Magnificent New Zealand - SIC
Full of places you must see, from the volcanic and geothermal North Island to the dramatic and majestic South Island.
Magnificent New Zealand - SIC Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Auckland
On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. Overnight: Auckland
DAY 2
Auckland - Hobbiton - Rotorua
Today’s coach tour takes you through the rolling green hills to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set. See where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed as your tour guide shares behind-the-scenes tales. You’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch in the Party Marquee before continuing to Rotorua.
INCLUDED ACTIVITES
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
DAY 3
Rotorua
Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends.
You will be transported to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland for a two hour visit today. Wai-O-Tapu is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. This evening you’ll be transported to Te Puia for an Indigenous Evening Experience including a buffet dinner and cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace. Overnight: Rotorua
INCLUDED ACTIVITES
DAY 4
Rotorua - Christchurch (Flight Not Included)
Depart on your domestic flight to Christchurch. (Airfare is NOT included).
Flight Time Rotorua to Christchurch is approx. 2 hours
Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
DAY 5
Christchurch - Greymouth
You will be transported to the Christchurch Railway Station for the Tranz Alpine train crossing the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur’s Pass National Park. On arrival in Greymouth, you will be met and transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to view the fascinating pancake-shaped rock formations before being delivered to your accommodation. Overnight: Greymouth
INCLUDED ACTIVITES
DAY 6
Greymouth - Franz Josef
This morning, you’ll be transferred to Shantytown Heritage Park for a sense of what it was like to live in New Zealand during the gold rush before returning to Greymouth for your transfer to Glacier Country. The temperate climate at a low altitude makes Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world. Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway. Overnight: Franz Josef
DAY 7
Franz Josef - Queenstown
Today you will be collected from your accommodation for your transfer through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on the journey to Queenstown. Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World. Overnight: Queenstown
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
DAY 8
Queenstown
Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.
Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
DAY 9
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today's stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your coach return to downtown Queenstown. Lunch is included. Overnight: Queenstown
INCLUDED ACTIVITES
DAY 10
Queenstown - Mt Cook/Tekapo - Christchurch
Today’s journey departs Queenstown through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. The journey follows beautiful Lake Dunstan and meanders through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district, alongside magnificent turquoise blue lakes, framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time. Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby. Make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd sitting in solitude on the banks of Lake Tekapo before continuing through the amazing countryside to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch
DAY 11
Depart Christchurch
Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
Included Activities
Christchurch & South Canterbury
Hamilton, Waitomo & Waikato
Optional Activities
Accommodation Options
Transport Options
Scenic Train Journeys
World class scenic train journeys within New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and scenic wonders that often aren’t visible from the road.
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Our Reviews
We are back in India after a truly mesmerizing and wonderful two weeks tour of New Zealand. New Zealand is a very beautiful country with natural beauty...
Lokesh Narayan, India
Just a quick note to let you know that all went extremely well with our New Zealand Tour. Our accommodations were excellent – breakfasts were superb!...
Kashif Mohamed, India
We have completed our trip in the North Island of NZ and returned to Singapore last weekend. It was an enjoyable and fun itinerary planned by you .....
Joie Toh, Singapore
We absolutely loved our trip around New Zealand. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly! Matt has some mobility issues to deal with so it was fantastic...
Georgia & Matt Pace, USA
“Our Company Staff Trip was great and very well organised by General Travel Team. Very professional approach by the consultants and well planned...
Robin K Babu, New Zealand
The guides and driver were very professional and accommodating. Many thanks for all the service!
Mr Regino, Manila
Thank you so much for organising our trip of a lifetime around New Zealand. Your tips and suggestions made the best use of our time and introduced us to...
Scott & Sue Wallace, Canada