It’s true that sheep outnumber people in New Zealand six to one, but lucky for ewe, this untamed land also boasts an impressive number of soaring mountains, lush rainforests, and stunning fiords. The North Island’s Bay of Plenty sets the stage for the abundance of spectacular sights you’ll see on both of New Zealand’s breathtaking islands. Rotorua’s shooting geysers are only surpassed by the South Island’s soaring Southern Alps, which you’ll reach from charming Christchurch. Throughout your tour of New Zealand, you’ll have the opportunity to walk along the Franz Josef Glacier, warm your toes in natural hot springs, and partake in all of the fun that Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World,” has to offer. With so many ways to work up an appetite, you’ll appreciate a special barbecue on a local farm and a traditional cooked-in-the-ground hot stone Hangi dinner.

TOUR DETAILS:
DEPARTURE DATE from Canada: February 2, 2023
ARRIVAL DATE in Auckland, New Zealand:
February 4, 2023
RETURN DATE from Christchurch, New Zealand:
February 25, 2023

RATES:
$11,266 CAD per person, based on double room occupancy and 15-19 passenger group
$9,685 CAD per person, based on double room occupancy and 20-24 passenger group

Land Only: ROUND TRIP TRANSFERS MAY BE PURCHASED
Single room supplement: $3,000 CAD (on request basis and subject to availability, please inquire with Maritime Travel Port Moody.) 
Children ages 5 to 17 on the date of departure are welcomed if accompanied by an adult.
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $250 per person is required for Maritime Travel Port Moody to reserve space for you.
Non-refundable balance is due by December 4, 2022.



NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE: International airfare (including airport taxes) to/from the start/end of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal Customs and Immigrations; agricultural tax; GST/HST/PST or other per person taxes imposed by government entities; passports; visas and vaccinations; laundry; telephone; mini-bar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as ‘included’ in the itinerary; porterage at airports; gratuities for the Tour Director, motorcoach driver and local guides; trip cancellation and medical insurance is extra and due at time of booking/deposit; please inquire for a personal quotation (Canadian residents only; excluding Québec); and all other items of a personal nature.

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY ON THIS ONCE IN A LIFTIME JOURNEY:

212 Newport Drive, Port Moody, B.C.
E: ibeane@maritimetravel.ca
T: (604) 933-2200

22 Day Tour from Auckland to Christchurch: February 4 - 25, 2023

Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.


FEBRUARY 4, 2023 | DAY 1: ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.
Welcome to Aotearoa, Maori for “land of the long white cloud.” A group transfer is provided from the airport to your hotel. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30 pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. (D)

DAY 2: AUCKLAND. Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may wish to take a trip to the top of Sky Tower, enjoy a sailing experience on Auckland Harbour, or visit nearby picturesque Waiheke Island. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)

DAY 3: AUCKLAND. Enjoy a full day at leisure in this beautiful city. (B)

DAY 4: AUCKLAND – BAY OF ISLANDS. Head to the Bay of Islands, known for its stunning beauty and history. Visit the WAITANGI TREATY HOUSE to learn about New Zealand’s past. (B)

DAY 5: BAY OF ISLANDS. This morning, embark on a sightseeing CRUISE to view the “Hole in the Rock,” have a chance to see dolphins, and learn more about the rich history and culture of this region. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a hike, explore some of the island’s historic attractions, shop for souvenirs, or just relax at your hotel. (B)

DAY 6: BAY OF ISLANDS – MATAMATA – ROTORUA. Today, travel south to the HOBBITON MOVIE SET from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Continue on to Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, and a thriving Maori culture. (B)

DAY 7: ROTORUA. Today’s highlight includes a visit to a HOT SPRING in Rotorua. This evening, experience an authentic Maori village and cultural performance, followed by a delicious HANGI DINNER. You might even be asked to join in a Haka, the traditional war dance of the Maori. (B, D)

