Highlights of New Zealand

11 Days • fr. $3,459

This unique and value-packed 11-night Highlights of New Zealand tour begins in Auckland and travels south to a host of fabulous places, such as Napier, the Whakarewarewa Valley Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. See the magnificent wildlife and sparkling waterfall on an included excursion to Milford Sound. Your itinerary also features Lake Tekapo, Lake Wakatipu and fascinating Te Puia, Rotorua.

Highlights include Auckland’s Domain, the city’s oldest park developed around an extinct volcano, bustling Queens Street, charming Parnell Village and the Viaduct Harbour. Take an unforgettable trip to the top of Sky Tower. Visit Rotorua, home to the country’s Maori culture and be shown such traditional Maori arts as carving, weaving and a cultural performance. Visit the immense Agrodome working farm where you can feed the animals. Ziplining, a canopy tour, plus a helicopter or floatplane flight over the volcanic valley are offered. See bubbling mud and the active Pohutu Geyser in Te Puia. Adventures in Queensland include a cruise on Lake Wakatipu and on beautiful Milford Sound, with waterfalls and wildlife. Explore mining towns and famous vineyards and taste their wines. Visit the Art Deco city of Napier where you can stroll along the beach, shop and visit the National Aquarium. Delightful Wellington features the famous Beehive and Parliament building, plus harbor views from the top of Mount Victoria. Sail from Wellington to the charming picturesque port town of Picton with great cafés, shops and more. Stay overnight in Christchurch and see Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Amidst Lake Tekapo and mountains, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd in a breathtaking setting. Bring the family along for this affordable vacation of a lifetime!

Tour Includes

A sightseeing tour of Auckland
A visit to Te Puia in Rotorua
A visit to the Agrodome in Rotorua
A walking tour of Napier
Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton
A visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Tekapo
A cruise on the Milford Sound in Queenstown
Private, first-class air-conditioned motorcoach while touring

Not Included

Gratuities are included for services during the land stay of your vacation, except on Cosmos Lite vacations and unless otherwise noted above. This includes wait staff at included meals, and porterage at hotels for one suitcase per person. Gratuities for your Tour Director, Local Hosts®, Local Guides, driver, and ship’s crew are not included in the vacation price (unless otherwise noted in pricing details) and are discretionary. Gratuities are not included on Cosmos Lite vacations and are discretionary.
All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, special food requests, etc.) and meals not specified on the tour itinerary are not included and must be paid by the client.
All rates exclude airfare unless expressly noted.

Meal Inclusions

This Cosmos travel package does not include meals. Most of our hotels offer anything from coffee to a full breakfast, so you can start the day the way you like best. At most lunch stops, your Tour Director will have information on local restaurants. Dinnertime is your chance to sample local cuisine. Sometimes your Tour Director will offer an optional dinner outing.

Hotel Details

President Hotel in Auckland, New Zealand (2 nights)
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua in Rotorua, New Zealand (2 nights)
Expressotel Napier in Napier, New Zealand (1 night)
Thorndon Hotel Wellington in Wellington, New Zealand (1 night)
Quest Christchurch Hotel in Christchurch, New Zealand (1 night)
Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road Hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand (3 nights)
The hotels listed are intended to be used on all departures however Cosmos reserves the right to substitute other hotels than those listed. If a change becomes necessary for any reason, the hotel substituted will be of equivalent quality to those listed. No refunds are provided for hotel changes and full cancellation penalties apply.

Day 1

ARRIVE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

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. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or start exploring.

President Hotel

Day 2

AUCKLAND

Auckland, New Zealand

This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering first hand 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. You may wish to take a trip to the top of Sky Tower, enjoy a sailing experience on Auckland Harbour, or visit nearby picturesque Waiheke Island. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining.

President Hotel

Day 3

AUCKLAND–ROTORUA

Rotorua, New Zealand

Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farm land 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.

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Day 4

ROTORUA

Rotorua, New Zealand

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. In the evening, you may want to attend an optional Maori Hangi dinner and cultural performance.

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Day 5

ROTORUA–LAKE TAUPO–NAPIER

Napier, New Zealand

Today we continue our journey on the north island traveling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Later, arrive in Napier, located in the beautiful Hawk’s Bay region. This afternoon, a walking tour explains how a natural disaster resulted in Napier becoming one of the purest Art Deco cities in the world. With the rest of the day at leisure, you may wish to take a stroll on the beach, shop for a favorite souvenir, or visit the National Aquarium to see sharks, stingrays, penguins, and more.

