Iconic New Zealand

• 16 nights in 4-star accommodation

• Enjoy 25 included meals including daily breakfast, 4 lunches and 5 dinners

• Transportation by air-conditioned coach
• Explore the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine from Greymouth to Christchurch

Haere Mai and Welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people. The magic of Auckland is in its diversity, from culture to the environment. There are over 44 volcanoes in the area and 2 harbours, which explains why Auckland is known locally as the ‘City of Sails’.

Make your own way to the hotel in central Auckland and take the afternoon to explore the city. This evening, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner with your travel companions for the next 17 days.

Overnight: Nesuto Stadium Hotel or similar

Meals included: Dinner

This morning you’ll leave Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and head to Waitomo, famous for its enchanting glowworm caves. Visit the brightest glowworm cave in Waitomo, which was visited by Sir David Attenborough! You’ll experience a breathtaking boat ride through a cave that’s lit entirely by glowworms. Enjoy hot drinks and biscuits and prepare to be amazed.

Afterwards, continue to the Rotorua region. This evening you’ll arrive in Rotorua township, check into the hotel and then enjoy a delicious dinner together.

Overnight: Distinction Rotorua or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

This morning you’ll enjoy a walk in the native bush at Okere Falls. The falls lie on the Kaituna River which has cultural significance to the local iwi (tribes) in the area. Currently, the river is used for tourism, specifically white water rafting and sledging. You will stop by the falls and see if you can spot some brave rafters going over the falls. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious coffee and a snack at the Okere Falls store before going for a walk in the Whakarewarewa Forest, where you'll see towering Redwoods, magnificent Douglas firs and New Zealand’s native Silver fern.

Next, skirt around the edge of Lake Rotorua to a lookout point where you’ll have a view of the infamous Mount Tarawera, once the home of the renowned pink and white terraces before a violent eruption destroyed them in 1886.

This afternoon you have some free time to explore Rotorua on your own. If you’d like to see some geothermal activity for free, take a walk around Kuirau Park to see boiling mud pools and steaming lakes. Go for a walk to the lake's edge and through the government gardens, spend some time relaxing at the Polynesian Spa or take the Gondola up to see the amazing Rotorua Skyline.

Overnight: Distinction Rotorua or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, venture off the beaten track to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara. Kohutapu Lodge is owned by a local Maori family who is passionate not only about showcasing their Maori tribal heritage, but also about making a difference in the local area. Murupara is an impoverished community that has been transformed for the better through tourism and commercial development. Through community-driven initiatives and a clear vision to provide more opportunities for the local youth, Kohutapu Lodge has paved the way for change in the area. Begin the experience with a guided tour of the sacred Maori rock carvings before arriving at the Lodge to witness the preparation of a ground-cooked hangi and tasting it for yourself!

After lunch, enjoy a hot kawakawa tea before departing for Taupo. First, you'll stop at the spectacular Huka Falls to see more than 22,000 litres of water per second thundering into the Waikato River. Then continue on to the hotel, the fabulous Hilton Taupo, a 19th-century building that combines Victorian charm with modern decor. The resort-style hotel houses a tennis court, a fitness centre and swimming pools.

Overnight: Hilton Taupo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to leave Taupo and travel along the Napier-Taupo Highway to what is widely regarded as the ‘Tuscany of the Southern Pacific’. The stunning Hawke’s Bay region boasts some of the best wineries around and a visit here would not be complete without a trip to Mission Estate Winery, established in 1851 by pioneering French Missionaries and New Zealand oldest winery.

After a wine tasting, you’ll sit down for lunch and enjoy an afternoon of delicious food and exceptional wines and soak up the ambience and heritage of this gorgeous area. Later, it’s an easy drive into the beautiful coastal town of Napier. Known for its perfectly preserved Art Deco facades, Napier is often referred to as a 1930’s film set. You have the option to stroll along the tree-lined promenade this evening and sample some fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants.

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Te Pania or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today it’s time to leave the Art Deco capital and journey down to Wellington, the sparkling capital city, where modern business style blends with a cultured, bohemian spirit. On the way, stop in Greytown, Wairarapa's oldest town, for a spot of lunch (own expense). A picturesque village with restored Victorian buildings, Greytown is a charming place to stop, refuel and do some boutique window shopping before you continue the journey to Wellington.

With a population of less than 200,000 people, there is no capital city on earth that marries relaxed and refined better than Wellington. The afternoon is free but a visit to the national museum Te Papa is highly recommended - and your entrance fee is included. This evening is yours to explore Wellington.

