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Peregrine Travel Centre

Premium New Zealand Encompassed

Premium New Zealand Encompassed

From $ 15,630 AUD

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Description

Dramatic peaks, glittering glaciers and geothermal wonders await on this 18-day Premium adventure through New Zealand. With a passionate local leader to guide the way, you’ll journey through a landscape shaped by the elements over thousands of years. Begin in the volcanic North Island, where you’ll sip your way around wineries on Waiheke Island, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton and tour Te Papa museum with a Maori guide. Then, make your way to the South Island to cruise the calm, quiet waters of Doubtful Sound and hop aboard one of the world’s most scenic train journeys past towering cliffs and glittering mountain lakes.

Trip Name
Premium New Zealand Encompassed
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
18
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Unwind at your Feature Stays – an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound / Patea where you’ll coast past sheer cliffs and waterfalls, and a cosy cottage in the acclaimed Hawke’s Bay wine region, nestled beneath Te Mata Peak.
  • Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during a Signature Experience. Visit cellar doors to learn about their production methods, sample some seriously excellent wine and enjoy a winery lunch.
  • Dive into the rituals and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace during a cultural experience at Te Pa Tu. Then, take a behind-the-scenes tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, with a Maori guide.
  • Ride the picturesque TranzAlpine train – known as one of the most scenic train routes in the world – past sparkling mountain lakes, towering cliff faces and winding rivers. Get even closer to nature from the open-air viewing carriage and dine on a meal inspired by this beautiful region.
  • Explore Arrowtown – a heritage town that dates back to the gold rush era – and taste some of Central Otago’s best drops at a well-loved winery in Gibbston Valley.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure of the volcanic North Island begins in Auckland – New Zealand’s most populated city, fringed with beaches, harbours, volcanoes and farmland. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to uncover the story of New Zealand rugby during an interactive All Blacks experience where you’ll learn about the heritage of the sport and find out what it takes to wear the famous black jersey. After your meeting, get to know your group over dinner at a local bistro in the heart of the city, championing New Zealand producers.
Day 2 - Auckland
Leave the bustle of the big city behind and head offshore to Waiheke Island, famed for its sandy beaches and local wine. Board a ferry from Auckland – if you’re lucky, you may even see dolphins or orcas along the way. The day will be spent sipping your way around the island, stopping off at two unique wineries to learn about their production methods, and of course tasting the goods yourself. You’ll also enjoy an included lunch on the island, not to mention a few scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for photos. Return to Auckland in the late afternoon with an evening free for your own discoveries of the city.
Day 3 - Rotorua
After breakfast this morning, hit the road and drive to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves – an extensive underground network of tunnels and caverns decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and luminous glow worms. Join a local expert for an in-depth tour of the Ruakuri Cave, descending a spiral entrance to the world below. See the limestone formations, hear the roar of subterranean waterfalls and learn about the glow worms that light up the caves. Continue to Hobbiton, where the epic Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Take a tour around the set with a local guide, hear stories about the production of these iconic films, explore Hobbit holes and enjoy a drink (and maybe a delicious pie) at the mythical Green Dragon Inn. Finally, travel to Rotorua, where you’ll spend the evening.
Day 4 - Rotorua
Spend this morning at your leisure, perhaps relaxing at the Polynesian Spa or opting for a dose of adrenaline at the Redwoods Treetop Walkway. This evening, you will pay a visit to Te Pa Tu and be hosted by the people of Tamaki Maori Village. A local expert will guide you in celebrating the abundant harvest of this season, and you will explore concepts, rituals and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Within the forest-formed amphitheatre you will hear stories relayed through haka, song and drama, before torch light guides you to an alfresco dining space where you’ll sit down to a three-course feast.
Day 5 - Rotorua to Hawkes Bay
Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive to Hawke’s Bay – a region known for its abundance of wineries, acclaimed food scene, ideal weather and Art Deco architecture. On the way, visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, where you’ll walk through thousands of years of geothermal history and volcanic features, including New Zealand's largest mud pool and bubbling basins bursting with vibrant colours. Then, continue to Hawke’s Bay, where you’ll check into your Feature Stay accommodation at Craggy Range Winery, beneath Te Mata Peak. You’ll spend the next two nights in the heart of this acclaimed wine region, taking in the gorgeous landscapes and tasting local drops. Stay in a cosy cottage with ensuite bathrooms, a large, shared lounge and an outdoor area where you can enjoy the lush green vineyards and mountains surrounding you. Settle into your room, then join your group for a wine tasting and dinner.
