Globus > NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH

NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH
16 Days starting from $3,109

Countries Visited:
New Zealand

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Length: 16 Days
Type: First Class Tour
Category: REGIONAL DISCOVERY AUSTRALIA
Operator: Globus
Tour Code: PZ-2008
   
 
 
About This Tour


Discover the scenic beauty of New Zealand during this Regional Discovery vacation. Begin in Auckland with your choice of activities. Then, journey to Mount Eden, one of the area''s extinct volcanoes. Travel south to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and enjoy a traditional Hangi dinner and Maori concert. On to geothermal Rotorua for an overnight and free time to explore on your own. Next, spectacular Huka Falls, the Waikato River, and Lake Taupo, then through Tongariro National Park. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, for a journey to the top of Mount Victoria. Enjoy a cruise across Cook Strait to the South Island and then to Blenheim for an overnight. Travel through Marlborough wine country and spend time watching for whales, seals, and dolphins in Kaikoura. Next, stop in Christchurch, the renowned “Garden City,” where you’ll board a train for a spectacular rail journey across the Southern Alps toward South West New Zealand. Visit the Franz Josef Glacier, and experience a unique river safari at Haast. Spend two nights in Queenstown with a selection of activities, then travel into Fiordland National Park for a cruise on beautiful Milford Sound. Spend the night in Te Anau before continuing to Dunedin, the “Edinburgh of the South.” Journey north to unusual Moeraki Beach before entering Mount Cook National Park and witnessing New Zealand’s highest mountain. From the High Country, cross the Canterbury Plains and arrive in Christchurch, the perfect ending to your incredible vacation.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • SPECIALS

City Highlights
AUCKLAND:
Choice of sightseeing

WAITOMO:
Waitomo Glowworm Caves

ROTORUA:
Choice of sightseeing; enjoy a Maori concert and Hangi dinner

CHRISTCHURCH:
TranzAlpine train journey; choice of sightseeing

HAAST:
River safari

QUEENSTOWN:
Visit Fiordland National Park; cruise on Milford Sound; choice of sightseeing

MOUNT COOK:
Sightseeing in Mount Cook National Park

DUNEDIN:
Choice of sightseeing

Meals
American breakfast daily (B) and 11 dinners (D).

Hotels:
AUCKLAND SKYCITY Hotel (F), ROTORUA Heritage Hotel (F), WELLINGTON James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (SF), BLENHEIM Scenic Circle Blenheim Country Hotel (MF), CHRISTCHURCH Copthorne Central Hotel (F), FRANZ JOSEF Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (MF), QUEENSTOWN Novotel Gardens Hotel (F), TE ANAU Village Inn (MF), DUNEDIN Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel (F), MOUNT COOK The Hermitage Hotel (MF)
Day 1:
Fly to New Zealand. Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 2:
Fly to New Zealand. Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 3:
Arrival in Auckland, New Zealand. This afternoon, choose one of the following activities. Perhaps take a trip to the top of the Sky Tower, visit the Auckland museum, enjoy a half-day Auckland City sightseeing tour, explore Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, visit Auckland’s Maritime Museum, cruise aboard the Pride of Auckland, relax with a Bliss Royal Reflexology treatment, or trek through the Waitakere Rainforest.

Day 4:
Auckland–Waitomo–Rotorua. This morning we journey to the crest of Mount Eden, one of Auckland’s extinct volcanoes, to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and its beautiful harbors. Leaving the “City of Sails” we travel south through the rich dairyland of the Waikato Province to WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Here we experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns, including the magnificent Cathedral Cave. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto, carved by an underground river over thousands of years and lit by thousands of tiny glowworms. Emerge into daylight and continue to Rotorua. Tonight, enjoy a traditional HANGI DINNER followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (B,D)

Day 5:
Rotorua. Country Homestay Option. Rotorua is New Zealand’s oldest and best-known resort, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters, marvelled at its fascinating geothermal activity, and experienced the region’s unique Maori culture. Today we give you the opportunity to select your activity. Choose to visit Rotorua’s icon attractions: Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and the Agrodome Sheep Show. Perhaps relax at the Polynesian Spa with a spa treatment and leisurely soak in a natural thermal mineral pool, explore Rainbow Springs and Kiwi Encounter, enjoy a half-day ecothermal tour or explore the Rotorua Museum. This evening, choose to join our country homestay option and spend a night with a local family. (B,D) NOTE: Space is limited and must be requested at the time of booking.

