Relax and Indulge New Zealand [ST-NZ102] - About New Zealand
 
 
9 Days: Relax and Indulge New Zealand [ST-NZ102]
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Highlights & Inclusions
  • Accommodation - Auckland (2 Nights), Rotorua (2), Queenstown (3)
  • US Domestic Flights are not included (Please check quote for inclusion)
  • International Flights - Los Angeles to Auckland (Return) (Not included, but can be included upon request)
  • New Zealand Domestic Flights - Rotorua to Queenstown via Christchurch, Queenstown to Auckland
  • Shuttle Transfers - Auckland Airport to Accommodation, Rotorua Accommodation to Airport, Queenstown Airport to Accommodation (Return)
  • Day Tours Included - Auckland: Waiheke Wine tour, Deluxe Coach to Rotorua with Caves, Agrodome & Te Puia; Rotorua: Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa; Queenstown: Hot Pools Indulgence Experience, Wine Trail
  • All other Day Tours listed are Optional (Not Included)
  • F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
  • All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
  • Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.
Itinerary Details
Day 1 - Hometown to Los Angeles (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

Day 1 - International Flight, Los Angeles to Auckland

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Auckland.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

Day 2 - Shuttle Transfer, Auckland Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Days 2 to 4 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Auckland

Travel to your accommodation in Auckland, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Enjoy your stay in Auckland’s tallest residential building with breathtaking bold views. Stretch out in the suite life beside Albert Park and inhale the sea air. You will feel at home in a downtown haven full of freedom and convenience. Take time to pause for a moment of ‘Wow’ as you walk through the lobby, a sleek century-old courthouse transformed for an impressive arrival. Once climbed by legendary French Spiderman Alain Robert, your towering hotel takes the meaning of ‘home away from home’ to new heights. Above it all, slide into a contemporary vibe and discover Auckland from the city centre. You have got culture, entertainment and the great outdoors on your doorstep!

Day 3 - Day Tour, Waiheke Wine tour - Half Day

Visit Waiheke Island and see how its stunning Mediterranean-like climate produces exquisite wines and fresh ingredients right on the island. Tour an award-winning olive oil mill, followed by two vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines. Enjoy a platter lunch at one of the Island’s top vineyard restaurants.

Taste succulent fresh oysters, award-winning olive oil and other locally-produced specialty foods, accompanied by wines from some of the Island’s top boutique vineyards. Your guide will provide an entertaining and informative commentary along the way.

You will visit an award-winning olive oil mill, followed by two vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet tastes to accompany their wines. Treats may include oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread and artisan cheeses.

Afterwards, enjoy a platter lunch at one of the island’s top vineyard restaurants. After lunch you will be returned to the ferry back to Auckland. Ferry tickets included in the cost!

Departs at 9:00am from Auckland and returns at 3:40pm.

Tour requires minimum of 2 people to run (maximum group size 18 people).

Inclusions
– Professional guide with local and industry knowledge
– Wine tastings
– Treats from locally-produced specialty providers
– Platter lunch
– Transfers in late model vehicles
– Return ferry from Auckland

Need to Know
Maximum group size is 18 persons. Vineyards may vary according to seasonal availability. Not suitable for children.

Operates
Daily, except for Good Friday, Easter Sunday, ANZAC Day, and Christmas Day.

Day 4 - Day Tour, Deluxe Coach to Rotorua with Caves, Agrodome & Te Puia

Experience New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage and the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, plus a trip through the famous glowworm caves at Waitomo, on this full day sightseeing tour by deluxe luxury coach.

Depart Auckland: Travel the main Southern Highway through small rural townships steeped in early pioneer history. Your host serves morning tea during this sector.

Waikato: Travel through New Zealand’s largest dairy and sheep farming province. See the small farming settlements on the outskirts of Hamilton City, as you travel towards King Country, birthplace of the Maori Monarchy.

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves: Join a guided tour through this world-famous cave formation, climaxed by drifting silently in a boat through a glow worm cavern lit up with thousands of tiny glow worm lights.

Light Lunch: Served on-board as we make our way to Rotorua through magnificent rural farmland with its vast numbers of grazing animals.

Rotorua: New Zealand’s highest city, 305 meters (1000 feet) above sea level, located inside the rim of a volcanic crater. An area of great geothermal activity where you will visit the following attractions:

Agrodome Farm Tour: An introduction to New Zealand farming, with a 45-minute tour of an authentic working farm in all-weather, all-terrain vehicles. Watch a sheep being shorn and hand-feed the animals.

Lake Rotorua: Drive through the foreshore park past the hundreds of ducks and swans. Then travel through the beautiful historic Government Gardens.

