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Discover the splendidly diverse country of New Zealand.
This island nation is known for its stunningly varied range of natural landscapes; you’ll understand why when you cruise through the fjords of Milford Sound or ascend the peaks of the Southern Alps. Amid these spectacular untamed settings, you’ll get a taste of the welcoming Kiwi culture on this small group Adventure Tour.
Your tour package includes
13 nights in handpicked hotels
13 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
1 wine tasting
3 tastings
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Included highlights
Milford Sound
Waiho River walk
Abel Tasman National Park
Marlborough wine tasting
Wellington
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Start planning today
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Cross the International Date Line in flight and “lose” a day.
Day 2: Travel day
Your flight continues to New Zealand.
Queenstown3 nights
Day 3: Arrival in Queenstown
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to New Zealand! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Day 4: Milford Sound
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Head out to explore the breathtaking Milford Sound in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, home to some of the most memorable scenery in the world.
Travel through the Five Rivers farming region and past Lake Te’Anau
Pass through beautiful beech forests and stop at the glittering Mirror Lakes
Sip on a glass of wine as you cruise around Milford Sound, in view of Mitre Peak
See the temperate rainforest and waterfalls that line the shores of the picturesque sound
Try to spot dolphins, penguins, seals, and whales (seasonal)
Day 5: Free day in Queenstown
Included meal: Breakfast
Spend a free day in Queenstown or add excursions.
Queenstown Kiwi Wildlife Park
From $65 per person
Central Otago Wine Tasting & Dinner
From $169 per person
Franz Josef Glacier1 night
Day 6: Transfer to Franz Josef Glacier
Included meal: Breakfast
Enjoy a scenic drive through the island’s Southern Alps to Franz Josef Glacier, stopping at Lake Hawea, Lake Wānaka, Knight’s Point, and Thunder Creek Falls along the way.
Please note: On some departures, you may stay overnight in Fox Glacier.
Punakaiki1 night
Day 7: Waiho River walk & transfer to Punakaiki
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, join a local guide for a hike along the Waiho River in the Franz Josef Glacier valley.
Walk alongside the Waiho River bed, which is fed by the melting snow and ice from Franz Josef Glacier
Admire the snowcapped glacier and verdant landscape within the valley
Learn about the glacier’s history and how it got the name Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere in Māori culture
Enjoy a free late-morning at Franz Josef Glacier or add an excursion.
Please note: This excursion is weather-dependent and may be offered on day 6.
Then, transfer down the scenic west coat of the South Island to Punakaiki. Settle in to your eco-friendly seaside hotel before sitting down for an included dinner.
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Ride
From $289 per person
Abel Tasman Region2 nights
Day 8: Abel Tasman Region via Punakaiki
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave Hokitika behind as you set out for your eco-hotel in the Abel Tasman region, making scenic stops en route.
Join your Tour Director for a walk along a trail to the distinctive “pancake” rocks in Punakaiki
Learn how salt water and wind have weathered the limestone as you admire views of the coastline and mountains
View natural forming blowholes and caves formed by sea erosion
Pass through the dramatic Buller Gorge before arriving in the Abel Tasman region
Sit down for an included dinner this evening with your group.
Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park & cruise
Included meal: Breakfast
Head out to explore Abel Tasman National Park with your Tour Director.
Journey by boat through the South Island’s pristine coves and turquoise waters
Visit breathtaking Kaiteriteri Beach
Enjoy free time to explore the national park
Please note: For an additional cost, you can book hiking, paddle boarding, and kayaking activities through your Tour Director. We recommend you bring/wear bathing suits and change of clothes for water-activities during free time.
Spend free time in the Abel Tasman region or add an excursion.
Waka Tour: Traditional Māori Canoe Adventure
From $129 per person
Wellington2 nights
Day 10: Wellington via Marlborough
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting
On your way to Wellington, stop for a wine tasting in Marlborough.
Sip four of the region’s signature wines, including its renowned sauvignon blanc
Enjoy some light snacks like bread, cheese, olives, caviar, and cured meats
Then, board a ferry in Picton for a scenic cruise across the Cook Strait to the city of Wellington on the North Island.
Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Wellington
Included meal: Breakfast
Get to know Wellington, the southernmost capital city of any sovereign state, on a guided tour led by your Tour Director.
Take in views of the city from Mount Victoria
Walk along the Wellington waterfront
Explore the interactive exhibitions at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, on a self-guided tour
Please note: The sightseeing tour of Wellington may move to day 10 on some departures.
Rotorua2 nights
Day 12: Transfer to Rotorua
Included meal: Breakfast
Head to Rotorua, which is located in the heart of the North Island’s Māori country. Make photo stop along the way at Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 13: Sightseeing tour of the Rotorua Region & Māori hāngī feast
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner
Set off on a sightseeing tour of the Rotorua region today.
Visit the village of Whakarewarewa, which is home to thermal springs and bubbling hot pools
Join a local Whakarewarewa guide to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the Māori people, who live in harmony with nature in the village
Try some traditional sweet corn, which is cooked in geothermal hot pools
Visit Rotorua’s Government Gardens, a public park and site of great historical importance to the local Māori people
Take a guided tour of an Agrodome, a unique type of farm where you’ll see a variety of animals as well as a fruit orchard and olive grove
Sample kiwi and honey produced on-site before enjoying free time to shop
Visit a Māori village this evening and sit down to a traditional hāngī feast of specialties that have been cooking in the steaming ground.
