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Trafalgar

New Zealand Uncovered

Trafalgar
Select the departure date range you would like to take this tour during. Pricing and other details may change depending on the season you select.
  • Length

    17 Days

  • Quality
    This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities.

  • Starts in

    Auckland (New Zealand)

  • Ends in

    Christchurch (New Zealand)

  • Available Tour Start Dates

    FEB 18, 2025 to MAR 30, 2027 These are the tour start dates for instances of this tour that were available the last time Trafalgar sent us such information. There may be other departures for this tour that are not available (i.e. sold out or cancelled).

  • Activity Level

    No Rating Provided These are tours that the vendor has not electronically communicated an activity level for. Contact us if you would like to know the activity level for any of these tours.

  • Language

    English

  • Guaranteed Date(s)
    Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).

    Yes

From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$7,334.00

Overview

The perfect New Zealand tour to bring New Zealand’s North and South Islands to life across land and sea, taking in both cities and small towns. You’ll traverse epic landscapes, indulge in fresh food and delicious wine, experience farming and Maori culture firsthand, and meet welcoming locals with stories to share.

Visited During Tour

Auckland (New Zealand) | Christchurch / Otautahi (New Zealand) | Dunedin (New Zealand) | Franz Josef / Ka Roimata O Hine Hukatere (New Zealand) | Kaikoura (New Zealand) | Punakaiki (New Zealand) | Queenstown (New Zealand) | Rotorua (New Zealand) | Te Anau (New Zealand) | Twizel (New Zealand) | Wellington (New Zealand)

Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices

The following are New Zealand Uncovered tour dates available from Trafalgar. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.

There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.

Pricing Type: Double Occupancy
Pricing is per person, based on two people per reservation
Start Date  End Date  Bonus Offers From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price available on this tour date. Price is for the tour only, unless noted otherwise. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare, travel insurance, and more, are additional.
Guaranteed?
Yes means that that the vendor guarantees that tour date will occur. No means that the vendor does not guarantee the tour will occur on that date, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on that date in order to confirm it. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).
Tuesday Feb 25, 2025 Thursday Mar 13, 2025 Not Available
No
(Departure #20250225)
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025 Thursday Apr 10, 2025 Trafalgar Sale
Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours!

Exclusive Rates on all Trafalgar Tours!

Book any Trafalgar tour with us and you'll get the best deal possible!

Contact us for pricing and availability.
Available for new bookings made starting 10/14/20. Subject to expire without advanced notice.

Bonus Offers are not combinable, unless noted otherwise. Pricing may already reflect the application of any applicable promotions. Additional restrictions apply. Certain terms and conditions apply to each offer. Additional restrictions apply. We reserve the right to correct errors.

Trafalgar Sale
No Booking Fees!

No Booking Fees!

We do not charge booking fees on any Trafalgar tours.

You're sure to enjoy more affordable Trafalgar tour packages when booking with us!

Contact us for pricing and availability.
Available for new bookings made starting 10/14/20. Subject to expire without advanced notice.

Bonus Offers are not combinable, unless noted otherwise. Pricing may already reflect the application of any applicable promotions. Additional restrictions apply. Certain terms and conditions apply to each offer. Additional restrictions apply. We reserve the right to correct errors.

$7,334.00
Yes
(Departure #20250325)
Tuesday Feb 18, 2025 Thursday Mar 6, 2025 Not Available
Yes
(Departure #20250218)
Tuesday Mar 11, 2025 Thursday Mar 27, 2025 Not Available
Yes
(Departure #20250311)
Tour Itinerary
Trafalgar Tour Code 600-1627

New Zealand Uncovered

Trafalgar Tour Code 600-1627

Map of New Zealand Uncovered from Trafalgar
  • Day
    1

    Welcome to Auckland

    Welcome to the 'City of Sails', and a beautiful jumping off point for your New Zealand tour (flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm). You'll meet your Travel Director and travel mates over dinner at he Grill.