Te Puia Institute (Maori Arts, Crafts & Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve): One of Rotorua’s most famous attractions. See woodcarving, weaving displays, Maori village and the thermal valley with the famous Pohutu Geyser, fumaroles, colourful silica deposits and boiling mud pools.

This tour ends in Rotorua.

Days 4 to 6 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Rotorua

Located on the shores of picturesque Lake Rotorua with commanding views over the lake and surrounding hinterland, your 2 nights accommodation is just a few minutes stroll to the city centre.

Your 4 star accommodation features the best of everything in Rotorua! The spa and fitness club have combined the benefits of the areas geothermal waters, culture and relaxation to enhance a holistic sense of wellbeing. Take some time to experience the Matariki Cultural Centre and encounter the warmth and spirit of the Maori people.

Upgrade Available (extra cost):
Lake View Room

Image Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Rotorua Canopy Tours - Half Day

Embark on a magical journey through untouched native New Zealand forest from a unique perspective high in the forest canopy.

High amongst ancient trees, this 3-hour adventure combines fun and excitement with pristine natural beauty.

Mix thrill and wonder through an incredible network of trails, tree platforms, ziplines (flying foxes) and swing bridges. The changing views are breathtaking as you experience the thrill of flying through changing landscapes from high above unexplored forested valleys to tight openings through the forest sub canopy amongst stands of giant long forgotten trees.

In between the thrill of the ziplines (flying fox), suspended treebridges and tree platforms, your guides share their passion and knowledge for the local history, the forest and the conservation challenges they face in preserving this special ecosystem.

Hear the beautiful orchestra of native bird song resonating in the forest and take a deep breath to let the wondrous moment sink in.

Operates:
Daily (multiple times available)
Duration – 4 Hours total

Includes:
– Return transfers from central Rotorua accommodation
– 2 highly trained and knowledgeable guides
– 1.2-kilometer network of ziplines, swingbridges, treetop platforms and walking trails deep in virgin New Zealand native forest
– 6 Zipline/Flying fox flights up to 220 meters long and 40 meters above forest floor
– Treetop platforms perched 22 meters up 500-year-old trees
– Tree to tree swingbridges up to 50 meters long
– All safety equipment
– Cold weather and wet weather clothing

Need to Know:
Minimum age is 6 years old. Children must be accompanied by one participating adult. Maximum weight allowance per participant is 120kg (265 pounds). Moderate fitness level required. Tours may be postponed due to adverse weather conditions or high winds.

Upgrades:
GoPro camera rental available – must be prebooked.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included), Gondola ride and Volcanic Hills Wine Tasting

Sample New Zealand’s carefully crafted Volcanic Hills wines while enjoying panoramic views over Lake Rotorua.

Relax and take in the 180 degree panorama of the gondola, then sample handcrafted wines from New Zealand’s most recognised and respected wine regions.

The Volcanic Hills range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Rose, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. The grapes are sourced from New Zealand’s premium wine-growing regions of Marlborough, Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay, crafted by a couple of talented and vastly experienced winemakers.

Operates
Daily
From 11:00am to 6:00pm (approx.)
Tuesday and Wednesday 11:00am to 5:00pm

Includes
– Gondola Ride
– Wine Tasting

Need to Know
Wine tasting will last 30-45 minutes. Please bring money for the INZPIRED store and Jelly Belly Store

Upgrades
Luge Rides, Mountain Bike, Zoom Zipline, Skyswing, Dinner

Day 5 - Day Tour - Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa

Embrace nature’s sanctuary and slip into five mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Take time to embrace this magical oasis of geothermal pools. If looking for some therapeutic remedies, a cold plunge pool has been added for those wanting hot/cold hydrotherapy. The extremes of hot and cold water cause muscle to expand and contract offering gently detoxification as toxins are squeezed from the muscles.

Or, if looking to destress the mind and body, lounge in one of the 10 geothermally heated recliners. With 96.8-106 degree mineral waters, amazing views of the lake and Sulphur Bay Wild Reserve, this is sure to be an experience to remember.

Operates
Daily
Open 9:00am-11:00pm

Includes
– Access to 5 geothermal pools and cold pool
– Relaxation lounge
– 10 geothermal recliners
– Drinking fountains, hairdryers, and toiletries

Need to Know
– Cotton shirts and pants including underwear are not permitted to be worn in the pools at any time
– Children under 8 years of age must be actively supervised by a caregiver aged 16 or over
– It is recommended that you do not to stay in hot water for more than fifteen minutes. Alternate to cooler pools and maintain a regular intake of fluids

Upgrades
– Massages and other spa treatments
– Locker, towel, and swimsuit rentals
– Adult only pools

Day 6 - Shuttle Transfer, Rotorua Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand, to Napier.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Day 6 - New Zealand Domestic Flight, Rotorua to Christchurch

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Rotorua to Christchurch (South Island).

