TRAVEL ADVICE

This New Zealand vacation is a unique view of some of the more remote parts of the country. Your stays on the North Island include nights in Auckland, a diverse city surrounded by dormant volcanoes; Rotorua, known for its Māori culture and hot springs; Wellington, the capital, offering culture, art, nature, and craft beer. On the South Island, you’ll find that Nelson is a hub of creative energy and sunshine; Punakaiki and Franz Josef Glacier are natural wonders from ocean to mountain peaks; and Queenstown is the home of ultimate adventures and pure relaxation.

Your tour begins on the North Island with experiences that include an afternoon wilderness and cultural immersion at the Arataki Centre; a guided electric bike tour of Waiheke Island, a daytime tour of the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave in Waitomo; a full-day helicopter tour, soaring over clear northern lakes, hot springs, and calderas. A night tour of Zealandia, a sanctuary valley of rare and endangered species is on the list, as well as a behind-the-scenes Māori tour of Te Papa Taonga. The classic Interislander Ferry takes you to the South Island.

The South Island portion of your travels features an Abel Tasman experience, complete with a short cruise and a self-guided walk; a heli-hike tour of Franz Josef Glacier, including admission to the Franz Josef Hot Pools. Finally, we’ve arranged a full-day Milford Sound tour, featuring a glass-roof coach, a small boat cruise of Milford Sound, a visit to the underwater observatory, and a scenic flight over rugged wilderness.

GET A QUOTE

Included Unique Activities

  • Absorb the Untouched Nature and Local Maori History at Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
  • Scenic 40 Minute Cruise to Waiheke Island Through the Beautiful Hauraki Gulf.
  • Cruise the Back Roads of Waiheke Island on Electric Bicycle, Led by an Authentic Maori Guide
  • Glide by Boat through the Enchanted Glowworm Caves of Waitomo
  • Experience a Helicopter Sightseeing Tour over Volcanos and Pristine Lakes
  • Te Papa National Museum Taonga Behind the Scenes Maori Tour
  • Cruise and Unguided Walk at Abel Tasman National Park
  • Exhilarating Helicopter Ride, Jaw-dropping Scenery and a Three Hour Franz Josef Glacier Hike
  • Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Underwater Observatory, Picnic Lunch, and Scenic Return Flight
Private Meet & Greet Airport Transfer - Auckland

Private Meet & Greet Airport Transfer - Auckland

Afternoon Wilderness Experience

Afternoon Wilderness Experience

Waiheke Islands Back Roads E-Bike Tour with Maori Guide

Waiheke Islands Back Roads E-Bike Tour with Maori Guide

Waitomo Glowworm Cave Guided Tour

Waitomo Glowworm Cave Guided Tour

Rotorua Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako by Helicopter

Rotorua Lakes, Mount Tarawera, Orakei Korako by Helicopter

Zealandia by Night Tour

Zealandia by Night Tour

Te Papa Taonga Behind the Scenes Maori Tour

Te Papa Taonga Behind the Scenes Maori Tour

Abel Tasman National Park Swing Bridge, Bush & Beach

Abel Tasman National Park Swing Bridge, Bush & Beach

Accommodation

2 Nights

Stylish Designer Hotel

2 Nights

Stunning Attractions Hotel

2 Nights

5-Star City Heart Hotel

2 Nights

Bayview 4-Star Hotel

1 Night

Ocean View Retreat

2 Nights

4-Star Nature Retreat

3 Nights

5-Star Boutique Hotel

Transportation

  • Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer
  • Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 9 Days
  • All Transportation between Activities Included

Dining Options Included

  • Delectable Breakfast Each Morning

Points of Interest

  • Queens Wharf
  • Arataki Visitor Centre And The Waitakere Rainforest
  • Waiheke Island
  • Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
  • White Island - New Zealand's Most Active Volcano
  • Mount Tarawera
  • Rotorua
  • Wellington to Picton - One of The Most Beautiful Ferry Rides in the World
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Lake Wakatipu 
  • Milford Sound
  • Queenstown
  • Bob’s Peak

Waitomo Caves, North Island

White Island, North Island

Auckland, North Island

Sky Tower, North Island

Bob's Peak and Skyline Gondola, South Island

The Kawarau River, South Island

Lake Wakatipu, South Island

Milford Sound, South Island

2023

Available Tour Dates

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

From $7,898 per person

2024

Available Tour Dates

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

From $7,898 per person

Your Price Includes

ACCOMMODATION

  • 14 Nights in Authentic Superior Hotels

TRANSPORTATION

  • Meet & Greet Private Airport Transfer
  • Rental Car with Automatic Transmission for 9 Days
  • All Transportation between Activities Included

DINING OPTIONS INCLUDED

  • Delectable Breakfast Each Morning

INCLUDED UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

  • Absorb the Untouched Nature and Local Maori History at Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
  • Scenic 40 Minute Cruise to Waiheke Island Through the Beautiful Hauraki Gulf.
  • Cruise the Back Roads of Waiheke Island on Electric Bicycle, Led by an Authentic Maori Guide
  • Glide by Boat through the Enchanted Glowworm Caves of Waitomo
  • Combination of Two Helicopter Tours - Landing on Both Mount Tarawera and White Island
  • Te Papa National Museum Taonga Behind the Scenes Maori Tour
  • Cruise and Unguided Walk at Abel Tasman National Park
  • Exhilarating Helicopter Ride, Jaw-dropping Scenery and a Three Hour Franz Josef Glacier Hike
  • Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Underwater Observatory, Picnic Lunch, and Scenic Return Flight

POINTS OF INTEREST

  • Queens Wharf
  • Arataki Visitor Centre And The Waitakere Rainforest
  • Waiheke Island
  • Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
  • White Island - New Zealand's Most Active Volcano
  • Mount Tarawera
  • Rotorua
  • Wellington to Picton - One of The Most Beautiful Ferry Rides in the World
  • Abel Tasman National Park
  • Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
  • Franz Josef Glacier
  • Lake Wakatipu 
  • Milford Sound
  • Queenstown
  • Bob’s Peak
Prices Based On
  • All Taxes & Fees Included
  • Prices are Per Person based on 2 people traveling together and sharing a room.
  • Traveling Alone? No Problem. Just Ask Us for a Single Supplement Price.

