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New Zealand: Untamed...
 

New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes

16 days |  19 days with Fiji extension
16 days |  19 days with Fiji extension
Group size1222 travelers
Reviews

4.5 star rating

73
Physical activity
a person walking along a boardwalk with mountains in the distance in new zealand
glasses of wine being clinked together
a maori wood carving from new zealand
waters of milford sound with cliffs and blue sky
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
This tour itinerary varies by year
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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
    Read more

    Included highlights

    • Milford Sound
    • Waiho River walk
    • Abel Tasman National Park
    • Marlborough wine tasting
    • Wellington
    Read more
    Start planning today

    An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

    Talk to a Tour Consultant

    Day-by-day itinerary

    Print itinerary
    Overnight Flight2 nights
    Day 1: Travel day

    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 $75 per person

    Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & 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 $325 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 $149 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 $199 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 $199 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.

    Show full itinerary
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    Reviews

    4.5 star rating

    Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

    Based on 73 authentic traveler reviews
    Sort by

      5.0 star rating

      Ed and Ana Tammara
      10/26/23 by 1st-time traveler Ana

      Excelent tour love to travel with Ef and a super tour guide Sara and Ines and Fiji best 👌 👍

      5.0 star rating

      Expectations exceeded
      10/26/23 by 1st-time traveler Mary Kay

      The Untamed Landscapes tour covers a lot of territory, and we were treated to many visual treasures. Our tour director Sarah is very knowledgeable, and so enthusiastic about sharing her country. She kept us moving, was entertaining, and established group cohesion. Truly interested in fulfilling ev...

      Read more +

      5.0 star rating

      New Zealand land of many seasons
      10/12/23 by 1st-time traveler Jerry

      As with other tour companies the tour director can make or break a tour. We had Sarah and if we come back for another round I would only make arrangements if she was directing the tour. I would be adamant with the home office and make sure she is assigned as tour director so if there were any pro...

      Read more +
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      Traveler photos

      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.
      Peppers Beacon Queenstown
      Peppers Beacon Queenstown

      This lakeside hotel is located in Queenstown, New Zealand on Lake Wakatipu. Guests enjoy the sauna, fitness room, and convenient location. Nearby you’...

      Read more +
      Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
      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...

      Read more +
      Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
      Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

      This beachfront hotel is located in the Paparoa National Park in Punakaiki. Guests enjoy beach access, the sun terrace, and bike rentals. Nearby you'l...

      Read more +
      Kimi Ora Eco Resort
      Kimi Ora Eco Resort

      This secluded hotel is located in Kaiteriteri. Guests enjoy both indoor and outdoor pools, complimentary bikes, and game room. Nearby you’ll find the ...

      Read more +
      James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
      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...

      Read more +
      Millennium Hotel Rotorua
      Millennium 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...

      Read more +
      Sudima Auckland City
      Sudima Auckland City

      This comfortable hotel is located in the Sudima neighborhood of Auckland. Guests enjoy the on-site coffee house, fitness center, and restaurant. Nearb...

      Read more +
      Shangri-La Yanuca Island
      Shangri-La Yanuca Island

      This luxury hotel is located on the private island of Yanuca in Fiji. Guests enjoy the 9-hole golf course, floating water park, and a variety of water...

      Read more +

      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
      • Find out more about flights

      FAQ

      Print FAQ
      Passport, visa & entry requirements
      • 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.
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      Tour pacing & mobility
      • 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.
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      Transportation & arrival information
      • 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.
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      Baggage allowance
      • 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.
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      Clothing & packing tips
      • 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.
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      Health
      • 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.
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      Cuisine
      • 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.
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      Electricity & air conditioning
      • 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.
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      Connectivity
      • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
      • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
      • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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      Time zones
      • You’ll travel through New Zealand Central Standard Time, which is 17 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (ET).
      • Fiji is 16 hours ahead of ET.
      • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5am in New Zealand (and 4am in Fiji on the tour extension).
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      Currency
      • 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.
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      Tipping
      • 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.
      • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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      Purchasing excursions on tour
      • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
      • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
      • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
      • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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