and character.
Features
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
- 24-hour front desk
- Non-smoking rooms
- Swimming Pool
- Gym facilities
8/11
Day 14 - Porters Boutique Hotel
4 Te Aute Rd, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
Step into a world of luxury, comfort, and relaxation. Nestled in the heart of the charming Havelock North village and surrounded by the majestic hills of Hawke’s Bay, Porters Boutique Hotel offers unique luxury accommodation. Relax in elegantly appointed guest rooms, complete with plush, classic furnishings and adorned with original local artwork. Enjoy attentive luxury service and full amenities within a stylish, intimate space that reflects the beauty and grandeur of the breathtaking Hawke’s Bay region.
Features
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- TV
- Desk & chair
9/11
Day 16 - Pullman Rotorua
Arawa Street
Pullman Rotorua is expected to be popular with international and domestic business and leisure travellers, due to its exclusive 5-star offering and prime central CBD location and within 500metres from the Rotorua lakefront.
10/11
Day 18 - QT Auckland
4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Westhaven, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Find yourself in the heart of the extraordinary. Welcome to your time to shine. Drumroll please. The heart is beating, and we’re dancing to our own tune. With a glint in the eye, we’re serving shoreline shimmer. The waterfront beckons and the bar is set for self-discovery. Here we make space to celebrate individual style and unearth hidden treasures.
Features
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
- Gym facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
11/11
Optional Experiences
Please note, prices for Optional Experiences are subject to change.
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Experiences for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The experiences can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.
Bread to Bottle Tour MTM Experience (Dunedin)
Adult: $25.00 NZD
Visit 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.
The Helicopter Line - Twin Glacier Flight 30mins (Franz Josef Glacier)
Adult: $425.00 NZD
From a mantle of pure white snow, massive rivers of ice wind their way down glacier valleys. Explore the glaciers, an incredible natural phenomenon on this 30-minute scenic flight. Highlights include a snow landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Altitude Wine Tours - Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Experience (Queenstown)
Adult: $209.00 NZD
It’s always 5 o’clock at Altitude Tours. Join our Twilight Wine and Craft Beer experience for a fun and entertaining late afternoon tastebud tingling adventure! Visit three unique locations around Queenstown and Gibbston with a minimum of 12 tastings of some of the finest drops in the region. Now, here’s the twist, if beer is more your thing then bounce from vines to hops and taste some local craft beers instead.
Pure Glenorchy - Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour (road-Queenstown)
NZ$189 Adult NZ$99 Child
Lord of The Rings Scenic Tour: Visit the stunning locations from Lord of The Rings. Encounter lsengard, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains, Ithilien and many more. Experience the absolute beauty of the Dart River Valley and our closest world heritage area. Learn about the remarkable history and unique culture of Glenorchy. Our tour feature’s some of the world’s most spectacular scenery visiting Mt Aspiring World Heritage Area, Glenorchy, The Dart River Valley and Paradise. Encounter ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys.
Real Journeys - Walter Peak BBQ Dinner and Earnslaw (Queenstown)
NZ$189 Adult NZ$85 Child
Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. The TSS Earnslaw makes several trips daily across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores. A cruise on this gracious heritage vessel is the perfect way to experience Queenstown’s magnificent alpine scenery. Upon reaching Walter Peak High Country Farm, you can disembark for an insight into New Zealand’s farming lifestyle. Enjoy an evening dining at the Colonel’s Homestead followed by an entertaining Sheep Show!
Weta Workshop - There and Back Again Guided Tour (Wellington)
NZ$89 Adult NZ$55 Child
This movie-based experience provides a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of Weta Workshop, the home of the special effects wizards whose work features in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies. The tour invites you to view the creative processes of a Weta technician and to touch, feel, and hold real props, weapons and models from the films the creative Weta team have worked on. Return transfers from the Wellington i-Site are included.
Zealandia (Wellington)
Adult: $60.00NZD
Child: $30.00NZD
ZEALANDIA has some of the most unique biodiversity and advanced conservation techniques in the world. Join an experienced guide on an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque sanctuary to witness the native wildlife that is once again living on the mainland. With everything in ZEALANDIA living wild, nature-guru guides use their knowledge of birdsong, habitats, and local flora to track down even the rarest of our unique animals.
Monarch Wildlife Cruise & Larnach Castle Tour (Dunedin)
NZ$160 Adult NZ$80 Child
Let your local driver take you on an exciting Otago Peninsula drive to New Zealand’s only castle. Your guided tour of the Larnach family home will give you insight into not only the architecture and style of the stately building, but also into William Larnach’s family life and the restoration done by the current owners during the past three decades. Enjoy views from the tower and marvel at the immaculate gardens before your return to Dunedin. Join our invigorating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head, home to the world's only mainland nesting place of royal albatross. Watch as these huge birds glide in from the ocean and soar high above their hillside nests.
