
Classic New Zealand with Sydney
Your affordable New Zealand tour begins in Auckland with a two-night stay to start exploring this fascinating country. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the Domain -- its park surrounding a dormant volcano. You’ll travel through the lush farmland of Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Maori (indigenous Polynesian people) culture, bubbling geothermal sites, and one of the filming locations for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. You’ll learn about the region’s natural wonders, agricultural and creative traditions, and the Maori way of life. Your value-minded New Zealand guided vacation continues with big sights to see throughout the north island. You’ll travel past New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, and take in the vibrant art and dining scene in the New Zealand capital of Wellington. See the Beehive and Parliament buildings, then soak up the sweeping views of the harbor from Mount Victoria. Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across the Marlborough Sound keeping an eye out for dolphins, penguins, or whales on your way to Christchurch. Explore the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast plains of New Zealand’s south island as you venture on to Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore this “adventure capital” before your breathtaking cruise on Milford Sound. Here, be awed by waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, and tropical rainforests surrounding the marine home of seals, penguins, and dolphins. Enjoy the idyllic and fantastic scenes around each turn in your escorted vacation from Auckland to Queenstown. With its sparkling harbor, trendy beaches, and happy, go-with-the-flow locals, nothing makes a splash quite like the city of Sydney. Cap off your tour of New Zealand with an extra three days in the “Harbour City” for some Aussie-fueled culture and fun. This budget-minded tour of New Zealand & Sydney is nothing short of spectacular!
Tour Itinerary

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.
This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering firsthand 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. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a festive welcome dinner. (B,D)
Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Máori culture and geothermal wonders. Your first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour takes 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 Máori carving and weaving along with a Máori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries--sheep! This evening is at leisure. (B)
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, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring. Hang out with an optional Hangi dinner with a side of authentic cultural performances in the indigenous Polynesian tradition. Indulge in an evening of singing, storytelling, and sizzling meats and veggies prepared on underground hot stones in true Máori fashion. (B)
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Itinerary Dates & Prices
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