Soul of New Zealand: 19N/20D
Day Wise Itinerary
- Arrive at Auckland Airport and transfer privately to your hotel in central Auckland (such as a 4★ hotel in the CBD or near the waterfront).
- Spend the afternoon at leisure, stroll the Viaduct Harbour and catch sunset views. Dinner at a harbour-front restaurant.
- Today enjoy a private guided city tour — visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views, explore Auckland Museum and Albert Park, and take a scenic ferry to Devonport for views of the harbour.
- Evening free for shopping and dining.
- Fly from Auckland to Rotorua in the morning. On arrival, private transfer to your hotel.
- Spend the afternoon at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with its colourful geothermal pools.
- Optional evening Māori cultural dinner and performance.
- After breakfast, a private tour of Te Puia to see the Pōhutu Geyser, Māori carving school and kiwi sanctuary.
- In the afternoon enjoy the Redwoods Treewalk or a forest canopy tour. Evening at leisure.
- Choose your pace — private jet boat ride on Lake Rotorua, horse trek through geothermal valleys, or a relaxing soak at the Polynesian Spa.
- Transfer in evening to airport for your flight to Wellington.
- Explore New Zealand’s capital on a private walking tour — Te Papa National Museum, the historic Cable Car and Botanic Gardens, and Cuba Street’s cafes and boutiques.
- Sunset at Oriental Bay.
- Private full-day wine tour to Martinborough with tastings at boutique vineyards and a gourmet lunch.
- Return to Wellington for dinner at a top local restaurant.
- Morning flight to Christchurch. Private transfer to city hotel. Explore Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Avon River and Riverside Market.
- Relax with sunset river views and dinner.
- Private day tour to Akaroa, a French-influenced harbour village. Take a harbour cruise to see Hector’s dolphins, penguins and seals.
- Lunch in Akaroa village before returning to Christchurch.
- Fly to the West Coast (via connection where needed) and private transfer to Franz Josef village.
- Settle in your hotel and explore the rainforest surroundings.
- Private helicopter + glacier walk (weather permitting) to explore Franz Josef Glacier — land on ice and walk with a guide.
- Afternoon visit Lake Matheson for mirror mountain reflections.
- Private transfer to Queenstown with scenic stops along Haast Pass, Blue Pools and Lake Wanaka.
- Arrive in Queenstown in the evening, check-in and relax.
- Breakfast with lake views followed by a private city orientation — take the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views and optional luge rides.
- Evening lakefront stroll and dinner.
- Private day service to Fiordland National Park for Milford Sound — scenic drive or flight, followed by a private cruise through towering fjords and waterfalls.
- Return to Queenstown for the night.
- Choose from private jet-boat ride on the Shotover River, bungy jumping, wine tour in Gibbston Valley or a relaxing spa and lakeside picnic.
- Evening at leisure.
- Private tour to the historic gold-rush village of Arrowtown, then continue to Glenorchy with its remarkable landscapes seen in film locations.
- Return to Queenstown.
- Drive to Wanaka for a relaxing day — walk lakeside, visit vineyards, or take an optional hike like Roys Peak (if you’re up for it).
- Return to Queenstown in the evening.
- Spend a quieter day — choose a hot pool retreat, boutique shopping, or scenic helicopter flight over the Southern Alps.
- Farewell dinner with alpine views.
- Last full day to revisit favourite spots, explore hidden walking tracks or take a scenic flight over Fiordland and Mt Cook.
- Enjoy your final evening in this alpine city.
- Pack, relax with a final lakeside brunch and private transfer to Queenstown Airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions
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Private tour for you and your group. -
14 nights accommodation at a hotel or similar
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Tours as per above mentioned itinerary [PVT / SIC]
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Daily breakfast
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English-speaking driver
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Entry fees as per itinerary
Exclusions
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International Flight (Return) -
GST & TCS
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Visa and Insurance
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Tipping and Personal Expenses
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Meals (lunch, dinner): $ 10 - 15 / meal (without transfer)
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Guide
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Luggage van (if needed)
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Extra hour transport at $ 20 - 40 / hour
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Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions
General Question
Your passport is essential for all international travel. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality, your destination country, the purpose of your visit (tourism, work, study), and the length of your stay. Always check the official government travel website of your destination country well in advance of your trip.
Generally, booking flights 2 to 4 months in advance for international travel and 1 to 3 months for domestic travel often yields good prices. However, prices fluctuate constantly. For accommodations, booking well ahead, especially for peak season, is usually best for selection, though last-minute deals can sometimes be found. Flexibility with your travel dates is the biggest factor in finding lower prices.
A combination is usually best. Use an ATM (at a secure bank location) for local currency as it often gives the best exchange rate, but be aware of foreign transaction fees from your bank. Use a credit card (preferably one with no foreign transaction fees) for larger purchases like hotels and restaurants. Carry a small amount of local currency cash for small vendors or emergencies. Always notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations.
First, check your airline's app or website for rebooking options. If you can't rebook yourself, get in line to speak with an agent, but also try calling the airline's customer service number simultaneously, as phone agents can often rebook faster. Know your passenger rights, which vary by region
Pack all essentials and valuables: passport, wallet/money, electronics, prescription medications, a change of clothes (in case of checked luggage delay), and any necessary chargers. This ensures you have what you need even if your checked bag is lost or delayed. Remember to follow airline restrictions on liquids.
For international and expensive trips, yes. Travel insurance can cover unexpected issues like emergency medical expenses abroad (which your regular health insurance may not), trip cancellation or interruption (due to illness, natural disaster, etc.), and lost/delayed baggage. Review policies carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.
Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. Keep your valuables secure (consider a cross-body bag or money belt). Research local scams and customs. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and trust your intuition. Use reputable transportation and accommodations.
When returning to your home country, you must declare any items you purchased abroad, including duty-free goods. Each country has a specific duty-free allowance (a monetary limit and/or quantity limits for items like alcohol and tobacco). Exceeding this limit means you will have to pay a customs duty/tax on the excess value. Always check your home country's customs website before traveling to understand the exact limits.