Name: New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes
Brand: Go Ahead Tours
SKU: NZL
Price: 3699 USD
Rating: 4.794117647058823 (34 reviews)

This tour itinerary varies by year

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Discover the splendidly diverse country of New Zealand.

This island nation is known for its stunningly varied range of natural landscapes; you’ll understand why when you cruise through the fjords of Milford Sound or ascend the peaks of the Southern Alps. Amid these spectacular untamed settings, you’ll get a taste of the welcoming Kiwi culture on this small group Adventure Tour.

Your tour package includes

13 nights in handpicked hotels
13 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
1 wine tasting
2 tastings

Included highlights

Milford Sound
Kiwi home-hosted dinner
Abel Tasman National Park
Marlborough wine tasting
Wellington

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight2 nights

Day 1: Travel day

Cross the International Date Line in flight and “lose” a day.

Day 2: Travel day

Your flight continues to New Zealand.

Queenstown3 nights

Day 3: Arrival in Queenstown

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to New Zealand! Meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 4: Milford Sound

Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Head out to explore the breathtaking Milford Sound in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, home to some of the most memorable scenery in the world.

Travel through the Five Rivers farming region and past Lake Te’Anau
Pass through beautiful beech forests and stop at the glittering Mirror Lakes
Sip on a glass of wine as you cruise around Milford Sound, in view of Mitre Peak
See the temperate rainforest and waterfalls that line the shores of the picturesque sound
Try to spot dolphins, penguins, seals, and whales (seasonal)

Day 5: Free day in Queenstown

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Queenstown or add excursions.

Central Otago Wine Tasting & Dinner

$115 per person

Kayaking on Lake Wakatipu

$109 per person

Franz Josef Glacier1 night

Day 6: Transfer to Franz Josef Glacier

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a scenic drive through the island’s Southern Alps to Franz Josef Glacier, stopping at Lake Hawea, Lake Wānaka, Knight’s Point, and Thunder Creek Falls along the way.

Please note: On some departures, you may stay overnight in Fox Glacier.

Hokitika1 night

Day 7: Transfer to Hokitika

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free morning at Franz Josef Glacier or add an excursion.

Then, transfer down the scenic west coat of the South Island to Hokitka and sit down for an included dinner.

Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Ride

$219 per person

Abel Tasman Region2 nights

Day 8: Abel Tasman Region via Punakaiki

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Leave Hokitika behind as you set out for your eco-hotel in the Abel Tasman region, making scenic stops en route.

Join your Tour Director for a walk along a trail to the distinctive “pancake” rocks in Punakaiki
Learn how salt water and wind have weathered the limestone as you admire views of the coastline and mountains
View natural forming blowholes and caves formed by sea erosion
Stop at the Cape Foulwind Seal Colony to see the area’s famous residents
Pass through the dramatic Buller Gorge before arriving in the Abel Tasman region

Tonight, join a local Kiwi family at their house and enjoy a home-cooked meal featuring traditional food and drink.

Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park & cruise

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Head out to explore Abel Tasman National Park with your Tour Director.

Journey by boat through the South Island’s pristine coves and turquoise waters
Visit breathtaking Kaiteriteri Beach
Enjoy free time to explore the national park

Please note: For an additional cost, you can book hiking, paddle boarding, and kayaking activities through your Tour Director.

Spend free time in the Abel Tasman region or add an excursion.

Waka Tour: Traditional Māori Canoe Adventure

$99 per person

Wellington2 nights

Day 10: Wellington via Marlborough

Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting

On your way to Wellington, stop for a wine tasting in Marlborough.

Sip four of the region’s signature wines, including its renowned sauvignon blanc
Enjoy some light snacks

Then, board a ferry in Picton for a scenic cruise across the Cook Strait to the city of Wellington on the North Island.

Day 11: Sightseeing tour of Wellington

Included meal: Breakfast

Get to know Wellington, the southernmost capital city of any sovereign state, on a guided tour led by your Tour Director.

Take in views of the city from Mount Victoria
Walk along the Wellington waterfront
Explore the interactive exhibitions at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, on a self-guided tour

Please note: The sightseeing tour of Wellington may move to day 10 on some departures.

Spend a free evening in Wellington or add an excursion.

Zealandia Ecosanctuary Nighttime Wildlife Walk

$89 per person

Rotorua2 nights

Day 12: Transfer to Rotorua

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Head to Rotorua, which is located in the heart of the North Island’s Maori country. Make photo stop along the way at Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visit a Maori village this evening and sit down to a traditional hangi feast of specialties that have been cooking in the steaming ground.

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of the Rotorua Region

Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Set off on a sightseeing tour of the Rotorua region today.

Learn about Operation Nest Egg at Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s largest kiwi hatchery
Visit the village of Whakarewarewa, which is home to thermal springs and bubbling hot pools
Join a local Whakarewarewa guide to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the Maori people, who live in harmony with nature in the village
Try some traditional sweet corn, which is cooked in geothermal hot pools
Visit Rotorua's Government Gardens, a public park and site of great historical importance to the local Maori people

Please note: For an additional cost, you can book a tour of the Hobbiton movie set through your Tour Director.

Auckland2 nights

Day 14: Auckland via Waitomo

Included meal: Breakfast

En route to Auckland, stop at Waitomo Caves to try your hand at spelunking. Then, take a subterranean cruise to view the remarkable Glowworm Grotto on a guided tour.

Later, take a walk along Auckland Harbour with your Tour Director.

Please note: For an additional cost, you can book a dinner at the Sky Tower through your Tour Director.

