Contrasts Of New Zealand
Experience Overview
Ticking off cities, country life, wildlife, moving Maori culture, and dramatic landscapes that have put the country on the map, this New Zealand tour covers it all. Experience Kiwi hospitality as you explore must-see spots and feast on must-try tastes across both islands in just 10 days.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Lunch (L)
- 1 Regional Dinner (RD)
- 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
- 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
Be My Guest
- Hurunui: Step onto a working hill-country sheep farm. Experience what it is like to farm Merino sheep & Angus cattle in this beautiful part of the country. See the animals graze pastures in the open air and learn about where the best natural products come from.
Dive into Culture
- Auckland: An immersive and emotive state-of-the-art guided journey that showcases the All Blacks though exceptional innovation and technology.
- Rotorua: Visit Te Puia for the Te Po experience, an evening of Māori culture and connection. Dine on traditional Hangi-inspired cuisine, followed by a captivating cultural performance.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Rotorua: Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and learn about the work being done to save New Zealand's national bird. Your visit contributes to saving the kiwi bird.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore All Blacks Experience in Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua, Highlands Museum in Cromwell, and Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in Tekapo
- Discover Auckland, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Lake Tekapo, and Christchurch
- Visit Te Po Maori Experience in Rotorua, and a Merino Sheep Farm in North Canterbury
- View Geothermal activity in Rotorua, and turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo
- Scenic Cruise on Milford Sound
Trafalgar Difference
- Lake Tekapo: This resort overlooks the pristine waters of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island.
Trip Details
Product Code: 19160
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 377.639A
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Porterage where hotels provide this service
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- All land transport shown. All transfers shown
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences and free time
- A Trafalgar bonus - Intra-Air Flight: Auckland to Queenstown
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $7,014 ($701 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Auckland! (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Your New Zealand tour kicks off in the City of Sails where, you’ll meet your Travel Director and group for dinner at The Grill, as you look forward to your New Zealand adventures.
Accommodation: Horizon by SkyCity
Meals: Dinner
After a relaxed start, set your sights firmly on New Zealand's national game: rugby. The interactive All Blacks Experience explores an introduction to the game as a part of New Zealand culture. Afterwards, get the lay of the land on a city sightseeing tour viewing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, showing off views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. You pass the Auckland Museum, located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828. You have some time free to explore. Perhaps stroll along Queen Street to find the perfect waterfront restaurant in Viaduct Harbour to enjoy water views while enjoying local oysters, crayfish, or New Zealand’s native green lip mussels with a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Then stretch your legs popping into the many boutique shops.
Accommodation: Horizon by SkyCity
Meals: Breakfast
Get ready for a much-anticipated trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set. Upon arrival, set off on a guided tour through the 12-acre set. You'll have plenty of time for photo opportunities in the interactive hobbit hole. After a stop for lunch, continue to Rotorua. This evening, embark upon the Te Po experience at Te Puia. Learn about Maori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate, you'll view one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands.
Accommodation: Millennium
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your destination this morning in Rotorua is the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where you’ll join a Local Specialist for a tour. Learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national bird. The feel-good vibes will follow you all the way to Queenstown, the self-proclaimed adventure capital of New Zealand. It makes perfect sense – there are ski fields, white-water river and bridges strapped with bungy cords wherever you turn. And then there’s the dining scene; Queenstown is home to some of the country’s most awarded restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for bulging burgers or lakeside tapas, ask us for recommendations on this leg of your Queenstown New Zealand tour.
