G Adventures 12 Day Discover New Zealand – National Geographic Journeys 

Welcome to Auckland! Please make your own way to the joining hotel.  Auckland is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. Should you want more time to explore on your own, we recommend booking pre-nights.

Welcome Meeting activity – The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

AUCKLAND / TĀMAKI MAKAURAU – an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city’s many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand’s biggest city, and the population mix of European, Māori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Special Information: Jump right into your adventure by adding the ‘Auckland Sailing: America’s Cup Experience’ extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1. If you are interested in visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set, we recommended that you book additional pre-trip accommodations and purchase a day trip from Auckland on (or prior to) Day 1 of this tour.

Start the day with a brief orientation walk in Auckland with your CEO, one of the most multicultural cities in the Southern Hemisphere. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

You’ll then catch a ferry to beautiful Waiheke Island, a haven of world-class vineyards and idyllic beaches. Visit wineries and learn about the evolution of the highly celebrated wine industry in New Zealand in its founding region. Tour picturesque vineyards, tasting well known wines from the region while enjoying the views. Return to Auckland this evening via a scenic ferry ride.

+ Optional Activities:  Maritime Museum Visit

Drive to the lakeside town of Rotorua, situated over an active geothermal zone and known for its volcanic features and rich Māori heritage. Stop en route at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.

ROTORUA – located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Māori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Māori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.

Begin your full-day excursion with a walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in Whirinaki Rainforest, learning the history of the forest and spotting endemic birds and medicinal plants. Then head to the Māori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, our base for exploring New Zealand’s indigenous culture. Watch as a hangi lunch is prepared the traditional way-—buried in an underground pit—and enjoy the resulting feast with your Māori hosts. After lunch see ancient rock carvings and learn about their spiritual significance to the Māori people, both past and present. Return to Rotorua for an optional evening meal or a well-deserved soak in the hot springs

+ Optional Activities: Hot Springs – Soak tired muscles in the area’s natural hot springs and let the mineral water work its magic. Rotorua is home to a number of amazing geothermal parks – be sure you don’t miss the healing and relaxing benefits of the city’s naturally heated waters.

With free time in Rotorua this morning, opt to relax in one of the hot pools fed by water coming directly from the natural springs. Before leaving Rotorua you will visit: The National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about the national bird of New Zealand on a guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery. With your expert guide, you’ll learn about the efforts of the hatchery and the conservation practices New Zealand is taking to care for the endangered bird.

Depart Rotorua on a domestic flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival in Christchurch, enjoy a brief orientation walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Spend your afternoon and evening discovering Christchurch your way. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens, browse quirky shops and galleries, or relax along the Avon River. When night falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local café or restaurant, soaking in the city’s vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.

CHRISTCHURCH/OTAUTAHI -Located on a level plain, Christchurch is defined by its historic past and vibrant future. The willow and oak-lined River Avon meanders through its heart, where you can enjoy a punt ride or explore the sprawling Botanic Gardens. Much of the city’s unique charm comes from its blend of old and new; elegant stone buildings sit alongside striking contemporary architecture. Following a series of earthquakes, the city has been thoughtfully and creatively rebuilt, resulting in innovative new spaces like the Transitional Cathedral and Margaret Mahy Playground. This spirit of renewal makes Christchurch an exciting hub for arts, culture, and dining, while its proximity to both the stunning Canterbury Plains and the volcanic Port Hills offers easy access to outdoor adventures.

Today, climb aboard the TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass and travel through what many consider to be the most beautiful train ride in the world!

As part of the day, you’ll take a sheep shearing experience and dive into quintessential Kiwi culture on a sheep farm deep in the Southern Alps. Watch how sheep dogs work alongside humans to wrangle the sheep through paddocks. Join in a sheep shearing demonstration and learn about the importance of sheep farms in New Zealand. At the end of the day, you will return to Christchurch for the night.

Special Information: Please be aware on occasions the TranzAlpine train may not be operational. Instead your CEO will drive the group through the Southern Alps on a similar route.

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Christchurch. Choose to stroll the Christchurch Botanic Gardens or wander the city. In the afternoon, head west to Tekapo at the base of Aoraki/Mount Cook. This evening after dinner, join local experts for an exclusive astronomy experience in one of the worlds official Dark Sky Parks in Tekapo. Expect breathtaking perspectives of the stars, planets, and distant galaxies.

