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New Zealand Discoverer

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Operated by Travel Marvel
Tripcode: NTA12
Overview
Destination:
New Zealand
Duration:12 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Travel Period
September 2026 - May 2028
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.

Highlights
  • 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • Journey across the South Island from Christchurch on this world-famous rail journey. Ascend into the snow-capped Southern Alps, passing through striking scenery to Arthur's Pass.

    Image Credit: Nic Staveley

  • Keep an eye out for sea life encounters as you cruise through the Bay of Islands at the tip of the North Island. Set off from the Cape Brett Peninsula and cruise through the distinctive Hole in the Rock formation (conditions permitting).

Highlights:
  • Prices are for land only. Flights not included (unless specified)
  • Prices include all sightseeing, cruises, entrance fees as specified, and airport transfers on the first and last day
  • Itinerary effective 9 September 2025 - 26 May 2026. Tours departing outside these dates follow a different itinerary – please enquire for details
  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
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

Arrive in the ‘City of Sails’, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your premium hotel. This evening, enjoy a dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Day 2 - Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua

Travel to Waitomo and embark on a memorable Insider Experience. Continue on to Rotorua, where you'll have the evening free to enjoy at your leisure.

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. 

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 partake in our Enhance Your Journey experience.  This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience.

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 the new Kiwi Conservation Centre. This evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.

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 (additional expense).

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 along the West Coast. 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 through the heart of the Southern Alps, passing dramatic gorges, alpine rivers, and lush beech forests aboard the iconic TranzAlpine train. This scenic rail journey offers breathtaking views and a relaxing way to experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes.

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 – Bask in idyllic views at 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

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You’ll find plenty to see and do around Queenstown, from thrilling adventures through to simply relaxing and soaking in incredible views. Perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey options (additional expense). This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining Savour a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm, reached by a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu. Gain an insight into life on a high-country New Zealand farm. 

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 – Wine Sampler Tour Venture through New Zealand's southernmost wine region as you sample a selection of vintages from the local vineyards and wineries.

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 the lakeside town of Te Anau.

Insider Experience – Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular scenery

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

See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for a special Insider Experience. You may choose to enhance your journey with an amazing option on offer. Tonight, enjoy another special Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at The Hermitage's Alpine Restaurant Centrally located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, The Hermitage’s Alpine Restaurant serves delicious meals crafted from fresh, seasonal produce. The spectacular views provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

Insider Experience – Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stay the night surrounded by sweeping views of New Zealand’s highest peak.

Enhance Your Journey – Glacier Explorer Cruise Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier. Surrounded by the dramatic alpine landscape of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, you’ll glide across the milky-blue waters while learning about the glacier’s history, geology, and ongoing changes (additional expense). 

Day 12 - Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Depart Christchurch

Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking lake views of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Then continue on to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.

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.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
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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Price from
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$6,266*
per person twin share
11 nights
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