18 Days/15 Nights - A Classic New Zealand self-drive itinerary covering both the South & North Islands commencing in the activity center of New Zealand, Queenstown, and ending in the 'city of sails' Auckland. From Queenstown, travel through ancient beech-tree forests to the West Coast's isolated rainforest and limestone formations, with snow-capped ridges and low-lying glaciers of the South Alps running alongside you. Enjoy the sunniest part of New Zealand and the stunning coastal beauty of Abel Tasman National Park before boarding the ferry to the capital city of Wellington, sailing through the scenic Marlborough Sounds. Continue your path north towards the center of the North Island and Tongariro National Park and the geothermal wonderland of Lake Taupo and Rotorua. The final leg takes you via the underground wonder of Waitomo Caves and to New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, where your self-drive adventure ends.

• Roundtrip International Economy Class flights from Los Angeles, New York JFK, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco with Air New Zealand (add on flights from your local airport available)
• Internal New Zealand flight from Auckland to Queenstown
• 3 nights in Queenstown at the 4.5* The Rees Hotel Queenstown
• 11 days medium size automatic transmission car rental Queenstown – Auckland
• 1 night in Franz Josef at the 3* Punga Grove
• 1 night in Punakaiki at the 3.5* Scenic Hotel Punakaiki Resort
• 3 nights in Nelson at the 4* The Sails Motel
• Interislander Ferry Crossing from Picton to Wellington
• 2 nights in Wellington at the 4* The Bolton Wellington – Classic Suite
• 1 night Tongariro National Park at the 3.5* The Powderhorn Chateau
• 2 nights in Rotorua at the 4* Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
• 2 nights in Auckland at the 4* The Rydges Auckland
• SuperShuttle transfers, arrival Queenstown to accommodation, and departure from Auckland hotel to the international airport
• 24-hour local support while traveling from our affiliate office in Auckland
• All taxes & fuel surcharges

Day 1 - Depart New York JFK, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, or Los Angeles with Air New Zealand non-stop to Auckland
Ask about our options with Skycouch, Premium Economy and Business Class airfare.

Day 2 - Cross International Date Line

Day 3 - Arrive Auckland & continue to Queenstown
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival in Auckland, connect with your short flight to Queenstown to commence your journey to New Zealand in the South Island. On arrival into Queenstown, you will be transferred by Supershuttle to your accommodation. Queenstown, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal-clear Lake Whakatipu, offers diverse, world-class experiences, a warm welcome, and a cosmopolitan vibe. Queenstown has fueled imaginations and inspired many to explore. Queenstown sets the stage for adventure, whether you are chasing the snow, exploring the trails, indulging in food and wine, discovering stunning fairways, or seeking adrenaline thrills.

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy 4 nights at 4.5* The Rees Hotel Queenstown. Showcasing breathtaking panoramic lake and mountain views, this sophisticated property is conveniently located just a gentle lakeside walk from Queenstown’s town center. Boasting luxurious accommodation options including hotel rooms, apartments, and 5 Lake Front Residences, all offer full service, complimentary Wi-Fi, free movies, a fine dining onsite restaurant, an extensive wine cellar, purpose-built gymnasium, complimentary ski lockers, spa treatment services, library, and private jetty.

