Kensington
12 Day New Zealand Signature
12 Day New Zealand Signature
Sweeping dramatic landscapes, stunning fiordlands, and cultural adventures await you in an exclusive exploration of quintessential New Zealand. Discover the country’s two main islands in an voyage through sprawling natural wonders and mesmerizing city sights.
You’ll first explore bustling Auckland, nicknamed “The City of Sails” for its abundance of yacht marinas and its rich maritime history. Immerse yourself in the Aucklander experience as you meander through the entertainment district of buzzing Viaduct Harbour and witness the luxury super yachts of Silo Park. Then it’s on to an exclusive voyage through beautiful Waiheke Island, where you’ll enjoy a private tour of the island’s vineyards, sampling flavorful vintages amid backdrops of lush vegetation and crystal-blue waters. Visit the studio of a resident Waiheke Maori artist, learning more about New Zealand’s indigenous culture with a short native bush walk and discovering the traditional and medicinal Maori uses of native plants. You’ll next journey to Rotorua, home to the magical Waitomo Caves which feature a stunning glowworm display. Meander around the cave’s corner to discover the remains of one of New Zealand’s lost treasures – the ancient Moa, once the country’s largest bird that fell extinct almost 600 years ago. Discover Rotorua’s most popular geothermal parks through a scenic drive through volcanic landscapes, exploring the colorful hot springs and a moon-like landscape of Wai-o-Tapu and the historic Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Learn more of the Maori culture with a visit to Te Puia, nestled in the Whakarewarewa Valley, where a delicious and traditional steam-cooked Hangi dinner awaits you.
The journey continues in Christchurch, offering lush vegetation and symbols of its resilience following a historic natural disaster. A short drive north takes you into the Waipara wine region, known for its silky Pinot Noirs and crisp Sauvignon Blancs which you’ll savor first-hand. After treating your palate, you’ll journey to the massifs of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass via the world-famous TranzAlpine Train, which whisks you through the beauty of Greymouth and offers stunning photo opportunities of snow-capped peaks along the way. Continue to the South Island, where the mist-shrouded fjords of Milford Sound await you. Board a comfortable vessel and set sail for awe-inspiring sights, taking in the incredible scenery of waterfalls, rainforest, and wildlife before boarding a scenic flight with alpine landing. Spend a final day in Queenstown exploring the “Garden City”, all the while relaxing in bespoke accommodations selected for your comfort.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
| Day 1 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Day 2 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Day 3 |
A veritable paradise on Earth, Auckland combines the best of both worlds – a thrilling urban metropolis surrounded by striking natural areas, sparkling blue water, and colorful wildlife. New Zealand’s cultural and recreational hub, beautiful Auckland has something for everyone. Museums, art galleries, and other culture-rich sites abound near Auckland’s city center. History buffs will appreciate the Auckland War Memorial Museum or the New Zealand Maritime Museum on Viaduct Harbour, while art enthusiasts will relish in the vast art collections housed at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Be sure to peruse the famous Maori Portraits exhibit, a display featuring powerful portraits of the Maori peoples indigenous to New Zealand and Polynesia. You won’t have to venture far from the city to experience some of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders! Rugged Rangitoto Island is perfect for hikes, surrounded with stunning volcanic rock and lava fields, and provides a spectacular vantage point to observe Auckland across the harbor. Maungawhau, or Mount Eden, is another of the city’s volcanic wonders; its verdant crater is a sight to behold and remains one of Auckland’s most visited attractions. Head to Waiheke Island to visit Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary, a protected wildlife sanctuary where some of New Zealand’s most eye-catching fauna roam, or hit the beaches of Waitakere Ranges Regional Park to take in the glittering ocean views and soak up some sun. Travel two hours south to marvel at New Zealand’s rolling green hills when you explore the immersive set for The Shire, the fictional village from the ever-popular Lord of the Rings novels and film franchise. Auckland, New Zealand awaits you! |
| Day 4 |
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| Day 5 |
Natural wonders await you in the steaming, geothermally active North Island city of Rotorua, New Zealand. Pohutu Geyser erupts several times per day, and blistering mud pools provide a truly unique sightseeing experience. When in Rotorua, tourists also visit its living Maori village, as well as Te Puia (New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts institute), where weaving and woodcarving is featured. Those not afraid of heights can get a bird's eye view on the Skyline Rotorua gondola, and more earthbound souls can reinvigorate themselves at the Polynesian Spa wellness center, with its hot pools and therapies. |
| Day 6 |
Welcome to Christchurch, a picturesque city with English heritage. This South Island destination is currently in the midst of an exciting regeneration and rebuilding after damaging earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Here, the new mixes with the old in enchanting ways, with edgy modern architecture and old buildings sitting side by side.
In this explorable New Zealand locale, the Avon River winds through the center of the city, while lush green spaces are plentiful at Christchurch Bonatic Gardens and Hagley Park. Can't-miss attractions include the International Antarctic Center (featuring frozen tundra simulations), the historic Canterbury Museum, and punting on the Avon, also known as flat-bottomed boat rides! |
| Day 7 |
Welcome to Christchurch, a picturesque city with English heritage. This South Island destination is currently in the midst of an exciting regeneration and rebuilding after damaging earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Here, the new mixes with the old in enchanting ways, with edgy modern architecture and old buildings sitting side by side.
In this explorable New Zealand locale, the Avon River winds through the center of the city, while lush green spaces are plentiful at Christchurch Bonatic Gardens and Hagley Park. Can't-miss attractions include the International Antarctic Center (featuring frozen tundra simulations), the historic Canterbury Museum, and punting on the Avon, also known as flat-bottomed boat rides! |
| Day 8 |
Welcome to Christchurch, a picturesque city with English heritage. This South Island destination is currently in the midst of an exciting regeneration and rebuilding after damaging earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Here, the new mixes with the old in enchanting ways, with edgy modern architecture and old buildings sitting side by side.
In this explorable New Zealand locale, the Avon River winds through the center of the city, while lush green spaces are plentiful at Christchurch Bonatic Gardens and Hagley Park. Can't-miss attractions include the International Antarctic Center (featuring frozen tundra simulations), the historic Canterbury Museum, and punting on the Avon, also known as flat-bottomed boat rides! |
| Day 9 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Day 10 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Day 11 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Day 12 |
This beautiful resort town has a little something for everyone! Whether you are into skiing and snowboarding, jet boating, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, or mountain biking there is no end to the year around adventure sports you can take advantage of. If you love wine, Queenstown lies close to the center of a small wine producing region, including The Two Paddocks vineyard which is owned by actor Sam Neill. If you're a movie buff, Queenstown and the surrounding area were used in the filming of The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
10/04/19 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $9,263 |
Get A Quote |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