    • Meals Included:
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Horizon by SkyCity
  • Day
    2

    Sights of Auckland

    Your perfect start to your time in this this seafaring city, begin your day diving into Auckland’s maritime history over an exclusive America’s Cup tour at the New Zealand Maritime Museum with a Local Specialist before it opens to the public. Now that you’ve got your first taste, learn even more your beautiful surrounds on a city highlights tour from the heart of the city at the Auckland Waterfront. Continue to Mission Bay, historic Bastion Point, and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial keeping your camera at hand to capture the Auckland skyline, and Waitemata Harbour. Then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring on your own. Why not take a stroll down Queen Street to Viaduct Harbour’s main shopping precinct and enjoy a glass of New Zealand’s crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Or you may like to take a cruise to see Auckland like the locals do, by water.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Accommodations: Horizon by SkyCity
  • Day
    3

    Rotorua, Centre of Maori Culture

    Leave Auckland behind and journey into the countryside for an exclusive family-style Be My Guest lunch in the Red Barn on a working dairy farm. Prior to your farm to table lunch prepared by the onsite chef, get a feel for country life as you're invited to roll up your sleeves and make your own butter - butter churners, tiny mason jars and all! The next hot-spot on your NZ holiday – in every sense of the word – is Rotorua. Visit Te Puia to see and support Maori artisans at work, then continue your Rotorua tour at the steamy Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, a staggering valley where geysers pop and thermal springs jettison skywards.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Accommodations: Millennium
  • Day
    4

    Experience Rotorua for Yourself

    Today, choose your own adventure. We have plenty of ideas for the paths you might follow. Optional Rotorua tour sightseeing experiences include zipping across Rotorua’s three lakes in an amphibious WWII-era Duck. There’s also the option of relieving NZ holiday-weary limbs in the thermal waters of the Wai Araki Hot Springs & Spa. The decision is yours. Tonight, dive deep into Indigenous culture and traditions at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience with culture and kai (cuisine). Hear about Māori history, traditions, and future aspirations across four hours of celebration and feasting. Enjoy forest kai horotai (seasonal canapés) and chef choice aperitif, followed by a seasonal three-course dinner.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Millennium
  • Day
    5

    Wellington, the Cool Capital

    Say goodbye to Rotorua and hello to the raging rapids of Huka Falls, where 220,000 litres of water barrel over this massive waterfall every second. Your outlook then unfolds into the aquamarine waters of Lake Taupo. Traverse the volcanic Central Plateau to NZ’s cool little capital of Wellington, set on a pretty harbour.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Rydges
  • Day
    6

    Wellington, Yours to Explore

    Your day in Wellington should – must – begin with a coffee. The city is known for its uber-cool cafés and with coffee in hand you will head out on city sights tour to take in highlights such as its iconic cable car, parliament, and Mt. Victoria  This afternoon is yours to discover Wellington. Your tour ends at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, which you may choose to visit to explore the groundbreaking exhibitions on offer. Later you may decide on an optional tour. Lord of the Rings fans will rejoice with a special tour and visit to Weta Workshop. Or the first urban completely fenced ecosanctuary of Zealandia, where the biodiversity of 225 hectares of forest is being restored. Tonight, there are so many restaurants and bars to choose from. Ask us for recommendations or explore at your leisure. Because every New Zealand holiday needs a little down time.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Accommodations: Rydges
  • Day
    7

    Kaikoura on the Coast

    This morning cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound from the North Island to the South, through a maze of arms and inlets into the sleepy seaside village of Picton. Continue to Kaikoura, where Sperm Whales, dolphins and fur seals can often be seen not far from shore. On arrival you'll will be treated to a biodiversity talk from the founder of Kaikōura Wildlife Centre Trust, Sabrina Luecht, at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Sabrina's ambitious goal is to implement a world-class wildlife hospital in this biodiversity hotspot. Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is a critical conservation tool, providing treatment to injured and ill animals, ensuring at-risk native species have a chance at recovery and return to the wild. Tonight, you'll dine at Hiku. Hiku celebrates what Kaikōura is all about - kai moana, fresh produce, marine life, and dramatic sea and mountain scapes.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Sudima (Kaikoura, New Zealand)
  • Day
    8