*Upgrade to a guaranteed Lakeview Room for an additional $50 per person*

Days 4 & 5 - Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Wilderness Jet Safari
  A scenic drive takes you along the edge of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy, where you will board a Dart River jet boat for a 1-and-a-1/2-hour journey through the Dart River's ever-changing braided river system. You will be thrilled by the jet boat's capabilities and awed by your surroundings of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forests, waterfalls, and glacier valleys frozen in time. The jet boat ride is followed by an easy 30-minute guided walk through an ancient native Beech forest. The tour finishes with a journey by 4WD safari vehicle along a back-road route while hearing stories about the surrounding countryside and stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including 'The Lord of the Rings.'
• Discover Milford Sound Nature Cruise
  Depart Queenstown and travel alongside Lake Wakatipu and then through the farming countryside to Te Anau; from here the overland journey to Milford Sound showcases the sheer mountains towering cliffs, rugged valleys, and native rainforest surrounded by teeming waterfalls and glacial lakes. Enjoy short walks and photo opportunities along the way. On arrival, board a vessel for an extended and leisurely cruise on board a small catamaran with a two-hour duration. Cruise the entire length of the fiord in comfort on a modern, spacious vessel with comfortable indoor seating and large, tall windows for a panoramic viewing of spectacular Milford Sound. With a flexible and relaxed itinerary, enjoy a large and wide open outdoor, upper-level deck for excellent wildlife viewing, including seals, dolphins, and penguins when in season.
• Central Otago Wine Tours
  Guided tours showcasing Central Otago's fine wine and cuisine. These tours venture into the heartland of Central Otago, visiting vineyards in Gibbston, Bannockburn, and Cromwell. Small groups and custom-fit minibuses ensure a relaxed and interactive day out from Queenstown and a great way to experience Central Otago.
• Nomad Safari - Skippers Canyon
  The Nomad Safari is a half-day heritage tour that follows the rugged and once treacherous Skippers Road—hacked by hand into the sheer cliff sides of the Shotover River Valley. Navigate this awe-inspiring canyon and visit many historic sites such as the Skippers Suspension Bridge, the township of Skippers, and the restored schoolhouse - gain a real insight into the local heritage through photos and life histories in this tough environment.
• Zipline Ecotour
  Commence an ecotour on Queenstown's original zipline course and the perfect starter to your adventure experience. Comprised of four ziplines, starting and finishing at the top of the Skyline gondola, the tour is designed to start low and slow and gradually build your confidence as it gets progressively longer, higher, and faster. All ages love the interaction this guided aerial tour has to offer.

Day 6 - Queenstown to Franz Josef
This morning collect your rental vehicle and commence your self drive north along the scenic West Coast towards Franz Josef Glacier

Queenstown to Wanaka  103 km (64 miles) Approximately 1.25 hours The shortest route to Wanaka is over the Crown Range Road. It’s a challenging drive, but the views are amazing and you’ll probably encounter friendly keas (mountain parrots). More conservative drivers can take the route that runs beside the Clutha River, Lake Dunstan and the Shotover River.

Wanaka to Haast 139 km (87 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours Enjoy waterfalls and river scenery as you leave the coast and climb up the Haast river valley to Haast Pass. The road snakes through the Aspiring National Park, and the vegetation becomes more sparse as you travel inland. Lakes Wanaka and Hawea make the last part of your trip beautifully scenic.

Haast to Fox Glacier  122 km (76 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours Not far from Fox Glacier is the western end of the Copland track. Lake Moeraki is another peaceful forest lake with good fishing – a 40 minute walk takes you to the penguin colony at Monro Beach. The long one-lane bridge over the Haast River leads you into the settlement of Haast, once a construction camp for the Ministry of Works. It’s a town with a touch of the wild west.

Fox Glacier to Franz Josef 23 km (14 miles) Approximately 0.25 hour After a short drive south, you’ll arrive at Franz Josef. The glacier’s terminal face is just 5 kilometers from the township, and the road to the walking track crosses ancient moraine from earlier advances and retreats. First explored in 1865, the Franz Josef Glacier has been moving forward at a rate of about 1 metre a day since 1985.

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy an overnight stay in a one-bedroom unit at Punga Grove, a centrally located 3* hotel in Franz Josef Glacier Village. Wake up to the call of native birds, step from your room into a luxuriant rainforest, and be spellbound by superb alpine and glacier views. Centrally located in Franz Josef, this property hidden in the rainforest is just a short walk to shops, cafes and tour operators and just a few minutes' drive to the Franz Josef Glacier access.

Day 7 - Franz Josef - Punakaiki
This morning explore the Glaciers, consider adding one of our tour options (additional cost applies):

• Heli Hike
  Combine an extraordinary scenic helicopter flight over the glacier with a unique guided walk amongst this pristine, alpine environment's ice caves, pinnacles, and seracs. You'll see the striking colors of the ice flow from above and then up close on an unforgettable guided walk.
• Franz Josef Nature Tour
  Explore the majestic West Coast temperate rainforest as you approach the towering Franz Josef Glacier - one of the world's lowest-lying and most unusual glaciers. At your own pace, wander past gorgeous glacial rivers, streams, and beautiful podocarp forests; discover hidden natural treasures such as native snails, wild mushrooms, and dozens of species of orchids. Relish the sound of the native bird songs and waterfalls.

Franz Josef to Hokitika 133 km (83 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours The road to Hokitika is rural, but with a wild streak. The farmland is trying to turn back into forest, and the beauty of the rivers is raw and primeval. Hokitika was first settled in 1860, after the discovery of gold on the west coast. It still has the feel of a ‘frontier town’, and there are some lovely old buildings to admire. Greenstone (NZ jade) is the town’s treasure these days – you can see it being polished and sculpted. You might also want to pan for gold, investigate the museum and do the historical walk.

