New Zealand Explorer
Overview
Highlights
- Discover the beaches of Abel Tasman and cruise on the Doubtful Sound
- Explore art deco Napier and enjoy wine tasting at Hawke's Bay
- Walk to glaciers and discover volcanic White Island
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
Our tour starts today in Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most diverse city. Surrounded by volcanoes and volcanic cones, beautiful beaches and rolling countryside, Auckland is the perfect introduction to New Zealand. Situated on the North Island, the cosmopolitan c...
This morning, we'll get to know Auckland better with a city tour, taking in sites such as Tamaki Drive and Mission Bay. In the late morning, we'll wave goodbye to the city and head to the heart of the North Island and the diverse landscapes of the Waikato region. ...
The area around the Bay of Plenty is the heartland of Maori culture in New Zealand, and we plan to spend the day discovering this with two deeply authentic, cultural exchanges. Firstly, we'll be welcomed into a Maori home between Whakatane and Rotorua, where our M...
This morning we'll head out on the journey to Taupo. On the way, there is an option to stop at Wai-o-tapu to discover its vibrant and colourful volcanic features, including geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pools. Once in Taupo, we'll take time to explore the ico...
The engaging town of Napier lies on the southern edge of Hawke's Bay. Its unique collection of art deco buildings makes it one of the most popular attractions on North Island. In 1931, Napier was destroyed by a massive earthquake that registered 7.9 on the Richter Sca...
Today we'll head south, towards New Zealand's capital, Wellington. The cultural centre of the country, the city has an engaging mix of art, food, and craft beer, combined with stunning harbour views and a backdrop of rolling hills and forest. On arrival, we'll have...
Today is free to explore more of Wellington and there are several ways you could spend it. The top of the cable car, a Wellington icon running from Lambton Quay, gives a great close-up view of the city. From here, you can visit the Observatory and stroll back through ...
This morning, we'll cross the Cook Strait and make our way to the bustling port of Picton, at the head of the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound. On arrival, we'll drive west, following the coastline of the South Island to the town of Nelson. A lively city on New Zeala...
Today we'll explore New Zealand's coastal paradise, the Abel Tasman National Park, discovering its pristine waters and secluded coves by boat and on foot. Taking a water taxi from Kaiteriteri Beach, we'll glide through the cobalt-blue ocean to the golden beach at Torr...
We'll have an early start today as we head down the Great Coast Road towards Hokitika at the mouth of the Hokitika River. This journey takes us on one of the greatest coastal drives in the world, passing through Punakaiki Rocks, where we'll stop to visit the amazing c...
Crossing the Hokitika River this morning, we'll head south on a two-hour drive to Fox Glacier, passing through the native bush of Rimu (red pine) and Kahikatea (white pine). The first European to discover the west coast was Abel Tasman in December 1642. Long and thin ...
A short drive south this morning brings us to the breathtaking setting of Lake Matheson, where (weather permitting) we'll be treated to a picture-perfect view of Aoraki/Mount Cook reflected in the lake's mirrored waters. Following this, we'll head to Fox Glacier, n...
Wanaka is a vacation hot spot for New Zealanders thanks to its beautiful surroundings, with the glaciers of Mount Aspiring dominating the area. Today is at your leisure and there are several optional activities to choose from, including an exhilarating jet boat ride a...
We'll leave Wanaka behind this morning, heading in the direction of Queenstown, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. En route, we'll stop at the pretty gold-mining town of Arrowtown with its clapperboard buildings and historic Chinese settlement to learn about New Zealand's...
We have a long day ahead of us today, but it'll all be worth it to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Fjordland National Park, a fantastic way to experience New Zealand's wild nature. We'll drive along the southern coast to reach Lake Manapouri, which we'll traverse...
We'll continue south-east today, arriving on the coast at Dunedin, a city known as the 'Edinburgh of the South'. It's around a four-hour drive, so we'll arrive in time to check into our hotel and have lunch in this charming town. Dunedin was settled by Scottish settle...
After a short visit to Dunedin's city gardens, we'll head up the coast to view the incredible boulders that lie strewn across Moeraki Beach before continuing to the limestone town of Oamaru, which has the best-preserved Victorian precinct in New Zealand. It was from h...
This morning, we'll have the chance to explore the dramatic vistas of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. There'll be the option to take a helicopter ride directly over Aoraki/Mount Cook and the stunning park. Alternatively, weather-dependent, we might drive into the...
Our trip ends this morning at our hotel in Christchurch. There are no activities planned today, so you\ re free to depart from Christchurch at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. We don't pr...
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Liora
Mar 2024
New Zealand Explorer
The entire experience was fantastic and our guide (Luisa) was BEYOND awesome! The communication from HQ in the UK could've been better but things worked out pretty m...
Judy
Feb 2024
New Zealand Explorer
Wonderful trip and itinerary, very experienced and informative tour guide. The only glitch was with the accommodation in Christchurch. First, the hotel did not provi...
Josephine
Feb 2024
New Zealand Explorer
I have run our t of adjectives describing this trip to friends. The scenery is breathtaking. I think possibly the boat trip to Doubtful Sound was maybe the best but ...
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Tour Operator
About Explore
We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.
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