Auckland2 nights
Day 14: Auckland via Waitomo
Included meal: Breakfast
En route to Auckland, stop at Waitomo Caves to try your hand at spelunking. Then, take a subterranean cruise to view the remarkable Glowworm Grotto on a guided tour.
Later, take a walk along Auckland Harbour with your Tour Director.
Please note: For an additional cost, you can book a dinner at the Sky Tower through your Tour Director.
Day 15: Free day in Auckland
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Enjoy a free day in Auckland or add an excursion.
This evening, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.
A Day on Waiheke Island: Olive Oil & Wine Tasting
From $175 per person
Flight Home
Day 16: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Fiji.
Extension to Fiji
Fly to Fiji to continue your trip and discover what makes the island the definition of paradise. It definitely has something to do with all those palm trees and totally perfect beaches, which you’ll have plenty of time to get familiar with.
Fiji3 nights
Day 16: Arrival in Fiji
Included meal: Breakfast
Fly to Nadi, Fiji, and transfer to your seaside hotel.
Day 17: Sightseeing tour of Nadi Market & Viseisei Village
Included meal: Breakfast
Get to know Fiji’s indigenous culture and traditions today.
Walk through the fruit and vegetable stalls at Nadi Market with your Tour Director
Set off to Viseisei Village, one of the oldest settlements in Fiji
Taste kava, a ceremonial beverage, during a traditional welcome ritual
Take a walking tour of the village
Learn to collect, husk, and extract milk from coconuts during a hands-on demonstration
Finish your day with a farewell drink before you return to your hotel
Day 18: Free day in Fiji
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Enjoy a free day in Fiji or add an excursion.
Then, sit down for an included farewell dinner featuring local seafood this evening.
A Day on Tivua Island: Sailing & Snorkeling
From $179 per person
Flight Home
Day 19: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Spend the afternoon relaxing in a dayroom, then transfer to the airport for your flight home.
I knew when I signed up for the trip that I’d be seeing a good bit of territory, but I found long 8 hour days of bus rides boring and exhausting. I loved Queenstown, but found the long ride to Milford Sound not at all worth the effort, even with pleasant stops along the way. Our guide raved about ...
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5.0 star rating
New Zealand bucket list tour
2/18/23 by 1st-time traveler Anonymous
New Zealand was on our travel bucket list for years. A caravan tour on our own would have been ideal, but due to a lack of enthusiasm for driving on the opposite side of the road, we opted for a small group tour. EF Go Ahead Untamed Landscapes tour was perfect for us. The itinerary started in Queen...
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5.0 star rating
Wow!
2/11/23 by 1st-time traveler Linda
The tour was fantastic. Wonderful sites and events chosen for our introduction to NZ.
Our tour director, Tracy, made sure that we gained an understanding of what makes up New Zealand culture, perspectives, sense of fun and sense of pride.
We were able to experience the absolutely stunning beauty o...
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Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.
Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel is located on the waterfront of spectacular Lake Wakatipu, just a step from the cosmopolitan center of Queenstown. T...
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Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
This spacious hotel is located in Franz Josef, New Zealand along the edge of Westland World Heritage Park. Guests enjoy the on-site restaurant, spa, a...
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Punakaiki Resort
This beachside resort is located in Paparoa National Park in Punakaiki. Guests enjoy views of the rainforest and ocean and on-site restaurant. Nearby...
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James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
This modern hotel is located in the heart of Wellington. Guests enjoy a fitness center, spa, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Parliament, Lambton Q...
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Millenium Hotel Rotorua
This eco-friendly hotel is located next to Lake Rotorua. Guests enjoy a heated pool, spa, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find geothermal parklands, Te...
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Rydges Auckland
This contemporary hotel is located downtown. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a gym, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Albert Park, the New Zealand Maritime ...
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Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa
This luxurious hotel is located in Denarau, Fiji. Guests enjoy the 1.6 miles of private beach, the KORO complex, and several outdoor pools. Nearby you...
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Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare package and you'll get:
Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
In order to enter New Zealand (and the Republic of Fiji on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy on the New Zealand government’s Electronic Travel Authority website nzeta.immigration.govt.nz prior to departure.
U.S. and Canadian citizens are automatically issued a visa upon arrival in Fiji (on the tour extension).
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code NZL.
You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including unpaved trails, with few hills and steep stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Queenstown and depart from Auckland (or Nadi on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A boat ride to the Milford Sound and Abel Tasman as well as a ferry from Picton to Wellington, are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Auckland to Nadi.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
We recommend lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing. Hiking boots might come in handy if you plan to do any extensive walking or hiking.
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bug repellent is also useful, as there can be flies during certain times of year.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Take particular care of sun exposure and drink plenty of liquids. If you choose to go swimming, be careful of powerful surf. Make sure to obey signs and lifeguards’ orders, and always swim between the marked flags.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code NZL.
In New Zealand, there are many good local varieties of fish and seafood, excellent lamb, and fresh fruits, including kiwi and passion fruits. For lunch, tea rooms serve savory meat pies, quiche, and desserts.
On the tour extension, Fijian cuisine is traditionally healthy and fresh, incorporating local seafood, coconut, pineapple, and tubers such as taro.
New Zealand (plus Fiji on the tour extension) operates on the standard 220-240 volts and uses Type I plugs with three large, flat pins set on an angle.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
Not all hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
You will use the New Zealand dollar (plus the Fiji dollar on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
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