Trip Details
What's included
- Specialist team of two highly experienced Journey Director and Driver Guide
- Local Specialists (Guides)
- Mixture of boutique, unique and 5-star hotels
Dining
- • Breakfast (18)
- • Dinner (12)
Flight Information
- Day 1: Flights to arrive by 4:00pm into Christchurch Airport
What to Bring
- • Warm layers in cooler months
- • Camera
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Water bottle
Fitness Requirements
- •
Itinerary
The Long White Cloud (Travel Period: 01 Oct 2023 – 31 Mar 2024)
On arrival at Christchurch Airport you'll be driven by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the Christchurch Botanical Garden or take a ride on the Christchurch Tram. In the evening meet your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception.
Hotel:
Hotel Montreal Christchurch
It's all aboard the TranzAlpine train. Rated as one of the world's great scenic railway journeys, you'll travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains through to the Southern Alps. From Arthur's Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, to learn about the importance of Pounamu, better known as jade or greenstone. Later we continue to Franz Josef. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not enjoy Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools or perhaps a massage.
Hotel:
Te Waonui Forest Retreat,
2 Nights
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
After a relaxed start we explore this area, where a local guide explains the history behind the mighty Franz Josef Glacier.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
This morning it’s time for an adventure as we journey down the Haast River in a purpose built, fully enclosed river jet boat. After a lunch stop at Makarora then travel on to Arrowtown where there is time to explore this historic gold-mining village on the Arrow River. Continue to Queenstown for an orientation tour. Tonight, dinner is included at your hotel.
Hotel:
Hotel St Moritz Queenstown,
3 Nights
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Enjoy Queenstown your way! Perhaps join a wine tour and taste some of Central Otago’s world-renowned Pinot Noir or view The Lord of the Rings film locations on a scenic tour of Queenstown and Glenorchy. Tonight, you can dine at one of the local restaurants along the waterfront in town or simply relax at your hotel.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station, take a jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River. Or simply relax, shop or enjoy time at one of the many cafés and restaurants while soaking up the alpine views. Tonight, enjoy a highlight dinner at one of Queenstown’s exclusive restaurants.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Later you’ll travel through the rainforest of the UNESCO-listed World Heritage site of Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges onto the amazing Mirror Lake before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Tonight, stay at the magical Milford Sound Lodge, with views of the Cleddau Valley.
Hotel:
Milford Sound Lodge,
2 Nights
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound. This morning, explore a section of the famous Milford Track on an easy going half day guided walk. This place is steeped in rich history and stories, the flora and fauna are unique and special. This afternoon aboard the Southern Discoveries vessel sit back and relax as a specialist nature guide introduces you to the natural wonders of Milford Sound often called the ‘eighth natural wonder of the world’.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago. Travel through Te Anau known for its beautiful lake and on to the country musical town of Gore for lunchtime, before arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. Enjoy dinner tonight at Parcels Restaurant at your hotel.
Hotel:
Distinction Dunedin Hotel,
2 Nights
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning, before taking a guided tour at Emerson’s Brewery, sample the tasty craft beer before an afternoon at leisure. Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps ride the historic Tairei Gorge Railway or take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Pennisula.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Travel up the east coast of the South Island via Oamaru and Timaru. On arrival in Christchurch embark on a sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the devastating 2011 earthquake.
Hotel:
Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Travel up the rugged Pacific Ocean coast this morning to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore. Pass the pink tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, then travel to pretty seaside fishing village of Picton. Later cruise Queen Charlotte Sound and cross the Cook Strait to the North Island. On arrival in Wellington embark on a city orientation tour. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Hotel:
QT Wellington,
2 Nights
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Today see Wellington your way! Perhaps visit Weta Workshop, home to the creative wizards behind ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies or learn about New Zealand history and culture on a visit to Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand. Your Journey Director can assist in booking your optional experience.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Continue north today, travelling through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawkes Bay. Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine matching at Craggy Range Winery, one of the regions world famous wineries situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak.
Hotel:
Porters Boutique Hotel,
2 Nights
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed start before we venture out to explore the Hawkes Bay region. Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide a fascinating commentary as you are driven in style, through Art Deco Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city, hear stories of the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley where you will connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, it’s unique history and legacy. Along the guided walk you’ll experience geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. Followed by a relaxing 45-minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana see stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat as well as rare native birdlife. Immerse in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created this amazing part of the world.