Day 6:
Rotorua–Wellington. Today we follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island. See the spectacular Huka Falls, mouth of the mighty Waikato River, and tranquil Lake Taupo, the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano. We travel south and cross the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. The three mountains at the heart of the park—Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu—have cultural and religious significance for the Maori people. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city, and journey to the top of Mount Victoria. Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of this busy cosmopolitan city and its sparkling harbor. (B,D)

Day 7:
Wellington–Blenheim. This morning, enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour, including Parliament Buildings, before an opportunity to visit Te Papa , the National Museum of New Zealand. Displayed here is the past, present, and future of New Zealand, with stunning displays, complex technology, interactive exhibitions, and activities. This afternoon we join our CRUISE for the journey across Cook Strait to the South Island, renowned as one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail from scenic Wellington Harbour across Cook Strait and through the breathtaking natural beauty of Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Rejoin our motorcoach and travel to Blenheim for our overnight stay. (B,D)

Day 8:
Blenheim–Kaikoura–Christchurch. Today is a spectacular scenic journey between mountain and sea. Travel through Marlborough, a region with an international reputation for white wines. Arrive in the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikoura for unique whale-, seal-, and dolphin-watching experiences. Journey between the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura Ranges, through North Canterbury to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island and renowned as the “Garden City.” Upon arrival we enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour, then the afternoon is at your leisure to explore the English flavor of this pretty city. (B,D)

Day 9:
Christchurch–TranzAlpine Train–Franz Josef. This morning, board the TRANZALPINE TRAIN for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Enjoy stunning scenery as we journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys, and across the country’s greatest mountain range, the magnificent Southern Alps. Continue along the dramatic West Coast by motorcoach and enter the World Heritage-listed area of Te Wahipounamu—South West New Zealand. View the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier. Nowhere in the world’s temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as here. There may be the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over this incredible region, weather permitting. (B,D)

Day 10:
Franz Josef–Haast–Queenstown. Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as we travel along the West Coast, through a world of mountains and glaciers, limestone landscapes, tranquil lakes, raging rivers, and rare bird and plant life. At Haast, experience a unique RIVER SAFARI, capturing breathtaking views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley, flanked by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and dense temperate rainforest. Follow the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the action-packed alpine resort of Queenstown. Tonight, choose from one of four restaurants for dinner. (B,D)

Day 11:
Queenstown. Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Today we have a selection of activities for you to choose from. A Queenstown “Double Decker Explorer” tour, an “Original Wine Tour” of some of the local and award-winning wineries, an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River, or a relaxing garden tour might be for you. Perhaps the “Safari of the Scenes” tour, an adventure into Skippers Canyon by 4WD, might appeal, or a leisurely walk around Lake Wakatipu on a “Lakeshore Forest and Bird Walk.” (B)

Day 12:
Queenstown–Milford Sound–Te Anau. More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO’s World Heritage Parks. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. This afternoon we have a relaxing drive to the tranquil settlement of Te Anau. (B,D)

Day 13:
Te Anau–Dunedin. Travel across the South Island through small farming communities to Dunedin. The city was settled by the Scottish in 1848 and is now renowned as the “Edinburgh of the South.” Dunedin is also the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh. This afternoon, choose your activity. Perhaps take a tour of Speights Brewery and Heritage Centre where they brew the popular Speights Ale, or a visit to the Otago Peninsula to see the Royal Albatross Colony. Consider exploring Penguin Place to spot the “Hoiho,” rare yellow-eyed penguins, or maybe explore Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle with its beautiful gardens. (B,D)

Day 14:
Dunedin–Oamaru–Mount Cook. Departing Dunedin we journey north to Moeraki Beach with its unusual boulders. Stop at Oamaru, a historic town renowned for its distinct cream limestone buildings, then continue inland past beautiful glacier-fed lakes of incredible color. We continue our journey into New Zealand’s highland and MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK. View Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3,754 meters above sea level. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight over this awe-inspiring alpine region, weather permitting. (B,D)

