DAY 01: Arrive Auckland
Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and self-drive to your accommodation.
Kia Ora! Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.
Optional Attraction: Auckland Sky Tower without Transfers |
View Auckland City from 328 metres high above street level in the iconic Sky Tower. This is a great introduction to the city as it provides panoramic 360 degree views up to 80km in every direction. |
Optional Attraction: Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise // Admission without Transfers |
Immerse yourself in Auckland Harbour setting and unwind with a three-course meal on the water. Set sail and take in Auckland spectacular scenery as the sun lowers in the sky.Enjoy canapés and a welcome drink as you set sail onto the Waitematā Harbour. For the main course choose between dining in the downstairs cabin or on deck to take in the iconic sights of the Auckland Harbour. To finish the evening off, savour your dessert course as we leisurely sail back to Auckland€™s vibrant Viaduct Harbour. Includes: 2.5 hour sailing experience on Auckland€™s Waitematā Harbour Welcome drink of your choice served on arrival Enjoy a three-course meal on board served by our crew Informative commentary from our knowledgeable crew about the harbour and its history Fully licensed bar is available on board for additional drinks Children must be 5 years and older for this cruise Duration: 2.5 hours. Includes a welcome drink and a three course meal. |
Overnight: Auckland
Meals: NA
DAY 02: Auckland - Waitomo - Hobbiton - Rotorua
Auckland-Waitomo: 195km (approx 2hrs, 30mins)
Waitomo-Matamata: 102km (approx 1hr, 20mins)
Matamata-Rotorua: 67km (approx 55mins)
Journey through the rolling green hills of Waitomo and enjoy a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Continue to Matamata for a charming tour of unique, character Hobbit homes, gardens and the watering hole just as you see in the movies. Finishing off a visually fulfilling day, continue Rotorua, a bubbling and steaming destination like nowhere else.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 03: Rotorua
Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. Today you'll visit one of the local geothermal attractions before a sensory evening display in the forest.
Overnight: Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 04: Rotorua - Christchurch (Domestic Flight Not Included)
Depart on your domestic flight to Christchurch. (Airfare is not included in the final cost)
Flight Time Rotorua to Christchurch is approx. 2 hours
Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River.
Optional Attraction: Christchurch Tram Dinner |
The Tramway Restaurant offers you a unique way to experience Christchurch. Dine in style in an air-conditioned vintage tram and be treated to fine service, cuisine and beverages. Incorporate some fabulous dining with the central city sights of Christchurch’s passing right by your window. The Tramway Restaurant offers a great experience of inner city vibrancy and heritage ideal for celebrating special occasions, romantic date nights or simply to see Christchurch from a different perspective. |
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 05: Christchurch - Glacier Region
Depart across the Canterbury Plains, a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the West Coast. New Zealand’s rugged West Coast is a wild and untamed place known for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. Here, mighty rivers of solid white ice, relics of the world’s last ice-age, tumble down the rocky valleys.
Christchurch - Glacier Region: 240-380km (approx. 3.5-5hrs)
Overnight: Glacier Region
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 06: Glacier Region
A temperate climate at a low altitude make Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world. Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.
Today is a free day to add your preferred activity. Make a visit to Punakaki's Pancake Rocks or, for an absolute bucket list experience, take to the air on a scenic flight with a glacier landing and a thrilling hike across the icy wonderland.
Optional Attraction: Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike |
WEST COAST & GLACIER COUNTRY The Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. Your experienced and highly trained helicopter pilot will whisk you up and over jaw dropping landscape. After a thrilling scenic flight, high above ice-falls and rugged terrain, you will land high up on the glacier. Equipped with glacier boots and crampons your highly trained and friendly guide will take you on a two hour journey through some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery in the world. Your guide will choose your route carefully as you go and, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, you’ll soon be making your way through an extraordinary landscape of towering peaks and glistening blue ice. The truly incredible features in the glacier such as ice caves and tunnels are constantly changing and evolving so no two days are ever the same. Duration: 4 hours. |
Overnight: Glacier Region
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 07: Glacier Region - Queenstown
Travel through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on today’s scenic journey to Queenstown. We recommend stopping for a break, and to stretch the legs, at Makarora’s Blue Pools.