Hotel:
Pullman Rotorua,
2 Nights
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 115-year-old redwood giants and the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a behind the scenes look at the National Kiwi Hatchery. Tonight, visit Te Pa Tu for insights into the local rituals and traditions of this fascinating culture. Tu Te Ra is a summer celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a special three course feast with aperitif.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Local Dining Experience
Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld Waitomo. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and onto Auckland. Tonight, Toast your trip together tonight at a Celebration Dinner.
Hotel:
QT Auckland
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
The Long White Cloud
19 Days
Christchurch to Auckland
Be awed as you traverse New Zealand’s North and South Islands, from the hot pools of Franz Josef, an exclusive TreadRight experience in Rotorua, to the brave depths of Queenstown, the adventure capital. Explore extraordinary landscapes and ancient heritage, as you encounter exhilarating New Zealand as few have seen it before.
Highlights
Immerse
Embrace the traditional Maori greeting at Te Puia, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Waimangu.
Indulge
Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.
Explore
Join a nature guide on the breathtaking Milford Track, and discover the luminous shimmer of the Footwhistle Cave
Relax
Wake up to the wonder of Fiordland at Milford Sound Lodge, and take a deep breath and unwind at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:
Day 1 - Hotel Montreal Christchurch
363 Montreal St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
A 4-minute walk from the sprawling Hagley Park, this upscale, all-suite hotel with an old-word, European vibe is an 11-minute walk from Cathedral Square in Christchurch centre.
Features
- Wi-Fi
- Kitchenette
- Balcony or Terrace
- Plasma television
- iPod/iPhone docking station
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
1/10
Day 2 - Te Waonui Forest Retreat (2 Nights)
3 Wallace St, Franz Josef Glacier 7886, New Zealand
A haven from the city rush, a foray into New Zealand’s pristine wilderness – Te Waonui Forest Retreat is truly a place to relax and refresh. All focus has been on creating a healthy, environmentally safe habitat to maximise guests’ wellbeing. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.
Te Waonui Forest Retreat seamlessly incorporates measures that greatly reduce its environmental impact. Designed to stand the test of time, Te Waonui’s durable, New Zealand building design blends in with its stunning natural setting. Management and staff at Te Waonui actively support community-based projects to preserve our outstanding natural heritage in Franz Josef Glacier Town.
Features
- In-room safe
- Wireless Internet access
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Pillow Menu (Choice of pillows)
- Luxurious bed linen
- Private balcony or courtyard
- Electronic security key system
- Air-conditioning
- Iron / Ironing Board
- Mini Bar
- TV
2/10
Day 4 - Hotel St Moritz Queenstown (3 Nights)
10-18 Brunswick Street, Queenstown 9300
Idyllically situated in the heart of Queenstown and with wonderful views overlooking Lake Wakatipu to The Remarkables mountain range, Hotel St Moritz embodies the spirit of its location. Blending understated luxury with warmth, and genuine hospitality, Hotel St Moritz offers a choice of rooms and suites, each handsomely appointed to cleverly blend timeless classics with modern essentials.Offering unparalleled views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain ranges, Hotel St Moritz Queenstown is perfectly positioned for sightseeing and adventure.
Features
- WiFi / Internet Access
- Mini Bar
- Bathroom Facilities
- Hair Dryer
- Phone
- Satellite/Cable Colour TV
3/10
Day 7 - Milford Sound Lodge (2 Nights)
Milford Sound Hwy, Fiordland National Park 9679, New Zealand
Nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Darran Mountains, Milford Sound Lodge provides a fantastic base to experience the beauty and majesty of Fiordland National Park / Te Wahipounamu. To experience this World Heritage destination in a more authentic, relaxed way, stay a night or two. There are so many inspiring possibilities for outdoor adventure right on our doorstep.
Features
- Tea & Coffee Facilities
- Flat Screen TV
- DVD players
- Wi-Fi (additional cost)
- Ensuite
- Heater
4/10
Day 9 - Distinction Dunedin Hotel (2 Nights)
6 Liverpool Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
The Distinction Hotels Group has transformed the 1937 former Chief Post Office in Dunedin into an elegant 4 1/2 star luxury hotel, located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The modern Distinction Dunedin Hotel consists of 121 elegant suites and studio rooms. Offering a variety of premier accommodation to suit everyone from the businesses traveller requiring spacious and modern facilities to those wanting a relaxing weekend away.
Features
- Air-conditioning
- Flat Screen TV
- Desk & chair
- Wi-Fi
- Hair Dryer
5/10
Day 11 - Hotel Montreal Christchurch
363 Montreal St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
A 4-minute walk from the sprawling Hagley Park, this upscale, all-suite hotel with an old-word, European vibe is an 11-minute walk from Cathedral Square in Christchurch centre.