Day 15:
Mount Cook–Christchurch. This morning we stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo, once an ancient glacier, and visit the picturesque stone Church of the Good Shepherd. Leaving the High Country we cross the braided Rakaia River and travel through the mixed cropping and sheep grazing holdings of the vast Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B,D)

Day 16:
Chirstchurch–Departure. This morning, choose from a range of exciting activities. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the Antarctic Centre, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch Tram, and Christchurch Gondola; take a leisurely trip on the Avon River or a bike ride around Christchurch City; or maybe wander through some of Christchurch’s local gardens. Later, transfer to the airport for departure. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)


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Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
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8/24/2008 - 9/8/2008
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1/4/2009 - 1/19/2009
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AUCKLAND:
Choice of sightseeing

WAITOMO:
Waitomo Glowworm Caves

ROTORUA:
Choice of sightseeing; enjoy a Maori concert and Hangi dinner

CHRISTCHURCH:
TranzAlpine train journey; choice of sightseeing

HAAST:
River safari

QUEENSTOWN:
Visit Fiordland National Park; cruise on Milford Sound; choice of sightseeing

MOUNT COOK:
Sightseeing in Mount Cook National Park

DUNEDIN:
Choice of sightseeing

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Book now and take $200 off per couple on any air-inclusive European Low Season Vacations.*

* Book a 2008/2009 Globus Europe Winter air-inclusive vacation on select carriers to receive the $100 per person discount. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between June 4 and August 31, 2008 for travel commencing between October 1, 2008 and April 30, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one another or any offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Save up to $600 per stateroom on 2009 Globus River and Small Ship Cruises

Discover an entirely new way to uncover the wonders of the world with river and small ship cruises. From a wine tasting adventure through the vineyards of France to island hopping in the Galapagos Islands, you’re sure to find a Globus river or small ship cruise that speaks to your heart. There’s simply no more peaceful way to sample the charming cities and awe-inspiring sights of Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos Islands.

*Book a 2009 Globus River Cruise air-inclusive vacation to receive the $300 off per person offer. Cruise-only bookings are eligible for the $125 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between May 14 and August 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. To secure the air booking, an additional deposit of $250 is required, which is refundable until the time that the flight information is confirmed. Offers not valid with one-another or any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


Standard Offers and Specials provided by Globus

Discount for young travelers

Share the pleasure of a Globus vacation with your children and grandchildren and take advantage of a 10-percent discount on the land-only price. For eligibility, children must be under 18 years of age on the departure date and must be accompanied by an adult. On escorted vacations we don’t accept children under eight years old because we have found that they are too young to enjoy these vacations.

Pay less for your second vacation

We charge you vacation price for your first vacation in 2008, but for every additional Globus vacation you take in the same year, you pay US$35 under list. Our vacations are designed and scheduled so you can combine them almost any way you want. It’s fun to play the add-a-vacation game yourself or talk to your travel agent.

Triple room reduction

On most Globus vacations you receive a reduction when three people travel together and share the same accommodations. Triple room reductions, when available, are listed on the itinerary pages. A word of caution: Triple rooms usually are no larger than twin rooms and the third bed, if there is one, is often a rollaway put in a twin-bedded room.

Avoid the single room supplement

We do not take reservations on a “share” basis because we have found that strangers rarely enjoy sharing a room for the duration of their vacation. Avoid the single room supplement by traveling with a friend. It’s less expensive and much more fun!


Do you have a large party of friends or family that wants to travel?

Right now when you book between 5 and 7 people before December 31, 2008, each passenger will save $75.* For example, book 5 passengers and receive a $375 discount, 6 passengers equals a $450 discount and 7 passengers will receive a $525 discount. With an offer like this, the world’s greatest destinations are now closer than ever!

*Book a 2009 Globus vacation for five, six or seven travelers to receive the $75 off per person offer. Booking must be made, under deposit, and discount applied between Jun 4 and Dec 31, 2008 for travel through December 31, 2009. Individuals must be traveling together from the same origination point to receive the discount. Not valid with any other offer and applies to new 2009 bookings only. Offer reliant on space availability. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply.


   
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