Glacier Region - Queenstown: 350km (approx 4hrs, 35mins)
Optional Attraction: Skyline Gondola Ride |
The Skyline Gondola base is situated a short five minute walk from central Queenstown. Take in the stunning views as you ride the Skyline Gondola cable car high above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob’s Peak. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peak. |
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 08: Queenstown
Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World
Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer.
Optional Attraction: Shotover Jetboat Ride |
World famous as the ultimate jet boat experience. A unique combination of beauty and power, this 25 minute experience is like no other, blending pristine natural landscape with wall to wall canyon action from start to finish. Journey deep into the Shotover River Canyon as your expert driver whips your jet boat skilfully through the dramatic and narrow canyons, past rocky outcrops and around crags and boulders. Reach speeds of up to 85kph while skimming the surface of crystal clear waters and feel the spray in the 360 degree spins that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping. The Shotover Jet River Base is a 7km drive from central Queenstown. Complimentary shuttle from the Queenstown depot on select jet boat departures. |
Optional Attraction: Nevis Bungy - 134m |
Welcome to the best thing you have ever done. Go full throttle with our 134m Bungy (the highest in New Zealand). Free fall for 8.5 seconds in a blitz of pure fear and adrenaline. Don’t say we didn’t warn you, because this will definitely put the cement in your coffee. |
Optional Attraction: Walter Peak High Country Farm Excursion |
Farming in the New Zealand high country is a way of life – and its one you can get up close to at Walter Peak. Departing from Steamer Wharf central Queenstown, the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw will transport you on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Here you will be taken to the amphitheatre to watch the remarkable skill with which the farm dogs round up sheep from the paddocks. A guided walking tour of the farmyard visits the holding pens, where you can help feed the sheep and deer and even get up close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. Then a stroll to the charming old woolshed for morning or afternoon tea. There may also be time to stroll through the lakeside gardens before re-boarding the TSS Earnslaw for the cruise back to Queenstown. Duration: 3.5 hoursNote: The TSS Earnslaw is closed for maintenance for six weeks mid-winter each year |
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 09: Queenstown - Milford Sound – Queenstown
Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today's stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on the coach as you return to downtown.
Queenstown - Milford: 287km (approx 3hrs, 50mins) each way
Overnight: Queenstown
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: Queenstown - Mt Cook/Tekapo
Today’s journey takes you to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes. Hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki to a rugged land of ice and rock, home to Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain.
Queenstown – Tekapo/Mt Cook: 256-266km (approx 3hrs, 15mins)
Overnight: Tekapo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11:Tekapo/Mt Cook - Christchurch
Be sure to stop for a while at Lake Tekapo where the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Then continue north east where braided rivers and familiar plains will signal your arrival back into Christchurch
Tekapo/Mt Cook - Christchurch: 230-230km (approx 3-4hrs)
Overnight: Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12:Depart Christchurch
Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport
Meals: Breakfast (Depending on the onward flight)
Do spare a few minutes to share your feedback with our representative or via email - as your valued suggestions will be most appreciated. Arrive home with pleasant memories of your overseas tour, which we are sure you will treasure for a lifetime.
Important Note: Final Hotels will be decided based on availability and as per itinerary flow
Self -Drive: [Vehicle as per your choice as per above rates]
Auckland airport to Rotorua Airport [Day 01 to Day 04]
Christchurch Airport to Christchurch Airport [Day 04 to Day 12]
Basic Insurance
Unlimited Kilometers
Sightseeing: [Entrance Tickets]
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Venture Beyond the Door
Waimangu Geothermal Valley
Redwoods Nightlights
Milford Sound Cruise
Accommodation:
1 Night accommodation in Auckland based on the hotel category selected or similar
2 Night’s accommodation in Rotorua based on the hotel category selected or similar
1 Night accommodation in Christchurch based on the hotel category selected or similar
2Night’s accommodation in Glacier Region based on the hotel category selected or similar
3 Nights’ accommodation in Queenstown based on the hotel category selected or similar
1 Night accommodation in Tekapo / Mt. Cook based on the hotel category selected or similar
1 Night accommodation in Christchurch based on the hotel category selected or similar
Meals:
Daily Breakfast *(Except Day 1)
Self -Drive: [Vehicle as per your choice as per above rates]
Auckland airport to Rotorua Airport [Day 01 to Day 04]
Christchurch Airport to Christchurch Airport [Day 04 to Day 12]
Basic Insurance
Unlimited Kilometers
Sightseeing: [Entrance Tickets]
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Venture Beyond the Door
Waimangu Geothermal Valley
Redwoods Nightlights
Milford Sound Cruise
Insurance: [Basic Coverage Only]
Overseas Travel Insurance (up to 60 yrs age group only)
