Full New Zealand 21 days

Welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Free time while we await the arrival of the rest of our fellow travelers.

We arrived in the city that on February 22, 2011 suffered an earthquake with terrible consequences.

Due to the devastating effect of this earthquake, there is a massive reconstruction process that, once completed, will give rise to a city with a markedly young, jovial and modern character. In addition to the creative architecture of the new buildings, the streets of the city contain many sculptures and colorful murals painted on the sides of the buildings. We have free time in the afternoon to visit the Canterbury Museum, Cathedral Square and the new Cardboard Cathedral (Buffet Breakfast)

Note: check-in at the hotel is at 2:00 p.m. but if you want to have the room before that time you have to pay a supplement

We leave the city and travel through the Canterbury Plains, littered with grain fields, sheep farms, deer and dairy cows, to the town of Geraldine. We climbed the plateau until we reached the Church of the Good Shepherd, located on the shores of Lake Tekapo, the first in the Mackenzie region. Built in 1935, this Church is arguably one of the most photographed in New Zealand.

Continuing through the plateau we find Lake Pukaki with its beautiful blue color and magnificent views of the Southern Alps and Mount Cook. Our destination is the Twizel village erected in 1968 to house the workers at the time of construction of the high Waitaki hydroelectric system (260 km) (Buffet Breakfast

Today we travel to Mount Cook National Park, Aoraki in Maori, where the highest mountain in New Zealand is located, 3724 m high. It is a peak of the New Zealand Alps, a mountain range that runs along the entire western coast of the South Island of New Zealand, whose slopes hang several glaciers, such as the Tasman and the Hooker. It is a region much appreciated by climbers, with a long history of mountaineering, where Sir Edmund Hillary was preparing to climb Mount Everest. It is also a mountain known for having been the exterior location of some scenes in the movie "The Fellowship of the Ring". Here we take several short walks to see the Tasman Glacier, Mueller Glacier and the Hooker Valley so we can marvel at the dazzling views of Mount Cook.

Options : Helicopter flight + guided tour to walk on the Tasman Glacier, scenic flights of different durations flying over Mt Cook, the Alps and the Tasman Glacier (150 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

There is a wide variety of options depending on personal preferences, contact us.

In the morning a few kilometers from Twizel, we pass Lake Ruataniwha where we see the High Country Salmon Farm before reaching the town of Omarama, known for its merino sheep farms and for being one of the best places to fly in a glider. Going down the plateau we see huge hydroelectric power dams located in the valley of the Waitaki River. We continue to Oamaru town where we have time to see its magnificent sandstone neoclassical buildings from Victorian times and the old warehouses of the historic port.

In the afternoon we travel along the coast to the Moeraki Boulders to see these mysterious and peculiar rounded stone formations, sacred according to Maori oral traditions, lying on Koekohe Beach in North Otago. At sunset we reached the city of Dunedin. This city, known as New Zealand Scotland, is located on Otago Bay, an inlet of the South Pacific Ocean that separates the city from the Otago Peninsula (260 km) (Buffet Breakfast)

Free morning. Options: This morning there is free time to visit the main attractions of the city, Dunedin Railway Station, the First Church of Otago, First Church, Saint Paul's Cathedral or the Otago Museum. Another option is to take a four-hour tourist train ride through the Taieri Valley and Gorge. You can also take a tour of the Otago Peninsula to visit the Royal Albatross Center and learn more about these majestic seabirds with the opportunity to see them in flight up close. On the same tour there are opportunities to see the yellow-eyed penguin on a nearby beach, whose main characteristic is its yellow eyes.

In the afternoon we cross the agricultural area of Southland and on the way we cross the town of Gore crossing a large area of sheep farms until we reach the town of Te Anau located on the shores of the lake with the same name (290 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

We travel in the direction of Fjordland National Park where the landscape changes dramatically. We stop along the way to take pictures of the dreamy landscapes of the area, such as Hollyford Valley with waterfalls, cliffs and deep ravines on a journey back in time, in a world that looks the same as it did thousands of years ago. I pass through the impressive Hommer Tunnel.

Arrival at Milford Sound, known as one of the wettest places in the world, where we enjoy the cruise through this spectacular area with its immense mountains and numerous waterfalls. The cruise continues until reaching the mouth of the sea. In the afternoon we return to Te Anau and continue on our way until we reach Queenstown, located in an inlet of land in Lake Wakatipu, elongated in shape and from which there are fabulous views from the neighboring mountains (415 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

Day off. Queenstown is known as the adventure capital for its wide range of activities, from the luxury of relaxation to extreme sports. It is one of the main destinations for winter sports in New Zealand, to which tourists from many parts of the world come both to enjoy the snow in its four ski resorts, and its vibrant nightlife. It also offers a wide variety of restaurants and gift shops.

Options : wild water rafting, canoeing, bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving (instructor free fall), lake cruises, horseback riding, biking, hiking, cable car ride to Bob's Peak Lookout. There is also the possibility of doing tours in off-road vehicles that visit the exteriors where the well-known movie "The Lord of the Rings" was shot ( Continental Breakfast ) .

