God’s Own Country…a big claim, but this is how New Zealanders—or “kiwis”—refer to their country. Why? Maybe it’s the spectacular scenery, the world’s first sunrise each morning, or the birthplace of bungee jumping. Whatever the reason, your independent spirit is right at home in New Zealand. On this 13-day Globus Independent tour in New Zealand, we've arranged your hotel accommodations, daily breakfast (plus two lunches), sightseeing, land transportation, and transfers from/to your hotels to/from the airports for all intra-vacation flights. A one-of-a-kind special feature is the Globus Independent Local Host® who is available to ensure you get the most out of your I-time. We've arranged for you to have a Local Host in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown.Your vacation begins the moment you arrive in Auckland, as we can help after the long flight by getting you from the airport to your selected hotel. Your Local Host will greet you with a warm welcome and a set of materials to help you get settled and familiar with the city. The next day, we've arranged guided sightseeing with a local expert, including Queen Street, the city’s business district, Auckland University and the Domain, an inner-city park. From Auckland, we've arranged your transportation to Matamata, where you’ll visit the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. In Wellington, capital of New Zealand, you'll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the local, insider stories and takes in the must-see sights. Then, you're off to Christchurch on New Zealand's South Island. Your Local Host will be waiting for you in Christchurch with materials to help you become acquainted with the area. We’ll take you on an excursion to Akaroa for a cruise to see native wildlife.From Christchurch, continue on to Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital of the World." Here, we’ll take you on what will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip: a cruise on Milford Soun
Your Globus Independent tour gives you the freedom to explore with the I-time you crave–with all the perks you'd expect from Globus. We take care of the details with included accommodations, daily breakfasts, select guided sightseeing, transportation and transfers between each city on your tour, and a Local Host in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown to assist you when needed. We’ll also handle flight arrangements and airport transfers at the beginning and end of your tour, if you wish.
Notes: During the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, certain activities may not be available. A different activity may be substituted or a refund offered if your included activity is not available. Intra-tour flights not included.
• Welcome to New Zealand! The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Today's I-Time Tips
Why not browse the shops and galleries before relaxing in one of Auckland’s many superb restaurants on the water? Sip a glass of local wine or try a craft beer. The choices are endless!
Day 2 AUCKLAND
• Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
You may choose to travel to the top of Sky Tower for 360-degree views of the city or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, and fabulous local wines. Your Local Host is available to make recommendations and point you in the right direction Breakfast
Day 3 AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–HOBBITON–ROTORUA
• Travel via motorcoach south to visit Waitomo for an illuminating boat trip through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Then, tour the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
• Continue on to Rotorua.
(B,L) BreakfastLunch
Day 4 ROTORUA
• Guided sightseeing includes a visit to The National Kiwi Hatchery, Agrodome, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry and to Te Puia, where you’ll explore this geothermal wonderland. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or join in an optional excursion.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Choose to join an optional Māori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance and Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). Other options include a relaxing soak in one of the therapeutic pools at the Polynesian Spa, a magical treetop walk through the Redwoods, or a helicopter tour to see this scenic region by air Breakfast
Day 5 ROTORUA–WELLINGTON
• Fly to Wellington, capital of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to start exploring this vibrant city.
(B) Breakfast
Day 6 WELLINGTON
• Guided morning sightseeing tour takes you to see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings as well as scenic views from the top of Mount Victoria. Take in the beauty of the Wellington Botanical Gardens, then drive around the rugged Wellington coastline, discovering hidden bays and some of Wellington’s most popular beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
During your free time, you may want to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, where interactive displays tell the story of the country’s great heritage and natural wonders. Other choices include a ride on Wellington’s historic cable car, finding a favorite restaurant on Cuba Street, going behind-the-scenes at Weta Workshop to see how some of the world’s biggest films were made, or exploring one of Wellington’s many outstanding hiking trails Breakfast
Day 7 WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH
• Today, fly to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Included in your stay is a tram pass that takes you around to the “must see” attractions. You are free to get on and off as you wish, and commentary is given by your tram driver. Please note that the pass is good for one calendar day.
(B) Breakfast
Day 8 CHRISTCHURCH. EXCURSION TO AKAROA
• 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.
• Afterward, take a nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour for a chance to see some of the native wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, the white-flippered blue penguin, and the Hector’s dolphin, one of the smallest and rarest in the world. Return to Christchurch in the late afternoon.
This evening is at leisure.
(B) Breakfast
Day 9 CHRISTCHURCH–QUEENSTOWN
• Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The remainder of day is at leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Why not take a stroll by the lake and enjoy the sunset this evening?
(B) Breakfast
Day 10 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND
• Enjoy a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. First, travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror Lakes as you pass through Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel, emerge into Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and penguins and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery. Return to Queenstown late this evening.
(B,L) BreakfastLunch
Day 11 QUEENSTOWN
• Today is yours to explore as much or as little as you wish. Options include a scenic bike riding excursion, an exciting helicopter flight over the Remarkables Mountains, tee up for a round of golf, sip some local wines or just relax with a spa treatment.
(B) Breakfast
Day 12 QUEENSTOWN
• Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Perhaps choose a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, visit a local winery to sample some of the region’s best, take a historic steamship across beautiful Lake Wakatipu, shop for souvenirs, or visit some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Your Local Host will be available to make shopping and dining recommendations Breakfast
Day 13 QUEENSTOWN
• Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
Accommodations
Auckland
Rotorua
Wellington
Christchurch
Queenstown
Adina Auckland Britomart Moderate First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
2 Tapora Street Auckland New Zealand
Situated in downtown Auckland, Adina Auckland Britomart is only minutes away from the City's best offerings. The hotel features a fitness center, on-site restaurant and bar, apartment-style guestrooms with laundry available, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
1270 Hinemaru Street Rotorua New Zealand
Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a brief stroll from the city center, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly hotel. Perhaps its most unique feature is that its heating is provided by harnessing the hotel's natural geothermal resource. The hotel's amenities include a heated pool, spa, two restaurants, a lounge, and room service.
Atura Wellington Moderate First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
24 Hawkestone St Wellington New Zealand
Atura Wellington is perfectly positioned within comfortable walking distance of Lambton Quay shopping, vibrant waterfront dining and all the must-see events at Sky Stadium.
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Hotel as shown or similar
30 Latimer Square Christchurch New Zealand
The Rydges Latimer Christchurch overlooks scenic Latimer Square, in the heart of the city. Guests are invited to enjoy the restaurant/bar, sauna and fitness center, and free unlimited WIFI throughout the hotel.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Corner Frankton Rd & Adelaide St Queenstown New Zealand
Within a tranquil, garden setting, the Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront blends superior facilities and comfort with friendly, personal service and offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and surrounding mountain peaks. The resort is a short stroll from the town center, and minutes from Queenstown's key tourist attractions and adventure activities. After a great day of sightseeing, relax at the Impressions Cocktail Bar and Impressions Restaurant with views over the lake and mountains or take a dip in the two spa pools. Wireless broadband internet access is available in all public areas (fee may apply). The hotel also features coin-operated, self-service laundry.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
Breakfast
Accommodations