1. International air ticket, Domestic ticket if any, Airport taxes & Visa charges.
2. TCS and GST is not included in the above cost and will be charged on final amount.
3. Meals other than those specified (if any).Laundry, telephone, optional excursions and other items of a personal nature.
4. Mandatory tipping of NZD 5 per person per day is not included in the price.
5. City taxes / Resort Fees – To be paid at the hotel.
6. Cost of foreign exchange for personal use.
7. Cost of PCR Test is not included & any medical examination will be treated as actual
8. Any items or services not specified in the itinerary ‘INCLUSIONS’ head.
HOTELS ENVISAGED OR SIMILAR |
|||
---|---|---|---|
City Name |
Standard |
Superior |
First Class |
Auckland |
President Hotel Auckland / VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites or similar |
Airedale Boutique Suites / Crowne Plaza Auckland Hotel / Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland / Hotel Auckland or Similar |
The Grand by SkyCity / The Hotel Britomart Auckland / Sudima Auckland City or similar |
Rotorua |
Ibis Rotorua Hotel / Copthorne Hotel Rotorua or Similar |
Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua / Distinction Rotorua Hotel / Sudima Lake Rotorua or Similar |
Millennium Hotel Rotorua Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel / Pullman Rotorua Hotel or Similar |
Christchurch |
Ibis Christchurch Hotel / Hotel Elms Christchurch / Scenic Hotel Cotswold /or Similar |
Sudima Christchurch Airport / Parkview on Hagley / Pavilions Hotel Christchurch Hotel or similar |
Crowne Plaza Christchurch Hotel / Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square Hotel / Sudima Christchurch City Hotel or Similar |
Glacier Region |
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier |
Ashley Hotel Greymouth / Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel / Heartland Hotel Glacier Country or Similar |
58 on Cron Motel / Rainforest Retreat / Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or Similar |
Queenstown |
Heartland Hotel Queenstown / Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park / Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Lakeview or Similar |
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront / LQ Queenstown / Ramada Queenstown Central or Similar |
Garden Court Suites & Apartments / Heritage Queenstown Hotel / Hotel St Moritz / Millennium Hotel Queenstown / Novotel Queenstown Lakeside Hotel or similar |
Tekapo |
Hermitage Hotel / Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel / The Godley Hotel or similar |
Hermitage Hotel / Peppers Bluewater Resort Hotel or Similar |
Hermitage Hotel / Mt Cook Lodge and Motels or similar |
Travel Validity |
01-May to 30 – September 2024 |
|||
Optional Tour Cost (Per Person Basis) Self-Drive or Combine basis |
||||
City |
Sightseeing Name |
Currency |
Per Adult Cost |
Per Child Cost (2 to 11 Years) |
Auckland | Kelly Tarltons Entry / Admission |
NZD |
50 |
45 |
Auckland | Sky Tower - Total Tower |
NZD |
60 |
40 |
Auckland | Sky Jump 192 m |
NZD |
280 |
TBA |
Auckland | Skywalk |
NZD |
190 |
TBA |
Rotorua | Polynesian Spa - Sky View Private Pools (Formerly known as Private Standard Pool - 30min) |
NZD |
50 |
40 |
Rotorua | Polynesian Spa - Family Pools (Formerly known as Family Spa Public) |
NZD |
40 |
35 |
Rotorua | Polynesian Spa - Deluxe Lake Spa (Public) |
NZD |
90 |
80 |
Rotorua | Polynesian Spa - Pavilion Pools (Formerly known as Adult Pool and Priest Spa Public) |
NZD |
55 |
45 |
Rotorua | Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spas - 90 Mins, Last Entry 4pm. |
NZD |