Hokitika to Punakaiki 83 km (51 miles) Approximately 1.5 hour The road between Hokitika to Punakaiki via Greymouth provides great views of the wild west coast. Detour to the beach and breathe the salt spray air. Driftwood is the ornamentation of choice for west coast beaches – every shape, size and colour.  Punakaiki is famous for its ancient pancake rocks and booming blowholes. It is the centrepiece of the Paparoa National Park, which is packed with a variety of stunning landscapes.

This afternoon continue your drive North towards Punakaiki and stop for an overnight stay at the Punakaiki Resort.

ACCOMMODATION - The Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, A modern accommodation complex located on Punakaiki Beach near the world famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on the West Coast of the South Island. The resort has been designed to maximize the surrounding environment with beautiful ocean and rainforest views of the Paporoa National Park.

Day 8 - Punakaiki to Nelson
This morning depart Punakaiki early for your drive to Nelson - consider breaking your journey enroute in Charleston and joining an optional guided Glowworm cave tour (additional cost applies):

• Charleston Glowworm Cave tour
  Visitors take the 'Nile Rainforest Train' in to the Nile River Canyon rainforest and explore the enormous Nile River Cave System. View an ancient 'wonderland' of stalactites and stalagmites and simply 'galaxies' of Glowworms. Tour concludes approximately 3.5 hours after commencement, at Underworld Adventure Centre.

Punakaiki to Westport 57 km (36 miles) Approximately 0.75 hour The road to Westport hugs the coast, providing spectacular views of wild beaches and the tempestuous Tasman Sea. Westport is known as a coal mining town, but it's also a base for outdoor adventures.

Westport to Nelson 226 km (141 miles) Approximately 3 hours The road to Nelson is scenic and interesting, beginning with the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge. At Hawks Crag you'll drive under a dramatic rock overhang. When you reach Lyell you can pan for gold or walk to a pioneer cemetery. The museum at Murchison will tell you all about the massive earthquake that shook the region in 1929. The city of Nelson is home to a fascinating community of beach, bush and art lovers. From here you can organise yourself an eco-adventure or become immersed in the local creative culture. Every year the city hosts the Montana New Zealand Wearable Art Awards.

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy three nights at the Sails Motel. Offering luxurious accommodation with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private patio or balcony, this modern property has a range of self-contained Studio Suites and One Bedroom Apartments, all with a fully equipped kitchen. Located just 450 meters from Nelson's shops and restaurants, a 15-minute walk from Nelson Cathedral, and 8-minute drive from Tahunanui Beach.

Days 9 & 10 - Nelson/Abel Tasman National Park
Explore the Abel Tasman National Park at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - Some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Abel Tasman - Kayak, Seals & Walk day tour
  Morning 'Split Apple Paddle' guided half-day kayak trip, explore the spectacular Kaiteriteri coastline. Stop on a golden sand beach for a short break. In the afternoon, swap the kayak for walking shoes and cruise to the golden sands of Onetahuti, visiting the fascinating seal colony at Tonga Island on the way.
• Wilsons Abel Tasman - Great Day Out Cruise & self-guided Walk
  Transfer from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park. From Kaiteriteri, cruise past the golden coves, sculpted granite headlands, and forested islands of the Astrolabe Roadstead. After a short stop at Anchorage Beach and Torrent Bay, pause to view the antics of the seal colony in Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Continue along the remote northern beaches where nikau palms and native Rata (the South Island Christmas Tree) feature in the rainforest fringing the long golden beaches. Turn around at Totaranui and return to historic Tonga Quarry Cove for a self-guided walk 2-2.5 hours (4.1km) over a forested saddle and around the spectacular Bark Bay estuary with cascading waterfalls. Rejoin the Vista Cruise at sheltered Medlands Beach for the return cruise to Kaiteriteri and coach transfer back to Nelson.
• Wilsons Abel Tasman - multi day walking breaks or kayak & walk breaks
  Consider extending your stay in the Nelson region and join one of the multi-day walking breaks or kayak & walk breaks within the National Park. Ask your Aspire expert for full details.

Day 11 - Nelson to Wellington
Depart Nelson for your scenic drive to the port town of Picton to board your ferry to Wellington.

Nelson to Picton 145 km (91 miles) Approximately 1.75 hours The drive to Picton first takes you to the town of Havelock, which is known as the Green Shell Mussel Capital of the World. Nearby Canvastown is a place to explore old gold mining fields – thousands tried to get rich here in the 1860s.