There is a wide variety of options depending on personal preferences, contact us.

We cross the Kawarau Gorge with its meandering river and pass through the Cromwell Fruit Country with its cherry orchards and vast expanse of vineyards. We stop to see the huge lakes of Hawea and Wanaka, both popular tourist destinations. Lake Hawea sits in a glacial valley formed during the last ice age and is fed by the Hunter River; Lake Wanaka is nestled between giant mountains and is considered the quietest of the South Island lakes. Mount Aspiring National Park, where the movie "Jurassic Park" was filmed, is a wonderful mixture of high mountains and beautiful valleys, a dream place for its orography, glaciers, river valleys and alpine lakes.

Once again we witness a spectacular change of scenery as we descend the highlands through the Haast Pass and pass waterfalls, crystal clear rivers and the immense rainforests found on the west coast of the South Island. We arrive at the town Haast (210 km) ( Continental Breakfast )

Continuing along the coast, we arrive at the town of Fox Glacier located in the Westland National Park. In the Maori language Tai Poutini, it is known as the "Country of Glaciers" and offers a wide selection of impressive terrain.

Options : Helicopter flight + guided tour to walk on the Fox Glacier, scenic flights of different durations flying over the Alps and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

We hike to a viewpoint of the Fox Glacier through the humid forest of incomparable richness in lichens, mosses and ferns. In the afternoon we can take a more than pleasant walk through the humid forest around Lake Matheson to enjoy the magnificent views of the Alps (140 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

There is a wide variety of options depending on personal preferences, contact us.

During this journey we cross mountainous landscapes from one valley to another until we reach Franz Josef Glacier, known for being the only glacier that descends from the Southern Alps less than 300 m above sea level. In the morning we take a walk to see this fantastic glacier up close.

In the afternoon we stop at the Hokitika village, famous for its New Zealand jade shops (Pounamu in Maori), the stone with which the Maori traditionally make their pendants. Although New Zealand jade is scarce and therefore more expensive than that of other origins, Hokitika is the ideal place to buy it, since it is extracted from local rivers. The Pounamu has a special meaning for the Maori people of New Zealand, since in times past they used it to build tools, weapons and ornaments. We continue north along the coast and spend the night in the town of Greymouth (220 km) ( Continental Breakfast )

We continue along this coast of much wilder nature, until we reach the Paparoa National Park and the Punakaki town. Here we stop to see the peculiar Pankake Rocks, curious limestone formations, highly eroded, found by the sea, with sedimentation in alternate hard and soft layers (marine animals and plant sediments). During high tide, the water penetrates through vertical maritime geysers, offering a natural spectacle much appreciated by its visitors. Stopping at different points to appreciate the grandeur of this rugged coastline, we arrive at Cape Foulwind where we hike to see a colony of seals.

Westport is a coal mining town, and from there we change direction and drive through the picturesque valley of the Buller River, passing old gold mining towns and immense pine forests until we reach Nelson (360 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

This morning we pass through the fruit growing area of Golden Bay which has plantations of apples, pears, and kiwis. We arrive at the town of Kiateriteri where we take a boat that covers part of the beautiful coast of the Abel Tasman National Park. This coastal area was declared a National Park in 1942 in honor of the European explorer, the Dutchman Abel Janszoon Tasman, who discovered New Zealand in 1642. The ship cruises past various beaches of golden sand and turquoise waters, making it possible to disembark at one of the stops, for those who wish to do an easy 12 km hike.

On this walk you can enjoy views of beautiful fern forests and idyllic beaches, where we can have some time to relax and take a relaxing bath if we wish. For those who do not wish to do this walk, there is the possibility of doing another shorter one or if you prefer not to walk, you can continue on the boat along the entire coast of this beautiful park until you pick up the rest of the group (140 km) ( Continental breakfast

Nelson is located on the northwestern tip of the South Island and was named after Horatio Nelson. The city is an important administrative center and the region is reputed to be the sunniest in New Zealand. For those who are passionate about sports and as a curious fact, Nelson was where, in 1870, the first rugby match was played.

The town of Havelock is quite popular for the green shell mussels, which come from the crystal clear waters of New Zealand. We drive through the sprawling Marlborough wine country, famed in the wine world for its fragrant Sauvignon Blancs, until we reach the town of Picton.

In the afternoon we take the ferry to travel from the South Island to the North Island. The trip takes about three hours and we pass through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound before reaching the well-known Cook Strait that separates the two islands. Night in Wellington the capital of New Zealand (150 km) ( Continental Breakfast )

Wellington is a natural amphitheater nestled between the harbor and rolling green hills, offering an unforgettable city experience in a spectacular natural setting. The seat of government, with more than 46 embassies and consulates, and home to national arts and cultural bodies, Wellington is at the cultural, political and geographical heart of New Zealand. The region offers the appeal of a cosmopolitan lifestyle, a large number of cafes and restaurants, theaters, cinemas and museums.

