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Highlights Of New Zealand

AucklandQueenstown
Overview
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Download Itinerary
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY
HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW ZEALAND
3360AUCKLANDQUEENSTOWN
Leisurely On the go
Meals
Breakfast: 10 Lunch: 2 Dinner: 1
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach.
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
HighLights
  • Auckland
  • Hobbiton
  • Lake Taupo
  • Milford Sound
  • Napier
  • DAY 1:   ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
    Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.
  • DAY 2:   AUCKLAND
    This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering firsthand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live. See the Domain, the city's oldest park, developed around an extinct volcano. Highlights also include charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)
  • DAY 3:   AUCKLAND-ROTORUA
    Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand's Maori culture and geothermal wonders. Our first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour allows you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You'll also have a chance to witness traditional Maori carving and weaving along with a Maori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country's major industries-sheep! This evening is at leisure. (B)
  • DAY 4:   ROTORUA
    Today is free to explore more of Rotorua. You may wish to take an optional excursion to visit magical Hobbiton, the set used as the Shire in the movie trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Other options include a zipline and canopy tour, helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. Indulge in an evening of singing, storytelling, and sizzling meats and veggies prepared on underground hot stones in true Maori fashion. Hang out with an optional Hangi dinner with a side of authentic cultural performances in the indigenous Polynesian tradition (B)
  • DAY 5:   ROTORUA-LAKE TAUPO-MARTON-WELLINGTON
    Today, continue your journey on the North Island travelling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Stop in the historic town of Marton to visit a local farm for lunch. During your time here, tour a tour of the farm and learn about the importance of the sheep industry to the local economy. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city known for its vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle. (B,L)
  • DAY 6:   WELLINGTON
    This morning, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)
  • DAY 7:   WELLINGTON-INTERISLANDER FERRY-PICTON-CHRISTCHURCH
    Today, enjoy a special treat as you sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent travelling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by. Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island for an overnight stay. (B)
  • DAY 8:   CHRISTCHURCH-LAKE TEKAPO-QUEENSTOWN
    Our journey continues across New Zealand's South Island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. Stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo for a visit to the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, arrive in Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital," for a 3-night stay. This evening you may want to take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below. (B)
  • DAY 9:   QUEENSTOWN
    A full free day to explore on your own. It's full steam ahead with an optional ride on the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner. Browse your favourite boutique or art gallery, or take a heady helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)
  • DAY 10:   QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND
    Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Milford Sound. Cruise to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. It's sure to be a highlight of your trip! Return to Queenstown late this evening. (B,L) NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may occur on Day 9, based on weather and road conditions.
  • DAY 11:   QUEENSTOWN
    Your holiday ends this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
View Map
Map
FROM
USD
3,489.00 pp*
BookDates & Prices
Your affordable New Zealand tour begins in Auckland with a two-night stay to start exploring this fascinating country. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the Domain - its park surrounding a dormant volcano. You’ll travel through the lush farmland of Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Māori (indigenous Polynesian people) culture, bubbling geothermal sites, and the setting for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. You’ll learn about the region’s natural wonders, agricultural and creative traditions, and the Māori culture.

Your value-minded New Zealand guided vacation continues with big sights to see throughout the north island. You’ll travel past New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, on your way to visit the art-deco city of Napier. Go sightseeing in the New Zealand capital of Wellington and and take in its vibrant art and dining scene. See the Beehive and Parliament buildings, then take in the sweeping views of the harbour from Mount Victoria.

Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across the Marlborough Sound keeping an eye out for dolphins, penguins, or whales on your way to Christchurch. Explore the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast plains of New Zealand’s south island as you venture on to Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore this “adventure capital” before your breathtaking cruise on Milford Sound. Here, be awed by waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, and tropical rainforests surrounding the marine home of seals, penguins, and dolphins. This budget-minded tour of New Zealand is nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy the idyllic and fantastic scenes around each turn in your escorted holiday from Auckland to Queenstown.

Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.