Day 15: Free day in Auckland

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a full free day in Auckland or add an excursion.

This evening, celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner.

Waiheke Island

$115 per person

Flight Home

Day 16: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to explore Fiji.

Extension to Fiji

Fly to Fiji to continue your trip and discover what makes the island the definition of paradise. It definitely has something to do with all those palm trees and totally perfect beaches, which you’ll have plenty of time to get familiar with.

Fiji3 nights

Day 16: Arrival in Fiji

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Nadi, Fiji, and transfer to your seaside hotel.

Day 17: Free day in Fiji

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Fiji or add an excursion.

Tivua Island Sailing & Snorkeling

Additional cost per person

Day 18: Free day in Fiji

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend another free day in Fiji or add an excursion.

Then, sit down for an included dinner featuring local seafood this evening.

Fiji Village Visit: Indigenous Culture & Traditions

Additional cost per person

Flight Home

Day 19: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Spend the afternoon relaxing in a dayroom, then transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

Overall rating 4.8 out of 5

Based on 34 authentic and unedited traveler reviews

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New Zealand Untamed

01/23/20 by 1st-time traveler Amy

We loved the variety and seeing both islands. The natural beaty was outstanding...Milford Sound, Pancake Rocks, Tasman National Park, Queenstown, Wellington Museum Te Aura (?) and pastoral drives were some of our favs, along with our semi-private dinner with a Kiwi family. Our tour guide Ben Powney ...

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Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/02/20

Dear Amy, Our Tour Directors are so passionate abo...

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Nice scenery

01/25/20 by 2nd-time traveler Chad

Fantastic!

01/25/20 by 10th-time traveler Joanne

This was our 10th GoAhead tour, and it was one of the best. New Zealand has been on our bucket list for many years, and we had high expectations. The tour did not disappoint. Our guide, Ben, was entertaining, helpful, knowledgeable, and a joy to travel with. Our three bus drivers were very profe...

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Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown

This scenic hotel is located on the lakefront. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a restaurant, and room service. Nearby, you'll find Saint Omer Park, Ben Lomond...

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Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

This cozy hotel is located in the heart of Fox Glacier village. Guests enjoy a café and bar, laundry facility, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Fox...

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Beachfront Hotel Hokitika

This modern hotel is located in central Hokitika. Guests enjoy an on-site bar, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Hokitika Beach, Hokitik...

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James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

This modern hotel is located in the heart of Wellington. Guests enjoy a fitness center, spa, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find Parliament, Lambton Q...

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Distinction Rotorua Hotel

This conveniently located hotel is located minutes from the Rotorua city center. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service, and a gym. Nearby, you’ll find...

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Rydges Auckland

This contemporary hotel is located downtown. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a gym, and restaurant. Nearby, you'll find Albert Park, the New Zealand Maritime ...

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Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Heartland Hotel Queenstown has a distinctive design close to all the action in the bustling resort town. Even with the amazing views of the mountains ...

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Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

This beachfront hotel is located in the Cove. Guests enjoy WiFi, a private beach club, and spa. Nearby, you'll find Denarau Golf Club, Port Denarau Sh...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
Find out more about flights

Local weather

Nelson, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today

High 68 °FLow 55 °F

Wellington, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today

High 59 °FLow 43 °F

Picton, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today

High 64 °FLow 54 °F

Waitomo, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today

High 69 °FLow 63 °F

Hokitika, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today

High 62 °FLow 51 °F

Rotorua, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today

High 74 °FLow 62 °F

Queenstown, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today

High 64 °FLow 38 °F

Auckland, New Zealand

Weather averages

Today

High 71 °FLow 64 °F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter New Zealand (and the Republic of Fiji on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
Effective October 1, 2019, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must purchase an individual visa and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy on the New Zealand government’s Electronic Travel Authority website immigration.govt.nz/nzeta prior to departure.
U.S. and Canadian citizens are automatically issued a visa upon arrival in Fiji (on the tour extension).
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for at least 2 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including unpaved trails, with few hills and steep stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of boats.
Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Queenstown and depart from Auckland (or Nadi on the tour extension). A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
A boat ride to the Milford Sound and Abel Tasman as well as a ferry from Picton to Wellington, are included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a flight from Auckland to Nadi.)
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing. Hiking boots might come in handy if you plan to do any extensive walking or hiking.
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bug repellent is also useful, as there can be flies during certain times of year.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Take particular care of sun exposure and drink plenty of liquids. If you choose to go swimming, be careful of powerful surf. Make sure to obey signs and lifeguards’ orders, and always swim between the marked flags.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

In New Zealand, there are many good local varieties of fish and seafood, excellent lamb, and fresh fruits, including kiwi and passion fruits. For lunch, tea rooms serve savory meat pies, quiche, and desserts.
On the tour extension, Fijian cuisine is traditionally healthy and fresh, incorporating local seafood, coconut, pineapple, and tubers such as taro.

Electricity & air conditioning

New Zealand (plus Fiji on the tour extension) operates on the standard 220-240 volts and uses Type I plugs with three large, flat pins set on an angle.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
Not all hotels on this tour will have air conditioning.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

You’ll travel through New Zealand Central Standard Time, which is 17 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (ET).
Fiji is 16 hours ahead of ET.
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 5am in New Zealand (and 4am in Fiji on the tour extension).

Currency

You will use the New Zealand dollar (plus the Fiji dollar on the tour extension).
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.

New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes

Discover the splendidly diverse country of New Zealand.

Day-by-day itinerary

Reviews

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Hotels

Flights

Local weather

FAQ

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