Overview
Best of New Zealand
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 by way of the scenic TranzAlpine train. 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 dinner at a New Zealand family’s home.
Highlights of Best of New Zealand
Related Tours
PN|Best of New Zealand PNE|With Sydney PNQ2|With Fiji PNY2|With Fiji & Sydney
Travelers Notes
We’ve prepared everything you need for the perfect vacation--from transfers to and from your hotel and included intra-vacation flights to expert Local Guides and included VIP sightseeing access to the world’s iconic sites. Your Globus Tour Director is always there to help you make the most out of your free time!Your Train New Zealand’s TranzAlpine train glides through the South Island’s vast Canterbury Plains and soaring mountain peaks for an immersive experience offering a window into New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. Travel in comfort with an onboard café and in-seat audio commentary while traveling along the gorges of the glacier-fed Waimakariri River and the Southern Alps with unfettered views. Spacious reclining seats, panoramic windows, and skylights provide an incredible vantage point to marvel at New Zealand’s epic landscapes.This vacation visits remote regions where some facilities are not up to the first-class standards you expect from Globus. However, we have selected the best available hotels that satisfy our high standards of cleanliness and comfort.Headsets throughout your tour.
Related Option Title
Best of New Zealand
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select South Pacific dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 20 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
Product Group
Best of New Zealand
UNESCO Sites
Te Wahipounamu
Meals
American breakfast daily, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Welcome to Aotearoa (the Máori word for ‘land of the long white cloud’)! Hotel check-in available upon arrival. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Schedule flights to arrive by 4:30 pm in time for a welcome meeting and dinner. (D)
Day 2
AUCKLAND–BAY OF ISLANDSAUCKLAND Guided sightseeing includes Queen Street, Auckland Domain (Auckland’s oldest park), and historic Parnell Village. Drive to Bay of Islands. BAY OF ISLANDS Visit Waitangi Treaty House to discover the history of New Zealand. Free time this evening. (B,D)
Day 3
BAY OF ISLANDS BAY OF ISLANDS Scenic cruise includes the Hole in the Rock with the chance to view dolphins and other marine wildlife. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
Day 4
BAY OF ISLANDS–ROTORUA Scenic drive to Rotorua. ROTORUA Free time this evening. (B) ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Rotorua with a visit to an authentic Máori (indigenous Polynesian people) village, including a cultural performance, traditional Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones), and chance to learn the Haka (traditional Máori war dance). This and many more options throughout your tour are available with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 5
ROTORUA ROTORUA Sightseeing includes a guided tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery and Te Puia, home to New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Free time this afternoon before [LF] dinner at a local family’s home. (B,D)
Day 6
ROTORUA–MARTON–WELLINGTON Scenic drive through farmlands and past Lake Taupo en route to Marton. MARTON Visit to a [LF] local farm includes a visit the gardens and animals and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch before driving to Wellington. WELLINGTON Free time this evening. (B,L)
Day 7
WELLINGTON WELLINGTON Sightseeing tour includes a scenic cable-car ride, the botanic gardens, the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and 360-degree views from Mount Victoria. Visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand. Free time the remainder of the day. (B)
Day 8
WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH Fly to Christchurch. CHRISTCHURCH Guide sightseeing includes famous landmarks and the city’s spectacular gardens. Free time this evening. (B)
Day 9
CHRISTCHURCH–TRANZALPINE TRAIN–ARTHUR’S PASS–FRANZ JOSEFCHRISTCHURCH Scenic TranzAlpine train trip through Canterbury Plains, the Waimakariri River, and the Southern Alps en route to Arthur’s Pass. Continue with a scenic drive to Franz Josef. FRANZ JOSEF Free time this evening. (B,D)
Day 10
FRANZ JOSEF FRANZ JOSEF (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) Glacier Viewpoint Walk including an informative talk with a Local Guide. A short climb rewards you with spectacular views of the glacier. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
Day 11
FRANZ JOSEF–QUEENSTOWN Scenic drive along the coast of the Tasman Sea and across Haast Pass en route to Queenstown. QUEENSTOWN Guided tour and [LF] tasting at a local winery. Free time this evening. (B)
Day 12
QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUNDMILFORD SOUND Full-day sightseeing in Fiordland National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) includes a scenic cruise in Milford Sound with the chance to see marine wildlife, waterfalls, glaciers, and rainforests. Late evening return to Queenstown. (B,L)NOTE:Please note that the excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 13 depending on weather and road conditions today.