115 |
TBA |
Rotorua | Hell's Gate Thermal Experience -3 hrs approx - Geothermal Walk, Sulphur spas, Mud foot pool |
NZD |
90 |
TBA |
Rotorua | Hells Gate - The Hell's Gate Experience 3 hrs approx. Mud Bath, Sulphur Spas,Mud foot pool |
NZD |
140 |
TBA |
Franz Josef | Heliservices - FLIGHT 1 - Twenty minutes, with Snow Landing and one Glacier (Weather Permitting) - Minimum numbers required to operate |
NZD |
280 |
270 |
Franz Josef | Heliservices - FLIGHT 3 - Thirty minutes, Twin Glacier (Fox & Franz Glaciers) with Snow Landing (Weather Permitting) |
NZD |
440 |
430 |
Franz Josef | Heliservices - FLIGHT 5 - Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, Mount Cook Without Snow Laniding |
NZD |
255 |
235 |
Franz Josef | Heliservices - FLIGHT 4 - Forty minutes, Grand Tour Fox / Franz / Tasman Glaciers / Mount Cook& Mount Tasman with Snow Landing (Weather Permitting) |
NZD |
595 |
585 |
Franz Josef | Helicopter Line -Neve Discoverer - HLF5 - 20 mins (Min 4 Pax) (Weather Permitting) |
NZD |
375 |
360 |
Franz Josef | Helicopter Line - Twin Glacier - HLF4 - 30 mins (Min 4 Pax) (Weather Permitting) |
NZD |
470 |
460 |
Franz Josef | Skydive Franz - 9000 Feet |
NZD |
355 |
TBA |
Franz Josef | Skydive Franz - 13000 Feet |
NZD |
415 |
TBA |
Franz Josef | Skydive Franz - 16500 Feet |
NZD |
520 |
TBA |
Queenstown | Shotover Jet Boating |
NZD |
175 |
135 |
Queenstown | Dart River Adventure - Dart River Wilderness Jet |
NZD |
345 |
345 |
Queenstown | Dart River Adventure - Funyaks |
NZD |
485 |
485 |
Queenstown | Gibbston Valley Winery - Wine Cave Tour - 30 Min Tour with tasting of 3 Wine |
NZD |
50 |
TBA |
Queenstown | Gibbston Valley Winery - Winerary Tour - 45 Min |
NZD |
55 |
TBA |
Queenstown | AJ Hackett Bungy - Kawarau Bridge Bungy - 43 m |
NZD |
255 |
245 |
Queenstown | AJ Hackett Bungy - Nevis Bungy - 134 m |
NZD |
400 |
OR |
Queenstown | AJ Hackett Bungy - Nevis Bungy Catapult |
NZD |
310 |
OR |
Queenstown | Aj Hackett - Kawarau Zipride |
NZD |
70 |
60 |
Important Note: Sightseeing can vary based on date and number of guests booking
CAR RENTAL EXCLUSIONS:
GPS
Fuel Petrol / Diesel
Additional Drive
Infant / Child / Booster Seat
Parking / Toll
Accommodation:
1 Night accommodation in Auckland based on the hotel category selected or similar
2 Night’s accommodation in Rotorua based on the hotel category selected or similar
1 Night accommodation in Christchurch based on the hotel category selected or similar
2Night’s accommodation in Glacier Region based on the hotel category selected or similar
3 Nights’ accommodation in Queenstown based on the hotel category selected or similar
1 Night accommodation in Tekapo / Mt. Cook based on the hotel category selected or similar
1 Night accommodation in Christchurch based on the hotel category selected or similar
SPECIAL NOTE:
Please note that should the Covid-19 pandemic necessitate further protocols as mandated by the Government and/or the individual properties in the future which results in an increase in our standard tour operator rates, then SOTC Travel limited reserves the right to adjust the above quoted rates accordingly. This may lead to an increase in prices quoted. Certain Activities are subject to weather conditions and protocols.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
The above price is based on minimum 2 Passengers travelling together.
The above price is not valid for travel during Trade Fairs & Events
Maximum 3 persons (adult / child) are allowed per room.
Midnight surcharges apply for transfers between 2200 hrs. – 0700 hrs.
WIFI, Tea / Coffee making facility etc. in the rooms cannot be guaranteed.