Overnight: Novotel Wellington or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

You have some time this morning to explore Wellington further, and this afternoon you’ll take the Ferry to the South Island. Don’t miss the spectacular views of the sunken valleys meeting the sea that form the Marlborough Sounds.

You'll then head to Nelson. Arriving at the destination mid-afternoon, the coach will take you on a scenic drive along the seaside. This evening there’s plenty of time to relax, explore the area and the option to taste some of Nelson’s fine local beverages.

Overnight: Rutherford Nelson or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is a free day in the sunshine capital of New Zealand, Nelson - a small city that’s full of arts & crafts and on the edge of NZ’s premier hop-growing region. You could take a wine or beer tour, discover Nelson by bike if you prefer some exercise or just use the day to take a stroll around the area. For those wanting to visit Abel Tasman National Park, you can partake in the optional tour.

Optional Activity: Abel Tasman Day Cruise - $190 per person You'll be transferred from your hotel in the morning out to the idyllic beach town of Kaiteriteri famous for its golden sands. Cruise out past Split Apple Rock and into the Abel Tasman National Park, keeping your eyes on marine life tangoa (treasures ) as you marvel at the beaches, lagoons and hills draped in native bush. Enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ at the Torrent Bay Lodge or onboard the boat, before returning to your Nelson hotel in the last afternoon.

Overnight: Rutherford Nelson or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, take a leisurely drive down to Blenheim, where you'll enjoy a wine tasting and a delicious lunch at a Marlborough winery before setting off for your journey down the coast.

Soak up the gorgeous scenery from Kaikoura’s rugged coastline and beautiful mountains to the rolling farmland of Canterbury before arriving late afternoon in the South Island's Capital, Christchurch. This evening, enjoy a group dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Distinction Christchurch or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast this morning, you'll journey south down the coast and across the Canterbury Plains. You'll pass through the township of Oamaru, home to some of the best-preserved heritage buildings in New Zealand before heading onto the mystical Moeraki Boulders, geological marvels that began to form about 60 million years ago and were exposed by the erosion of sedimentary rocks over time.

Arrive in Dunedin with plenty of time to make the most of this Scottish City.

Overnight: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Visit the iconic Larnach Castle of Dunedin this morning for a stroll through the magnificent gardens before departing for Te Anau. First, you'll make a stop in Gore for a trip to the Illicit Past... Gore’s colourful past as a centre for illicit whisky distilling and bootlegging is brought to life at the Hokonui Moonshine Museum. The adventures of the Scottish settlers and their exploits to avoid run-ins with the law are kept alive through dioramas, audio-visuals and artefacts.

You can taste Old Hokonui made from the original recipe at the end of your visit, or even take a bottle home with you. Afterwards, drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland, where you'll spend the evening.

Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Te Anau or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Depart from Te Anau this morning to Manapouri, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise across the lake to West Arm. This is followed by a short coach trip on New Zealand's most expensive road, travelling over Wilmot Pass and pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below.

At Deep Cove, board a modern catamaran and allow the majesty and vastness of the fiord to take your breath away. Enjoy the onboard commentary that provides insight into the region’s history, flora and fauna as you view spectacular towering mountains and wildlife. Later, drive to Queenstown, skirting through lush farmland and around Lake Wakatipu to the picturesque alpine resort of Queenstown.

Overnight: Novotel Queenstown or similar

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Queenstown’s unrivalled mountainous scenery. Get familiarised with the city by wandering around the picturesque Queenstown Gardens Trail. This botanical garden contains a variety of exotic and native trees, as well as a large pond.

While you're here, take a hike up the Queenstown Hill Track. This moderate challenge takes approximately two-and-a-half hours and will test your legs on the uphill sections. Once at the top, you will find the ‘Basket of Dreams’ sculpture and the most stunning views. Don't forget to try one of the famous Fergburgers!

Overnight: Novotel Queenstown or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

View incredible scenery as you travel through Arrowtown, an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era.

Next, visit Wanaka, a popular township on the lake’s edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop and your destination for the evening.

Overnight: Edgewater Wanaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Travel north along the coast of the Westland National Park, home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. This remarkable part of the country was shaped by the dynamic glaciers and boasts lush temperate rainforest growing beneath towering mountains. Stop in at Fox Glacier with the option to walk the gentle 2.6km track around Lake Matheson.

Nestled amongst ancient forests and famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, Lake Matheson is a serene and beautiful place to spend time. This evening, spend the night in the Franz Josef township, surrounded by lush rainforest and impressive mountains.

