Itinerary Details
Naturally New Zealand
Day 1 ARRIVE IN QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND Welcome To The “Adventure Capital Of The World!” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome meeting and drink.
Day 2 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO GLENORCHY Timeless Tales & Traditions Spend this morning exploring Glenorchy. Return to Queenstown where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Take a magical half-day scenic tour to Glenorchy and beyond. Located on the north shores of Lake Wakatipu, this small settlement is full of character and charm. See the amazing locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, learn about Maori History, and enjoy morning tea. There’s time to stretch your legs on the Mount Alfred Walking Track, home to some of the most incredible views of the region. Before returning to Queenstown, sit down for a scenic picnic lunch.ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Queenstown with a ride on the Skyline Gondola, soar to new heights on a scenic helicopter flight, or enjoy a fun bicycle tour through some of the region’s magnificent scenery. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
Day 3 QUEENSTOWN–MILFORD SOUND Sights On The Sound Travel through lush rainforest to the West Coast. Cruise Milford Sound Cruise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to view stunning waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and the chance to see New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland-crested penguins. Tonight, a special dinner onboard features local food and wine and perhaps some stargazing. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Spend the evening on the [LF] Milford Mariner and wake up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise is relaxing, allowing plenty of time to take in the fiord's spectacular scenery and wildlife. The ship features spacious viewing decks, a dining room, bar, observation lounge and all cabins feature private ensuites. It's the ultimate Milford Sound experience! A carry-on bag is recommended for the overnight on the Milford Mariner. Make sure to pack non-slip walking shoes/boots, waterproof jacket, warm sweater or jacket, change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, swimwear (optional), camera, and cash for the bar and snacks.
Day 4 MILFORD SOUND–QUEENSTOWN–WANAKA Strolls, Sips & Spririts Disembark your cruise and return to Queenstown to visit a local distillery. Continue to the resort town of Wanaka. With free time for the remainder of the day, why not enjoy a stroll, rent a kayak, or take a cruise on the lake. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL TASTES Visit Broken Heart Spirits Distillery in Queenstown to learn about the friendship that founded the distillery and to taste some of the award-winning spirits. Created with the purest water sourced directly from Paradise in the Mt Aspiring National Park, the spirits are made with 11 natural botanicals, and locally sourced organic fruit, each bottle is lovingly and sustainably hand produced.
Day 5 WANAKA–HAAST PASS–FRANZ JOSEF Grazing Land & Glaciers Grand This morning, visit a [LF] working deer farm. Next, journey to Haast Pass located in the Southern Alps and explore the area on the Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk. Continue to Franz Josef where you’ll spend the next two nights at the foot of the amazing Franz Josef Glacier. This evening is at leisure. (B)LOCAL FAVORITETRUE TRADITIONS Travel to the New Zealand high country and visit Criffel Station. Get a true taste of “behind-the-farm gate” on a guided tour. Learn about the Criffel Station journey from the historic days of gold mining, the station’s inception, through to today as one of New Zealand’s leading models of the farm of the future. Learn about the farm’s operations and sustainability while enjoying morning tea and fantastic views.
Day 6 FRANZ JOSEF Legendary Landscapes This morning, explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage area. Your Admire incredible views of the Franz Josef Glacier on a locally guided tour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS The Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint Walk takes you through some breathtaking landscapes. Learn about the glacier’s history, see what is left behind this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata O Hine Hukatere. After a short walk to the Glacier Viewpoint, be rewarded with spectacular views.ENHANCED FREE TIME You may opt to take a scenic flightseeing or helicopter tour, relax in one of the glacier hot pools, take a kayak tour, or spend time at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
Day 7 FRANZ JOSEF–GREYMOUTH–TRANZALPINE–CHRISTCHURCH All Aboard! This morning, take part in a private jade carving demonstration with a traditional carver. Travel to Greymouth with time to explore on your own before boarding the legendary TranzAlpine, one of the world's great train journeys. Arrive in Christchurch where your evening is at leisure. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Experience the South Island’s striking landscape by taking the Tranzalpine train. From the comfort of first-class carriages, your train climbs into the majestic Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass National Park. See the spectacular gorges and rivers of the Waimakariri River followed by the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmlands. The train features large panoramic windows, an onboard café, and in-seat audio commentary. It’s a journey of a lifetime!
