On a Budget [NZ19]

9 Days / 7 Nights

Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown


Arrive in Auckland, and enjoy its blend of landscape, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Not only is Auckland close to the beaches but it is also close to over twelve different Islands. There are 48 volcanic cones and more than 50 islands in the Auckland region. It is the largest city in New Zealand claiming one third of the entire population of the country.

Next is Christchurch is just like the rest of New Zealand a city of contrasts. It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness. Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible.

Lastly is Queenstown, the adventure Capital of the World. A reputation earned through the actions of a number of locally residing thrill seekers who have developed several unbelievable, adrenalin stirring, sanity-reducing adventures in a wildly exciting environment. Queenstown has, over the years, quietly expanded into all sorts of attractions, including new wineries, art galleries, arts trails and challenging golf courses.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Auckland (2 Nights), Christchurch (2 Nights), Queenstown (3 Nights)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Auckland, Auckland to Los Angeles
• New Zealand Domestic Flights - Auckland to Christchurch, Christchurch to Queenstown, Queenstown to Auckland
• Day Tours - Auckland: Harbour Cruise; Queenstown: Gondola Ride, Milford Sound
• Shuttles - Auckland Airport to Accommodation (return), Christchurch Airport to Accommodation (return), Queenstown Airport to Accommodation (return)
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - International Flight - Los Angeles to Auckland

After departing from Los Angeles, you will be provided with an evening meal, you can relax, have a drink, watch a movie and rest. You will be given Breakfast before landing in Auckland, New Zealand. (you lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don't worry you'll catch it up again on your return flight to the USA)

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to New Zealand can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.

Day 2 - Shuttle Transfer Airport to Auckland Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Day 2 to 4 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Auckland

Travel to your accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, is located on the city's spectacular Waitemata Harbour and features stunning water views, conference facilities, and a rooftop restaurant. Auckland's centre of entertainment, dining, and nightlife, the Viaduct Harbour precinct, is just a short walk away. Experience the rich New Zealand culture as you travel to Rotorua and its geothermal springs. Or maybe travel to New Zealand's Waitakere and Hunua Ranges, to the west and south of the city centre respectively, to take you deep into cool, peaceful rainforests.

Day 2 - Day Tour - Auckland Harbour Cruise

Visit a true thing of beauty and cruise the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbour!

Head out to see the Devonport Naval Base, travel past the township and North Head, then cruise towards the iconic Rangitoto Island as you pass the historic Bean Rock lighthouse. You'll pass under the Harbour Bridge twice and then off to Westhaven Marina to catch a glance at the viaduct harbour bustling with super yachts! This cruise also gives you a chance to "hop-on, hop-off" and discover nearby islands at your leisure.

Runs 364 days a year, morning, lunch and afternoon.

Optional Day Tour (not included) - Bay of Islands

Marvel at spectacular coastal scenery including the Hole in the Rock, Cathedral Cave and the inner islands while aboard a luxury catamaran. Also see the historic Waitangi Treaty House and a 'waka' (Maori war canoe).

Travel north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and enjoy spectacular rural & coastal scenery enroute to the Bay of Islands via Hibiscus Coast and Whangarei. Bay of Islands is one of the most picturesque and popular vacation sites in New Zealand and was the site of the earliest contact between the indigenous population and European settlers. Take a trip into the past and visit such historical places as the Waitangi Treaty House, see a traditional Maori Meeting House and a huge 'waka' (war canoe), Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Flagstaff Hill and the oldest building in the country (Kemp House) along with the oldest Church. In the early afternoon at Cape Brett, board a luxury catamaran for your cruising adventure through game fishing waters as you cruise past the Cape Brett lighthouse to the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. The excitement grows as you make a passage through the Hole and then continue on to the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. On your return journey relax and enjoy subtropical paradise views with your favourite drink as you meander through the inner islands back to Cape Brett which are world renowned deep sea fishing grounds where porpoise (dolphins) and schools of fish are frequently seen. With the Bay of Islands' combination of great fishing, diving, sailing and other water sports with some of New Zealand's most significant historic sites you will be sure to have fun!

Includes: Pickups from accommodations, admission to Waitangi Treaty House, a Cape Brett cruise and boxed lunch.

Day 4 - Shuttle Transfer Auckland Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Day 4 - New Zealand Domestic Flight - Auckland to Christchurch

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Auckland to Christchurch (South Island).

Day 4 - Shuttle Transfer Airport to Christchurch Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Days 4 to 6 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Christchurch

Travel to your accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation in Christchurch, located on New Zealand's South Island, offers a stylish boutique hotel, just metres from Cathedral Square, major business houses, convention facilities and prime attractions. The city, also known as the "Garden City" offers many opportunities to either rest from your travel or explore the city. Consider traveling to Arthur's Pass National Park, which has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding its way through New Zealand's magnificent Waimakariri Gorge.