    From Country to City, Christchurch

    Enjoy a relaxed start this morning or sign up for one of several local wildlife Optional Experiences. Choose from an scenic flight over dramatic beaches framed by turquoise ocean where whales are regularly spotted, or perhaps you’d prefer a cruise to site pods of dolphin which are prolific in the area, or a kayaking tour of the coast to get up close and personal with seals basking on the rocks. You won’t be disappointed. Follow the coast and Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, home to some of the country’s most innovative architecture, art institutions and restaurants. We can help you make a booking in any number of the latter.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Accommodations: Distinction
  • Day
    9

    Through Breathtaking Scenery to Twizel

    Kick off a big day with a short overview of Christchurch sites including the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, and streets lined with bars, cafés, and riverside markets. Then it’s off to the country stopping in the quaint farming town of Geraldine for an independent lunch in one of its cafés and perhaps Talbots Forest Cheese for complimentary samples. Continue your journey over the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo where you will stop at the little stone hewn Church of the Good Shepherd. From there its a short hop to the home of retired farmers Angie and Stan Taylor on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Enjoy real New Zealand hospitality at a Be My Guest afternoon tea as Angie invites you into her kitchen as she prepares the New Zealand specialty dessert, Pavlova. Watch and learn her special recipe and enjoy this favourite treat. Your sweet tooth satisfied, you'll arrive in your destination, Twizel. This cute town and popular holiday destination is the perfect place end the day. Pulling into the hotel, kick back and enjoy classic New Zealand cuisine overlooking the garden before another day of exploration.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
  • Day
    10

    Dunedin, City of Scottish Heritage

    Begin your journey to the Edinburgh of the South travelling along the Waitaki River en route to Oamaru. This quirky town of tree-lined streets, white limestone buildings, and 19th century architecture is known for its Victorian style. Feel like you’re stepping back in time browsing shops and galleries of traditional crafts, and perhaps refresh with a morning tea. Get ready for a change of scene in your next destination of Scottish-inspired Dunedin. You have the rest of the day free to stroll the streets of this vibrant university town and 'mini-Edinburgh'. Or explore more of the area visiting the famous Speight's Brewery, or touring New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle. Recap the day’s adventures with your travel mates over dinner at the Scenic Southern Cross Hotel. In the heart of Dunedin and blocks from the waterfront, here you’ll feast on local meats and produce.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Scenic Southern Cross
  • Day
    11

    Te Anau, Gateway to Fiordland

    Today you’ll head out of Dunedin through farmlands to Te Anau. Your first stop is Gore, a hot spot for country music fans, and all who appreciate nature and simple rural charm. Journey through sheep-filled farming land winding your way up into the Fiordland National Park and the South Island's largest lake to Te Anau. A truly memorable thrill awaits you next, exploring the islands on a jet boat ride down the Waiau River to Lake Manapouri savouring its many tranquil spots. Take in the birds and swimming trout as you learn about this unique environment’s history. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only scenic but supports the Pomona Island Charitable Trust’s conservation efforts to restore the largest inland island in New Zealand to its natural state where native birds can thrive. This afternoon is yours to stay in or opt to explore the fascinating, glittering glowworm caves before dinner at the Distinction Hotel.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas
  • Day
    12

    Queenstown, Adventure Playground

    Today you're bound for New Zealand’s adventure capital with a drive of stunning scenery along the way. Journey through Fiordland National Park past native rainforests, beech forests, alluvial flats, and meadows. Passing Mirror Lakes, catch the reflection of mountain scenery shimmering in the water. Then continue through Homer Tunnel, an attempt to tame the sheer rocky ranges, emerging in the Cleddau Valley. Take your exploration to water as you cruise the tranquil waters of the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi filled will plenty of photo ops - keep an eye out for fur seals basking on the rocks. See the breathtaking sites of Bowen and Stirling Falls plummeting from hanging valleys into the sea and the sheer pinnacle of Mitre Peak rising from the deep waters of the fiord. After a spectacular afternoon on Milford Sound, you’ll arrive in adventure-lovers Queenstown at your picturesque hotel on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Accommodations: Millennium
  • Day
    13

