Simply New Zealand with Cook Islands add-on

Days 1 – 2: UK/New Zealand
It’s time to start your New Zealand adventure, as you step aboard your flight to New Zealand.

Day 3: Auckland
Because you cross the International Dateline during your flight you will lose day two and arrive in Auckland in the morning of day three. (Don’t worry, you’ll get the day back on the way home) The rest of the day is free, as we know from experience that you will wish to rest and relax after your flight. You will stay for two nights.

Day 4: Auckland
The beautiful city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand, situated on North Island in the spectacular Hauraki Gulf. Here you’ll find a subtropical climate, thermal springs and geysers, rich farmland, glorious national parks, luxuriant forests, stunning lakes and more. Today we include a city tour then leave you to explore on your own and get used to the time difference.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Paihia
New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is quite simply beautiful, and the journey northwards is equally special. Travelling up the Hibiscus Coast, you will visit the historic Treaty House of Waitangi, where in 1840 the Maori accepted British sovereignty over their traditional lands. Paihia is your base for the next three nights, the ideal spot from where to explore the Bay of Islands.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Paihia
Today you are free to relax and explore Paihia’s three bays, or why not join your Tour Manager for what has been described as one of the finest scenic day tours in the world – a visit to Cape Reinga. On how many other day trips could you take a drive along Ninety Mile Beach, negotiate the Te Paki Quick Sand Stream, visit a lighthouse, send a postcard to the folks back home from New Zealand’s most northerly post box, and admire the spectacular view of the mighty blue Pacific meeting the deep green Tasman Sea? Surely a day to remember for the rest of your life.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Paihia
Another day of relaxation in Paihia, or take the opportunity to cruise to Cape Brett, discovering more of the spectacular Bay of Islands. Be dazzled by glorious white sandy beaches and keep an eye out for the dolphins that play in the waters all around – truly a magical place.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Rotorua
The warm, emerald green North Island was shaped originally by the fire of volcanoes, and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua, which is your destination today. Your journey will take you south through Ngaruawahia, home of the late Maori Queen, before continuing to Rotorua, where you’ll stay for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Rotorua
Boiling mud pools and spouting geysers add a touch of the dramatic to today’s visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. This area of natural hot springs is well-deserved of its reputation as a must-see sight. Another renowned natural highlight that has to be seen when in New Zealand is the rare kiwi bird, from where New Zealanders have earned their affectionate nickname. You’ll get the chance to see the kiwi for yourself if you join the optional excursion to Rainbow Springs, which also visits the Agrodome to see a display of working sheep dogs in action. This evening, there’s the opportunity to experience a traditional Maori concert and sample a Hangi, which is a meal cooked by steam underground, a method that has been used for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Wellington
The spectacular Huka Falls offer a perfect photo opportunity in a day of photo opportunities as you travel southwards through the Wairakei Valley to Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand, and on to the capital, Wellington. Sat on the southern tip of North Island, you’ll discover the highlights of the city on a tour that will help you get your bearings, before checking in to your hotel for the next two nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Wellington
If yesterday’s tour of Wellington whetted your appetite, then today’s tour will be a feast for your senses. Discover the city on foot with high points including Te Papa Museum, the waterfront, the beautiful botanical gardens and even a trip in the famous Wellington Cable Car. Opened in the early 20th century to link Wellington and the suburb of Kelburn, this funicular railway isn’t just a tourist destination, it’s used by the locals every day to get to and from work and the university, located in Kelburn.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: Christchurch
The three-hour crossing across the Cook Strait from North Island to South Island offers the chance to reflect on all you have seen on your holiday so far, and to anticipate all that is yet to come. On arrival in Picton, you’ll continue on your journey to Christchurch. The beguiling South Island offers a complete contrast to the North. It’s a land of mountains, glaciers and spectacular fjords. Its sparse population of just one million people shares the island with 40 million sheep. Here amongst the grandeur of the snow-capped peaks, still fjords and rugged coastline you’ll find a warm welcome. This evening enjoy a traditional Kiwi dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / dinner