Expressotel Napier

Day 6

NAPIER–WELLINGTON

Wellington/New Zealand, New Zealand

Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city known for is vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle. Upon arrival, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria.

Thorndon Hotel Wellington

Day 7

INTERISLANDER FERRY

Picton, New Zealand

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 traveling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by.

Christchurch, New Zealand

Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island for an overnight stay.

Quest Christchurch Hotel

Day 8

LAKE TEKAPO

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

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 Shepard.

Queenstown, New Zealand

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.

Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

Day 9

QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown, New Zealand

Today is free to explore more of Queenstown on your own. You may want to take the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner, discover a favorite boutique or art gallery, take an exciting helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains, or enjoy a wine tour.

Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

Day 10

EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND

Milford Sound, New Zealand

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!

Queenstown, New Zealand

Return to Queenstown late this evening.

Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

Day 11

QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown, New Zealand

Your vacation ends this morning.

Departure Date

Pricing

Sat, Jan 25, 2025

$3,659

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Sat, Feb 15, 2025

$3,659

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Sat, Mar 08, 2025

$3,459

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Sat, Mar 29, 2025

$3,559

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Sat, Sep 20, 2025

$3,719

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Sat, Oct 04, 2025

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Sat, Oct 18, 2025

$3,619

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Sat, Nov 15, 2025

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Sat, Nov 29, 2025

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Sat, Jan 24, 2026

$4,019

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Sat, Feb 14, 2026

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Sat, Mar 07, 2026

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Sat, Mar 28, 2026

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Sat, Apr 18, 2026

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Sat, Sep 19, 2026

$4,089

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Sat, Oct 03, 2026

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Sat, Oct 17, 2026

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Sat, Oct 31, 2026

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Sat, Nov 14, 2026

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Sat, Nov 28, 2026

$4,089

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All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.

Important Information

ALL guests must carefully verify the existing identification requirements for their particular travel situation DIRECTLY WITH THEIR LOCAL CONSULATES OR EMBASSIES or with a visa service, as these requirements may change. Guests without proper documentation may be denied entry and will not be entitled to a refund

Cancellation Policy

45-22 days prior to commencement of services: 20% of total price*
21-8 days prior to commencement of services: 30% of total price*
7-1 days prior to commencement of services: 50% of total price*
On departure day and later: 100% of total price*
*Total price does not include any Instant Purchase Air or Instant Purchase Air service fees, which are non-refundable after 24 hours from purchase. Intra-vacation air is non-refundable after final payment.
Cancellation fees may also apply to any additional services, including extra night accommodations, independently supplied services, and optional excursions reserved prior to, during, and after the tour. If flight changes, including, but not limited to, flight cancellations or name changes, are requested after full land and air deposits are received, revision fees, change fees, or airline cancellation fees will apply.
In many instances, airline revision or change fees can be up to $300, but in some instances may be up to 100% of the ticket price. Cancellation penalties will be quoted at time of cancellation.
All cancellations must be received in writing prior to tour departure. The cancellation policy will apply according to the date that the cancellation notification is received. The MINIMUM cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
The purchase to trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.

Terms and Conditions

Land only “from price” is per person based on two people sharing a room together and does not include airfare unless expressly stated.
All prices are in US Dollars.
A $250 non-refundable, non-transferable, per-person, per-vacation deposit is required to reserve space for you, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Payment of the deposit indicates you have read and accepted theseall Terms & Conditions. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit payment is processed and you receive a confirmation invoice.
Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure, with some limited exceptions, as noted below. Within the final payment date, payment in full is required at time of booking to reserve space. Reservations (land, cruise, and air) are canceled if final payment is not received by the due date. The payment policy may vary for group reservations.
Additional deposits or payments are required for international air added to the start and/or end of your vacation and/or for intra-vacation air, as specified in the itinerary (“air-inclusive vacations”). Air-inclusive vacation pricing is guaranteed upon receipt of full land plus air deposit or land deposit plus full airfare price, depending on type of airfare purchased (Flex-Air or Instant Purchase Air).
For complete terms and conditions please visit the Globus Terms & Conditions for more information.