Day 13
QUEENSTOWN QUEENSTOWN Free day followed by a special farewell dinner. (B,D)ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Queenstown with an independent bicycle trip along country roads, through farmlands, and amid some of New Zealand’s most gorgeous scenery. This and many more options throughout your tour are available with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 14
QUEENSTOWNYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
| # | Air Start Date | Land Start Date | Land End Date | Land Only Price | Discount | Final | Departure Code | Status |
| 1 | 2023-01-04 | 2023-01-06 | 2023-01-19 | $5249 | $0 | $5501 | PN30106 | Not Available |
| 2 | 2023-01-18 | 2023-01-20 | 2023-02-02 | $5249 | $0 | $5501 | PN30120 | Please Call |
| 3 | 2023-02-01 | 2023-02-03 | 2023-02-16 | $5919 | $0 | $6171 | PN30203K | Not Available |
| 4 | 2023-02-15 | 2023-02-17 | 2023-03-02 | $5359 | $0 | $5611 | PN30217 | Not Available |
| 5 | 2023-03-01 | 2023-03-03 | 2023-03-16 | $5359 | $0 | $5611 | PN30303 | Available |
| 6 | 2023-03-15 | 2023-03-17 | 2023-03-30 | $5919 | $0 | $6171 | PN30317K | Not Available |
| 7 | 2023-03-29 | 2023-03-31 | 2023-04-13 | $5359 | $0 | $5611 | PN30331 | Available |
| 8 | 2023-09-06 | 2023-09-08 | 2023-09-21 | $5279 | $0 | $5531 | PN30908 | Available |
| 9 | 2023-09-20 | 2023-09-22 | 2023-10-05 | $5439 | $0 | $5691 | PN30922 | Available |
| 10 | 2023-10-11 | 2023-10-13 | 2023-10-26 | $6039 | $0 | $6291 | PN31013K | Available |
| 11 | 2023-10-18 | 2023-10-20 | 2023-11-02 | $5439 | $0 | $5691 | PN31020 | Available |
| 12 | 2023-11-01 | 2023-11-03 | 2023-11-16 | $5509 | $0 | $5761 | PN31103 | Available |
| 13 | 2023-11-15 | 2023-11-17 | 2023-11-30 | $5509 | $0 | $5761 | PN31117 | Available |
| 14 | 2024-01-03 | 2024-01-05 | 2024-01-18 | $5579 | $0 | $5844 | PN40105 | Available |
| 15 | 2024-01-17 | 2024-01-19 | 2024-02-01 | $5579 | $0 | $5844 | PN40119 | Available |
| 16 | 2024-01-31 | 2024-02-02 | 2024-02-15 | $6309 | $0 | $6574 | PN40202K | Available |
| 17 | 2024-02-14 | 2024-02-16 | 2024-02-29 | $5699 | $0 | $5964 | PN40216 | Available |
| 18 | 2024-02-28 | 2024-03-01 | 2024-03-14 | $5699 | $0 | $5964 | PN40301 | Available |
| 19 | 2024-03-13 | 2024-03-15 | 2024-03-28 | $6309 | $0 | $6574 | PN40315K | Available |
| 20 | 2024-03-27 | 2024-03-29 | 2024-04-11 | $5699 | $0 | $5964 | PN40329 | Available |
| 21 | 2024-09-04 | 2024-09-06 | 2024-09-19 | $5619 | $0 | $5884 | PN40906 | Available |
| 22 | 2024-09-18 | 2024-09-20 | 2024-10-03 | $5789 | $0 | $6054 | PN40920 | Available |
| 23 | 2024-10-09 | 2024-10-11 | 2024-10-24 | $6439 | $0 | $6704 | PN41011K | Available |
| 24 | 2024-10-16 | 2024-10-18 | 2024-10-31 | $5789 | $0 | $6054 | PN41018 | Available |
| 25 | 2024-10-30 | 2024-11-01 | 2024-11-14 | $5869 | $0 | $6134 | PN41101 | Available |
| 26 | 2024-11-13 | 2024-11-15 | 2024-11-28 | $5869 | $0 | $6134 | PN41115 | Available |
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Stamford Plaza Auckland | With its extensive hotel facilities and amenities, Stamford Plaza Auckland is one of the city's premier accommodation choices. The hotel features a fully equipped recreation center, multiple bars and restaurants, pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi. | Auckland | 22 - 26 Albert Street | Moderate Deluxe |
| 2 | Copthorne Hotel & Resort | The Copthorne Hotel & Resort commands a superb waterfront location in the heart of the Bay of Islands, offering uninterrupted bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens as part of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Enjoy onsite facilities including a tennis court, spectacular free form lagoon style swimming pool, mountain bike hire and courtesy shuttle to downtown. Take it easy in the massage studio or end your day with a long cool drink in the bar. | Paihia | Tau Henare Drive | First-Class |
| 3 | Distinction Hotel Rotorua | Situated adjacent to the Whakarewarewa Forest, Distinction Hotel Rotorua is located minutes away from the city center of Rotorua. The hotel features a heated outdoor pool and spa, underground private grotto spas, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry facilities and dry cleaning, and complimentary Wi-Fi. | Rotorua | 390 Fenton St. PO Box 983 | First-Class |
| 4 | Rydges Wellington | The Rydges Wellington is in close proximity to Wellington's city center and harbor. The hotel blends modern amenities with timeless comfort. Guests can dine at the restaurant/bar, or maintain their workout regime at the lap pool, spa, sauna and cardio room (guest access to offsite gym). Guests can also stay connected with work or home with Wi-Fi access from anywhere in the hotel. | Wellington | 75 Featherston Street | Superior First-Class |
| 5 | Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square | The Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square is a landmark hotel featuring 154 contemporary rooms. The hotel is in the heart of the city only moments to main attractions like Cathedral Square and Hagley Park. | Christchurch | 50 Cathedral Square | Superior Tourist-Class |
| 6 | Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier | Situated close to the edge of one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier provides an inviting base in which to explore the dramatic and enticing region. Dine at the Canavans Restaurant or toast to a delightful day at the Moa Bar where both feature local food, wine and beer. | Franz Josef Glacier | 36 Main Road | Moderate First-Class |
| 7 | Ramada Queenstown Central | The Ramada Queenstown Central is ideally positioned in the heart of Queenstown with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables Mountain Range, and Walter Peak. The hotel features a fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, laundry services, and complimentary Wi-Fi. | Queenstown | Corner Stanley Street & Frankton Road | First-Class |
