USA | English flag English | USD flag USD

Quick Search... ToursNew ZealandInsight Vacations Luxury Gold

The Long White Cloud

Summary:

See the wonders of New Zealand on this 19-day guided tour. Explore the Southern Alps and see Franz Josef Glacier up close with a Local Expert. On your way to Queenstown, stop by idyllic Arrowtown, where you can choose to take a scenic bike ride along its ...

Duration
19 Days
Cities
9
Next Departure
02-Dec-2024
Starting at
USD 14,025.00
Price per day
USD 738.00
Tour Type

  • Overview
  • Dates and Details
  • Map, Destinations
  • Insight Vacations Lu...
Operator
Insight Vacations Luxury Gold
Tour
The Long White Cloud
Categories
tour categorytour categorytour categorytour categorytour categorytour categorytour category

Summary

See the wonders of New Zealand on this 19-day guided tour. Explore the Southern Alps and see Franz Josef Glacier up close with a Local Expert. On your way to Queenstown, stop by idyllic Arrowtown, where you can choose to take a scenic bike ride along its river, or join a boutique wine tour. Journey through rainforests and meadows to Milford Sound; here, board a catamaran and sail past towering cliffs and gushing waterfalls. See spectacular volcanic craters at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then travel to Rotorua for a Māori Hāngī feast — a flavourful meal cooked underground with geothermal steam. Descend the caves of Waitomo during a exclusive guided experience: see the caverns illuminated by the bioluminescent species. Toast to your travels at a luxurious dinner with a former New Zealand All Black rugby player.The Activity Level of this tour is Leisurely, meaning there is 1 to 2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces with some stairs.

Map: The Long White Cloud (Insight Vacations Luxury Gold)

Short Itinerary / Route

Day 1
Welcome To Christchurch
Day 2
Christchurch To Franz Josef
Day 3
The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier Relaxed Start
Day 4
Travel From Franz Josef To Queenstown
Day 5
Explore Queenstown Relaxed Start
Day 6
Queenstown At Leisure Relaxed Start
Day 7
Queenstown To Milford Sound
Day 8
Milford Track Walk And Milford Sound Cruise Relaxe...
Day 9
Milford Sound To Dunedin
Day 10
Dunedin
Day 11
Dunedin To Christchurch
Day 12
Christchurch To Wellington Relaxed Start
Day 13
Wellington Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Day 14
Wellington To Hawke's Bay
Day 15
Exploring Napier Relaxed Start
Day 16
Geothermal Rotorua
Day 17
The Sights Of Rotorua
Day 18
Waitomo And Auckland
Day 19
Farewell Auckland

Travel Cities (9): Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, Napier, Queenstown, Rotorua, Wellington

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 15 Breakfast (B)
  • 9 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the world's first bungy jump.
  • Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.
  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
  • Wellington: Learn more about native flora and fauna on a guided walk through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in New Zealand, dedicated to native plants.��The walk starts at the ‘Waharoa’ and heads through the Fernery and then down to the creek, where you are likely to spot some Tuna. It’s also a haven for native birds including the Kereru and Tui. A highlight of the walk is a Rimu tree estimated to be over 800 years old.

Additional Included Highlights

  •  Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
  • In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
  • Included at all hotels.
  • Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
  • Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
  • On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.​
  • Enjoy complimentary hotel WiFi. And, on select coaches, onboard WiFi may also be available.
  • Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

Exceptional Dining

  • Dunedin: Step into Parcels Restaurant at the Distinction Dunedin and taste their exquisite modern twist on traditional local dishes. Sip delicious wines as you look across to the First Church of Otago from the old post office building which houses the hotel.
  • Hawke's Bay: Indulge in an intimate dinner with wine pairing at the award-winning restaurant of Craggy Range Winery. Feast on local produce as you sit in the shade of Te Mata Peak and drink wines from one of the region’s world-famous vineyards.
  • Rotorua: Come together for a hearty and delicious meal warmed by the earth itself. Experience a uniquely prepared Hāngī feast, cooked traditionally in a pit oven using geothermal steam at Te Pā Tū. Witness a captivating live cultural performance as you dine.

Magnificent Stays

  • Franz Josef: Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.
  • Hawke's Bay: Porters Boutique Hotel is a privately owned, boutique hotel that delivers a luxurious experience. Elegantly appointed guest rooms are fitted with plush, classic furnishings and local artwork, all moments away from the charming village of Havelock North.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER

  • Rotorua: Meet the kiwi at National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa as you are invited to step behind-the-scenes at a working nursery and hatchery for New Zealand’s intriguing national bird. Seek out skinks, geckos, and incredible trout amidst the thick foliage of the park. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps to fund the Hatchery and directly contribute to kiwi conservation. The hatchery has grown to become the largest and most successful kiwi hatching facility in the world, successfully incubating and hatching brown kiwi eggs, helping the North Island population considerably.

