[ Print This Page ]
12-Nights Independent Naturally New Zealand - Independent Tour from $4,359
Globus
OFFER ID 1507821
God’s Own Country…a big claim, but this is how New Zealanders-or "kiwis"-refer to their country. Why? Maybe it’s the spectacular scenery, the world’s first sunrise each morning, or the birthplace of bungee jumping. Whatever the reason, your independent spirit is right at home in New Zealand. On this 13-day Globus Independent tour in New Zealand, we've arranged your hotel accommodations, daily breakfast (plus two lunches), sightseeing, land transportation, and transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights. A one-of-a-kind special feature is the Globus Independent Local Host® who is available to ensure you get the most out of your I-time. We've arranged for you to have a Local Host in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Auckland, as we can help after the long flight by getting you from the airport to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will greet you with a warm welcome and a set of materials to help you get settled and familiar with the city. The next day, we've arranged guided sightseeing with a local expert, including Queen Street, the city’s business district, Auckland University and the Domain, an inner-city park. From Auckland, we've arranged your transportation to Matamata, where you’ll visit the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. In Wellington, capital of New Zealand, you'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the local, insider stories and takes in the must-see sights. Then, you're off to Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. Your Local Host will be waiting for you in Christchurch with materials to help you become acquainted with the area. We’ll take you on an excursion to Akaroa for a cruise to see native wildlife.
From Christchurch, continue on to Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World." Here, we’ll take you on what will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip: a cruise on Milford Soun
12 nights from $4,359 per person
Independent Naturally New Zealand
Day 1 ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
• Welcome to New Zealand! The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Today's I-Time Tips
Why not browse the shops and galleries before relaxing in one of Auckland’s many superb restaurants on the water? Sip a glass of local wine or try a craft beer. The choices are endless!
AUCKLAND-CITYSCAPE.jpg
Day 2 AUCKLAND
• Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
You may choose to travel to the top of Sky Tower for 360-degree views of the city or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, and fabulous local wines. Your Local Host is available to make recommendations and point you in the right direction.
AUCKLAND-WINE.jpg
Day 3 AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–HOBBITON–ROTORUA
• Travel via motorcoach south to visit Waitomo for an illuminating boat trip through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Then, tour the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
• Continue on to Rotorua.
(B,L)
HOBBITON.jpg
Day 4 ROTORUA
• Guided sightseeing includes a visit to The National Kiwi Hatchery, Agrodome, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry and to Te Puia, where you’ll explore this geothermal wonderland. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or join in an optional excursion.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Choose to join an optional Maori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance and Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). Other options include a relaxing soak in one of the therapeutic pools at the Polynesian Spa, a magical treetop walk through the Redwoods, or a helicopter tour to see this scenic region by air.
ROTORUA-MAORI-CARVING.jpg
Day 5 ROTORUA–WELLINGTON
• Fly to Wellington, capital of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to start exploring this vibrant city.
(B)
WELLINGTON-BEEHIVE.jpg
Day 6 WELLINGTON
• Guided morning sightseeing tour takes you to see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings as well as scenic views from the top of Mount Victoria. Take in the beauty of the Wellington Botanical Gardens, then drive around the rugged Wellington coastline, discovering hidden bays and some of Wellington’s most popular beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
During your free time, you may want to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, where interactive displays tell the story of the country’s great heritage and natural wonders. Other choices include a ride on Wellington’s historic cable car, finding a favorite restaurant on Cuba Street, going behind-the-scenes at Weta Workshop to see how some of the world’s biggest films were made, or exploring one of Wellington’s many outstanding hiking trails.
WELLINGTON-CABLE-CAR.jpg
Day 7 WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH
• Today, fly to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Included in your stay is a tram pass that takes you around to the “must see” attractions. You are free to get on and off as you wish, and commentary is given by your tram driver. Please note that the pass is good for one calendar day.
(B)
CHRISTCHURCH-ARCHITECTURE.jpg
Day 8 CHRISTCHURCH. EXCURSION TO AKAROA
• Travel to Akaroa, a former French and British settlement where you will have some time to explore the charming village with its colonial architecture, galleries, and cafés.
• Afterward, take a nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour for a chance to see some of the native wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, the white-flippered blue penguin, and the Hector’s dolphin, one of the smallest and rarest in the world. Return to Christchurch in the late afternoon.
This evening is at leisure.
(B)
CHRISTCHURCH-AKAROA.jpg
Day 9 CHRISTCHURCH–QUEENSTOWN
• Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The remainder of day is at leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Why not take a stroll by the lake and enjoy the sunset this evening?
(B)
QUEENSTOWN-CITYSCAPE.jpg
Day 10 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND
• Enjoy a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. First, travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror Lakes as you pass through Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel, emerge into Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and penguins and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery. Return to Queenstown late this evening.
(B,L)
MILFORD-SOUND.jpg
Day 11 QUEENSTOWN
• Today is yours to explore as much or as little as you wish. Options include a scenic bike riding excursion, an exciting helicopter flight over the Remarkables Mountains, tee up for a round of golf, sip some local wines or just relax with a spa treatment.
(B)
QUEENSTOWN-WATERFRONT.jpg
Day 12 QUEENSTOWN
• Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Perhaps choose a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, visit a local winery to sample some of the region’s best, take a historic steamship across beautiful Lake Wakatipu, shop for souvenirs, or visit some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Your Local Host will be available to make shopping and dining recommendations.
QUEENSTOWN-SHOTOVER-JET.jpg
Day 13 QUEENSTOWN
• Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
QUEENSTOWN-LAKEFRONT.jpg
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.
Rio Grande Travel Centers, Inc.
6500 Holly Ave. NE Suite A-2
Albuquerque, NM 87113
USA
(505) 292-7044
(877) 768-7913