Day 6 - New Zealand Domestic Flight, Christchurch to Queenstown

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Christchurch to Queenstown (South Island).

Day 6 - Shuttle Transfer, Queenstown Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Days 6 to 9 - 3 Nights Accommodation in Queenstown

Travel to your accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

It’s all about location! Your 4 star accommodations sits in a tranquil lakefront setting only a minute’s walk from the heart of Queenstown with shopping, restaurants, nightlife and activities all within easy reach. This fresh, modern hotel features rooms and facilities furnished with the finest comforts and conveniences. A place where you can relax with surperb uninterrupted views of the lake, mountains and adjoining gardens. Comfortable and serene you will surely enjoy your stay here!

Upgrades Available: Garden View Room, Lakeview Room

Day 6 - Evening Event, Hot Pools Indulgence Experience

Unwind and relax with an indulgent hot pools experience overlooking the scenic Shotover Canyon. Soak in your own private cedar tub and let the bubbling waters rejuvenate you.

The Hot Pools experience is all about decompressing and soaking-up Queenstown’s spectacular scenery. Immerse yourself in the panoramic views, the pure waters, and the fresh mountain air, as your mind and body surrenders to the deep penetrating warmth and gentle massage of your own private pool.

Enjoy complete privacy, total cleanliness and beautiful surroundings. Your exclusive pool room has wooden side walls and a retractable roof so you can switch from an indoor to an outdoor experience at the push of a button.

For a magical evening experience, book a sunset session and enjoy your private pool room surrounded in Japanese lanterns.

Operates:
Daily 9am-11pm (Closed Christmas Day)
No children after 5pm

Includes:
– Exclusive 1 hour use of one classic cedar tub
– Panoramic views of the mountains across the Shotover River
– Private changing room and shower
– Towels
– Choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink
– Selection of Whittaker’s chocolate bar, Pure ice cream, or Proper hand cooked chips

Need to Know:
Swimsuits are mandatory.

Upgrades:
Full day spa available for various massages, facials and packages (not included)

Day 7 - Free Day to Explore Queenstown

Spend a day to relax or explore dynamic Queenstown.

This region is renowned for its incedible adventure activities and spectacular outdoor terrain. You could try skiing, snowboarding, bungy jumping, paragliding, jetboating, sky diving and more! Or, if you want something a little more relaxed, you can choose from numerous family activities, nature experiences, tours and beauty spas. One hundred and forty years after our establishment as a gold mining camp, central Queenstown has transformed into a sophisticated cosmopolitan town, tucked into a picturesque bay on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, beneath majestic mountains. There’s a permanent buzz in downtown Queenstown, where you’ll find a fantastic choice of restaurants, a lively bar scene and excellent shopping.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Optional Day Tour (Not Incuded) - Milford Sound Nature Cruise with Buffet Lunch

Take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most famous tourist destination. You’ll experience the world-famous fiord in all its natural glory – surrounded by dense rainforest, glacier-carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls. Lunch included.

Today you will visit Milford Sound and experience a world of cascading waterfalls, sheer rock faces and dense rainforest. Your sightseeing tour to Milford Sound is made even more enjoyable by our glass-roofed coaches, which provide spectacular panoramic views as you travel along the Milford Road – one of the world’s most scenic roads – and through the Homer Tunnel, before arriving for your Milford Sound cruise. Enjoy striking views of iconic Mitre Peak from the head of the Sound – it rises 1,692 metres from the south shore and is named for its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre (headdress).

Upon leaving Queenstown, you will travel in comfort through rugged mountain terrain past Te Anau, a quiet town on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. Your glass-roof coach will provide amazing views of the skyline. Your journey continues through the Southern Alps and along the picturesque Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls and one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand.

Take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer along the Milford Road, like the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters, and Knobs Flat, where glaciers have carved their mark on the terrain. Travel through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km passageway drilled into solid rock, then experience The Chasm, a short but impressive walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids.

At Milford Sound, board your 2 hour 15 minute Nature Cruise and set off to explore the region that Rudyard Kipling called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Travel the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, gliding past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters. At the pinnacle of the sound, Mitre Peak rises dramatically from the depths to a height of 1,692 metres above sea level. Along the way your captain will provide lively and informative commentary.

After your cruise, you will return to Queenstown by scenic flight and wing your way back high over the mountains, lakes and rivers of the South Island.

Buffett Lunch Included.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Walter Peak Farm & BBQ Lunch Excursion

This is a New Zealand farming tour like no other. A visit to the Walter Peak High Country Farm is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing few hours enjoying an interactive farming experience.

