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New Zealand Discoverer

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Operated by Travel Marvel
Tripcode: NTA12
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand
Start:Auckland, New Zealand
Finish:Christchurch, New Zealand
Duration:12 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Style:
Rail,
Rail Journey,
Travel Period
April 2025 - May 2026
Auckland → Christchurch

Take in the highlights of the North and South islands. Visit key cities and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of New Zealand at places such as Rotorua, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Queenstown, Aoraki Mt Cook and the west coast’s glacier country.

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Standard inclusions
  • 11 nights in premium accommodation
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced Driver
  • Premium air-conditioned coach travel
  • 18 meals - 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 6 dinners
  • Special Farewell Dinner
  • Immerse yourself in an evening of Maori Culture and Cuisine
  • Ride the iconic TranzAlpine Train across the Southern Alps
  • Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive Auckland

Your New Zealand tour begins in Auckland. Here, you will be met and transferred to your premium hotel. 

Day 2 - Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua

Travel to Waitomo and embark on a memorable Insider Experience. Continue to Rotorua and visit Te Puia and discover its Māori cultural centre. Visit Whakarewarewa Valley, an active geothermal area with geysers, hot mineral pools and boiling mud. In the evening, enjoy another Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Visit Waitomo’s glowworm caves

Descend into the caves beneath the lush Waitomo hills and look up to see a cavern illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights. A sight to behold, the phenomenon is the work of glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand. 

Insider Experience – Māori Cultural Immersion and geothermal wonders in Rotorua

Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you'll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand’s national treasures at their new Kiwi Conservation Centre. That evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and the sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.

Day 3 - Rotorua

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to the Agrodome, where you’ll meet animals and learn about life in rural New Zealand. Alternatively, you may like to opt for our Enhance Your Journey experience. 

Enhance Your Journey – Hobbiton movie set and farm tour

Explore the iconic set from The Lord of the Rings films, featuring charming Hobbit Hole doors and the home of Frodo Baggins nestled in the hillsides.

Day 4 - Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington

Travel the Thermal Explorer Highway and visit Lake Taupō and Huka Falls. Afterwards, journey to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. This tightly knit city is home to a stunning waterfront promenade, sandy beaches, and quaint colourful timber houses on the surrounding hills. 

Day 5 - Wellington, Interislander Ferry, Christchurch

Begin the day with an Insider Experience. Afterwards, continue your journey onwards to Christchurch.

Insider Experience Cruise the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry

Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic voyages on the Interislander ferry en route to Picton. Take in marvellous sights as you navigate Cook Strait, travelling from the North Island to the South Island.

Day 6 - Christchurch, TranzAlpine train, Fox Glacier

Today begins with an Insider Experience. Later, take a scenic drive through the Southern Alps. This stunning region is home to the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests. 

Insider Experience – Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass

Journey across the South Island from coast to coast on this world-famous rail journey. Climb over the snow-capped Southern Alps through striking scenery to the wild West Coast.

Day 7 - Fox Glacier, Queenstown

A stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Relax and unwind in your room, which boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, allowing you to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you.

Day 8 - Queenstown

Start the day with an Insider Experience. Then, enjoy lunch at Queenstown’s famous Fergburger. With the rest of the day free for you to spend at leisure, you may like to try one of our Enhance Your Journey select experiences.  

Insider Experience – Ride by Skyline gondola to Bob’s Peak in Queenstown

Ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, 480 metres high. Marvel at the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and the town sprawling out beneath you. 

Enhance Your Journey – Million Dollar Cruise

Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which swim in the lake’s waters. 

Enhance Your Journey – Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls.  

Enhance Your Journey – TSS Earnslaw Cruise

Join the historic steamer TSS Earnslaw on a cruise to Walter Peak Station for dinner, where you will gain an insight into farming life in New Zealand’s high country.

Day 9 - Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau

Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the incredible Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Later, travel to Te Anau.

Insider Experience – Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise

Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter. 

Day 10 - Te Anau, Dunedin

Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a city tour. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.

Day 11 - Dunedin, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo/Takapō

See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you will enjoy an Insider Experience. Later, arrive at Peppers Bluewater Resort for a Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience – Admire stunning views at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Travel through the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and stop to admire breathtaking views of New Zealand's highest peak. 

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at Lake Tekapo/Takapō

Say 'ka kite ano' (see you again) to New Zealand and your fellow travellers at a special dinner at Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort on the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Enjoy exquisite locally inspired cuisine prepared by world-class chefs as you celebrate the end of your Kiwi adventure with newfound friends. 

Day 12 - Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Depart Christchurch

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, taking in lake views before continuing to Christchurch, where your journey comes to an end.

Insider Experience - Stay on the shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapo and indulge in a special Farewell Dinner

Say 'ka kite ano' (see you again) to New Zealand and your fellow travellers at a special dinner at Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort on the stunning shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Enjoy exquisite locally inspired cuisine prepared by world-class chefs as you celebrate the end of your Kiwi adventure with newfound friends. 

Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
Travelmarvel

Travelmarvel delivers premium journeys at exceptional value. We are part of Australia’s largest locally-owned travel company, with a commitment to service and innovation, and a focus on the safety and wellbeing of our guests.

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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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11 nights
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