The Long White Cloud

This expedition will invite you to become immersed in ancient Maori culture, and some of the planet's most pristine wilderness.

Be awed as you traverse New Zealand’s North and South Islands, from the hot pools of Franz Josef, an exclusive TreadRight experience in Rotorua, to the brave depths of Queenstown, the adventure capital. Explore extraordinary landscapes and ancient heritage, as you encounter exhilarating New Zealand as few have seen it before.

 

  • $14,255 Single

  • $11,170 Adult Twin

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Journey Overview

  • Start
  • End
  • Overnight Stays
  • Sightseeing

Your Journey Itinerary

Day Activity
1 Welcome to Christchurch

On arrival at Christchurch Airport you'll be driven by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the Christchurch Botanical Garden or take a ride on the Christchurch Tram. In the evening meet your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception.

  • MEALS - Welcome Reception
  • HOTEL - Hotel Montreal, Christchurch
2 Christchurch – Tranz Alpine Franz Josef

t's all aboard the TranzAlpine train. Rated as one of the world's great scenic railway journeys, you'll travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains through to the Southern Alps. From Arthur's Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, to learn about the importance of Pounamu, better known as jade or greenstone. Later we continue to Franz Josef. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not enjoy Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools or perhaps a massage.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Dinner with wine
  • HOTEL - Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef, 2 nights
3 Franz Josef ā€˜Relaxed Start’

After a relaxed start we explore this area, where a local guide explains the history behind the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. 

  • MEALS - Breakfast
4 Franz Josef – Queenstown

This morning it’s time for an adventure as we journey down the Haast River in a purpose built, fully enclosed river jet boat. After a lunch stop at Makarora then travel on to Arrowtown where there is time to explore this historic gold-mining village on the Arrow River.  Continue to Queenstown for an orientation tour. Tonight, dinner is included at your hotel.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Dinner with wine
  • HOTEL - Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown, 3 nights
5 Queenstown at Leisure

Enjoy Queenstown your way! Perhaps join a wine tour and taste some of Central Otago’s world-renowned Pinot Noir or view The Lord of the Rings film locations on a scenic tour of Queenstown and Glenorchy.  Tonight, you can dine at one of the local restaurants along the waterfront in town or simply relax at your hotel. 

  • MEALS - Breakfast
6 Queenstown at Leisure

Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station, take a jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River.  Or simply relax, shop or enjoy time at one of the many cafĆ©s and restaurants while soaking up the alpine views. 

Tonight, enjoy a Local Dining Experience in one of Queenstown’s most exclusive restaurants.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Local Dining Experience
7 Queenstown – Te Anau - Milford Sound

Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Later you’ll travel through the rainforest of the UNESCO-listed World Heritage site of Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges onto the amazing Mirror Lake before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel.  Tonight, stay at the magical Milford Sound Lodge, with views of the Cleddau Valley.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Dinner with wine
  • HOTEL - Milford Sound Lodge, Fiordland National Park, 2 nights
8 Milford Track Walk & Milford Sound Cruise

Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound.  This morning, explore a section of the famous Milford Track on an easy going half day guided walk.  This place is steeped in rich history and stories, the flora and fauna are unique and special.  This afternoon aboard the Southern Discoveries vessel sit back and relax as a specialist nature guide introduces you to the natural wonders of Milford Sound often called the ā€˜eighth natural wonder of the world’.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Dinner with wine
9 Milford Sound – Gore - Dunedin

We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago. Travel through Te Anau known for its beautiful lake and on to the country musical town of Gore for lunchtime, before arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. Enjoy dinner tonight at Parcels Restaurant at your hotel.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Dinner with wine
  • HOTEL - Distinction Dunedin Hotel, 2 nights
10 Dunedin 'Relaxed Start'

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning, before taking a guided tour at Emerson’s Brewery, sample the tasty craft beer before an afternoon at leisure.  Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps ride the historic Tairei Gorge Railway or take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Pennisula.