Tonight, you’ll have the rare opportunity to capture stunning celestial images with expert guidance, while experienced guides take you on a journey through the Southern Skies. Witness the stars, planets and milky way like never before in an unforgettable stargazing adventure. Nestled in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the purpose-built observation craters give you a fantastic view of the stars. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to understand the night sky like never before.

Please note that the times for the stargazing vary dramatically based on season. In the summer months, the activity can start as late as midnight. You will have time to relax and rest after dinner before heading out for the evening activity.

LAKE TEKAPO/TAKAPŌ – located in the Mackenzie country, with fantastic views of the surrounding Alps. The Lake’s unusual turquoise colour is given by fine rock-flour, which is dust ground by glacial movement and held in suspension by the Lake’s waters. The Lake is also well known for its brown and rainbow trout.

Set off this morning for the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. Sir Edmund Hillary, New Zealand’s most famous explorer, made some of his very first ascents here at the south face of Aoraki/Mount Cook which set the foundation for his world-changing summit of Everest with Tenzing Norgay in 1953. In a July 1954 issue of National Geographic Hillary was quoted as saying “We are there. Nothing above us, a world below.” Spend time at the visitor centre that honors Sir Edmund Hillary and his achievements in the exploration of so many fascinating parts of the planet. Later in the afternoon, embark on your own explorations with a guided trek along the Kea Point track. This 1.8 mile trail offers views to Mount Sefton, Hooker Valley, Mueller Glacier Lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook.

MOUNT COOK/AORAKI – whose Maori name “Aorangi” means “Cloud Piercer” is some 3753.5 metres high and surrounded by a host of massive peaks. Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest mountain, and can quite often be surrounded by cloud, constantly vulnerable to the fast changing weather patterns of an alpine climate. Mount Cook. There are several short walks that reward with spectacular views.

Set off this morning heading further west towards Wanaka. Enjoy some free exploration time in Wanaka and grab some lunch at leisure. This afternoon, join your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for a brief orientation of Arrowtown before enjoying some time to explore this historic mining town. Choose to go on a walking tour starting at the Lakes District Museum. Then stroll around the historic miner’s cottages, old churches, and explore the Chinese Settlement to learn about the gold mining past that shaped Arrowtown. In late afternoon, head to Queenstown and enjoy dinner at leisure.

QUEENSTOWN/TAHUNA – is the South Island’s most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as “fit for any Queen”, and so she was called Queenstown.

Today, take a return journey by private vehicle to Fiordland National Park. Discover the glacially carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park on a cruise. Glide past shimmering waterfalls and towering cliffs, and look out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and little blue penguins with our naturalist guides. Travel back to shore, head to Queenstown for the night.

Fiordland National Park: Cruise through stunning Fiordland National Park, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. Depending on the departure, the cruise will be in either Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound – two of the most stunning regions within the park. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Queenstown to explore the myriad things that make this southern city so famous. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like mountain biking and jet boating. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask! You may wish to choose to cruise lake Wakatipu on a historic steamer; experience a thrilling jet boat ride; or visit a local winery to sample the region’s award-winning vintages. Choose to join your CEO and fellow travelers for an optional delicious farewell dinner on this final evening in New Zealand.

+ Optional Activities:
• Vineyard Tour: Visit vineyards in New Zealand’s fastest growing wine region. Taste some of Queenstown’s finest Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc and learn more about the grape varietals that flourish here. Pick up a few bottles to savour back home.
• Shotover Jet Boating: Jet boating is a typical New Zealand activity — go as fast you can in a boat over water. Hang on tight as you fly across the surface of the water. Shoot through narrow rocky gorges and dare to watch as the driver takes hairpin turns frighteningly close to the cliffs.
• Gondola Ride: Take a ride up to the top of the mountain by cable car gondola. Get a spectacular 220º view of Coronet Peak, the Remarkables mountain range, and Lake Wakatipu below.
• Earnslaw Steamship Cruise: Discover the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a 103 year old traditional steamship. This 90 minute cruise highlights that stunning alpine scenery that surrounds Queenstown, and lets you check out the views while relaxing on deck.