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The Long White Cloud - 02 Dec 2026 to 10 Mar 2027

Land Tour

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. Travel to the lakeside town of Wanaka where you will discover fields of lavender and enjoy a lake cruise surrounded by majestic Mountains. On your way to Queenstown, stop in the wine region of Gibbston Valley for a wine tasting of local pinot noirs, and visit the picturesque village of Arrowtown. In Queenstown choose to e-bike on a guided scenic tour or travel to Walter Peak Country station for an eco farm tour. Journey through Fiordland National Park to Doubtful Sound, a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife where you'll embark on an overnight nature cruise complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures. In Rotorua, walk the Redwoods Treewalk - a maze of forested suspension bridges - and tour a working kiwi nursery and hatchery, where you can learn more about the flightless bird. Savour a flavourful Māori Hāngī feast and descend the Footwhistle Cave to see glow worms illuminate the caverns, then toast your trip during a celebration dinner in Auckland.

From price

$20,507
From price per person, twin share
Number Of Days
19
Start Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
End Location
Auckland, New Zealand
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
10 to 30
Tour Style
Luxury
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share - (Pricing may vary by accommodation, cabin or fare category)
Start End Availability From price
02 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026 Available $20,507

Inclusions

  • 18 Breakfast (B)
  • 10 Dinner (D)
  • 4 Lunch (L)