Passport Moments

  • Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
  • Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Hear about its rich history, from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
  • Franz Josef: Experience the mighty natural wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier and what the ice age must have felt like. The sheer enormity of these giant ice puzzles will leave you spellbound as you explore the area with your Local Expert.
  • Makarora: Visit Makarora, a great base point to explore the beauty of the Southern Alps. Your Travel Concierge will take you on an orientation of the town where you can admire remarkable scenery and hear more about its history.
  • Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.
  • Milford Sound: Immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk along a stunning section of Milford Track, one of the most breathtaking walks in the world. Learn about its wildlife and heritage while you traverse beach forest and bubbling rivers as you pass along its route.
  • Fiordland National Park: Embark on a serene cruise on Lake Manapouri where you can marvel at plummeting waterfalls and see countless coves and beaches dotted along its shore. See the magnificent scenery of the Fiordland National Park with its forest-clad mountains and islands.
  • Dunedin: Sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits.
  • Christchurch: Explore the dynamic city of Christchurch and learn how the city has reinvented itself in the past decade. See how the unique Cardboard Cathedral and Container Mall juxtapose with the older landmarks of Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street.
  • Queen Charlotte Sound: Cruise along Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Straight as you pass from South Island to North to begin the next leg of your incredible journey. See the coves, bays and lush green forests rising from the tranquil waters as you pass.
  • Wellington: Familiarise yourself with the landmarks of Wellington on a city orientation tour. Discover the highlights of New Zealand’s capital from Old St Paul’s wooden cathedral and the Parliament Buildings through vibrant and colourful Cuba Street to Mount Victoria and the scenic waterfront.
  • Hawke's Bay: Ease yourself into the day at your own pace with a morning at leisure in Hawke’s Bay. Grab an artisan coffee at a local cafe, stroll about the Village Green, wander Keirunga Gardens, or pop into some of the charming boutiques.
  • Napier: Climb into a luxury vintage car with a discerning local guide for your personal tour of Napier. Uncover the highlights of this world-famous town’s 140 art deco buildings and sculptures from the comfort of your luxurious vehicle.
  • Huka Falls: Witness the awe-inspiring power of nature at Huka Falls where nearly a quarter of a million litres of thundering water per second are funnelled from Lake Taupō and dropped eleven metres into the Waikato River below.
  • Rotorua: Visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the world’s youngest geothermal system, formed after the eruption of Mt. Tarawera in 1886. Discover the world’s largest hot spring, volcanic crater lakes and the most incredible flora and fauna that have been untouched by man.
  • Rotorua: Stand eye to eye with giant redwoods on the Redwoods Treewalk. Immerse yourself in the serene majesty of these 118-year-old trees from your 20-metre high perspective. Cross swing bridges and platforms on your elevated path through Whakarewarewa Forest.
  • Waitomo Cave: Enter the subterranean Waitomo Cave where you’ll be guided through the extensive network and meet the local residents, glow worms. View these fascinating glowing creatures as you glide quietly on a private tour by boat through the underground cave.
  • Auckland: Discover the landmarks of New Zealand’s largest city on your afternoon tour. See the diversity of the city from bustling Queen Street and the rejuvenated Viaduct harbour to the historic buildings around the city’s university and the striking Auckland harbour Bridge.

Personalise your day

  • Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the world's first bungy jump.
  • Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.
  • Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
  • Wellington: Learn more about native flora and fauna on a guided walk through Otari Wiltons Bush, the only botanic garden in New Zealand, dedicated to native plants. The walk starts at the ‘Waharoa’ and heads through the Fernery and then down to the creek, where you are likely to spot some Tuna. It’s also a haven for native birds including the Kereru and Tui. A highlight of the walk is a Rimu tree estimated to be over 800 years old.

Travel Package

 

Coming from

 

Going to

Tour...

Christchurch

Arrow Going To

Christchurch

Group ToursThis is an Organised Group Tour: the itinerary has been predefined by the tour operator. The tour destinations, duration, accommodations, departure dates and the price are fix. You can join, enjoy and meet other people.

Memberships and Financial Protection

The Travel Corporation Abta UNWTO TreadRight Safe Travels


ToursInLuxury

  • Find interesting destinations per country or region.
  • Search, download and share tours and cruises that start at home or at your destination.
  • Compare operators, itineraries, dates and prices to find the best tour for you, whether budget, comfort or pure luxury.
  • Click on a simple button to view the tour at the Operator website for more information or online booking.
  • Book at the tour operator directly, without middle men, without additional Terms & Conditions.