Options : Visit the National Museum of the country "Te Papa" or the House of Parliament, stroll through the city and enjoy the atmosphere, culture and craft shops. At sunset we go up to the Mount Victoria Viewpoint to enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the city and Oriental Bay (340 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

Leaving the capital behind, we travel north through coastal towns and through grazing lands up into the highlands to the Waiouru village which houses the National Military Museum. From here we have great views of Mount Ruapehu at 2,797m, which is the highest mountain in the North Island and contains the two longest ski areas in New Zealand.
Tongariro is the oldest National Park in New Zealand and has been recognized by UNESCO as a mixed nature World Heritage Site, for mixing culture and nature. This National Park was the fourth established as such in the world.

We deviate from the national road and continue to the fabulous Tongariro National Park where there is time for a short walk before going to our accommodation located in the National Park village (340 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

Free day to enjoy this fabulous National Park where the well-known movie "The Lord of the Rings" was filmed. This Park is the oldest in New Zealand and has three volcanic mountains, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. Volcanic processes have caused the uplift of the mountains in Tongariro National Park for more than two million years. This whole area is historically Tapu (sacred) for the Maori.

You can do different walks through the park. For the fittest and weather permitting, the 19 km long Tongariro Crossing is known as the most beautiful day hike (7-8 hours) for its spectacular scenery. For those who are not so keen on walking, there are other shorter walks lasting between 2 and 6 hours, to also enjoy the beautiful mountainous landscapes. Another option: Scenic flight in a small plane over the volcanoes of the park (30 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

We descend the high plateau of Tongariro National Park and pass by Lake Taupo, the largest in New Zealand, with an area of 616 km ² , created by a great eruption 70,000 years ago. We continue and on the way we will stop to see Huka Falls, which displaces up to 220,000 liters of water per second and bubbles down the gorge jumping more than 8m away, to create a curtain of beautiful blue. Visit to the thermal area of Wai-O-Tapu, in Maori Agua Sagrada, in which collapsed craters with fumaroles and pools of boiling water and mud predominate. Here we see waters of different colors due to the minerals they contain, in addition to the impressive cava pool.

We arrive in Rotorua and in the evening we attend a Maori culture show and a Hangi (traditional Indigenous cuisine) dinner. The Maori cultural evening takes place with multiple representations of their culture, songs, typical dances of this ancestral culture and a demonstration of weapons. The end of the performance is the famous war dance, Haka. After the performance, you return to the dining room to share the Hangi meal, food cooked slowly on a steaming floor (200 km) ( Buffet Breakfast, Dinner )

Also nicknamed “The Sulfur City” for the region's thermal activity, Rotorua is situated on the volcanic plateau, has one of the world's busiest fields of geothermal activity, and sits smack dab on the Pacific Ring of Fire. During the morning we make a guided tour of one of these areas, sulfurous pools of boiling bubbling mud, the Whakarewarewa Maori Village, where we learn more about their culture and customs. We make a brief tour of the main points of the city and the lake area. Rotorua is one of the places where the turbulent forces that shaped New Zealand are most evident.

Free afternoon. Options : Half day tour to visit Hobbiton. Visit to the Te Puia Thermal Activity Park where there is also a Maori culture center, which houses the Guardians of Maori Culture and Arts and where you can discover craftsmanship and traditional methods. Bath in the hot spring pools, wild rafting or visit the Ohinemutu Maori village and St Faith's Church (10 km) (Buffet Breakfast)

There is a wide variety of options depending on personal preferences, contact us.

We pass through the town of Cambridge, known as the equestrian center of New Zealand. We arrive at the Waitomo town where we visit the famous limestone caves, inside which we discover the lights of the thousands of fireflies that inhabit the darkness of the main cave, creating a kind of magical and dazzling Milky Way. We then pass by the Otorohanga Kiwi House where you can see New Zealand's best-known bird, the solitary nocturnal kiwi.

In the afternoon we pass the city of Hamilton, which is New Zealand's fourth largest metropolitan area, and follow the course of the Waikato River, the longest in the country, 425 km from its source in Lake Taupo, to its estuary in the Sea of Tasman. We continue to the city of Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand (340 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

This morning we continue north to the town of Warkworth where we stop at Parry Kauri Park to see a specimen of the mighty kauri tree and hike around a native forest.

We continue towards the west coast and the Muriwai Beach, which will be a more than pleasant surprise to be able to appreciate from a short distance, the Gannet Colony, a fabulous colony of gannets located on a cliff and equipped with various viewpoints from which we will receive masterful lessons in aerodynamics of these great birds.

In the afternoon we return to Auckland and climb Mount Eden, an extinct volcano a short distance from the city, to appreciate the panoramic views of the city and its surrounding neighborhoods (200 km) ( Buffet Breakfast )

Today is the last day of the trip and there is free time until the transfer to the airport where we say goodbye and wish you a pleasant return trip.

Options: visit the Auckland Art Gallery (Toi or Tamaki), the New Zealand Maritime Museum, the Auckland Museum and the Sky Tower or cross the bay by ferry to Devonport, a beautiful historic seaside village just a 10-minute drive away. Ferry from Auckland ( Buffet Breakfast )