National Geographic Journeys: New Zealand Journey (ONING)
Countries Visited: New Zealand
Trip Style: Information Not available
Service Level: Upgraded
All the adventure you want, with a softer landing Handpicked, character-rich accommodations with upgraded amenities services Upgraded and private transport, including flights to maximize time More included meals, activities and transfers
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - There'll be some light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12.
Meals Included: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Accommodations: Not Availaible
Highlights
Sample wine with local experts on Waiheke Island, learn about Maori myths and traditions, experience the geothermal mysteries of Rotorua, glide along the TranzAlpine railway, relax at a rainforest lodge, cruise through Fiordland National Park searching for wildlife and waterfalls
Description
Spend 11 days exploring the North and South Islands of this small country packed with wonders. Travelling by train, gondola, boat, and plane, connect with locals in artsy beach towns, walk through an ancient rain forest, and learn about local legends and cuisine from the Maori. Take a deep breath to fill your lungs with the impossibly clean air here - and fill your soul with the legendary Kiwi spirit.
Trip Style: Information Not available
Service Level: Upgraded
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - There'll be some light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Group Size: Max 16, Avg 12.
Meals Included: 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Accommodations: Not Availaible
Highlights
Sample wine with local experts on Waiheke Island, learn about Maori myths and traditions, experience the geothermal mysteries of Rotorua, glide along the TranzAlpine railway, relax at a rainforest lodge, cruise through Fiordland National Park searching for wildlife and waterfalls
Description
Spend 11 days exploring the North and South Islands of this small country packed with wonders. Travelling by train, gondola, boat, and plane, connect with locals in artsy beach towns, walk through an ancient rain forest, and learn about local legends and cuisine from the Maori. Take a deep breath to fill your lungs with the impossibly clean air here - and fill your soul with the legendary Kiwi spirit.
Call (858) 999-3025 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13270839
- Tour Operator
- G Adventures
- Duration
- 11 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Auckland | Day 1 Auckland Please make your own way to the joining hotel. Our CEO will have a welcome meeting this evening. Auckland is a fantastic city with so much to see and do. Should you want more time to explore on your own, we recommend booking pre-nights. Additional Notes: Jump right into your adventure by adding the Auckland Sailing: Americas Cup Experience extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Aucklands Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1. This tour departs Auckland early on Day 2. If you are interested in exploring the city and its nearby attractions, like the Hobbiton Movie Set or local wineries, it is recommended you book additional pre-trip accommodation nights. Included Activities: Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting |
| Day 2 | Auckland | Day 2 Auckland (1B) Catch a ferry to Waiheke Island and visit two local wineries to learn more about New Zealands burgeoning wine industry and the history of wine production in the country - while sampling some of the local blends, of course! Later, enjoy a short orientation walk and some free time to explore the city. Included Activities: Waiheke Island Wineries Orientation Walk |
| Day 3 | Raglan | Day 3 Auckland/Raglan (1B, 1L) Drive a scenic route, visiting an eel farm which focuses on developing sustainable aquaculture. Enjoy lunch, featuring food which has been sustainably produced on the farm. Continue to the artsy town of Raglan, stopping at Bridal Veil Falls en route, and enjoy a cruise on the stunning harbour. Included Activities: Eel Farm Visit Bridal Veil Falls Walk Raglan Harbour Boat Cruise Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 180km) |
| Day 4 | Rotorua | Day 4 Raglan/Rotorua (1B, 1D) Rotorua sits over an active volcano with bubbling mud pits and multi-coloured pools in different areas around the town. This is a fascinating region with Maori history and culture tied directly to the geothermal aspects of the land. Included Activities: Waitomo Cave Excursion Meet a Maori Elder Tamaki Maori Village Transport: Private Vehicle (1.50-2.00 hours, 100km) Private Vehicle (2.00-2.50 hours, 140km) |
| Day 5 | Christchurch | Day 5 Rotorua/Christchurch (1B) With free time in Rotorua this morning, opt to relax in one of the hot pools fed by water coming directly from the natural springs. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Transport: Private Vehicle Flight (1.00-1.75 hours) |
| Day 6 | Franz Josef | Day 6 Christchurch/Franz Josef (1B) Transport: Train (2.50 hour(s)) Private Vehicle (3.00-3.50 hours, 240km) |
| Day 7 | Franz Josef | Day 7 Franz Josef (1B) Options are plentiful. Choose from a helicopter hike, ice walking on the glacier, or soaking in the hot pools amongst the stunning scenery. |
| Day 8 | Queenstown | Day 8 Franz Josef/Queenstown (1B) Early start to travel to the picturesque Lake Matheson. When the weather is right, you can get a great photo of the Southern Alps reflected in the lake. Follow the wild West Coast Road, through the rainforest before stopping for some short walks and waterfall visits. Included Activities: Gondola Ride Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00 hour(s), 365km) |
| Day 9 | Fiordland National Park | Day 9 Queenstown/Fiordland National Park (1B, 1D) In the evening, enjoy a delicious three course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef and served in the dining saloon. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar (additional price) and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars. Additional Notes: *Please note that the itinerary for this day varies in the winter: Winter Schedule 18 May - 20 Sept Fiordland National Park/Te Anau Drive the scenic route around Lake Wakatipu to the town of Manapouri. Travel by boat and bus to arrive at an eco cruise boat. Spend the afternoon cruising through Milford or Doubtful Sound, two of the most untouched, remote places in the world. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls. The boat offers excellent chances for wildlife viewing in the area. Dolphins, penguins, seals and a variety of birds are some examples of what you can hope to see. In the evening, head to Te Anau for the night. We take in a screening of the award winning `Ata Whenua - Shadowland` Fjordland on Film documentary at the local cinema before having a group meal. Included Activities: Fiordland National Park Overnight Wilderness Cruise Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 250km) |
| Day 10 | Queenstown | Day 10 Fiordland National Park/Queenstown (1B) Enjoy morning wildlife viewing along the fiord as we cruise back to port, then return to Queenstown for the final night. Opt for a farewell dinner with your group. Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s), 250km) |
| Day 11 | Queenstown | Day 11 Queenstown (1B) For more time to explore Queenstown, we recommend booking post nights with your agent if you are interested in the countless adrenaline-packed activities in the town known as the "adventure capital of the world." Jet boating, bungee jumping, mountain biking, and sky diving are some of the activities available. Included Activities: Departure Day |
- Disclaimer
Local Flights: A local flight is included in this trip - Your CEO will give you your ticket on the day of flight. The max luggage allowance on domestic flights within New Zealand is 1 checked bag (20 kgs) and 1 carry on (7 kgs) per person.
Dossier Disclaimer:The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
