12-Nights Classic New Zealand from $4,217

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Transfer: Auckland Airportto Auckland - City Centre

Hotel: Sudima Auckland City (4 Star Rating)

Sudima Auckland City is a new 4.5-star hotel in the heart of the city. It's conveniently located within easy walking distance of Auckland's bustling shopping, arts, dining and entertainment precincts and opposite the New Zealand International Convention Centre. So whether you're in town for leisure or business, Sudima Auckland City is perfect.

For sight-seers and holiday makers Sudima Auckland City's central location makes it a perfect base for exploring Auckland city and beyond. Whatever your plans, our friendly team can help.

Let Bush and Beach take you on a day tour to experience the best of Auckland sightseeing. We combine an Auckland city tour in the morning with an afternoon nature tour to the black sand beach and rainforest at Piha - a day of variety and a great introduction to Auckland and New Zealand.

Your morning Auckland city tour is designed to explore the history and sights of the city. Discover the Maori history of the city and as see what makes our city a vibrant place to live. Auckland City is built around the beautiful Waitmata harbour and it is known as the "City of Sails". This city tour includes stops at iconic landmarks such as The Auckland Domain, Mount Victoria in Devonport and Westhaven marina. There is also a stop at a cafe by a beautiful beach and lots of photo opportunities all day.

Your afternoon eco tour is spent in the Waitakere Ranges. In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquility of the rainforest. Travel to the Arataki Centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breathtaking panoramic views across the rainforest to Auckland's two harbours. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Maori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area. Continue on to the lush rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns.

Move on to experience the power of the wild and rugged west coast. Feel the black sand of Piha beach beneath your feet as you stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer. The perfect Auckland day trip. During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including biscuits and tea and coffee or juice.

This trip from Auckland to Rotorua includes the Hobbiton movie set tour. Departing from Auckland this is a wonderful way to get to Rotorua and include a magical journey through Middle-earth to the Hobbiton movie set from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films.

Travel south from Auckland over the Bombay Hills to the rich farmland of the Waikato region. Your journey takes you through undulating green hills reminding you that you are approaching the Shire. Your Bush and Beach guide will give you commentary on the way down with insights about the areas you are traveling through and insights to the backgrounds to the movies.

On arrival at Shire's Rest you embark on your Hobbiton movie set tour. This location is the largest "green set" in the world and the only part of the set remaining in New Zealand. You see 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and double arch bridge and the party tree.

At this stunning location you can take a photo at the gate to Bilbo's house, "Bag End", looking out over the whole set to the hills in the distance. Before your feast in the Party Marquee (which is included in the price) you cross the bridge by the mill to go into the Green Dragon Inn where you can enjoy a complimentary ale, cider or ginger beer. You will also get to walk through a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior. At the end of your Hobbiton movie set tour you will travel on to Rotorua (drop off at selected inner city Rotorua accommodation included).

Hotel: Millennium Hotel Rotorua (4 Star Rating)

Next to mystical Lake Rotorua and just a short stroll from the city centre, Millennium Hotel Rotorua is an eco-friendly destination offering comfort and convenience in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Perfect for leisure and business travellers, our hotel is within walking distance of Polynesian Spa, Rotorua’s vibrant dining scene, and local attractions.

Learn about Maori customs, traditions, history and protocols new and old, with a guided tour to Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural centre. These are small group tours no more than 12 people.

Spend the afternoon experiencing Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal activity and see how they are intricately entwined. First a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua’s premier cultural attraction. This includes a visit to the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house and finally the Pohutu geyser.

Next we visit the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and learn more about Maori history and customs. A short visit to Kuirau Park to view a recent geothermal eruption site.

Finish the day visiting the pristine and tranquil lakes of our amazing volcanic region, including views of Mount Tarawera with explanation of volcanic and Maori history.

Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.

Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.



Summer: Tu Te Ra - Across this lunar phase, the sun expresses optimal energy, the days are longer, and light nourishes the natural world. Tu Te Ra celebrates abundant harvest and explores concepts, rituals, and stories of ancient Maori warfare and peace.



These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.



Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style. Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.

Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Feast on song, drama, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within our forest Pa (village) –blanketed by towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest-formed amphitheatre.

Te Pa Tu shares Maori history, traditions, and cultural aspirations across 4-hours of celebration and feasting. These events change with each season of the maramataka, the Maori lunar calendar.



Winter: Tu Te Ihi includes the time in the earth’s cycle when Matariki stars are high and bright in winter skies. Te Ihi references the energy and passion stirred by the Matariki cluster and the promise they herald.



These can include roasted tuna (native eel), creamy paua (abalone) on rewena (bread) crostini, foraged greens, chunky smoked kahawai, ember warmed kumara and restorative kawakawa tea.



Torch light guides manuhiri (guests) to a lavish but relaxed four course feast. Hangi remains hero but it shares the table with lesser-known Maori delicacies, prepared fusion style.

Wagyu pincanha, Watercress chimichurri, taro gratin – even kumara ice-cream - each dish is inspired by or infused with traditional ingredients, stories, or cooking techniques.

