- search
- compare
- save
Best of New Zealand - 2022
Become a TourHound member today to access personalised recommendations and bucket lists to help plan your trips. You’ll also receive rebates on selected tours. It’s free to become a member, sign up here.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- What's Included
- Dates
- Cosmos
Experience the best of New Zealand on this unforgettable vacation filled with dramatic scenery, cultural exchanges, and the country’s top attractions. Your tour starts in Auckland, ends in Queenstown, and overnights along the way in the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and Franz Josef.You'll experience some of New Zealand's most majestic scenery throughout this New Zealand tour. Spend time in the picturesque Bay of Islands region and enjoy a scenic cruise to the iconic “Hole in the Rock.” In Rotorua, visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area, to see New Zealand’s largest geyser and boiling mud pots. Continue south through New Zealand’s lush green North Island to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. In Christchurch, board one of the world’s most scenic trains and travel across the Southern Alps. Two nights at Franz Josef won’t be enough as you admire the incredible views and have a chance to participate in a Glacier Valley walk. But that's not all...you'll enjoy an excursion to Fiordland National Park, boasting some of the world's most breathtaking scenery, where you'll have an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. It's not just amazing scenery you'll experience on this New Zealand tour. Throughout the tour, Globus has also included out-of-the-ordinary adventures to make your vacation unique. For example, visit a local farm and enjoy a barbecue lunch in Marton, enjoy a wine tasting and tour at a local Queenstown winery, and join a local New Zealand family in Rotorua for dinner in their home and a chance to immerse yourself in New Zealand culture. From the cosmopolitan city of Auckland to rugged Milford Sound, you are sure to return home with lots of photos and unforgettable memories to share with friends and family.
Destinations
- New Zealand
- Australasia
Tour Types
- Globus escorted tours
Welcome to Aotearoa, Maori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your hotel room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30 pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.
Day 2: AUCKLAND–BAY OF ISLANDS.
Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. Continue to the Bay of Islands, known for its stunning beauty and history. Visit the WAITANGI TREATY HOUSE to learn about New Zealand’s past.
Day 3: BAY OF ISLANDS.
This morning, embark on a sightseeing CRUISE to view the “Hole in the Rock,” have a chance to see dolphins, and learn more about the rich history and culture of this region. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a hike, explore some of the island’s historic attractions, shop for souvenirs, or just relax at your hotel.
Day 4: BAY OF ISLANDS–ROTORUA.
Today, travel through the Bay of Plenty region to Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, and a thriving Maori culture. This evening, you may wish to join our optional outing to experience an authentic Maori village and cultural performance, followed by a delicious Hangi dinner. You might even be asked to join in a Haka, the traditional war dance of the Maori.
Day 5: ROTORUA.
This morning starts with a visit to RAINBOW SPRINGS to view native bush and wildlife, including a walk through the kiwi bird enclosure. Last stop is TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area, with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. The afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to relax in a natural hot spring, zipline through the forest, be pampered at one of the city’s spas, or board a floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful area. This evening, join a LF New Zealand family for DINNER in their home, a unique opportunity to interact with a local family and immerse yourself in New Zealand culture. Before the evening is over, you’ll feel like part of the family.
Day 6: ROTORUA–MARTON–WELLINGTON.
Travel south today through rolling farmlands and past massive Lake Taupo. Stop in the historic rural town of Marton, where we’ll visit a LF LOCAL FARM and enjoy a barbecue lunch. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
Day 7: WELLINGTON.
Our day begins with a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Take a scenic CABLE-CAR ride, visit the beautiful BOTANIC GARDENS, see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria. You’ll also spend time at TE PAPA, the Museum of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
Day 8: WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH.
Fly to Christchurch located on New Zealand’s south island. A sightseeing tour will highlight some of Christchurch’s famous landmarks and spectacular gardens. This evening is at leisure.
Day 9: CHRISTCHURCH–TRANZALPINE TRAIN–ARTHUR’S PASS–FRANZ JOSEF.
Today, travel on the scenic TRANZALPINE, one of the world’s great train journeys. From the comfort of first-class carriages, see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmlands, followed by the spectacular gorges and rivers of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the majestic Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass National Park. The train features large panoramic windows, an onboard café, and in-seat audio commentary. Spend the next two nights in the small town of Franz Josef, located at the base of the impressive Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 10: FRANZ JOSEF.
This morning, explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage area. Your GLACIER VALLEY WALK will take you up alongside the mighty Waiho River bed, following the glacier’s path of retreat in this remarkable landscape. Here you will learn about the glacier’s history, see what is left behind by this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Near the terminal face, after a brief climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the rapidly changing face of the glacier. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may opt to take a scenic flightseeing or helicopter tour, relax in one of the glacier hot pools, spend time at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, or pick up a picnic lunch and just take in the gorgeous scenery.
Day 11: FRANZ JOSEF–QUEENSTOWN.
Our journey today takes us along the coast and the Tasman Sea. Climb through rainforests and over Haast Pass to arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, enjoy a tour and a tasting at a local LF WINERY. Tonight, why not enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown’s many restaurants or cafés and sample some of the region’s wines?
Day 12: QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND.
Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Milford Sound. Travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. During your CRUISE on the fiord, see cascading waterfalls, wildlife, and experience this pristine natural setting just as early Maori and European explorers did. Return to Queenstown late this evening.
Day 13: QUEENSTOWN.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Tour some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy, shop for souvenirs, or take a thrilling jetboat ride on the Dart River. This evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Day 14: QUEENSTOWN.
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
Prices for sole occupancy are available on request
| Dates | Price | Single | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07-Jan-2022 for 13 Nights |
|
On Request | View live deal View live deal | ||
| 21-Jan-2022 for 13 Nights |
|
On Request | View live deal View live deal | ||
| 04-Feb-2022 for 13 Nights |
|
On Request | View live deal View live deal | ||
| 18-Feb-2022 for 13 Nights |
|
On Request | View live deal View live deal | ||
| 04-Mar-2022 for 13 Nights |
|
On Request | View live deal View live deal | ||
| 18-Mar-2022 for 13 Nights |
|
On Request | View live deal View live deal | ||
| 01-Apr-2022 for 13 Nights |
|
On Request | View live deal View live deal |
Touring with Cosmos
A forward-thinking young Italian named Antonio Mantegazza started it all back in 1928, when he purchased a rowboat to transport visitors across Lake Lugano in Switzerland. Big things come from small beginnings and as Antonio grew his business their sister company Globus was born, and from that came Cosmos in 1961.
Across the decades there were some questionable brochure covers as well as fashion choices, but most of all it was fantastic holidays at great prices. And while they’ve ditched the flares and polo necks, they’re still determined to give you superb holidays at the best prices.
They want to take you on your best holidays, full of memorable experiences and pinch-yourself moments in thrilling destinations around the world. Whether you’re cruising down a jungle river in Thailand, standing on a lava field in Iceland, or stargazing in the deserts of Western USA, they want to place you in these perfect settings.>
Cosmos offer a huge selection of tours, from classic, platinum or small group escorted tours, to private groups and single centre tours. Travel with like-minded people and get the best access to the must-see sights, and the local favourites you might have missed. Touring is a great way to see the world: they'll take away the admin and organisation headaches of your holiday, and all you have to do is soak up all the history, culture and experiences.
{{shortLabel}}
This tour is operated by Cosmos
13 nights from
Compare tour
Compare tour
TourHound Promise
- I compare from the largest selection of touring companies available.
- It doesn’t cost you a penny to use me, or to book a tour through TourHound.
- I never favour one operator over another and provide a totally neutral comparison.
