New Zealand Highlights Incl. Queenstown, Rotorua & Auckland

Let’s begin our journey to the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam. Fly into this bustling metropolis full of rich history, street markets, and delicious coffee before heading to New Zealand.

Please note your tour may join with another small group for certain sections of the itinerary. During these times, you’ll travel together on shared transport, enjoy activities as one group, and be guided by the same local guides.
This approach helps us maintain the quality of your experience while keeping costs competitive. We’ll always keep the group size comfortable and manageable.
If you have any questions or specific needs about this arrangement, please reach out to your representative before departure.

We have arrived in Ho Chi Min! Let’s meet our local guide in arrivals and transfer to our hotel by coach. 

We settle in, relax and unpack after our flight. 

Later we get together for dinner and enjoy our first evening in Vietnam. 

The night is yours, after dinner take a stroll and explore the bustling night life. Sit at a rooftop bar and take in the stunning night views.

Morning Saigon City Tour 

Let’s experience Saigon in a unique fashion by vintage car on a half day tour. We depart from our hotel in an old restored 1950’s style cars, cruising along tree line streets from the city centre to District three. We begin our exploration at the Pink Church, drive up to the bustling Tan Dinh Market and delve into the bustling market, bypassing fresh produce, clothing, house goods and more, and maybe try some local cakes while we are walking through.

Next, we drive past some of Saigon’s iconic places, pausing at Reunification Palace, part of the crucial role in the 1975 Fall of Saigon. After, we take a short ride to the historic Central Post office, then we pass the Notre Dame Cathedral on our way to lunch at a local restaurant (included).

Coffee Time - How well can you brew?

Later after lunch, we make our way to a local home, turned coffee studio. Here we learn about the rich history of Vietnamese coffee while savouring an aromatic cup. We participate in hands on brewing session, learning roasting techniques, drip methods and latte art. 

After we return to our hotel and enjoy the rest of our day to further explore Saigon.

Saigon has so much to offer, take time out to savour the authentic flavours on offer. From cafes, restaurants and street food.  Take time out to go to the Vietnam War Museum a must see for any history buff! Take a stroll through the parks and watch locals play Da cau foot badminton.

Do a little shopping or take in a rooftop and watch the sun go down and the city come alive with the bright lights.

Today we say farewell to bustling Saigon and make our way to Ho Chi Minh airport for our overnight flights to Christchurch New Zealand.

Kiora and welcome to Christchurch New Zealand! We have arrived. We meet our driver/guide at the airport and transfer to our hotel. We drop our bags and make our way into the city for a city orientation tour.

Later we return and enjoy the rest of our evening free as we have an early start tomorrow.

This morning, we meet our tour leader, and transfer by coach to the train station and board the Trans Alpine scenic train. We'll journey across the stunning Canterbury Plains and deep into the heart of the Southern Alps, disembarking at Arthur's Pass. From there, we'll continue by coach to the charming village of Franz Josef.

If the Trans Alpine isn't running due to rail maintenance (beyond of our control), we'll start our stunning scenic journey from Christchurch by coach. The drive is about 427 km through the magnificent Southern Alps, with a brief stop at Arthur's Pass. Keep an eye out for the cheeky native Kea birds, these colourful characters are a delight to spot and often seen sliding down the snow or pulling rubber and mirrors off cars! We'll then continue through the picturesque countryside, arriving at our hotel in Franz Josef.

Enjoy the evening at leisure in this charming little town, surrounded by native trees and mountains. Sit back relax and soak up this quaint town.

This morning, we depart the town of Franz Josef by coach, pausing briefly to view the very distant, retreating Franz Josef Glacier.  Sit back, relax as we journey through native rainforest and past scenic lakes, we continue via the Haast Pass, then descend beside the picturesque Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawera. Crossing into Central Otago, we pass through sheep and cattle country before driving through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and arriving in Queenstown, a much-loved tourist destination. Today’s journey covers approximately 404 km, sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular scenery along the way. A perfect time to listen to a podcast along the way, perhaps on Māori legends to learn more about this unique country.

Evening at Leisure in Queenstown

We’ve arrived! This evening is free to explore this charming lakeside town. Take a stroll along the waterfront, unwind in one of the cafés with a hot milo or a saucy hot chocolate with New Zealand's own Whitaker's chocolate. New Zealanders love their craft brew and wines, and of course crazy about pies, take a stroll and enjoy some of these Kiwi delicacies. September is Whitebait season, a perfect opportunity to try some Whitebait fritters for your dinner, with a slice of Pavlova for dessert, and a glass of L&P soft drink. It doesn't get more Kiwi than this!

Arrowtown, Kawarau Bridge and Wine Tasting

This morning, we depart the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Queenstown by coach. Our journey includes a visit to historic Arrowtown, a charming village shaded by leafy trees, once a bustling gold rush town. We take in views of Lake Hayes and the rugged Shotover River, before heading to the Kawarau Bridge to watch daredevils bungee jump from the original AJ Hackett site.

Next, we visit a Central Otago winery to sample some wines from New Zealand’s southernmost wine region, world-famous for its exceptional Pinot Noir and impressive white varietals.

Afternoon Bobs Peak - At Leisure in Queenstown

After lunch (not included), we ride the gondola to Bob’s Peak for breath-taking panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables mountain range. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.

Cruise Lake Wakatipu and Dinner

This evening, we enjoy a taste of rural New Zealand life. We cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the region’s earliest and still working farms. In the warm setting of the Colonel’s Homestead, we savour a BBQ dinner after all we are in New Zealand! After dinner, we enjoy a brief farm experience, including a sheep shearing demonstration. The evening ends with a return cruise under the stars, watching Queenstown’s lights twinkle in the distance.