    • Itinerary details

    Welcome to Christchurch
    Your New Zealand luxury tour begins at your boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and just minutes from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Pay a visit to the blooms at the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Tram before meeting your Travel Concierge where you’ll raise a glass to a grand journey.
    Christchurch to Dunedin
    Travel down the coast through the towns of Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin to uncover the city’s highlights. Discover grand Edwardian architecture at the Dunedin Railway Station before arriving at your heritage hotel. Dine on favourites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant.
    Distillery Tour and Dunedin at Leisure
    Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before taking a guided tour at Dunedin Craft Distillers, the first distillery in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of only a handful worldwide, to produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Discover on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell do it in a ‘Bread to Bottle Tour’ which takes you through the process used to turn bread into spirits. Venture just next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate covering the history of chocolate in Dunedin, OCHO's genesis, how 'real' chocolate is made and a 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting. Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula or visit the iconic Larnach Castle.
    Dunedin to Doubtful Sound (overnight cruise)
    Travel by road to Manapouri, then by Catamaran and coach to Doubtful Sound to meet the Fiordland Navigator. Doubtful Sound is a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife. Your overnight nature cruise comes complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures, not to mention delicious locally sourced cuisine.
    Doubtful Sound to Queenstown
    Spend the morning discovering hidden coves and soaking up the serenity of this majestical fjord. At the completion of the cruise, you will be welcomed to a local farm, where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and hear from landowner Chris. There will be farm animals to pet and stories aplenty. Continue to Queenstown to enjoy lakeside views from your award-winning boutique hotel, The Rees.
    Queenstown
    Take in the surrounding landscape on a Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak High Country farm for an Eco Experience - an idyllic place to spend a few peaceful hours. Or, choose a guided e-bike scenic ride along the lake. Enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant The Bathhouse, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
    Queenstown to Wanaka
    Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before discovering the picture postcard historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting in Gibbston Valley of the Vines at Kinross before continuing to Highlands Motorsport Museum and come face to face with the state-of-the-art machines. Meet Mrs Jones Orchard, a traditional fruit stall owner, and indulge in real fruit ice-cream and stone fruit. Later today enjoy a breathtaking walk through the flower fields at the Wānaka Lavender Farm. Your destination is your hotel in Wānaka: sitting at the edge of Lake Wānaka and designed to flow with the seasons, Edgewater is a place you’ll find nature at your own pace.
    Wanaka
    Cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Wānaka to Stevenson’s Island, where a guided walk with your Local Expert reveals dramatic alpine vistas. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region with a leisurely walk in serene surroundings.
    Wanaka to Franz Josef
    Cruise down the Haast River in a purpose-built, fully enclosed jet boat past snow-capped mountains contrasting with sub-tropical, untouched rainforest basking in the beauty of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Your guide is eager to share their expert knowledge of this glacial valley as the sunlight pours across the wilderness or the waterfalls tumble down in a light, misty rain. In the the town of Franz Josef, your eco friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness welcomes with natural ambience paired with impeccable luxury, inviting you to enjoy the view from your private balcony.
    Franz Josef Rainforest and Lake Mapourika
    Glide across the mirror-like waters of Lake Mapourika aboard a private vessel, surrounded by dramatic alpine vistas. Step ashore into a pristine rainforest sanctuary, where a Local Expert reveals rare wildlife and ancient flora on an intimate guided walk. The remainder of your afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure – perhaps take time to unwind, explore the surroundings or indulge in the serenity of your luxurious accommodation.
    Franz Josef to Christchurch
    Visit the charming town of Hokitika, the cultural centre of the West Coast where you will meet a local expert for a guided history walk. Travel from the lush rainforest of the West Coast to Arthurs Pass where you will embark on one of the world's great scenic railway journeys aboard the Tranzlapine train. Travel in luxury on the Scenic Plus purpose-built premium carriage designed to enhance every aspect of your journey including a specialist concierge. Enjoy service dinner onboard with exclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey with a Paddock to Plate regionally inspired food menu and Paired drinks menu. Travel through the dramatic Southern Alps passing the ice fed Waimakariri River and native beech forest, before you traverse the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
    Christchurch to Wellington
    Travel the dramatic rugged coastline to the whale watching hub of Kaikoura and onto the seaside town of Picton. Cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington where you’ll get acquainted with the city on an illuminating tour. Discover the highlights of this capital city, viewing the 1866 Old St. Paul’s gothic cathedral with an interior made of native timber. Stop at the political hub of the Parliament Buildings before finishing at Mount Victoria and the scenic waterfront. Unwind this evening with a drink and dinner at your hotel’s Lola Rouge Restaurant.
    Wellington Sightseeing
    Today personalise your day. Choose from the the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne or discover the stunning waterfront and hidden lanes of Wellington with a local expert.
    Wellington to Hawke's Bay
    Wind your way through the pastoral dairy farming land of Manawatū to Napier in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand’s Art Deco capital and world-renowned wine country. This evening savour a tasting and dinner at family-owned Craggy Range Winery in the shadow of Te Mata Peak. Sample the region’s premium wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while dining on Head Chef Casey McDonald’s signature seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce from their award-winning restaurant. After a sumptuous evening, relax in your plush room decorated with original local artwork in your boutique hotel in charming Havelock North Village.
    Exploring Napier
    Partake in a Gannet safari for a rare encounter with the world's largest gannet colony. Your participation on Gannet Overland Safaris contributes to our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® initiative: TTC makes a donation on behalf of each guest to the Cape Sanctuary. Their amazing team is made up of over 300 volunteers that are giving their time to restore our beautiful land and replant grasses and natives to support the return of our wildlife. Take in Napier’s art deco architecture with a Local Expert in a vintage car, another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
    Geothermal Rotorua
    Continue your journey to Rotorua, where this afternoon, armed with a packed lunch, you'll join a local guide for a cultural walking eco-tour to discover the Jurassic Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
    The Sights of Rotorua
    Unveil the sights of Rotorua viewing the 120-yearold Californian Coastal Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest at Redwoods Treewalk. Crossing 28 suspension bridges from 65 feet above ground, feeling like one of the native birds sweeping through the forest. Learn more about the “local residents” going behind the scenes on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa. Understand how this working kiwi nursery and hatchery is leading the conservation efforts of the national icon and perhaps see a newly hatched kiwi chick. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū for insights into the local rituals and traditions of fascinating Māori culture with a celebration of the abundant harvest of the season, and explore concepts, rituals and stories of ancient warfare and peace in an amalgamation of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a special three-course feast with aperitif.
    Rotorua to Auckland
    Your final full day finds you embarking on an exclusive, private guided tour of Waitomo Cave on a five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld. Your guide sets the scene for an underground cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Then you’re off to Auckland for a tour showcasing bustling Queen Street and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge before you're treated to a farewell dinner to remember.
    Farewell Auckland
    After one final breakfast, say farewell to your Christchurch-to-Auckland luxury tour as you are chauffeured to Auckland Airport.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    This luxury tour offers an exceptionally comprehensive 19-day journey across New Zealand, blending high-end accommodations with unique experiences. Highlights include an overnight nature cruise in Doubtful Sound, a premium Scenic Plus rail journey through the Southern Alps, and exclusive 'MAKE TRAVEL MATTER' experiences that support local conservation and community efforts.
    This tour is designed for luxury seekers who appreciate high-end boutique hotels, fine dining, and a curated travel experience. It is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of natural wonders, cultural immersion, and gourmet experiences, such as wine tastings in Gibbston Valley and Hawke's Bay.
    The pros include a vast array of inclusive luxury experiences, expert local guides, and a diverse itinerary covering both the North and South Islands. A potential con may be the premium price point of 20,507.00, which reflects the luxury nature of the trip.
    With its focus on luxury boutique hotels, romantic landscapes, and fine dining, this tour is an excellent choice for couples. While it is suitable for solo travelers and families, the average age of 50 and the luxury style suggest it is particularly well-suited for adults seeking a sophisticated getaway.
    This tour is fantastic for first-time visitors as it covers a wide range of New Zealand's most iconic landmarks—from the Southern Alps and Fiordland to Rotorua and Auckland—providing a complete introduction to the country's geography and culture.
    The physicality rating is listed as Easy to Moderate. While many activities are relaxed, some parts of the tour involve walking, such as the Redwoods Treewalk suspension bridges and guided nature walks, so guests with significant mobility concerns may wish to inquire about specific accessibility.
    This tour provides a balanced blend of all three. It offers extensive sightseeing of natural wonders like Franz Josef Glacier, deep cultural immersion through Maori feasts and Art Deco tours, and light adventure through e-biking and jet boating.
    The pace is generally relaxed, featuring several 'relaxed starts' and leisure time in cities like Dunedin and Wanaka, allowing guests to soak in the surroundings without feeling rushed.
    The itinerary feels relaxed and well-paced. By spending 19 days traversing the country and including dedicated leisure time and slow-paced activities like lake cruises and wine tastings, it ensures a luxurious and unhurried experience.
    Yes, the tour includes many of New Zealand's premier highlights, including the Southern Alps, Franz Josef Glacier, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, Rotorua's geothermal areas, and the city of Auckland.
    While the text does not explicitly mention language barriers, the tour provides a Travel Concierge, Local Experts, and professional guides throughout the journey to ensure a seamless and informative experience for guests.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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