Features
- Wi-Fi
- Kitchenette
- Balcony or Terrace
- Plasma television
- iPod/iPhone docking station
- In-room safe
- Iron / Ironing Board
6/10
Day 12 - QT Wellington (2 Nights)
90 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Surprise yourself at QT Wellington, a significant fusion of expressive and luxurious art, technology and indulgence. Loosely based in the new creative capital of the South, QT Wellington is a warm invitation to explore and define one of New Zealand’s most eclectic collections of art and character.
Features
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
- 24-hour front desk
- Non-smoking rooms
- Swimming Pool
- Gym facilities
7/10
Day 14 - Porters Boutique Hotel (2 Nights)
4 Te Aute Rd, Havelock North 4130, New Zealand
Step into a world of luxury, comfort, and relaxation. Nestled in the heart of the charming Havelock North village and surrounded by the majestic hills of Hawke’s Bay, Porters Boutique Hotel offers unique luxury accommodation. Relax in elegantly appointed guest rooms, complete with plush, classic furnishings and adorned with original local artwork. Enjoy attentive luxury service and full amenities within a stylish, intimate space that reflects the beauty and grandeur of the breathtaking Hawke’s Bay region.
Features
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- TV
- Desk & chair
8/10
Day 16 - Pullman Rotorua (2 Nights)
Arawa Street
Pullman Rotorua is expected to be popular with international and domestic business and leisure travellers, due to its exclusive 5-star offering and prime central CBD location and within 500metres from the Rotorua lakefront.
9/10
Day 18 - QT Auckland
4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Westhaven, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Find yourself in the heart of the extraordinary. Welcome to your time to shine. Drumroll please. The heart is beating, and we’re dancing to our own tune. With a glint in the eye, we’re serving shoreline shimmer. The waterfront beckons and the bar is set for self-discovery. Here we make space to celebrate individual style and unearth hidden treasures.
Features
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant and In Room Dining
- Gym facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour front desk
10/10
Optional Experiences
Please note, prices for Optional Experiences are subject to change.
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Experiences for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The experiences can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.
Larnach Castle Tour (Dunedin)
NZ$91.00 Adult NZ$54.00 Child
Let your local driver take you on an exciting Otago Peninsula drive to New Zealand’s only castle. Your guided tour of the Larnach family home will give you insight into not only the architecture and style of the stately building, but also into William Larnach’s family life and the restoration done by the current owners during the past three decades. Enjoy views from the tower and marvel at the immaculate gardens before your return to Dunedin.
City to Sea Tour (Dunedin )
Adult: $105.00 NZD
Child: $45.00 NZD
Meet our unique local wildlife and discover why Dunedin is NZ’s nature capital. Enjoy a special wildlife experience around Taiaroa Head and out to sea. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the royal albatross nesting colony, the world’s only mainland breeding site for albatross. Watch as these huge birds glide in from the ocean on three metre wings and then soar high above the hillside. The boat will get close to spectacular volcanic cliffs for postcard views of a historic lighthouse. Below the cliffs you’ll watch as NZ fur seals play, swim and interact around their breeding rookery. A short way out to sea and we may spot rarely seen ocean birds, like other albatross species, cormorants and petrels. On some trips we come across sea lions, blue penguins, dusky dolphins, hectors dolphins and other marine mammals.
Speights Brewery - Guided Tour (Dunedin)
Adult: $35.00 NZD
No visitor to Dunedin should leave without taking the Speight’s Brewery Tour. Since 1876 the brewery has been proudly producing Speight’s legendary ales from the same site in Rattray Street. On the Speight’s Brewery Tour you’ll see, smell, touch and taste the ingredients that go into making Speight’s beers – and of course, get to sample “The Pride of the South” for yourself!
The Helicopter Line - Neve Discoverer Flight 20mins (Franz Josef Glacier)
Adult: $330.00 NZD
Lift off and fly up over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier to land amongst this alpine wonderland on a 20-minute scenic flight. Highlights include landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and a snow or icefall landing.
The Helicopter Line - Twin Glacier Flight 30mins (Franz Josef Glacier)
Adult: $425.00 NZD
From a mantle of pure white snow, massive rivers of ice wind their way down glacier valleys. Explore the glaciers, an incredible natural phenomenon on this 30-minute scenic flight. Highlights include a snow landing at the head of the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Dart River Jet (Queenstown)
NZ$299 Adult NZ$205 Child
A stimulating not-to-be missed journey into the Dart River Valley where mythology, heritage & fantasy meet reality. our Jet trip is an exhilarating and spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park, with the only jet boat operator allowed on the Dart River.