    Queenstown Free Time, Your Time

    Discover for yourself why Queenstown has earned its reputation as New Zealand’s adventure capital with a full day to explore. You could join an Optional Experience riding the adrenaline pumping Skippers Jet or tour through Skippers Canyon. After a big day of adventure, it's time to Dive Into Culture on an evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Here at the Colonel's Homestead, you’ll feast on a gourmet barbecue dinner piled high with ribs and fresh vegetables before an entertaining after-dinner farm show - offering a glimpse into high-country farm life. After you’ve seen the sheep dogs in action and gotten a feel for life on the homestead, cruise back to Queenstown, joining in a chorus or dancing across the polished wooden floors of the Earnslaw.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Millennium
  • Day
    14

    Franz Josef, Untamed Natural Wilderness

    Leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown behind and begin your adventure through Central Otago and out to the West Coast. Stop in the restored gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown strolling its tree-lined avenues and 19th-century wooden buildings, feeling as if you’re in a movie set. Then journey to Cromwell on the sparkling shores of Lake Dunstan to stop at Mrs. Jones' fruit stall, connected to a local orchard, for a taste of some of the town's juicy stone fruit including apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums. More gorgeous lakes call as you travel further into Central Otago to take in the vivid blue waters and willow-lined shoreline of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Follow an ancient greenstone trail, cross Haast Pass, and exchange the alpine scenery of the Southern Lakes for the rainforests of the wild West Coast. Your destination, and worth the journey, is the famous Franz Josef/Waiau, home to Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere, where you’ll have an opportunity to take an Optional helicopter flight for views you’ll never forget.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Scenic Franz Josef Glacier
  • Day
    15

    Punakaiki, Home to a Coastal Forest

    Sleep in or take the morning to explore the small but lively Franz Josef/Waiau village - perhaps visiting the West Coast Wildlife Centre, before venturing to Hokitika, home of the native jade greenstone. From natural jewellery to natural surroundings, you’re off to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Stand at the edge of the water and take in these eroded limestone foundations - they really do look like pancakes! - which began forming 30 million years ago. Imagine the water and wind forming this pancake-like stack of limestone but be sure to listen closely. When you hear a 'whoosh' of water, you can be sure a burst of sea spray is coming through the blowholes. After a spectacular day, spend the night at the eco-friendly, waterfront Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, dining on local specialties with wine and views of the thundering surf just steps away.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Scenic Punakaiki
  • Day
    16

    All Aboard the TranzAlpine

    It’s your last full day in New Zealand and it’s a big one full of local tastes and sights. Travel to Greymouth’s Monteith's Brewery where a Local Specialist will share the heritage and rich stories of this national icon since 1868. You'll get to taste ever-changing and innovative brews like summer ale and crushed pear cider before enjoying a pub-style lunch. Now that you’ve wet your whistle, board the famous TranzAlpine train to Christchurch on one of the world’s most scenic train trips through tunnels and over viaducts with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, beech forests, gorges, and river valleys. This 223-kilometre journey across the South Island along the Waimakariri River and across the Southern Alps is a grand finale to the landscapes you’ve come to love. Celebrate the highlights of your trip joining your Travel Director and new friends for a Farewell Dinner showcasing food from the Canterbury region.

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Accommodations: Distinction
  • Day
    17

    Farewell Christchurch

    Sadly all good things must come to an end as your New Zealand tour concludes this morning after breakfast. After a fond farewell, you’ll be transferred by to Christchurch Airport (flights anytime).

    • Meals Included:
    • Breakfast
More Details

Trafalgar is informing us of the following additional details regarding their New Zealand Uncovered tour:

Travelers Notes

* NOTE: This Trip falls under LEVEL 1. Please refer to the Deposit, Payment and Cancellations policies on our website.* Complimentary arrival transfers are available from Auckland Airport (AKL) on the first day of the trip (flight must arrive before 16:00) or with pre-trip accommodation booked through Trafalgar however flight information is required. * Complimentary departure transfers are available to Christchurch Airport (CHC) on the last day of this trip or with post trip accommodation booked through Trafalgar however flight information is required.* NEW ZEALAND: USA passport holders require a visa for New Zealand. Visa must be obtained prior to departure. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. * IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day). Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Trafalgar. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Trafalgar (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.