Optional Day Tour (not included) - Alpine Safari

Make the most of the spectacular rural and alpine regions of Canterbury. This Day Tour includes the world famous Tranz Alpine train journey, ranked as one of the top 6 in the world.

Today commences with a coach ride across the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge. Spray jackets, hats and lifejackets are issued to each passenger before boarding the a jet-boat for a ride up one of New Zealand's major snow-fed rivers. Weave in and out of rock faces, white water rapids and high walled rock canyons. From the headwaters of the Waimakariri Gorge you will then enjoy some four wheel driving action for a backcountry tour enroute to Te Kowhi Country Café (lunch). After lunch continue to Arthur's Pass. The return journey is on the famous TranzAlpine train which is rated one of the top six train journeys in the world. Travel through numerous tunnels, viaducts, river canyons and the rainforest of the Arthur's Pass National Park. Definitely a journey to remember.

Day 6 - Shuttle Transfer Christchurch Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Day 6 - New Zealand Domestic Flight - Christchurch to Queenstown

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Christchurch to Queenstown (South Island).

Day 6 - Shuttle Transfer Airport to Queenstown Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Days 6 to 9 - 3 Nights Accommodation in Queenstown

Spend 3 nights in beautiful Queenstown surrounded by rugged mountains, majestic lakes, crystal clear air, and just so much to do.

From the sweeping entrance with its enormous stone fireplace, to the contemporary artworks on every floor, Your accommodation epitomises style and glamour in a wonderfully understated way. Nestled on a hillside overlooking Lake and Mountains, the alpine lodge-style design truly embraces its alpine setting and is superbly located in central Queenstown only minute’s walk from the resort’s renowned dining and shopping precinct.

Upgrade Available (extra cost):
Lake View Room

Day 6 - Day Tour - Gondola Ride

One of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex high above town.

Located an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic gondola, Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge is a must-see attraction during your visit to Queenstown, New Zealand. The best views in the region are found here spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkable mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It's truly magnificent and awe-inspiring!

Of course there's more to do than just admire the view! Enjoy a dinner or relax in the bar in the Skyline Restaurant. Casual dining is also available during the day in the Cafe. Thrillseekers can hurtle down the winding downhill Skyline Luge - it`s the fastest fun on wheels! or maybe take in the challenge of AJ Hackett`s Ledge Bungy or Swing, or take off on a tandem parapente flight. Various walking tracks can also be accessed from Skyline, from an easy 30 minute walk to a full day hike.

Skyline was also a finalist in the `Best Visitor Attraction` in the New Zealand Tourism Awards in 1999 and 2001.

Day 7 - Day Tour - Milford Sound

This is one of New Zealand's "must see" locations. Milford Sound is the most famous area in the Fiord land National Park. Cruise along the spectacular Milford Sound with steep mountains rising directly from the ocean floor.

Enjoy a spectacular day in the Fiordland World Heritage Park including a cruise of the famous Milford Sound. On boarding a luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, visitors enjoy a trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. The road to Milford Sound passes through rural towns and skirts around the shores of picturesque lakes backdropped with magnificent mountains. The road then crosses the 'Divide' to enter Cleddau Valley via the Homer Tunnel. Enjoy some of the most stunning scenery to be found anywhere in the world including towering snow-capped peaks, magnificent rainforests and spectacular waterfalls. On arrival at Milford, board the luxury vessel for a two and a half hour cruise and view the spectacular waterfalls including the Stirling and Bowen Falls and famous Mitre Peak. Delicious lunch options and complimentary tea & coffee are available during the cruise. An optional scenic flight may be taken for the return journey to Queenstown (arranged through your coach driver on the day of travel).

Optional Day Tour (not included) - Shotover Jet

Welcome to Shotover Jet Country, Queenstown New Zealand.Get ready for the World's most exciting Jet Boat ride!Acknowledged as the World’s most famous Jet Boat operation, many imitate Shotover Jet but for sheer excitement, no one comes close.

It's a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins!

No visit to Queenstown is complete without ‘Catching the Canyons’ with award winning Shotover Jet, ‘the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride’ and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.
Shotover Jet operates every day of the year (weather and river conditions permitting) except Christmas day.

Day 9 - Shuttle Transfer Queenstown Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Day 9 - New Zealand Domestic Flight - Queenstown to Auckland

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Auckland (North Island).

Day 9 - International Flight - Auckland to Los Angeles

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.