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New Zealand: Untamed Landscapes

with Fiji extension

Duration: 16 or 19 days
Group size: 15-35
Reviews: 24

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.

Your tour package includes

13 nights in handpicked hotels
13 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
1 wine tasting
10 guided sightseeing tours

Included highlights

Milford Sound
Abel Tasman National Park
Kiwi home-hosted dinner
Marlborough wine tasting
The charming capital city of Wellington

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Day-by-day itinerary

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: Dinner

Welcome to Queenstown! Transfer to your hotel. Then, meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 4: Milford Sound

Included meal: Breakfast

Head out to explore the breathtaking Milford Sound in New Zealand’s Fiordland, 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

• Cruise around Milford Sound, in view of Mitre Peak

Day 5: Free day in Queenstown

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Queenstown or add an excursion.

Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Walter Peak: Lake Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Fox Glacier1 night

Day 6: Transfer to Fox Glacier

Included meal: Breakfast

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

Hokitika1 night

Day 7: Transfer to Hokitika

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a free morning at Fox Glacier or add an excursion.

Then, transfer to Hokitika and sit down for an included dinner.

Fox Glacier Helicopter Ride

Excursion (additional cost)

Nelson2 nights

Day 8: Nelson via Punakaiki

Included meal: Breakfast

Leave Hokitika behind as you set out for Nelson, making scenic stops en route.

• Stop at the Cape Foulwind Seal Colony to see the area’s famous residents

• Visit the distinctive “pancake” rocks and tidal blowholes of Punakaiki

• Pass through the dramatic Buller Gorge before arriving in Nelson

Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park & cruise

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Head out to explore Abel Tasman National Park and Kaiteriteri Beach, where you’ll embark on a scenic cruise.

• Journey by boat through the South Island’s pristine coves and turquoise waters

• Visit breathtaking Kaiteriteri Beach

Tonight, dine with a Kiwi family at a traditional home-hosted dinner.

Wellington2 nights

Day 10: Wellington via Marlborough

Included meal: Breakfast

On your way to Wellington, stop for a wine tasting in Marlborough, a region renowned for its sauvignon blanc.

Then, board a ferry 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.

• Explore the interactive exhibitions at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum

• Take in views of the city from soaring Mount Victoria

• Wander along the Wellington waterfront

Rotorua2 nights

Day 12: Transfer to Rotorua

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Head to Rotorua, in the heart of the North Island’s Maori country.

• Stop at Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site

• Learn about Operation Nest Egg at Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s largest kiwi hatchery

• Visit a Maori village, where you'll sit down to a traditional hangi feast of specialties that have been cooking in the steaming ground

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Rotorua

Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide for a sightseeing tour in the Rotorua region.

• 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

• Visit Rotorua's Government Gardens, a public park and site of great historical importance to the local Maori people

Then, enjoy a free evening in the Rotorua region or add an excursion.

Skyline Gondola Ride & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

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, stop by Auckland Harbour and walk to the Harbour Bridge with your Tour Director leading the way.

Day 15: Free day in Auckland

Included meals: Breakfast, 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

Excursion (additional cost)

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

Conjure up your fantasy of paradise on earth: you’re probably imagining Fiji. Gorgeous palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, colorful coral reefs, lush tropical rainforests, and majestic mountains—that’s what makes this island nation in the South Pacific one of the most enticing places on Earth. Paradise aside, perhaps the true allure of Fiji lies with the warmth of the people and the fascinating blend of cultures that has endured for centuries.

Fiji3 nights

Day 16: Arrival in Fiji

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Nadi, Fiji, where you’ll be escorted to your seaside hotel.

Day 17: Free day in Fiji

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Fiji to spend at your leisure or add an excursion.

Tivua Island Sailing & Snorkeling

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 18: Free day in Fiji

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy another free day in Fiji or add an excursion.

Then, gather with your group for a delicious seafood dinner.

Fiji Village Visit: Indigenous Culture & Traditions

Excursion (additional cost)

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

4.8 average

New Zealand - Untamed Landscapes was outstanding

05/03/2019 by 2nd time traveler Carmen B.

The tour was fantastic. I have never had a tour guide as outstanding as Ben. The first part of the trip was a bit chilly on the bus (got sick) but Archie (bus driver) upped the thermostat on the bus which helped. This trip was truly an adventure. Would recommend to anyone!

07/06/2018 by 2nd time traveler Anonymous

The tour was well organized. Our local guide was very good. The bus made many stops to break up the long journey.

03/19/2018 by 3rd time traveler Anonymous

lots of time riding in a bus,,,but it's necessary to see all the country in 13 days. I think the air could have been better planned, I could have flown from Houston direct, instead I was sent to Houston, then LA, then NZ, then Queenstown...the LA connection could have been avoided and it was over ...

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Loved it!

03/02/2018 by 3rd time traveler Amy B.

Our New Zealand tour this past January was delightful and chock full of memorable experiences. There were only 12 people on our big bus, plus our tour director, Simon, and 3 different bus drivers. Simon was personable and knowledgeable and he put together an amazing tour - Spectacular scenery, pic...

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Sept. 2017 - New Zealand / Fiji Excursion

12/26/2017 by 5th time traveler Shelly S.

A group of 11 of us spent 12 days traveling through New Zealand, led by an AWESOME Tour Director named Brad!! Because our group was so small, it didn't take us the "usual" amount of time at certain stops; so, we ended up with "extra" time. Rather than that extra time going to waste - with us stand...

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Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

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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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

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.
There is no visa required for U.S. and Canadian citizens to enter New Zealand.
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 about 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 Tourswill 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 Queenstown (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. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.