Interislander Ferry - Nelson to Wellington 92 km (57 miles) Approximately 3 hours The passage through the Marlborough Sounds and across the Cook Straits is one of the most scenic ferry trips in the world. The cruise style ferry makes the trip in just 3 hours and can transport vehicles. Highlights along the way include the Red Rocks seal colony, Tory Channel, Cook’s Lookout and the beautiful coves of the sounds. Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. Nestled between the harbour and the hills, the downtown area is ideal for explorations on foot.

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy two nights in New Zealand's capital city, Wellington, at the stylish Bolton Hotel, located in the heart of the city with views of the city & adjacent park. The Bolton Hotel's 142 guest rooms and suites are furnished in a contemporary style and feature SkyDigital television, movies on demand, high-speed Internet, a private bar, and air-conditioning.

Day 12 - Wellington
Explore Wellington at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Half Day Wellington Tour
  This half day tour gives a taste of why New Zealand's capital has been voted the most livable city multiple times internationally and takes in breathtaking scenic views and photo opportunities around picturesque Wellington.
• WETA Workshop There and Back Again Half Day Tour
  Made famous by the Lord of the Rings film trilogy, Weta Workshop is world renowned for creating incredible movie props and practical effects. Begin with a behind-the-scenes film showcasing the company's history before a workshop technician takes you on tour filled with actual film props and working artists. See and learn about the creative process from start to finish and relive the magic of countless movies. The tour concludes approximately 2.5 hours after commencement.
• Introducing Te Papa Museum
  Enjoy highlights of New Zealand's unique treasures at Te Papa, New Zealand's innovative and interactive national museum. Join a Host for an informative and inspiring tour of treasures and stories from the natural environment, Maori culture, and history collections. It is ideal for visitors with limited time or wanting an introduction for an extended visit. The tour concludes approximately 1 hour after commencement.

Day 13 - Wellington to Tongariro
Depart Wellington for your drive towards Tongariro National Park in the heart of the North Island.

Wellington to Turangi (Tongariro) 322 km (201 miles) Approximately 4 hours As you drive north towards Taihape, the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. The Mangaweka Gorge is a scenic masterpiece.  Enjoy cafes, restaurants, museums, theatre and all kinds of shops.On the long, straight Desert Road you’ll enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s volcanoes. The town of Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand. There are famous fishing spots in almost every direction, including ‘The Delta’, ‘The Hole’, ‘Little Big O’ and ‘Tailrace’. The nearby hot springs of Tokaanu are another attraction, or you can try rafting the Tongariro River. The walks and skifields of the Tongariro National Park are also close by

ACCOMMODATION - Enjoy an overnight stay at The Powderhorn Chateau. This hotel’s iconic building borders the southern slopes of Mt Ruapehu and the spectacular Tongariro National Park. This stunning alpine wonderland is one of only a handful of sites worldwide to be gifted dual natural and cultural World Heritage status. Combining all the facilities of a four-star hotel with the ambiance of a European alpine lodge, the hotel features 30 well-appointed, individually decorated suites, a private luxury apartment, and a self-contained chalet.

Day 14 - Tongariro to Rotorua
Explore Tongariro national park. Established in 1887, Tongariro National Park is New Zealand's first National Park, and the fourth National Park to be created in the world. Tongariro National Park has gained international significance by being awarded UNESCO Dual World Heritage, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. Consider adding an optional tour (additional cost applies)

• Volcanic Explorer
  Commence a half day Volcanic Explorer tour. This trek allows clients to experience the volcanic terrain of the Tongariro National Park and comprises a selection of tracks on Mt Ruapehu, such as the Taranaki Falls, Silica Rapids or Top of the Bruce Circuit. The guides enhance the walk with their extensive knowledge of geology, volcanology and NZ cultural history. Total walking time is 4 hours.
• Huka Falls Jetboat Tour
  Enjoy a thrilling half-hour jetboat ride of thrills, fun, and excitement that takes you along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush, sheer rock cliff face, and natural hot springs. Combine 360-degree spins and passing by nature incredibly close at disorientating speeds before reaching the awe-inspiring majesty of Huka Falls. From the unique vantage point on the boat, you have the best water-level view of beautiful Huka Falls.
• Lake Taupo Scenic Cruise
  Sit back and enjoy the picturesque northern bays of Lake Taupo and out to view the Maori Rock Carvings up close. A full commentary is given on the volcanic history and Maori mythology surrounding Lake Taupo. Take in the spectacular snow-capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park.

