New Zealand north and south island tours
Description of New Zealand north and south island tours
This New Zealand 21 day small group tour is a colourful and comprehensive journey through the country's landscapes, history and Maori culture. From the Bay of Islands to the Abel Tasman National Park, the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua to pristine Milford Sound and the West Coast rainforests, this holiday is the ultimate New Zealand tour.
We take to the water on several occasions, to admire New Zealand's landscapes from a new perspective. Explore Hokianga Harbour, enjoy a private catamaran cruise on Lake Rotoiti, admire Abel Tasman National Park, and discover beautiful Milford Sound on a nature and wildlife cruise.
As well as impressive landscapes and shores, discover some of New Zealand's wildlife, too. Take a relaxed, privately chartered cruise, calling into islands and snorkelling off the beach. Meet the Kea, New Zealand's cheeky mountain parrot and enjoy a more unusual highlight, seeing thousands of twinkling glow worms at Kawiti Caves.
You will have time to enjoy New Zealand's beautiful cities and historic towns, too. There's a private, guided tour of a Kiwifruit orchard in Te Puke, time to enjoy Wellington and Auckland, the chance to explore Russell, the first capital of New Zealand, and amazing views over Queenstown. Throughout, learn about the Maori people who live in and love this country.
You won't be rushing from place to place, though, as the tour includes five two-night stopovers and a three-night stopover, too. Travel is in comfy, air conditioned coaches with a maximum of 18 travellers, and a local Kiwi guide will bring each destination to life. All breakfasts are included and some special lunches, too, including one at a private farm homestead and one at a Marlborough winery.
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Reviews
5 Reviews of New Zealand north and south island tours
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2019 by Abby Abebe
Travelling between Queenstown and Milford Sound by land, sea, and air was incredible... Great itinerary, beautiful country, knowledgeable and professional tour leader, and like-minded travellers. Read full reviewReviewed on 31 Jan 2018 by Barbara Garringer
We travelled to the South Island of New Zealand with our tour operator during the Christmas to New Year's holiday time period 2017. Landscapes, climate, clean air, outstanding scenery, relaxed lifestyle, the smiling faces of everyone in our little group, kindness, simplicity and authenticity were all highlights of our trip. Read full reviewReviewed on 27 Jan 2018 by Luis A. Rojas
Every part of the trip was memorable. But if we have to pick, then it would be: Mount Cook view from the hotel - it was simply possibly the most extraordinary view you could have from a confortable hotel room of a alpine peak in the world. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Jan 2017 by Maria Ermelinda Camilo
Top tip: Maybe go later in the season, March. Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Dec 2016 by Eugenia Fangsrud
Very enjoyable...Be prepared for nonstop travel. As our guide, Paul, reminded us, "You are not on holiday, you are on tour." Read full reviewResponsible Travel
Planet
We are committed to operating environmentally sustainable tours. By nature small group touring using one vehicle to transport multiple clients is more environmentally friendly than usual modes of travel including rental car or campervan. We have monitoring systems in place to ensure our vehicles are serviced and driven in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines making the running of the fleet as efficient as possible.On this tour we visit the heritage listed buildings and grounds of the Waitangi Treaty House contributing to their preservation. A local guide from the small community of Omapere will also help us explore the Hokianga harbour and sand dunes; and other local guides - one from the Department of Conservation - will help us explore the ancient geothermal wonderland at Wai-O-Tapu and Okarito Lagoon. They know the area and so are the best to advise on environmental issues and how to travel responsibly through the area.
We are a Qualmark Approved Visitor Service which means we have been independently reviewed and deemed to operate in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way. Wherever possible we select suppliers that are also Qualmark approved and therefore deemed to operate in an ethical, professional and environmentally sustainable way.
We pay an annual licence and have official accreditation to operate on Department of Conservation land which demonstrates our commitment to the environment and sustainability. Payment of the license fee funds the protection of New Zealand’s national parks.
People
We are a sponsor of the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre. From Morepork chicks to one-legged kiwi birds and talking tuis, the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre works tirelessly to provide help, treatment and rehabilitation for ill and injured native New Zealand birds. This award-winning centre cares for over 1,200 birds per year and is part of the Department of Conservation's kiwi recovery program. We are proud to be a contributor to the conservation of New Zealand's native bird population, helping to ensure that our rare wildlife will be around for generations to come. Many of our favourite tours such as the Kea, Kaka and Kakapo are named after our native birds.Maori culture and customs are an integral part of the tour experience. All of the below experiences are inclusions on our tours. As these activities are owned and operated by indigenous Maori Iwi (Tribes) there are economic benefits for these communities.
Footprints Waipoua - we learn how Kauri trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest.
Kawiti Glowworm Caves - Traditional Maori owners act as living links to the past and make history come alive with their rich local knowledge.
We also where possible visit local craftsmen, markets and restaurants further helping to support the local community.
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