Day 13: Hokitika
From Christchurch you’ll board the TranzAlpine train for the spectacular journey into the Southern Alps. Surely a highlight of any visit to New Zealand, you’ll travel from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, the highest railway station on the South Island. Be sure not to forget your camera, as the majestic gorges and towering snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps are simply jaw-dropping – family and friends back home won’t believe all your stories without seeing the proof for themselves! You will then continue on to Hokitika. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure at your beachfront hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14: Fox Glacier
Your journey continues as you travel south today to the magnificent scenery and glaciers of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Queenstown
The road through the Westland National Park has to be one of the most scenic ever built, crossing Clark Bluff and the Haast River Bridge. But don’t just take our word for it, experience it for yourself! Today’s journey ends in Queenstown, where you stay for two nights.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 16: Queenstown
With its reputation as New Zealand’s capital of adventure, there is plenty of action to be had in Queenstown, from bungy jumping and rafting to skydiving, there’s no end to the thrills. With a day at leisure in Queenstown, you can have as much – or as little – adventure as you’d like. Perhaps take an exciting ride on a jet boat, or if that’s a little too thrilling, then a relaxing cruise on Lake Wakatipu or a gondola trip may be more your cup of tea – there really is something for everyone here.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Te Anau
Today we include a highlight of your holiday – a full-day excursion to beautiful Milford Sound – one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. Weather permitting, a boat trip on the fjord has to be the best way to take in the majesty and beauty of Milford Sound. Overnight accommodation has been arranged.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 18: Dunedin
With their eerie light, the amazing Glow Worm Caves are a sight to behold, before departing on the journey to charming Dunedin, a city originally planned and settled by the Church of Scotland. Your drive will take you via Lumsden, Gore and Balclutha.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 19: Omarama
It’s time to start travelling northwards again, stopping to see the Moeraki beach boulders. These huge, spherical rocks dotting a stretch of beach near Moeraki are shrouded in myth and legend as to their creation, but one thing is for certain, they are a spectacular sight to behold. You will than follow the Waitiki River inland to Omarama for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 20: Christchurch
This morning you’ll head towards the Mount Cook region, stopping at Lake Tekapo before heading over Burkes Pass and continuing on across the Canterbury plains. Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand at 12,000ft, and an optional scenic flight (weather dependent) will give you the chance to fully appreciate its enormity. Late afternoon arrival into Christchurch where you will stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast

Days 21 – 25: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
After enjoying a free morning in Christchurch we transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight to the Cook Islands via Auckland. This idyllic destination, the largest of the 15 Cook Islands, is a glorious blend of dramatic mountains, dense jungle and white-sand beaches lapped by the clear waters of the South Pacific.

Your hotel is located on the beach, where you can indulge in days of rest and relaxation or maybe you’ll take to the waters for a spot of swimming or snorkeling among the colourful fish that dart among the coral reef. Treat yourself to an excursion aboard a glass-bottom boat or sample the water sports on offer. However you choose to spend your days here you are sure to take home plenty of wonderful memories.

Meals: Breakfast

Please note
You arrive in the early hours of your first night’s stay. Late check out is included on your day of departure.

This add-on is not accompanied by a Tour Manager.

Day 26: Cook Islands/UK
Enjoy your final day before your transfer to the airport for your evening return scheduled flight to the UK via Los Angeles.

Day 27: UK
Arrival in the UK.

Please note
To maximise your enjoyment of this holiday a certain amount of walking is essential.

Accommodation throughout is in hotels of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotel you will stay in are:

4-star Rendezvous Hotel or City Life Hotel in Auckland
4-star Pacific Resort or Scenic Hotel Paihia in Paihia
3.5-star Sudima Hotel in Rotorua
4-star West Plaza Hotel in Wellington
4-star Pavillions or 3.5-star Elms Hotel in Christchurch
4-star Beachfront Hokitika in Hokitika
4-star Scenic Circle Franz Josef Hotel at Franz Josef Glacier
3-star Goldridge Hotel in Queenstown
3.5-star Village Inn in Te Anau
4-star Mercure Leisure Lodge or 3-star Kingsgate Hotel or Victoria Hotel in Dunedin
3-star Heritage Gateway Hotel in Omarama
All hotels have a restaurant and a bar. All guest rooms have en suite facilities, TV and telephone.

In the Cook Islands, you will stay at the:

4-star Sunset Resort
This hotel sits in a beautiful position on the beach. Dine in the open-air restaurant and enjoy cocktails at the poolside bar. You’ll find two swimming pools here, set amid lush tropical gardens, and a personal spa service, which means you can enjoy a treatment (payable locally) on the beach or in the comfort of your room.

Standard studio rooms feature king-size or twin beds, air conditioning, basic kitchen facilities, spacious lounges, hairdryer, a patio or balcony and en suite facilities.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Auckland city tour including Auckland Museum
Treaty House of Waitangi
Te Puia Thermal Reserve
Lake Taupo
Wellington city tour
Traditional Kiwi dinner
TranzAlpine train
Milford Sound (full day)
Glow worm caves
Moeraki Beach Boulders

Optional excursions

Cape Reinga (full day)
Cape Brett
Rainbow Springs
Maori Hangi dinner and concert

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights and internal flights as described
Overseas transfers and other transportation
23 nights’ accommodation with breakfast plus 1 dinner
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager and Driver Guide
The services of a Local Representative in Rarotonga
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”