Turangi (Tongariro) to Taupo 47 km (29 miles) Approximately 0.75 hour You’ll follow the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to reach Taupo. . The resort town of Taupo sits on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake, which is well stocked with sizeable trout. You’ll find everything a traveller could wish for, including an excellent choice of restaurants. Most accommodation establishments make good use of the underground thermal activity to provide hot spas for relaxation.

Taupo to Rotorua 81 km (51 miles) Approximately 1 hour The road to Rotorua will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography. You’ll also drive through large tracts of plantation pine forest. Take a side road to a geothermal park, where you’ll discover geysers, silica terraces and craters of boiling mud and Huka Falls. Rotorua sits squarely on the Pacific Ring of Fire, so there’s evidence of volcanic activity everywhere you look. Explore the geothermal areas and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people.

Accommodation - Enjoy two nights in the Geothermal Capital of New Zealand, Rotorua, at Novotel Lakeside Rotorua, situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua and located next to "Eat Street" providing a wide range of restaurants and bars within walking distance. Situated on the scenic shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views. The central location is easily accessible to cafés, restaurants, and local attractions. All 199 accommodation rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning and opinions of the magnificent Lake Rotorua or Rotorua city. Matariki offers popular and exciting Maori cultural nightly performances onsite.

Day 15 - Rotorua
Explore Rotorua at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Eco Thermal Park Tour
  Visit Rotorua's most natural and popular geothermal parks, Wai O Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Your local naturalist guide will explain the volcanic processes of Rotorua and New Zealand. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and hot springs on a scenic drive around volcanic landscapes, native and exotic forests. The two heritage parks offer a variety of thermal activity; at Wai-o-tapu the amazingly colourful hot springs and moon like landscapes are the key features along with the famous Lady Knox geyser. At Waimangu Volcanic valley, learn about the Mt Tarawera eruption, native flora and fauna and the geothermal features which were blown open in 1886.
• Evening Maori cultural Experience
  Te Puia's world-famous 3 hour hangi buffet dinner and cultural performance will take place a beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pohiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), moteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and steamed pudding surrounded by steam and the geyser terrace bathed in colored light.
• Hobbiton
  Your guide will escort you through the ten-acre site where the Lord of the Rings movie set used to be. Your guide will explain what was needed to create the Hobbiton set and tell stories about what went on during filming. Check out the Hobbit holes from the film set. After viewing the Bag End, you can pet and feed the hand-reared sheep and hand bottle-feed lambs.
• Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk
  Walk high amongst Rotorua’s gentle giants! The Redwoods Treewalk is an over half a kilometer long walkway comprising a series of 21 suspension bridges traversing the gaps between 22 majestic 110 year old Redwood trees. This night-time experience allows visitors to explore Rotorua’s majestic Redwood forest under the shroud of darkness, illuminated bespoke creations to create an immersive and captivating environment

Day 16 - Rotorua to Auckland via Waitomo Caves
Depart Rotorua for your drive to Auckland via the Waitomo Caves

Rotorua to Waitomo Caves 136 km (85 miles) Approximately 1.5 hours Your journey to Waitomo will take you through a mixture of farmland, lakeland and forest. The Waitomo Caves region is famous for its subterranean splendour. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region is a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Some caves open to the public, and are easy to walk through, others require specialised caving equipment

Explore Waitomo at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Glowworm Caves
  Inside the ancient limestone caves live tiny insects whose iridescent light has amazed visitors of the Glowworm Grotto for over 100 years. Guided walks lead visitors through the fantastic Cathedral, a high-ceiling cave with acoustics to rival the most modern arena, to a small boat. From here, the ship is towed across the water to where hundreds of tiny lights flicker on the cave roof above.
• Black Water Rafting
  The Black Labyrinth is the original classic adventure. Tube down the 'hidden' waterfall, through rocky chutes and vaulted limestone galleries, and emerge in the Waitomo forest.
• Lost World - Abseiling
  Abseil 100m into this unique and spectacular chasm - the descent takes around 30 minutes and is followed by a dry caving trip exploring huge chambers en route to the surface. See giant speleotherms, including flowstone and spagatites, the famous glowworms, and all manner of weird and wonderful rock sculptures. There's a 30m ladder climb and walking along narrow ledges, always protected by specialist safety equipment and systems.

