Contrasts Of New Zealand

Contrasts Of New Zealand


(11 reviews)

From:

CAD $8165

10 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Easy

Tick off cities, country life, moving Maori culture, and dramatic landscapes that have put this country on the map. Experience a dose of Kiwi hospitality as you explore must-see spots and feast on must-try tastes across both islands in just 10 days.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 02 Apr 2027

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Experience Overview

Tick off cities, country life, moving Maori culture, and dramatic landscapes that have put this country on the map. Experience a dose of Kiwi hospitality as you explore must-see spots and feast on must-try tastes across both islands in just 10 days.

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

  • Be My Guest Visit a Sheep and Cattle Farm
  • 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.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® The National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa
  • Rotorua: Immerse yourself in Māori traditions at an enlightening and entertaining evening, including a cultural performance, a view of Pohutu Geyser, and hangi-inspired cuisine at Te Po Māori Experience at Te Puia.
  • Rotorua: Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa in Rotorua and learn about the efforts made to save New Zealand's national bird

Must-see Highlights

  • Explore All Blacks Experience in Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, and International Dark Sky Reserve in Tekapo
  • Discover Auckland, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Lake Tekapo, and Christchurch
  • Visit Te Po Maori Experience in Rotorua
  • View Geothermal activity in Rotorua, and turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo
  • Scenic Cruise On Milford Sound

Stays With Stories

  • Stays With Stories Peppers Blue Water Resort Lake Tekapo

Trafalgar Difference

  • Lake Tekapo: This resort overlooks the pristine waters of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island.

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 34376

Tour TypeTour Type: Group Tour

AccommodationAccommodation: Deluxe

TransportTransport: Private

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: Explorer, Budget

Tour OperatorTour Operator: Trafalgar (CA)

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: 377.639C

StartStarts: Auckland, New Zealand

FinishFinishes: Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand

DurationDuration: 10 days

DeparturesDepartures: Not Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical 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
  • 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
  • Flight A Trafalgar bonus - Intra-Air Flight: Auckland to Queenstown

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8165 ($816 /day)

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Kia Ora Auckland

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

2
Day 2: See the Sights of Auckland

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

3
Day 3: The Cultural Capital Rotorua

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 Māori history and culture on this guided MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, which includes a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. View the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands. This is followed by a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine.

Accommodation: Millennium
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

4
Day 4: Adventure Awaits in Queenstown

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

5
Day 5: Cruise on Spectacular Milford Sound

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

6
Day 6: Queenstown, Yours to Enjoy

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 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, Dinner

7
Day 7: Turquoise Coloured Lake Tekapo

Today your New Zealand tour takes you to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan, travelling to lovely Lake Tekapo. Visit the Jones Family 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

8
Day 8: The Garden City, Christchurch

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

9
Day 9: Meet the Farming Locals

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 and enjoy wine tasting and 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 dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.

Accommodation: Distinction
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10
Day 10: Farewell Christchurch

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

 

Mark Dannenberg   -  Traveled, April 2025

South island was very good but would have enjoyed see an ocean beach. North island itinerary was very weak and seemed it was "well we have to have something".

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/06/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, April 2025

Easy to book through AAA, although I don't think my travel agent know it was an ATT King trip, if he did he never mentioned it. We'll planned and I enjoyed the overview of New Zealand. Great overview of New Zealand. *Personal information removed by Feefo*, our tour guide really made the trip seamless. Knowledge, kind and considerate. The trip was well planned out and I enjoyed the ability to participate in extra activities during our down time outside of the tour. The bus drivers *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* were terrific.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/03/2025

 

Steven Fagerstrom   -  Traveled, April 2025

Well planned and full of variety.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/13/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, April 2025

On time Efficient Well informed. They think of everything!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/13/2025

 

3 Kings   -  Traveled, March 2025

Trafalgar has become our go-to family vacation for major celebrations and trips. We appreciate having a local guide, the chance to learn something as we go, and making friends with others on the tour group. We booked this as our last big family trip before our only daughter went off to college, and what an amazing experience it was! We knew we would love the country, but we always go with Trafalgar because of the friends we make with our group, and all the neat little experiences that we wouldn't even think to try. In particular the Hobbiton day, Te Pa Tu, and guided stargazing are the most amazing vacation experiences we've ever had. On this trip we even had a weather related disruption that would have ended most trips but our director had the whole thing figured out before we even landed. We're Trafalgar Travelers for life.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/10/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, March 2025

The itinerary was very good to show us NZ over a 10 day period. *Personal information removed by Feefo* did a great job of showing us the highlights of each area of NZ that we stopped at. She was able to adjust when our flights were cancelled. She was very supportive when we needed changes on the fly.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 04/11/2025

 

Roger Van Der Horst   -  Traveled, March 2025

Itinerary was great, the team worked very hard during scheduling changes due to weather.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/10/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, February 2025

Trafalgar did a great job organizing our trip to New Zealand. We saw so much in a 2 week timeframe from the North Island to the South Island. Our accommodations were comfortable. The meals were well scheduled. They were always served timely and were delicious. And, truly a taste of NZ. Our tour director and coach drivers were professional and knowledgeable of the country. Being homegrown, they were able to give us so much history and knowledge of the country. Awesome trip! The itinerary was perfect for our time in New Zealand. We were given the opportunity to really explore and learn so much about city life and the countryside. Our tour director, Andie and the coach drivers did an exceptional job providing so much knowledge about NZ and getting our group from point to point efficiently and timely. It was truly a trip of our lifetime.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/13/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, February 2025

The hotel in Rotorua (Millennium Rotorua) didn't fit in with all the other amazing hotels (that goes for food and accommodation). Other than that, the trip was outstanding!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/10/2025

 

Anonymous   -  Traveled, October 2024

Hope was the perfect, knowledgeable tour director and very much a mother hen to every member of our travelling whanau (family). She made us feel safe and informed of any changes that were required to be made well ahead of time. *Personal information removed by Feefo* and *Personal information removed by Feefo* (the tour drivers) were friendly, easy to talk to (outside of the coach) and drove smoothly. Ten out of ten for service!!! As a Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fan, this was the perfect tour. For the most part, i felt like we had plenty of time to do our own thing and the included planned activities, although I would suggest an additional day or two in Rotorua so people get the opportunity to enjoy the hot springs.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 10/13/2024

 

Vanessa Snyder  -  Traveled, March 2025

the itinerary was delightful---after the fact, we realized how brilliant it was to combine urban and rural sites. Bravo you. Inspiration for future paintings AND fun city experiences- all beautiful. Some photoshop helps!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 03/10/2025