(Supplement charges may apply for such services)
Standard check-in time into the hotel is 1500 Hrs.
Most hotels in Europe are not air-conditioned.
At this point of time no services are confirmed and the same is subject to availability
TCS & GST as applicable on the above tour cost.
SELF DRIVE POINTS:
Optional or suggested tour / activities are not included in the package (will be on additional cost).
Self-Drive: Rental car pick up and drop off time is calculated on 24 hours basis.
One day extra rental will be charged if drop off time is after pick up time at the beginning of the rental.
Rental vehicles are not allowed on the following roads: (a) Ball Hutt (Mt Cook); (b) Skippers (Queenstown); (c) 90 mile beach (Northland)
Changes to itinerary and number of persons will require a revised quote.
Package is NOT valid during any special event or public holidays in NZ.
Package is valid for mentioned dates only, hotels and activities will be subject to availability at the time of booking.
Rental car / Self-drive
Driver must carry a valid Credit card with enough funds (almost NZ$3,500) to pay a security bond at the time of collecting the vehicle. Without a valid credit card, car can-not be hired and no refunds will be made for car hire. Client will be required to present his/her driver’s license (in English) with drivers photograph, age must be clearly mentioned and license must be valid at the time of hiring the car to car rental company. . Without a valid driver’s license, car can-not be hired and no refunds will be made for car hire. Toll, parking, fines and Fuel is NOT including in the cost. For additional information related to Toll please go to www.nzta.govt.nz.It is client’s responsibility to learn and understand driving regulations of New Zealand. For more information, visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode
Driver must carry a valid Credit card with enough funds (almost NZ$3,500) to pay a security bond at the time of collecting the vehicle. Without a valid credit card, car can-not be hired and no refunds will be made for car hire.
Client will be required to present his/her driver’s license (in English) with driver’s photograph, age must be clearly mentioned and license must be valid at the time of hiring the car to car rental company. . Without a valid driver’s license, car can-not be hired and no refunds will be made for car hire.
It is client’s responsibility to learn and understand driving regulations of New Zealand.
For more information, visit: www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Travel Validity: 1st May 2024 – 30th September 2024
Black out period will attract surcharges and above rates could differ.
TCS & GST would be levied as applicable
The rates are valid for minimum 02 adults travelling together at all times.
Maximum 3 persons (2 adult + 1 child or 3 adults) are allowed per room.
The rates are not valid on block out dates which covers sporting events, trade fairs , conventions , and major congresses
Surcharges wherever applicable would be advised at the time of booking.
To proceed with the booking you need to pay Non-Refundable Booking deposit depending on the package which will be adjusted towards the cost of the tour.
Should the period of travel, or the number of participants, or the type of accommodation, or the type of transport or the duration of the trip, change the quote will be adjusted accordingly.
The rates are subject to availability of hotel accommodation and sightseeing tours at the time of booking. We reserve the right to use an alternate hotel accommodation of an equal or higher standard. If we source a more expensive alternative, we reserve the right to re-quote based on the higher rates.
We are not holding any Hotel blocks for this package.
International Check in time is 1500 hours / Check out time is 1100 hours, early check in and check-out is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Transfers wherever included are without night surcharges and from specific airports only.
No refunds either in part or in full will be made for any unutilized service.
All the sightseeing tours and excursions are organized by local companies and may be from designated points. The timings and days of operation are subject to alteration. Changes if any will be intimated at the time of booking.
Sightseeing’s tours are strictly based on weather conditions and also local service providers have rights to cancel the sightseeing tours without prior notice.
Rates subject to change without prior notice and also for clients travelling during weekends.
Offer can be withdrawn at any point without prior notice. Bookings once confirmed are subject to cancellation charges which shall be advised at that time.
As a practice all international hotels charge a security deposit via credit card or cash, at the time of check- in for each room. The amount will vary according to the hotel and is refunded back to the clients upon check-out. Debit cards should not be offered as it will be charged immediately and refunded only after 2-3 weeks. If any additional services or mini bar or any other service is utilized at the hotel, the hotel reserves the right to charge the same on this security deposit provided by the client. The said organisation would not be responsible for these transactions and these are solely between the hotels and the clients.
The organisation will not be responsible for any change in the price due to factors not in the control of the organisation.