"Couples Vacation"

DeLane

Alabama

Lauren was wonderful to work with and helped us plan a perfect vacation in Ireland. Everything from our flights, rental car, and every BNB was outstanding! We've used Authentic Vacations for 3 trips to Ireland …...here's to planning the 4th in the near future! Thanks Lauren!

"Wonderful Ireland"

Chris

Florida

Amber, Ireland is wonderful, and we’re having a ball. We got in to Kinsale late this afternoon and are taking a breather now to overcome some jet lag. When the town wakes up tomorrow, we’ll see it and shop a bit before going on to Killarney and Muckross.  By the way, The Irish House Party was perfect. Fun, not loud and crass but classy and friendly, entertainment. We recommend it highly. Thank you for all you did to help us put this trip together.

"Amore Italy"

Jill

PA

I am a travel advisor that uses Authentic Vacations and my client just got back from Italy and can't say enough about the Italy tour we booked for her.  It was a Rome add on for cruise clients - it was a 3 night behind the scenes of agent Rome, and they LOVED it!!  Thank you, Ellie. The hotels, tours everything was great.  My clients want to go back to Italy again and I will use Ellie and Authentic Vacations in a heartbeat!!

"Ireland Holiday"

Tina and Pat

Michiagn

Jorie, well, we have returned from a most amazing holiday in Ireland.  The car rental worked out wonderfully.   Pick up and Drop off were a breeze.  Driving to Clifden, we added Downpatrick Head as a site to see. It's BEAUTIFUL.  Drove the Doo Lough Pass....Breathtaking! The trip was absolutely amazing. We absolutely LOVED our vacation and will definitely recommend Authentic Vacations to friends and family.

"Amazing Scotland"

Malissa & Rachel

Florida

Hi Lauren, I just wanted to take the time to tell you that Rachel and I had an AMAZING TIME!! Scotland was worth the wait, and I hope to be back soon. Every place we stayed at was very courteous and so kind., even with the last-minute changes we made. I will get in touch soon to book another vacation. Please keep me posted if there's any deals around. Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

"Perfect Italy Honeymoon"

Claire & Kendall

Arkansas

Our trip was phenomenal!!! We loved every second of it. Joleen, thank you so much for organizing it for us. We are SO grateful for your help and everything that the company did to make our trip memorable and carefree! It was the perfect honeymoon experience, and we will definitely look into using you all again in the future.

"Family Vacation Ireland & Scotland"

Lisa

KY

We recently returned from a dream trip in Scotland and Ireland. We worked with Lonna and she is incredible. Lonna answered all my questions with care and kindness and worked on our trip to make sure I got to see everything I had dreamed about. I can’t say enough great things about her, she really does care about her clients. Thanks Lonna

"Italy Bucket List"

Dale

Wisconsin

We recently completed our trip to Italy after walking the Camiño de Santiago. The trip included Tuscany, Sicily, and Rome with a cruise to the Holy Land between Sicily and Rome. We worked with Naomi on the original planning and Joleen on the execution. Both were exceptional to work with and both are true professionals. Every facet of the trip, from transportation to billeting to excursions, was flawlessly planned and executed. We worked with Authentic Vacations for three trips this summer, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy we could not be more pleased with the service they provided us. Thank you!

1. Click the “GET QUOTE” Button Above.

Complete our inquiry form by selecting your departure date, and all other relevant fields. Be sure to let us know if you're traveling for a special occasion! We can adjust most of our vacation packages to suit your needs, based on the details you provide.

2. Online Account & Quote Created

Your request will be forwarded to our team of Destination Experts, and a price quote will be prepared, based on your submitted preferences and criteria. A free Authentic Vacations online account will also be created, allowing you to view and request changes to your quote at any time. Log into your account via “LOGIN” at the top of any of our webpages.

3. Fine-Tune Your Tour Quote

Work with your assigned Destination Expert to tweak your quote in any way you wish. Our customers continually tell us that our flexibility in this regard is exceptional – your Destination Expert’s sole brief is to create the perfect tour for you!

4. Reserve & Pay Online

Once your quote is 100% to your liking, you can pay for your package with your credit card via your Authentic Vacations online account. We also accept payment by personal check and wire transfer. We only require a 20% deposit to secure your vacation, and our Risk-Free Cancellation Policy provides you with complete peace of mind.

5. Print Your Travel Documents & Go!

Once your vacation has been paid in full, you will be able to print your travel documents directly from your online account. You’re ready to embark on your ideal, authentic vacation!!

Questions?

If you would prefer to discuss your perfect vacation on the phone, we would be delighted to hear from you! Our Destination Experts are standing-by and looking forward to speaking with you at any time during our business hours listed below. We also operate a very responsive and efficient Live Chat service on our website…instant gratification awaits!

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With offices in Scottsdale, San Francisco, London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Edinburgh, we can offer you unrivaled support while you are abroad. We truly believe all our clients deserve an extraordinary, authentic experience!