  • MEALS - Breakfast
11 Dunedin – Omaru - Timaru - Christchurch

Travel up the east coast of the South Island via Oamaru and Timaru. On arrival in Christchurch embark on a sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the devastating 2011 earthquake.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Dinner with wine
  • HOTEL - Hotel Montreal, Christchurch
12 Christchurch – Kaikoura - Wellington

Travel up the rugged Pacific Ocean coast this morning to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore. Pass the pink tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, then travel to pretty seaside fishing village of Picton. Later cruise Queen Charlotte Sound and cross the Cook Strait to the North Island.  On arrival in Wellington embark on a city orientation tour.  Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Dinner with wine
  • HOTEL - QT Wellington, 2 nights
13 Wellington at Leisure

Today see Wellington your way! Perhaps visit Weta Workshop, home to the creative wizards behind ā€˜The Lord of the Rings’ and ā€˜The Hobbit’ trilogies or learn about New Zealand history and culture on a visit to Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand. Your Journey Director can assist in booking your optional experience.

  • MEALS - Breakfast
14 Wellington – Hawke’s Bay

Continue north today, travelling through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawkes Bay.  Tonight, enjoy dinner with wine matching at Craggy Range Winery, one of the regions world famous wineries situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak.  

  • MEALS - Local Dining Experience
  • HOTEL - Porters Boutique Hotel, Havelock North, Hawkes Bay, 2 nights
15 Napier 'Relaxed Start'

Enjoy a relaxed start before we venture out to explore the Hawkes Bay region. Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide a fascinating commentary as you are driven in style, through Art Deco Napier and surrounding areas.  You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city, hear stories of the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Dinner with wine
16 Hawke’s Bay – Rotorua

Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley where you will connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, it’s unique history and legacy. Along the guided walk you’ll experience geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. Followed by a relaxing 45-minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana see stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat as well as rare native birdlife. Immerse in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created this amazing part of the world.

  • MEALS - Breakfast
  • HOTEL - Pullman Rotorua, 2 nights
17 Rotorua

Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year-old redwood giants and the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. At the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time. Tonight, visit Te Pa Tu Maori Experience for insights into the local rituals and traditions of this fascinating culture. Tu Te Ra is a summer celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a special three-course feast with aperitif.

 

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Local Dining Experience
18 Rotorua – Auckland

Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld Waitomo. Your guide sets the scene for a cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel through the dairy farming district of Waikato, and onto Auckland. Tonight, Toast your trip together tonight at a Celebration Dinner.

  • MEALS - Breakfast, Celebration Dinner
  • HOTEL - QT Auckland
19 Farewell from Auckland

Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.

  • MEALS - Breakfast

Unique Highlights

Authentic and Engaging Experiences

  • Immerse
    3 Immerse Tamaki Village 1000 1500

    Immerse

    Embrace the traditional Maori greeting at Te Puia, and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Waimangu.

  • Indulge
    4 Indulge Craggy Range 1000 1500

    Indulge

    Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.

  • Explore
    5 Explore milford Track  lush forest and mosses 1200 800

    Explore

    Join a nature guide on the breathtaking Milford Track, and discover the luminous shimmer of the Footwhistle Cave

  • Relax
    6 Relax Milford Sound Lodge 1200 800

    Relax

    Wake up to the wonder of Fiordland at Milford Sound Lodge, and take a deep breath and unwind at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

The Long White Cloud

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Additional Information

What's Included
  • 30 meals including 18 breakfasts, 12 dinners, Welcome Drinks
  • Specialist team of two highly experienced Journey Director and Driver Guide
  • Local Specialists (Guides)
  • Mixture of boutique, unique and 5-star hotels
What to Bring
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Warm layers in cooler months, and a waterproof layer
  • Camera
  • A sense of adventure
Fitness Requirements
  • Low level of fitness required
Dining
  • 18 Full buffet breakfasts
  • 8 Dinner with wine
  • 3 Local Dining Experiences
  • 1 Celebration Dinner
Flight Information

Flights are not included in holiday price.

  • Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
  • Day 19: Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport

Enjoy Your Stay

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