Accommodation: Millennium
Meals: Breakfast
Today you'll head through stunning landscapes along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. Experience magnificent scenery afforded by the Mirror Lakes. Plunge through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak - named after its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre headdress - and Lady Bowen Falls before arriving at World Heritage listed national park, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Experience all its beauty on a scenic cruise, which includes a lunch, past sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls watching for dolphins, penguins, and seals. Learn how the area was formed by glaciers and take plenty of photos of the stunning sights before returning to Queenstown. The evening is free for you to stay in and relax or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Accommodation: Millennium
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Rise and shine to your last day in Queenstown with plenty of choices on how to adventure. If you’re a wine lover, join an Optional Experience touring three premium boutique vineyards in the famous Otago region known for Pinot Noir. Or feel the wind in your hair with an adrenalin filled jet boat ride on the mighty Shotover River. You’ll meet up with your group this evening over a Regional Dinner in nearby historic Arrowtown at the Postmasters Cottage built in 1907. Hear the story of the cottage from being almost demolished by developers to its rescue and purchase by the passionate local community. The restored cottage has now been embellished with verandas and gardens for you to sit down to fresh, local food and wines matched with classic Kiwi hospitality.
Accommodation: Millennium
Meals: Breakfast, Regional Dinner
Today your New Zealand tour takes you to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan, travelling to lovely Lake Tekapo. Visit Mrs. Jones' Fruit Stall to taste of some of the region's juicy stone fruit including apricots, nectarines, peaches, and plums. Is it Michael Schumacher’s Benetton F1 car or the $4.2-million Aston Martin Vulcan that draws crowds to the Highlands Motorsport Museum? During your visit to this extraordinary space you’ll have the chance to become familiar with some of the rarest cars in NZ motorsports history. There’s just something about being in the same room as these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing. The museum is home to some of the rarest cars in NZ motorsport history but also some hidden gems. Visit the grounds of the quaint, lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd and see the friendly bronze sheepdog statue. As evening falls, you’re treated to a guided stargazing experience with a Local Specialist in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. See the famous Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way and getter a better look at these sparkling wonders with a powerful optical telescope. It may be a late night, but tonight's included star gazing experience at a purpose-built observation crater with expert astronomy guides is bound to be a highlight. You'll conclude the day in a Stays With Stories accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. In this area known for its dazzling night sky, there’s plenty to enjoy just stepping outside your room.
Accommodation: Peppers Bluewater Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through South Canterbury to Christchurch. Enjoy the city sights of the Garden City at the Cathedral, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, in awe of its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction that gives it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral.” See the city’s top sites including Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, and Bridge of Remembrance.
Accommodation: Distinction
Meals: Breakfast
Travel through rolling countryside to Hurunui Hills, a hill-country farm in North Canterbury. Enjoy warm Kiwi hospitality with the Bamford Family, who have been farming at Hurunui since 1884, with six generations focused on producing premium Merino sheep, wool, and Angus cattle. Soak up the stunning scenery, meet the farm animals, and discover what it is like to live off the land on this unique By My Guest experience. Then visit a local vineyard, Waipara Springs Winery, where it's time to relax over a platter-style lunch among the vines. A big day leads to a big evening, joining your Travel Director and travel mates for with a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
Accommodation: Distinction
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Be My Guest, Farewell Dinner
Your adventure sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer to Christchurch Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your incredible travels through New Zealand (flights anytime).
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Adrian - Traveled, March 2024
Amazing New Zealand! Great itinerary and tour director. The locations and highlights of the tour were what we hoped for. A nice mix of scenic locations and local activities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Linda Herrmann - Traveled, March 2024
Superb Travel Director! Our travel director was VERY knowledgeable and funny. He kept us engaged and happy. We have already decided that we would DEFINITELY tour with Trafalgar again and would highly recommend them to anyone. The itinerary was wonderful. We were able to experience New Zealand in many ways we could not have, if we had cruised. My favorite excursions were the Hoka and kiwi hatchery.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2024
Lindsay - Traveled, May 2024
I already filled out a review of this trip. Good overall, a few hiccups though. Again, some of the hotels were not up to par.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/27/2024
Sharlan Douglas - Traveled, March 2024
Attention to every detail; a good range of optional experiences. The tour ran like clockwork. Our tour director, Andie, was expert in everything - history, geography, biology, geology, economics, agriculture, folklore, culture. Hotels were consistently excellent. Already answered this question.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2024
Gail Thorson - Traveled, February 2024
I love the balance between coach and activity time versus the free time we were given. The tour was true to it's title "Contrasts" which we enjoyed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Constance Rush - Traveled, February 2024
Top notch! We had first rate everything! Hotels, food, and the flight from one island to the other! Again, the cost reflects the experience! All great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, February 2024
The tour director is excellent in his commentary about New Zealand. The scenery is simply beautiful, especially Milford Sound.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/30/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, February 2024
Very good services. Very good tour, good time, good vacation
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/18/2024
Steven Sewell - Traveled, December 2023
Contrasts of New Zealand, and awesome experience with an awsome Maori guide. Excellent, except for the arrival transfer. Need to ensure to validate the arrival transfer and know who to contact with what information, just in case the transfer is a no show. Great places to stay......