Whether dining al fresco or in our wharekai (dining room) we celebrate the spirit of hakari (feasting) and of Aotearoa, New Zealand

Transfer: Rotorua - City Centre to Rotorua Airport

Transfer: Wellington Airportto Wellington - City Centre

Hotel: QT Wellington (3 Star Rating)

Surprise yourself at QT Wellington, a significant fusion of expressive and luxurious art, technology, and indulgence. Loosely based in the new creative capital of the South, QT Wellington is a warm invitation to explore and define one of New Zealand’s most eclectic collections of art and character. This is the ideal hub for cultural connoisseurs from around the world, framed in designer opulence and showcased at a gallery opening that never closed. We’re eager to see what you will bring.

An unforgettable journey around the city's dramatic highlights where guests will travel around the earthquake-scarred South Coast to see the site of the Wahine ferry disaster and the distant ranges of the South Island, overlooked by coastal houses perched on the steep, rocky hills On the Half day tour, enjoy views of the harbour from the top of Mount Victoria and ride the steep cable car up to an incredible, far-reaching panorama. Visit the magnificent Parliament buildings and the famous Beehive; see the gorgeous, timber-built Old St Paul's Cathedral and enjoy a tea or coffee at a local cafe.

Transfer: Wellington - City Centre to Wellington Airport

Transfer: Queenstown Airportto Queenstown - City Centre

Hotel: Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (4 Star Rating)

The Heritage Queenstown offers enchanting views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkable Mountain Range. A short distance from the town centre, this unique European style lodge is surrounded by native forest in the heart of New Zealand's alpine wonderland. Crafted from centuries old schist and cedar, The Heritage Queenstown is the perfect place to relax in comfortable yet sophisticated surroundings. The Heritage offers a choice of 178 luxury rooms, including traditional deluxe hotel accommodation and spacious 1 or 2 bedroom Suites. Each room is thoughtfully decorated, featuring individual touches which reflect unique high country origins.

This Milford Sound day tour was established in 1994 and is a top-rated small group Milford Experience. It allows guests to escape the crowds and offer a truly unique day, showcasing this world famous region.

On this full-day tour to Milford Sound enjoy guided commentary touring to and from Milford Sound with our experienced guides. These small group tours give guests the ability to get to know the driver and each other, creating a more personal and memorable experience.

Once in Milford Sound, join a stunning 1-hr 45-min small boat nature cruise on the fiord - see waterfalls, fur seals, penguins, and occasionally dolphins. Enjoy fun and informative commentary from your nature guide, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track visits away from the crowds.

Enjoy custom made, 16 seat, glass roof Mercedes touring vehicles. This is business class travel with extended legroom, leather interior and panoramic windows for the best views.

Travelling to Milford is a 12-13 hour day from Queenstown. The smaller vehicles give the opportunity to stay away from the crowds as well as more flexibility with where we stop on the journey.

This fully-guided, small group tour takes you through the picturesque landscape of Wanaka and Hawea lakes, over the stunning Haast Pass and along the beautiful West Coast beaches to Franz Josef. Led by a famously passionate Cheeky Kiwi guide, you'll get a unique glimpse into the rugged landscapes, natural gems and rich cultural heritage of the West Coast with multiple stops along the way. Travel in a modern, comfortable minibus packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (4 Star Rating)

In the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier.

Our hotel offers everything you need to be able to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. With an exceptional restaurant, serving hearty, West Coast fare, and the Moa Bar with its open fireplace, you are never without choice. Plus, with the private hot pools and our Amaia Luxury Spa close by, you can enjoy time out to rejuvenate after a day taking in the many walking tracks and other outdoor pursuits.

Discover the true beauty of the West Coast on a personalised scenic cruise of Lake Mapourika. Marvel at the rainforest-fringed bays reflecting the majestic alps and glaciers. Your guide will take you on a journey through scenic bays to discover the rich birdlife of Lake Mapourika. Learn about the unique environment that gives the region it's World Heritage Status. Enjoy exclusive access to a private rainforest trail through the Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary. Stepping off the boat, you'll find yourself transported into a Jurassic rainforest. Experience the pristine beauty of old-growth rainforest, untouched and preserved in its natural state. This haven is home to abundant birdlife, including the graceful white herons and New Zealand's native bush birds.

Discover the untamed beauty of New Zealand's West Coast on a one-of-a-kind small group tour and train journey from Franz Josef to Christchurch. This iconic journey takes you on a bucket list adventure along the ever-changing coastline, passing through hidden gems and quaint towns, offering unforgettable opportunities to stop and explore. Led by a famously passionate Cheeky Kiwi guide, this is your chance to truly discover the rugged landscapes, spectacular natural wonders and charming towns of the West Coast. Travel in a modern, comfortable minibus packed with extras ensuring your comfort and safety. At Greymouth, hop on the Tranzalpine train for a trip that offers panoramic landscapes of the majestic Southern Alps up close. On arrival at Christchurch Train Station you will be picked up by Cheeky Kiwi for your transfer to your hotel.

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (4 Star Rating)

The newly renovated Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, whilst standing proud amongst the buzz of the rejuvenation of Cathedral Square. The hotel is ideally positioned in the heart of the city only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. Distinction Christchurch offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms, including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites out-fitted with the latest technology including flat screen Smart TVs and free unlimited WiFi. Designed to suit everyone from business travellers requiring spacious, contemporary accommodation to those travellers seeking a place to relax and unwind after a day exploring Canterbury's vibrant attractions

Transfer: Christchurch - City Centre to Christchurch Airport