Please note:

The cruise across Lake Wakatipu is usually on a non-heritage vessel. Currently both the non-Heritage Vessel and the TSS Earnslaw steam ship are operating for Lake Wakatipu. Due to operational reasons we will advise when you receive your documentation, which vessel will be running for your tour.

Today is free to enjoy the beautiful alpine resort of Queenstown. While it is known as an adrenaline-seeker’s playground, there is also plenty to enjoy at a gentler pace. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, wander through the Queenstown Gardens, or browse the local shops for arts and crafts, for warm possum and Marino wool gloves, or jade jewellery. You might prefer to relax in a café, indulging in delicious cakes, while soaking up the mountain views. Our local guide will be happy to share recommendations for sightseeing, shopping, and other activities.

Today, we travel north by coach through the rugged Kawarau Gorge and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to Lindis Pass. Along the way, we pass through a string of small towns before reaching the stunning Lake Tekapo, where we visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the famous bronze sheepdog statue – a perfect photo opportunity. We then continue over Burkes Pass and on to Christchurch, covering approximately 490 km.

This evening, we come together for dinner (included) at our hotel, after our day on the road. 

Today, we transfer by coach to Christchurch Airport for our flight from the South Island to Rotorua in the North Island. On the way to our hotel, we explore why Rotorua is so famous, with a visit to Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Here, we can see bubbling mud pools, steaming terraces, and impressive geysers, as well as the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Please note that some excursions, such as Te Puia, may not be exclusive to Travel Department guests. This excursion may change to the following day and will be advised before departure.

After checking in at our hotel, the rest of the day is free. You might choose to relax at one of the local spas or take a gentle stroll through the beautiful Government Gardens.

This morning, we discover more of Rotorua on a sightseeing tour by coach. While the geothermal activity gives the town its distinctive aroma, Rotorua remains a much-loved destination on the shores of Lake Rotorua. We visit the Agrodome and The National Kiwi Hatchery, where we learn about New Zealand’s treasured national bird, from conservation and incubation to seeing rare and endangered kiwi chicks up close.

Please note that some excursions, such as the Kiwi Hatchery, may not be exclusive to Travel Department guests.

Afternoon at Leisure

The afternoon is free to enjoy as you wish. Browse the local shops for souvenirs, treat yourself to a relaxing spa in the thermal waters, visit the Rotorua Redwoods, or take a leisurely walk along the lakeshore, the choice is yours.

Waitomo - Ruakuri Cave tour

Leaving Rotorua, we travel by coach towards Auckland, covering approximately 352 km. Our journey takes us across the Mamaku Ranges and through scenic farmland to the Waitomo, Ruakuri Cave region.

Here, we enjoy a guided tour of the impressive limestone Ruakuri Caves. We descend via a striking spiral walkway, a great photo spot, into an underground world of remarkable stalactites and stalagmites. We also see glow-worms up close, found only in New Zealand and Australia, and described by David Attenborough as a magical, otherworldly natural wonder. The tour is approximately 1.5 hours. After we continue and make a stop along the way for lunch (not included).

Hamilton Gardens stop – Transfer to Auckland

We then continue to Hamilton to stretch our legs and for a short visit to the award-winning Hamilton Gardens. Once a rubbish tip, this site has been transformed into a collection of beautifully themed gardens, from an Italian Renaissance design to an Indian Char Bagh and Egyptian Gardens. We spend around an hour exploring before travelling on to Auckland.

Evening at Leisure in Auckland

We arrive in the evening and enjoy our first night in the City of Sails, Auckland. Check in, relax and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Today, we enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. Highlights include harbour views from Bastion Point, a self-guided visit to the Auckland Museum, a scenic waterfront drive, and a stroll through the trendy Parnell Village. After the tour, the rest of the day is free to explore, shop for last-minute souvenirs, or visit other local attractions as we savour our final day in Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand.

Please note that some exhibitions at the museum, including the Māori and Pacific Islands Court, are currently under renovation. During this time, some exhibits may be displayed in other parts of the museum as part of a major renewal project leading up to the centenary celebration in 2029.

Today we say farewell to New Zealand and its highlights as we depart Auckland Airport for our flights to Bangkok Thailand, our next destination and final stop.

We arrive and meet our guide and transfer to our hotel in Bangkok.

Take a stroll to stretch the legs and soak up the new sights and sounds of Bangkok

Explore Bangkok’s top attractions on this unforgettable day tour. Visit the iconic Grand Palace, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Then, cruise the Chao Phraya River on a traditional long-tail boat, passing through historic canals and the charming Thonburi district.

Discover authentic Thai culture with visits to Wat Suwannaram and a traditional alms-giving ceremony with monks, complete with blessings and wrist tying ceremony for good fortune.

Afternoon at Leisure

After we have the afternoon to further explore Bangkok at leisure. Our guide will be happy to tell you of further places to visit if it is museums, shopping, or other temples to visit. Weekends in Bangkok is home of the world’s largest weekend markets, Chatuchak with over 15,000 stalls. There may also be the opportunity locally to explore China town locally on an optional excursion.

Chao Phraya Cruise & Dinner

In the evening, we get together and enjoy a scenic dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. Admire stunning views of Wat Arun and the illuminated Grand Palace while savouring a delicious meal accompanied by live music and classical Thai dance.

Perfect for travellers seeking culture, history, and scenic beauty in Bangkok. What a way to end our day of discovery in Bangkok, Thailand.

 We depart our hotel by coach for Bangkok Airport. Let's begin our journey home after our once-in-a-lifetime experience – and a few more iconic bucket list sights ticked off too.