Waitomo Caves to Hamilton 71 km (44 miles) Approximately 1 hour The trip south takes you through prime Waikato farmland. The city of Hamilton is carved in two by the mighty Waikato River. Excellent restaurants and cafes can be found at the southern end of the city’s main street.

Hamilton to Auckland 127 km (79 miles) Approximately 1.5 hours The Waikato River will accompany you for much of your journey through the green countryside. Don't think of Auckland as a city, even though it's New Zealand's largest. Think of it as half urban, half marine - a cosmopolitan experience wrapped up in a fascinating water world and surrounded by over 50 islands. Aucklanders enjoy a warm, humid climate and an outdoor lifestyle.

Accommodation - Enjoy two nights in New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, at the Rydges Hotel. Offering accommodation close to the city's center, this hotel is ideal for business and leisure. It is a short stroll to the Viaduct Harbour, Auckland's stunning waterfront with an array of restaurants and bars, and there is an abundance of shopping on your doorstep. The addition of Hobson Tower makes the hotel a 267-room urban oasis in the heart of Auckland. Rooms have either city or harbor views.

Day 17 - Auckland 
Return your rental car this morning to the city depot & Explore Auckland at your leisure or consider adding one of our tour options - some of our favorites (additional cost applies):

• Auckland Highlight Luxury Half Day Tour - Morning or Afternoon
  See the highlights of Auckland city with its 55 volcanoes and the marine village of Devonport on Auckland's North Shore. Be amazed by spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, dramatic views of several volcanoes, and the marine village of Devonport.
• Coast and Rainforest Tour
  Visit Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, with panoramic views from the sweeping decks extending from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Next, your guides will walk you through Auckland’s coastal rainforest to the West Coast Beach with soft black sand. Enjoy a kiwi-style picnic lunch before moving onto the untouched original rainforest with mature 1000-year-old Kauri trees, where 70 percent of the world’s native plants are found nowhere else.
• Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
  Board your Explore Group vessel at Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, to commence an Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise. Dine on the Waitemata Harbour, an experience not to be missed in Auckland. Enjoy great sailing, and as the sun sets, watch the night lights of the cityscape come alive. Sail where the wind takes you while enjoying Auckland's city highlights, including sailing under the Harbour Bridge and other well-known landmarks along the harbor's edge. The crew's local knowledge will give you the best harbor sailing experience in Auckland. The cruise concludes at approximately 2.5 hours after commencement, back at Viaduct Harbour Auckland.
• Waiheke Island Explorer Tour
  A 40-minute cruise takes you across the Hauraki Gulf to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island, where you will be met by a guide who will escort you on a full day tour of Waiheke Island. Visit three of Waiheke’s top vineyards and sample a range of their wines. Along the way enjoy a commentated scenic drive, learning about the Island’s history, geography, people and culture. After your wine-tasting experience sit back, relax and enjoy a lunch and a glass of Waiheke wine or beer at a local favorite before heading back to the ferry to Auckland.

Day 18 -  Depart Auckland back to the US or your onward destination
Enjoy the day at leisure in Auckland. This afternoon you will be transferred from your hotel by SuperShuttle to Auckland international airport for your flight back to the US or your onward destination.

 

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Costing Per Person

Starting from

$3,499

 

Note: Daily departures, this package is an independent itinerary with flexible departures (not a group tour)

Single Supplement: From $1.750

 

New Zealand Entry Requirements

Before committing to a trip, please ensure you have a valid passport. New Zealand welcomes US travelers with an approved Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)

Read more about the NZ entry requirements

Additional departure gateways & pricing

Add on airfares are available from most major airports – please ask an Aspire consultant for a quote

Upgrade Options

• Upgrade to premium economy from $1,050 per person each way
• Upgrade to business class from $3,500 per person each way*

Can take the upgrade one way or round trip and combine premium/business classes on same ticket

* Upgrade from pricing based on Monday through Thursday departures from Los Angeles - ask an Aspire consultant for the upgrade fee from other departure points and travel Thursday through Saturday.

 

 

Conditions

*Package from pricing is based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room) for low-season stays for travel Monday through Thursday in both directions. A $50 air supplement applies each way for international travel from Thursday to Saturday. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Specific blackout dates apply to the accommodation and tour value add offers. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect discounts for purchases made by check/wire/Zelle; please see the terms and conditions for credit card payments. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.

To guarantee the package price & purchase the airline tickets, full payment is due at the time of booking. The purchase of travel Insurance is highly recommended for travel to New Zealand. Aspire Down Under partners with CSA Travel Protection.