Kiwi Birdlife Park (Queenstown)
Adult: $52.00 NZD
Child: $26.00 NZD
The Kiwi Birdlife Park is a wildlife sanctuary found in the heart of Queenstown. They hold and display over 20 species of native NZ wildlife in our 5 acre Park, all of which are part of nationally managed programmes. Your entry fee supports their conservation work. They offer guaranteed kiwi viewing in our specially constructed nocturnal houses, audio tours (available in English and Japanese; allow 45min), Conservation Shows (11am, 3pm; allow 30min) and Kiwi Feedings (10am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 4.30pm; allow 15min). They offer an all-day pass and the park can be enjoyed in all weather. Experience conservation in action!
Rotorua Duck - Tarawera and Lakes Tour (Rotorua)
Adult: $105.00 NZD
Child: $60.00 NZD
Discover Rotorua’s spectacular lakes area from the comfort of a fully restored World War II amphibious vehicle, able to travel on land and water. A 90 minute fun-filled and scenic journey that ventures onto the three Rotorua lakes, and is accompanied by an entertaining and informative commentary.
Weta Workshop - There and Back Again Guided Tour (Wellington)
NZ$89 Adult NZ$55 Child
This movie-based experience provides a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse of Weta Workshop, the home of the special effects wizards whose work features in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogies. The tour invites you to view the creative processes of a Weta technician and to touch, feel, and hold real props, weapons and models from the films the creative Weta team have worked on. Return transfers from the Wellington i-Site are included.
Altitude Wine Tours - Twilight Wine & Craft Beer Experience (Queenstown)
Adult: $209.00 NZD
It’s always 5 o’clock at Altitude Tours. Join our Twilight Wine and Craft Beer experience for a fun and entertaining late afternoon tastebud tingling adventure! Visit three unique locations around Queenstown and Gibbston with a minimum of 12 tastings of some of the finest drops in the region. Now, here’s the twist, if beer is more your thing then bounce from vines to hops and taste some local craft beers instead.
Monarch Wildlife Cruise & Larnach Castle Tour (Dunedin)
NZ$160 Adult NZ$80 Child
Let your local driver take you on an exciting Otago Peninsula drive to New Zealand’s only castle. Your guided tour of the Larnach family home will give you insight into not only the architecture and style of the stately building, but also into William Larnach’s family life and the restoration done by the current owners during the past three decades. Enjoy views from the tower and marvel at the immaculate gardens before your return to Dunedin. Join our invigorating Wildlife Cruise around Taiaroa Head, home to the world's only mainland nesting place of royal albatross. Watch as these huge birds glide in from the ocean and soar high above their hillside nests.
Bread to Bottle Tour MTM Experience (Dunedin)
Adult: $25.00 NZD
Visit 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.
Pure Glenorchy - Lord of the Rings Scenic Tour (road-Queenstown)
NZ$189 Adult NZ$99 Child
Lord of The Rings Scenic Tour: Visit the stunning locations from Lord of The Rings. Encounter lsengard, Lothlorien Forest, The Misty Mountains, Ithilien and many more. Experience the absolute beauty of the Dart River Valley and our closest world heritage area. Learn about the remarkable history and unique culture of Glenorchy. Our tour feature’s some of the world’s most spectacular scenery visiting Mt Aspiring World Heritage Area, Glenorchy, The Dart River Valley and Paradise. Encounter ancient beech forest, braided rivers and glacier carved valleys.
Real Journeys - Walter Peak BBQ Dinner and Earnslaw (Queenstown)
NZ$189 Adult NZ$85 Child
Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise on Queenstown’s iconic vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Launched in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is the largest and grandest vessel ever to ply Lake Wakatipu. The TSS Earnslaw makes several trips daily across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm on the western shores. A cruise on this gracious heritage vessel is the perfect way to experience Queenstown’s magnificent alpine scenery. Upon reaching Walter Peak High Country Farm, you can disembark for an insight into New Zealand’s farming lifestyle. Enjoy an evening dining at the Colonel’s Homestead followed by an entertaining Sheep Show!
Zealandia (Wellington)
Adult: $60.00NZD
Child: $30.00NZD
ZEALANDIA has some of the most unique biodiversity and advanced conservation techniques in the world. Join an experienced guide on an engaging and informative walk through the picturesque sanctuary to witness the native wildlife that is once again living on the mainland. With everything in ZEALANDIA living wild, nature-guru guides use their knowledge of birdsong, habitats, and local flora to track down even the rarest of our unique animals.
