New Zealand

 
New Zealand is one of the friendliest places on earth and home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  Matched with exceptional cuisine and world-class wineries, it's impossible to spend too much time here!

Let us suggest a self-drive or chauffeur-driven touring itinerary designed to match your style, budget, and interests.  Choose small hotels, cozy bed and breakfasts, or remote luxury lodges for accommodation, combined with a variety of private or small group excursions.

Arrive in Auckland on the North Island, then journey south to Rotorua, the center of Maori culture, and learn about their legends and history through music and dance.  Fish for trout near Taupo, then visit Hawke's Bay and taste some of New Zealand's finest wines, learn why there is such a large concentration of Art Deco architecture in the area, or perhaps play a round of golf on a world-class course.

On the South Island, start by visiting the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park or cruising in the Marlborough Sounds.  Travel down the east coast, stopping to go whale watching and spend the night in an ocean-view tree house in Kaikoura before continuing down to Christchurch, an English city with its River Avon.  Cross the Southern Alps by rail or car to the west coast via Arthur's Pass; hike on Fox Glacier then relax in the hot pools at the end of the day.  Continue to Queenstown, a resort town on the edge of a giant lake, surrounded by mountains.  Bungy jump, jet boat, or luge down Bob's Peak; alternatively take a calmer approach and visit the wineries of Central Otago, cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw steamship, or visit Lord of the Rings territory by 4WD.

Travel to Milford Sound by road and take a cruise before returning by scenic flight to Queenstown.  Drive to Mount Cook with its stunning aqua-colored lake and spectacular flight-seeing opportunities.  Visit the albatross and penguin colonies near Dunedin and explore the remote coast to the south.

Still not enough?!  Hop over to New Zealand's third island, Stewart Island, and if your luck is good, you may spot the elusive kiwi bird!  Hike the Hollyford Track from the mountains to the sea, visit the white sand beaches and small friendly towns of the Coromandel, be humbled by the giant kauri trees in Northland, relax on Waiheke Island, or swim with dolphins near Christchurch.  Soak in natural hot springs or visit Wellington and take a walking tour with a gourmet twist before visiting the fascinating Te Papa Museum.

Our discounted air fares, the friendly people, and excellent value for money make New Zealand a great place for a relaxing and interesting vacation.  Contact Kit with your wish list, or pick and choose from our sample itineraries below to get started planning your trip to this magical country!

Best of the South Island
Abel Tasman National Park
West Coast
Glaciers
Queenstown
Fly Fishing Heaven
Fiordland
Nelson Lakes
Wellington
Rotorua
Poronui
North and South Island
Auckland
Rotorua
Wine Country
Glaciers
Queenstown
South Island Hiking
Arthur's Pass
Abel Tasman National Park
Mount Cook
Wanaka
Fiordland
 
Spectacular South Island
Auckland
Nelson
Blenheim
Kaikoura
Christchurch
Queenstown
Sunshine and Culture
Christchurch
Wine
Marlborough Sounds
Nelson Region
Rotorua
Bay of Islands
Giant Kauri Forest


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Tel. 800-426-5492 / 800-628-4893 / 617-266-7465, Fax 617-262-9829, Email:info@esplanadetravel.com