Optional Activity: Heli-Scenic Flight Fox & Franz Josef Glacier - $370 per person
Take a heli-scenic flight into one of the most scenic places in the world, flying across a World Heritage Area recognised for both its natural & cultural significance to humanity. Fly over both the Franz & Fox Glaciers with a snow landing and see the Tasman Sea from the ice fields with Mt Cook in the background. A trip of a lifetime!

Overnight: Scenic Franz Josef or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you’ll travel to the vibrant, artistic town of Hokitika where you'll visit the amazing Greenstone and Glass blowing factories and watch some talented artists at work before continuing on to Greymouth, a historic town known for jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods.

Once there, make your way to the Greymouth Train Station to board the Tranzalpine train. Considered one of the world’s greatest train journeys, prepare to be blown away by these epic vistas of forests, plains and mountains.

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be collected by your guide and transferred to the hotel. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and a final night of accommodation in Christchurch.

Overnight: Distinction Christchurch

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today, your trip comes to an end. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and say goodbye to your group. Whether you head home today or stay in Christchurch for a few extra days, we hope you leave with many happy memories of your trip!

Meals included: Breakfast

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until 10 May 2024.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1,889 applies. 

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates

2023

September: 8

October: 6

November: 10

2024

February: 9

March: 8

April: 19

May: 10

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Accommodation Used:

4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)

• Auckland: Nesuto Stadium Hotel or similar

• Rotorua: Distinction Rotorua or similar

• Taupo: Hilton Taupo or similar

• Napier: Scenic Hotel Te Pania or similar

• Wellington: Novotel Wellington or similar

• Nelson: Rutherford Nelson or similar

• Christchurch: Distinction Christchurch or similar

• Dunedin: Scenic Hotel Dunedin or similar

• Te Anau: Distinction Luxmore Te Anau or similar

• Queenstown: Novotel Queenstown or similar

• Wanaka: Edgewater Wanaka or similar

• Franz Josef: Scenic Franz Josef or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights

Not available at check-out. 

Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour.

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

Child Policy

• Valid for adults 18 years old and above only

Triple Share

Not available

Bedding Configuration

Twin or double bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 10, maximum group size 24 per vehicle.

OPTIONAL TOURS/ACTIVITIES

Day 8 - Optional Activity: Abel Tasman Day Cruise $190 per person

You'll be transferred from your hotel in the morning out to the idyllic beach town of Kaiteriteri famous for its golden sands. Cruise out past Split Apple Rock and into the Abel Tasman National Park, keep your eyes on marine life tangoa (treasures ) as you marvel at the beaches, lagoons and hills draped in native bush. Enjoy a classic Kiwi BBQ at the Torrent Bay Lodge or onboard the boat, before returning to your Nelson hotel in the last afternoon.

Day 15 - Optional Activity: Heli-Scenic Flight Fox & Franz Josef Glacier $370

Take a heli-scenic flight into one of the most scenic places in the world! You'll be flying across a World Heritage Area recognised for both its natural & cultural significance to humanity. Fly over both the Franz & Fox Glaciers with a snow landing. Seeing the Tasman Sea from the ice fields with Mt Cook in the background is simply spectacular – this is truly a trip of a lifetime and not to be missed.

Please note:

• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions.

• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 

• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• International flights 

• Visa fees and requirements 

• Domestic transfers 

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Optional gratuities/tipping 

• Optional activities/tours 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide: 

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group.

Tour Leader: 

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

The temperatures vary between North and South Island, and in areas such as Fiordland, can even be quite chilly in summer. During Spring the North Island temperatures range between 7 and 17 degrees and South Island can range from 5 to 17 degrees. Spring in New Zealand spans September, October and November. In February you can expect relatively warm weather, daytime highs for South Island are 22 degrees and nightly lows of around 11 degrees. The overall average for South Island in February is 15 degrees. With varying weather conditions, it is recommended to bring layers and waterproof clothing (Fiordland is the world’s wettest region).

COACH TOUR

Meals:

25 meals in total are included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER

Mobility:

If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required:

A low level of fitness will be required. 

Low is described as Light walking on well-maintained surfaces, occasional climbing of stairs and ability to get on and off vehicles without assistance and stand for a minimum of 30 minutes in hot/humid conditions. A general level of fitness and mobility.

Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Sightseeing:

Please note: If entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping: 

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is not required for Australian Passport holders travelling to New Zealand.

Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note, that some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.