The Long White Cloud
The Long White Cloud
The Long White Cloud
19 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch (Nz)
Visiting: Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Invercargill, Dunedin, Wellington, Hawke's Bay, Rotorua, Auckland
Tour Overview
Traverse New Zealand’s North and South Islands, from the hot pools of Franz Josef/Waiau, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Dunedin, to the brave depths of Queenstown, the adventure capital. Explore extraordinary landscapes and ancient heritage, as you encounter New Zealand as few have seen it before. Please note: This itinerary is for departures before 31 March 2025
Highlights
- Embrace the traditional Maori greeting at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, and immerse yourself in Jurassic rainforest.
- Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke's Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.
- Join a a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, and discover the luminous shimmer of the Footwhistle Cave.
- Wake up to the wonder of fiordland on your Milford Mariner cruise, and take a deep breath and unwind at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
- Embrace the traditional Maori greeting at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, and immerse yourself in Jurassic rainforest.
- Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.
- Join a nature guide on the breathtaking Milford Track, and discover the luminous shimmer of the Footwhistle Cave.
- Wake up to the wonder of fiordland on your Milford Mariner cruise, and take a deep breath and unwind at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
- Small group (16 guests max) 13+ Unforgettable experiences 33 included meals 18 Nights premium accommodation
- Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Warm layers in cooler months, and a waterproof layer Camera A sense of adventure
- Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price. Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch AirportDay 19: Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport Return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included
- Low level of fitness required
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch, board a private transfer to your hotel. Tonight, meet your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception with local wines and canapes.
Day 2: Christchurch – Tranzalpine – Franz Josef/Waiau
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Travel through the Southern Alps aboard TranzAlpine train. From Arthur’s Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast well-known for its jade. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you’ll spend two nights in an eco-friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness.
Day 3: Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata O Hine Hukatere
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
This morning, explore Franz Josef/Waiau, where a local guide explains the history behind the imposing Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere.
Day 4: Franz Josef/Waiau - Arrowtown - Queenstown
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: The Rees Hotel
Discover the Haast River this morning as you journey its length in a fully enclosed river jet boat. Stop at Makarora, then explore the heritage gold settlement of Arrowtown, before an orientation of breathtaking Queenstown.
Day 5: Queenstown At Leisure
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: The Rees Hotel
Enjoy Queenstown your way! Perhaps view The Lord of the Rings film locations on a scenic tour of Queenstown and Glenorchy. Tonight, why not cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet barbecue dinner?
Day 6: Queenstown At Leisure
Location: Queenstown
Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Perhaps join a wine tour and taste some of Central Otago’s world-renowned Pinot Noir. Tonight, enjoy a Local Dining Experience in one of Queenstown’s most exclusive restaurants.
Day 7: Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: Milford Mariner
Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, where you'll stop for lunch at a local farm, and then through World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Tonight, you will stay aboard the iconic Milford Mariner, taking in Milford Sound along the way.
Day 8: Milford Sound - Invercargill
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation Name: The Langlands Hotel
We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago through to Gore, the country music capital of New Zealand, for a lunch stop. Journey to Invercargill, a commercial hub full of grand architecture and gardens. A city obsessed with motoring history, there are tributes to speed legends across town, from Burt Munro to Bill Richardson and his shed full of classic vehicles. Enjoy a tour of the largest private collection of its type in the world. Later this afternoon you will have some free time to explore this city, and an evening free to seek out local hot spots.
Day 9: Invercargill (Stewart And Ulva Islands)
Location: Invercargill
Accommodation Name: The Langlands Hotel
Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to the pristine Stewart Island. Later, join a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and see diverse flora and birdlife.
Day 10: Invercargill - Dunedin
Location: Invercargill
Accommodation Name: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Enjoy a relaxed start before departing for Dunedin. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit Dunedin Craft Distillers, who produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill.
Day 11: Dunedin - Oamaru - Timaru - Christchurch
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Travel up the east coast through Omarau and Timaru. On arrival in Christchurch, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city.
Day 12: Christchurch - Kaikoura - Wellington
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: QT Wellington
Travel along the Pacific coast to Kaikoura. Continue to the seaside village of Picton and later, cross the Cook Strait to Wellington.
Day 13: Wellington At Leisure
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: QT Wellington
Today see Wellington your way. Perhaps visit the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Māra a Tāne, or Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.
Day 14: Wellington - Hawke's Bay
Location: Wellington
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Travel through the dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range winery, in the shadow of spectacular Te Mata Peak.
Day 15: Napier (Relaxed Start)
Location: Hawke's Bay
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Join a local guide for a vintage car tour through Napier and surrounds areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild in the Art Deco style.
Day 16: Hawke's Bay - Rotorua
Location: Hawke's Bay
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Continue your journey, arriving in Rotorua. This afternoon you will have a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Armed with a packed lunch and with your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rain forest on a guided cultural walking tour, including Rongoa trail, rakau rangatira, history, possibly sight some native and endangered birds, whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end.
Day 17: Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Ascend the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk for an elevated bird’s eye view of the 120-year old redwood giants. At the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a summer celebration of the abundant harvest of this season, and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Māori warfare and peace in a feast of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a seasonal canapés and complementary chef choice aperitif, and a seasonal three-course dinner.
Day 18: Rotorua - Auckland
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation Name: QT Auckland
Make your way to the famous Caveworld Waitomo for an exclusive 5-star Eco Glowworm experience in Footwhistle Cave. Later, travel to Auckland. This evening, toast your tour at a Celebration Dinner.
Day 19: Farewell From Auckland
Location: Auckland
Your epic New Zealand journey comes to an end today and you are transferred by private car to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
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Personal Items
Personal items such as comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, warm layers, waterproof layer, camera, and a sense of adventure are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through New Zealand with a mix of private transfers, scenic train rides, river jet boats, and ferry cruises, ensuring a comfortable and picturesque journey from Christchurch to Auckland.
Accommodation
Enjoy 18 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at Hotel Montreal Christchurch, Te Waonui Forest Retreat, The Rees Hotel, Milford Mariner, The Langlands Hotel, Distinction Dunedin Hotel, QT Wellington, Porters Boutique Hotel, Pullman Rotorua, and QT Auckland.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of fitness level is required for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
Flights to and from the start/end of the trip are not included in the trip price.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16 guests.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes 18 nights of premium accommodation.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 33 meals.
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What should I bring with me on the tour?
You should bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, warm layers for cooler months, a waterproof layer, a camera, and a sense of adventure.
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What kind of experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes over 13 unforgettable experiences, such as a traditional Māori greeting at Te Pā Tū Māori Experience, a guided cultural Eco-tour of Whirinaki Forest, and a Milford Mariner cruise.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts in Auckland and ends in Christchurch.
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Is there any special dining experience included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke's Bay and a Local Dining Experience in one of Queenstown’s most exclusive restaurants.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, return arrival and departure airport to hotel transfers are included.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
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Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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