Farming in the New Zealand high country is a way of life – and it’s one you can get up close to at Walter Peak.
Situated on picturesque Lake Whakatipu’s south-western shores, Walter Peak High Country Farm is an idyllic place. The farm tour itself is a wonderful interactive experience, with something to keep everyone entertained and happy. You will be greeted by your rural host upon disembarking the TSS Earnslaw, who will take you to the amphitheater, where you will watch the remarkable skill with which the farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks. You will have time for a walking tour of the farmyard, visiting the holding pens, where you can help feed the sheep and deer and even get up close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. Then a stroll to the charming old woolshed for afternoon tea. You may have time to stroll through the lakeside gardens before you re-board the TSS Earnslaw for your cruise back to Queenstown.

Operates
Daily (except Christmas)
Starts multiple times daily from 11am to 3pm (3.5 Hour Tour)

Includes
– Return cruise on the TSS Earnslaw
– Guided Farm tour
– Sheep dog demonstration
– Enjoy afternoon tea, freshly baked at the farm

Need to Know
Licensed bar available aboard the TSS Earnslaw (Own expense). Substitute vessel used during 15May-26Jun maintenance period. Please bring non-slip shoes/boots, warm clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses and camera.

Upgrades
Can add BBQ lunch or dinner to your farm experience.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Gondola with Buffet & Performance

Gaze in awe at panoramic views of Queenstown before you sit down and enjoy a truly unique New Zealand buffet & live Haka performance.

Marvel at the stunning views as you ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola – the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere! Sit back and relax as the best views in the region unfold before your eyes and the Gondola carries you 450 metres above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak.

En route you will enjoy a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breath taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter Peak, Cecil Peak and over Queenstown.

On arrival, there are purpose built viewing platforms and outdoor terraces that provide great photo opportunities.

After the Gondola ride, you will step foot in one of the best restaurants with a spectacular lake and mountain view. The famous Taste of New Zealand buffet offers delectable fresh seafood, salads, roast meats and delicious desserts, while the panoramic view from our windows will captivate you day or night. It’s the ideal place for that special night out and the best place in Queenstown to watch the sun go down!

With live music creating a relaxing atmosphere and never ending scenery to admire, you will be entertained as you dine on the award winning cuisine.

Kia Ora! Nau mai haere mai ki tenei o to tatou nei whare whakaturanga. (Welcome! To our special place of Maori performing arts)

The Kiwi Haka is a spiritual journey of Maori culture and customs as told through traditional song and dance. The live performance is set in an intimate 77-seat theatre surrounded by carved decorations depicting myths and legends of the local Wakatipu region. Highlights of the 30-minute show include the powhiri (welcome), stunning poi display and fearsome Haka.

Day 8 - Day Tour, Wine Trail

Enjoy an afternoon exploring some of the award winning wineries in the Queenstown region.

This half day wine and food experience delivers an unforgettable taste of Central Otago’s wine region, showcasing its superb local produce. Your winery lunch is exclusively for Queenstown Wine Trail guests only. Lunch consists of several tasting portions each perfectly matched by the Chief Winemaker and Head Chef, using estate wines and fresh local produce. Enjoy wine tasting and presentations at 3 wineries, generally visiting one larger well-known winery and two boutique style wineries. An underground wine cave tour & tastings gives you inside information about our great wines and the Central Otago wine industry.

Operates
Daily (except Christmas, Boxing Day, Good Friday, & Easter)
Departs 12:00pm and Returns 4:30pm (approx.)

Includes
– Wine & Food paired with lunch
– Hosted tastings at 3 wineries
– 15+ tastings
– Return transfers from hotel

Need to Know
Limited a la carte menu offered for people with dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Upgrades
Private Wine & Food Tour

Day 9 - Shuttle Transfer, Queenstown Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers – 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc – $5.00 each.

Day 9 - New Zealand Domestic Flight, Queenstown to Auckland

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Auckland (North Island).

Day 9 - International Flight, Auckland to Los Angeles

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.

Day 9 - Los Angeles to Hometown (Check quote for inclusion)

Travel by domestic air to your destination.

If you request US domestic air pricing, this inclusion will be reflected in your quote.

  • a) All prices are USD$/person (including all Taxes). Subject to availability. Other Conditions Apply (see Terms and Conditions).
  • b) Land Content Only represents the pricing for the full itinerary as detailed, except the International Flights from the USA (and return) are NOT included.
  • c) An Infant (Lapchild) must be less than 2 years old on the date of departure. Infant must travel with at least one adult. An infant with a seat pays the price of a Child.
  • d) A Child must be aged between 2-11 years on the date of departure. Child must travel with at least one adult.