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/05/2024
Joye & Harold Lawson - Traveled, November 2023
Kia ora! Definitely would take Trafalgar again. The Contrasts of New Zealand tour was superb. Our guide, Marty P., was outstanding. Smooth transfers, great dining, excellent hotels, terrific attention to detail. Well worth the price, because the entire experience was priceless. This trip could also be named "The Very Best of New Zealand".
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2023
Cheryl Chance - Traveled, October 2023
Trafalgar Organized a Stellar Experience from Beginning to End of the Tour! I have been strongly recommending Trafalgar's service to everyone who asks about my trip. The guides are excellent; you feel safe in their buses; the hotels with breakfast, and specialty dinners, are very good. It's the complete experience of another place that is their real specialty. Plenty of history, context, locations , and of course, their Be My Guest experiences pull the the package together. I believe that pricing the pieces that have to be put together to make all the logistics work on my own would be comparable or even greater to the Trafalgar pricing. Hotel take a lot of research, it does feel like Trafalgar has carefully picked the hotels for me. The itinerary is busy but balanced with some flexible time too. Trafalgar is very efficient so we get to do a lot.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2023
Wonderful introduction to New Zealand! The Tour Director, coach drivers, hotels and hotel staff, restaurant staff were all professional, knowledgeable and friendly, and all the activities planned for us were informative and enjoyable. We were treated well by everyone involved in the tour. The only complaint were the last flights from New Zealand. The airplane from Christchurch was late arriving to Auckland. In Auckland, passengers must leave the domestic terminal and enter the international terminal, requiring another trip through security checkpoint. In future, need to allow more time in between these two flights.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/25/2023
Danny Zamora - Traveled, September 2023
Contrast of New Zealand. Excellent service! Unforgettable and awesome experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Kris Barnhill - Traveled, August 2023
Contrasts of New Zealand. We enjoyed the entire trip! Trafalgar planned our trip in the North and South Island with great experiences! Our tour director, Marty, made it extra special. Great trip! Great experiences and places! The itinerary, experiences, tour director and drivers were great. The hotels were very nice and centrally located to discover the cities in our free time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/06/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2022
I found Trafalgar an excellent company to travel with. The Travel Director provides terrific service and really connects with the passengers and is very knowledgeable. The drivers were very helpful and friendly. The accommodation provided was excellent with spacious rooms and terrific food. The itinerary was not rushed and we visited interesting places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2022
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
New Zealand was a beautiful place to visit. However, I wish we could havem. The moves from city to city went very smoothly and I especially enjoyed the usual Be My Guest experience at Lake Tekapo. The itinerary was good, but I felt we had too much free time without being offered much in the way of side tours.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, February 2023
Great trip thru NZ. Great tour guide. Marty was awesome. Accommodations were good. Saw everything we wanted to. Meals and rooms were looked after the tours were awesome
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2020
Contrasts of New Zealand. Trafalgar offers exceptional service. Our guide (Marty,) was well organized and engaging, we stayed in well appointed accommodations, and our sights of interest were first rate! A well organized, full itinerary with memorable stops and experiences
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2020
Happy Customer - Traveled, February 2020
Great tour of New Zealand! We were greeted and guided through our tour by a knowable and very personable guide. The bus was immaculate and the drivers very competent. Hotels were nice but some of the rooms given to the tour customers were the least nice in the hotel
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2020
Barbara Twigg - Traveled, February 2020
Everyone was so helpful; Don't schedule dinner so late
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2020
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