Map

Leisurely On the go

11
Days
1
Country
Country
Meals
10breakfasts;
2lunches;
1dinner;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach.
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
Tour Code
3360
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 20 September 2025 departure
CAT
Highlights
Auckland
Hobbiton
Lake Taupo
Milford Sound
Napier

Itinerary

EXPAND ALL DAYS
Day 1

ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 2

AUCKLAND

This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering firsthand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live. See the Domain, the city's oldest park, developed around an extinct volcano. Highlights also include charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 3

AUCKLAND-ROTORUA

Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand's Maori culture and geothermal wonders. Our first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour allows you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You'll also have a chance to witness traditional Maori carving and weaving along with a Maori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country's major industries-sheep! This evening is at leisure. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 4

ROTORUA

Today is free to explore more of Rotorua. You may wish to take an optional excursion to visit magical Hobbiton, the set used as the Shire in the movie trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Other options include a zipline and canopy tour, helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. Indulge in an evening of singing, storytelling, and sizzling meats and veggies prepared on underground hot stones in true Maori fashion. Hang out with an optional Hangi dinner with a side of authentic cultural performances in the indigenous Polynesian tradition (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 5

ROTORUA-LAKE TAUPO-MARTON-WELLINGTON

Today, continue your journey on the North Island travelling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Stop in the historic town of Marton to visit a local farm for lunch. During your time here, tour a tour of the farm and learn about the importance of the sheep industry to the local economy. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city known for its vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle. (B,L)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 6

WELLINGTON

This morning, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 7

WELLINGTON-INTERISLANDER FERRY-PICTON-CHRISTCHURCH

Today, enjoy a special treat as you sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent travelling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by. Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island for an overnight stay. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 8

CHRISTCHURCH-LAKE TEKAPO-QUEENSTOWN

Our journey continues across New Zealand's South Island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. Stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo for a visit to the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, arrive in Queenstown, the "Adventure Capital," for a 3-night stay. This evening you may want to take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak, where you'll enjoy breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 9

QUEENSTOWN

A full free day to explore on your own. It's full steam ahead with an optional ride on the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner. Browse your favourite boutique or art gallery, or take a heady helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions for a festive farewell dinner. (B,D)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 10

QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND

Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Milford Sound. Cruise to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. It's sure to be a highlight of your trip! Return to Queenstown late this evening. (B,L) NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may occur on Day 9, based on weather and road conditions.

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 0

ACCOMMODATION *

No accommodation info at this time.

SHOW
Day 11

QUEENSTOWN

Your holiday ends this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)

INCLUDED MEALS

Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

SHOW
*

TRIP ACCOMMODATION & OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The displayed price is a guide only. You will be able to book most excursions within MyAccount up to 4 days prior to excursion date, where the exact price will be displayed. For Australia and New Zealand tours, optional excursions can be booked on tour with the Tour Director. All excursions are subject to availability.

Personalise your trip

Available extensions (0)

Default
Start trip: Auckland
End trip: Queenstown
Selected

Tour directors

With Cosmos, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of your Tour Director. We’d like you to meet a Tour Director who is representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your tour.

Hudson, Juliet

Passionate about sharing the best of what Australia and New Zealand has to offer and ensuring that each of our guests experience the trip of a lifetime is why I love being a Tour Director. I enjoy finding ways to showcase and immerse our guests in the destinations we visit, bringing the itinerary to life, and adding special touches with "meet the locals" experiences, morning "power walks," "local wine tastings," and "where to eat" menu boards. I love sharing my destination knowledge and helping guests, with beaming smiles on their faces, make wonderful holiday memories.

Your affordable New Zealand tour begins in Auckland with a two-night stay to start exploring this fascinating country. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the Domain - its park surrounding a dormant volcano. You’ll travel through the lush farmland of Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Māori (indigenous Polynesian people) culture, bubbling geothermal sites, and the setting for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. You’ll learn about the region’s natural wonders, agricultural and creative traditions, and the Māori culture.

Your value-minded New Zealand guided vacation continues with big sights to see throughout the north island. You’ll travel past New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, on your way to visit the art-deco city of Napier. Go sightseeing in the New Zealand capital of Wellington and and take in its vibrant art and dining scene. See the Beehive and Parliament buildings, then take in the sweeping views of the harbour from Mount Victoria.

Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across the Marlborough Sound keeping an eye out for dolphins, penguins, or whales on your way to Christchurch. Explore the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast plains of New Zealand’s south island as you venture on to Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore this “adventure capital” before your breathtaking cruise on Milford Sound. Here, be awed by waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, and tropical rainforests surrounding the marine home of seals, penguins, and dolphins. This budget-minded tour of New Zealand is nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy the idyllic and fantastic scenes around each turn in your escorted holiday from Auckland to Queenstown.

Traveller Notes
Adventure is knocking with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, complimentary headsets, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!

Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.

Map

Leisurely On the go

11
Days
1
Country
Country
Meals
10breakfasts;
2lunches;
1dinner;
Transport
Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach.
Accommodation
Rooms with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, tips and service charges
Tour Code
3360
Price
*Price per person, based on Twin occupancy for 20 September 2025 departure
CAT

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