DAY 8: ROTORUA. This morning starts with a visit to RAINBOW SPRINGS to view native bush and wildlife, including a walk through the kiwi bird enclosure. Last stop is TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area, with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. The afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to relax in a natural hot spring, zipline through the forest, be pampered at one of the city’s spas, or board a floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful area. This evening, join a New Zealand family for DINNER in their home, a unique opportunity to interact with a local family and immerse yourself in New Zealand culture. Before the evening is over, you’ll feel like part of the family.(B, D)

DAY 9: ROTORUA – MARTON – WELLINGTON. Travel south today through rolling farmlands and past massive Lake Taupo. Stop in the historic rural town of Marton, where we’ll visit a LOCAL FARM and enjoy a barbecue lunch. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. (B, L)

DAY 10: WELLINGTON. Our day begins with a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Take a scenic CABLE-CAR ride, visit the beautiful BOTANIC GARDENS, see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria. You’ll also spend time at TE PAPA, the Museum of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)

DAY 11: WELLINGTON – INTERISLANDER FERRY – PICTON – NELSON. Today, enjoy a special treat as you sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic FERRY journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. Afterwards, enjoy a WINE TOUR in the Marlborough region with DINNER. Continue to Nelson for an overnight stay. (B, D)

DAY 12: NELSON. Today, enjoy a full day at leisure. Perhaps join an optional excursion to another winery. (B)

DAY 13: NELSON – PUNAKAIKAI – GREYMOUTH. Our journey continues to Punakaikai, a small community which lies on the edge of the Paparoa National Park. Visit PANCAKE ROCKS, a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts through several vertical blowholes during high tides. Overnight in Greymouth. (B)

DAY 14: GREYMOUTH – FRANZ JOSEF. This morning, head to the small town of Franz Josef and explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage area. Your GLACIER VALLEY WALK will take you up alongside the mighty Waiho River bed, following the glacier’s path of retreat in this remarkable landscape. Here you will learn about the glacier’s history, see what is left behind by this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Near the terminal face, after a brief climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the rapidly changing face of the glacier. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may opt to take a scenic flightseeing or helicopter tour, relax in one of the glacier hot pools, spend time at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, or pick up a picnic lunch and just take in the gorgeous scenery. (B)

DAY 15: FRANZ JOSEF – QUEENSTOWN. Our journey today takes us along the coast and the Tasman Sea. Climb through rainforests and over Haast Pass to arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, enjoy a CRUISE onboard the HISTORIC TSS EARNSLAW STEAMSHIP. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown’s many restaurants or cafés and sample some of the region’s wines? (B)

DAY 16: QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND. Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Milford Sound. Travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. During your CRUISE on the fiord, see cascading waterfalls, wildlife, and experience this pristine natural setting just as early Maori and European explorers did. Return to Queenstown late this evening. (B, L)

DAY 17: QUEENSTOWN – DUNEDIN. Enjoy the morning at leisure before heading to Dunedin. (B)

DAY 18: DUNEDIN. Enjoy a full day at leisure. (B)

DAY 19: DUNEDIN – AKAROA – PORT HILLS – CHRISTCHURCH. Today, travel to Akaroa, a former French and British settlement where you will have some time to explore the charming village with its colonial architecture, galleries, and cafés. Continue through the Port Hills before arriving at Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. (B)

DAY 20: CHRISTCHURCH. A sightseeing tour will highlight some of Christchurch’s famous landmarks such as the remains of Cathedral in the Square, river walk and Memorial wall, Hagley Park, and spectacular gardens. (B)

DAY 21: CHRISTCHURCH. Enjoy a full day at leisure. (B)

FEBRUARY 25, 2023 | DAY 22: CHRISTCHURCH. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning and a group transfer to the airport. (B)


We’ve prepared everything you need for the perfect vacation, including transportation by private, deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach; breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 4 dinners; beautiful first-class, centrally-located hotels; an expert Tour Director and Local Guides; VIP sightseeing during included tours, inside visits and many special features. And, no matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, you’ll have the time and freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

Prices were valid at time of posting and are subject to availability at time of booking.  Offers are subject to change or be withdrawn at any time.