Day 8 CHRISTCHURCH Art Scene & Coffee Beans Since Christchurch is a city built for walking, start your day with a [LF] guided street art and coffee tour. This afternoon is at leisure to explore more on your own. Tonight, enjoy a fun dinner experience. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITECITY SIGHTS Over several hours, go on a journey of street art, murals and graffiti. You’ll see things big and small. The history of urban art will be explained and Christchurch’s recent emergence as a street art destination. Learn about the artists and the inspiration behind each work. Along the way, sip on coffee and be inspired by the stories you hear. TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL TASTES Tonight, take part in an iconic Christchurch experience as you dine on New Zealand’s only restaurant tramcar. The Tramway Restaurant is a unique way to view the inner city while enjoying a delicious evening dinner. Experience the intimate heritage tram car and be treated to premium local cuisine and beverages along with friendly service. Incorporating fabulous dining with sightseeing, the tramcar showcases Christchurch’s vibrancy and heritage – truly a mix of the old and the new.ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Choose to stroll through the city's many gardens, enjoy a Punt on the Avon River, or visit the International Antarctic Centre.Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
Day 9 CHRISTCHURCH–KAIKOURA–BLENHEIM Coasting & Cruising Drive along the picturesque coastal route to Kaikoura where you’ll board a ship for a wildlife cruise. Continue to Blenheim, one of New Zealand’s sunniest towns and situated in the heart of wine-growing Marlborough region. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Why not explore some of Blenheim’s cafes, restaurants, shops, bars, shops, and artisan food outlets. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT SCENIC RIDE On today’s cruise, see spectacular scenery, local sea birds, seals, and whales (seasonal). Get a close encounter with Kaikoura’s Dusky Dolphins, the star of the show with their acrobatic leaps, somersaults, jumps, and tail slapping. Your boat is built with optimum viewing in mind and has upstairs decks as well as walk around bows to enable you to capture perfect images of your experience. An experience of a lifetime!
Day 10 BLENHEIM–INTERISLANDER FERRY–WELLINGTON Traditions & Tastes Visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a world-class museum showcasing WWII aircraft and home to filmmaker, Peter Jackson's, collection of WWI aircraft. Enjoy a stop at [LF] Cloudy Bay Vineyard before boarding the Interislander Ferry. Arrive in the capital city of Wellington and experience dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITEFRESH TASTES The sunny but relatively cool climate, make the Marlborough Region the ideal place for producing top quality wine with distinctive, fruity zest. The region accounts for 70% of the country’s production and 86% of its wine exports. We’ll visit Cloudy Bay Vineyard which has been growing grapes since 1985. Learn about the history of the vineyard and how it helped put New Zealand wine on the map. TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Enjoy a special treat as you sail from the South Island to the North Island. Enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound, known as one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by.
Day 11 WELLINGTON–LAKE TAUPO–ROTORUA Steaming Culture Travel south today to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Continue to Rotorua known for its bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, natural hot springs as well as its fascinating Maori culture. Your evening is at leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCRUISING & CARVINGS Enjoy a cruise on Lake Taupo, past steep cliffs and inlets before viewing 12 meter/39 foot-high Maori rock carvings. Your guide will explain the carving’s cultural significance to the lake and surrounding areas. The dramatic works are some of the largest rock art of their kind in the world.
Day 12 ROTORUA The Living Earth Start your day with the Redwoods Treewalk followed by an afternoon at leisure. Later, visit Te Puia to see bubbling mud pools and stunning geysers. You'll also have the chance to learn more about New Zealand's nocturnal flightless bird, the Kiwi, and see traditional Maori craft work. Finish your visit with a hangi dinner and Maori concert. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS The Redwoods Treewalk is truly a walk to remember. Suspended high above the forest floor, encounter 75 meter (246 feet) tall redwoods as you walk across suspended bridges and platforms designed to respect and accentuate the stunning natural environment. Open your eyes to the natural beauty of the forest. Enjoy a peaceful haven above the forest floor and be surrounded by gentle giants, native fauna, and sweeping silver ferns. It’s an extraordinary experience!ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Discover Rotorua's Lakes district on a WWII amphibious craft duck tour or enjoy fantastic views from a scenic sightseeing flight. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.
Day 13 ROTORUA–WAITOMO–AUCKLAND New Zealand Magic Depart Rotorua and cross over the Mamakue ranges to the Ruakuri Glowworm Caves. Journey down the spectacular spiral entrance, marvel at the limestone formations and crystal tapestries, and see the unique glowworms up close in this magical cave. Then, travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to Auckland. Tonight, enjoy a festive farewell dinner. (B,D) LOCAL FAVORITETHE HIGH LIFE Join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a festive [LF] farewell dinner atop Auckland’s Sky Tower. Enjoy 360-degree views of the city and harbor below as the dining room rotates once every hour providing a unique experience. The perfect ending to your New Zealand holiday!
Day 14 AUCKLAND Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