Day 6 - Hawkes Bay to Napier to Hawkes Bay
Consider heading out on an optional walk to the Te Mata Peak Lookout at sunrise – the views make the early start well worth it. This morning, you’ll head to the town of Napier for an Art Deco walking tour. Napier is the self-proclaimed ‘Art Deco capital of the world’. After the devastating Hawke’s Bay earthquake of 1931, Napier town centre was destroyed and had to be rebuilt from the ground up. The result was a town that became a freezeframe of the popular architectural styles of the 1930s, including Stripped Classicism, Spanish Mission and Art Deco. After your walking tour, you’ll have a free afternoon to do some exploring at your own pace. You might like to hire a bike to see Napier and its surrounds from a different perspective, or you could join a safari to see the largest colony of gannets in Hawke’s Bay.
Day 7 - Hawkes Bay to Wellington
This morning, make tracks for Wellington – New Zealand’s trendy capital city. After settling in, you’ll head to Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum, for a behind-the-scenes tour with a local Maori guide. Your guide will take you on a personal journey, sharing stories and connections from their iwi (tribe, nation or people) as they guide you through the museum’s vast collection comprising more than 40,000 artworks including paintings, embroidery, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, moving image and more. You’ll end this special tour by sharing some traditional ‘kai’ (food). Tonight, join your group for a farewell dinner at a waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.
Day 8 - Wellington to Kaikoura
This morning, check out of your hotel after breakfast and head to the South Island to begin the second half of your New Zealand adventure. Cross the Cook Strait on board a ferry, taking in some pretty unforgettable views along the way. Your introduction to New Zealand’s South Island sets the tone for the rest of the journey – pass through the iconic landscapes of the Marlborough Sounds as you cruise into Picton Harbour. Travel on by private vehicle to Kaikoura. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a free evening.
Day 9 - Christchurch
Continue your journey to Christchurch, where the day is yours to explore all that this city has to offer. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm to meet your new trip leader and group before you head out on a walking food tour with a local Maori guide. As you explore the city’s less-trodden laneways and stroll along the riverside, make stops to try local bites that showcase excellent seasonal produce and learn about Maori culture and heritage. Your walking tour takes you to your final spot for tonight’s dinner, where you can get to know your new fellow travellers and toast to the next leg of your adventure.
Day 10 - Punakaiki
Take an orientation tour with your leader around some of the landmarks of Christchurch, then board the TranzAlpine train for a scenic journey to Greymouth. This spectacular route takes you through the vast green of the Canterbury Plains, then passes through the Southern Alps, offering views of river gorges fringed with steep cliffs, glassy mountain lakes and winding rivers. As you soak up the views, you’ll tuck into a menu inspired by the regions surrounding you. From your seat in the Scenic Class carriage, you’ll also have access to the open-air viewing carriage so that you can feel even closer to the nature around you. When you arrive, you’ll explore Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized West Coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon – located in Paparoa National Park, this resort lies next to Punakaiki Beach and the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Day 11 - Franz Josef Glacier
After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowholes before the drive to Franz Josef. Punakaiki, a town with less than 100 residents, is famed for its so-called Pancake Rocks. These layers of fossilised animals and plants, formed over 30 million years ago, were thrust above the surface by the moving earth and sculpted by wind and water. At high tide, the sea is forced through blowholes in the limestone to burst metres into the air – it’s an entertaining sight! Along the way, stop for lunch and then pay a visit to Okarito where you'll take part in a hands‑on restoration activity with the Okarito Plant Project, a community‑led initiative focused on regenerating native forests and protecting the unique ecosystems of the West Coast.
Day 12 - Franz Josef Glacier
Begin your day with a self-guided walk to see the icy wonderland created by the Franz Josef Glacier – one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you may like to join an optional heli-hiking tour and get even closer to the glacier. Other optional activities include kayaking, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika or a soak in the hot tubs at Franz Josef. Ahead of your ranger-led visit tomorrow, you will also have access to the West Coast Wildlife Centre for you to explore at your own pace.
Day 13 - Wanaka
This morning, take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre – home of the official breeding program for the world's rarest kiwi bird, the rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara (a reptile endemic to New Zealand). During your visit, your expert ranger will share behind‑the‑scenes insights into the conservation efforts taking place on the West Coast including how eggs are incubated and chicks are raised before being released into the wild. Then depart Franz Josef for the resort town of Wanaka, arriving by late afternoon. Located next to the resplendent Wanaka Station Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, and a short stroll from Wanaka township, you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy all this popular town has to offer.
Day 14 - Wanaka
Enjoy a sleep-in this morning or start your day with a hike up Mt Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Central Otago is a region well-known for food and wine, and today you’ll visit the spectacular Criffel Station deer farm. Here, you’ll be shown around the farm by the family before doing a chef-guided foraging and tasting tour, followed by a delicious lunch.
Day 15 - Wanaka
Say farewell to Wanaka after breakfast and begin the journey to Doubtful Sound / Patea – a lesser-known but stunning part of Fiordland National Park. Drive to Lake Manapouri, where you’ll hop on a ferry for a journey across the water, followed by a scenic drive to Deep Cove via Wilmot Pass – a subalpine road surrounded by dense rainforest. Here, you'll board your vessel and meet the crew for your Doubtful Sound Cruise. This Premium Signature Experience includes a delicious three-course dinner featuring local produce, and a resident naturalist who’ll share insights about the fiord’s history, flora and wildlife – including dolphins, seals and penguins. With fewer boats on the water than in Milford Sound and a more peaceful atmosphere, there’s a higher chance these creatures will pop up to say hello! If weather conditions allow, you might also like to explore by kayak.
Day 16 - Queenstown
Start your day with a hearty cooked breakfast as the mist rolls over the cliffs, then get ready to explore some of the other nooks of the fiord this morning. After, return to Deep Cove to take the ferry back to Lake Manapouri and continue to Queenstown, arriving in the late afternoon. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore this resort town, famed for its picturesque scenery and dramatic location on the edge of the Southern Alps.
Day 17 - Queenstown
Soak up a free morning in Queenstown and wander at your own pace. Then, head to Arrowtown in the afternoon. This historic gold mining town is known for its heritage town centre and autumn festival – and is perfect to explore on foot. Learn about the town’s history on a leader-led walking tour and browse its shops and cafes. Then, head to Gibbston Valley to sample some of Central Otago’s famous drops at a well-known winery. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group and say cheers to an amazing adventure.
Day 18 - Queenstown
Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends little time in Queenstown, it’s recommended that you spend an extra day or two if you want to experience all the town has to offer. Your booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you, just get in touch ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 15,630-
08-10-202625-10-2026AUD $ 17,090-
15-10-202601-11-2026AUD $ 18,160-
22-10-202608-11-2026AUD $ 16,060-
05-11-202622-11-2026AUD $ 16,860-
12-11-202629-11-2026AUD $ 16,860-
23-11-202610-12-2026AUD $ 16,930-
03-12-202620-12-2026AUD $ 17,330-
10-12-202627-12-2026AUD $ 17,660-
07-01-202724-01-2027AUD $ 17,150-
11-01-202728-01-2027AUD $ 17,150-
18-01-202704-02-2027AUD $ 17,150-
28-01-202714-02-2027AUD $ 17,150-
04-02-202721-02-2027AUD $ 17,150-
08-02-202725-02-2027AUD $ 17,150-
11-02-202728-02-2027AUD $ 17,150-
15-02-202704-03-2027AUD $ 16,665-
18-02-202707-03-2027AUD $ 16,665-
22-02-202711-03-2027AUD $ 16,665-
25-02-202714-03-2027AUD $ 16,665-
11-03-202728-03-2027AUD $ 16,665-
18-03-202704-04-2027AUD $ 16,665-
01-04-202718-04-2027AUD $ 16,180-
22-04-202709-05-2027AUD $ 16,180-
03-06-202720-06-2027AUD $ 15,845-
09-09-202726-09-2027AUD $ 16,625-
07-10-202724-10-2027AUD $ 16,625-
14-10-202731-10-2027AUD $ 16,625-
21-10-202707-11-2027AUD $ 16,625-
28-10-202714-11-2027AUD $ 16,625-
04-11-202721-11-2027AUD $ 17,125-
11-11-202728-11-2027AUD $ 17,125-
18-11-202705-12-2027AUD $ 17,125-
25-11-202712-12-2027AUD $ 17,125-
02-12-202719-12-2027AUD $ 17,125-
06-12-202723-12-2027AUD $ 17,125-
09-12-202726-12-2027AUD $ 17,125-
30-12-202716-01-2028AUD $ 17,620-
06-01-202823-01-2028AUD $ 17,620-
10-01-202827-01-2028AUD $ 17,620-
13-01-202830-01-2028AUD $ 17,620-
20-01-202806-02-2028AUD $ 17,620-
24-01-202810-02-2028AUD $ 17,620-
27-01-202813-02-2028AUD $ 17,955-
03-02-202820-02-2028AUD $ 17,955-
07-02-202824-02-2028AUD $ 17,955-
10-02-202827-02-2028AUD $ 17,955-
17-02-202805-03-2028AUD $ 17,955-
21-02-202809-03-2028AUD $ 17,955-
24-02-202812-03-2028AUD $ 17,620-
02-03-202819-03-2028AUD $ 17,620-
09-03-202826-03-2028AUD $ 17,125-
16-03-202802-04-2028AUD $ 17,125-
23-03-202809-04-2028AUD $ 16,625-
30-03-202816-04-2028AUD $ 16,625-
13-04-202830-04-2028AUD $ 16,625-
20-04-202807-05-2028AUD $ 16,625-
04-05-202821-05-2028AUD $ 15,950-
21-09-202808-10-2028AUD $ 15,950-

Accommodation

Hotel (17 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Catamaran, Ferry

Map

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