New Zealand Winter Wonders

 

New Zealand 3 week winter itinerary

Aotearoa New Zealand is a year-round destination. This tour is designed to showcase New Zealand's culture, flora and fauna, wildlife, museums and activities offered during the winter season.

Being run outside the main tourist summer season you will enjoy New Zealand as the locals do, with less traffic on the streets and more time and tranquility. From the winterless north with Palm trees and hibiscus to the grandeur of the Southern Alps in the south you can expect to enjoy all types of weather in this journey of a lifetime.

Wildlife is also more abundant during the winter months. You’re more likely to see humpback whales at this time of year in Kaikoura and seals are a common sight.

This stunning 20-day itinerary features some of Aotearoa New Zealand's more celebrated destinations such as the Bay of Islands, Rotorua – a geothermal wonderland, our culturally vibrant city of Wellington, the eighth wonder of the world – Milford Sound, adventure-capital Queenstown, glacier country of Franz Josef and so much more!

Your days will be filled with a mixture of included and optional activities and at the end of each day you can relax in 3-4* Kiwi accommodation.

Please note that owing to the time of year, some included activities are subject to change. We will endeavor to incorporate a suitable replacement should this happen.

Be prepared to be awe-struck on this small group journey of New Zealand!

Read more about why travelling in winter is a great idea.

Winter Wonders Tour Tips:

  • Optional activities can also be purchased on the road – just let your tour guide know. We can't always guarantee availability when booking on the road, so we suggest pre-booking any activities you especially want to do.
  • The tour price includes twin/double-share accommodation but if you would prefer your own space, you have the option to upgrade to a private room for the duration of your tour (subject to availability).

Tour highlights

Meet Tāne Mahuta

Join a guided tour to Tāne Mahuta, the sacred King of New Zealand's forest.

Overnight stay in NZ’s only castle

Stay in the Larnach Castle in Dunedin, where you’ll enjoy the stunning gardens, dinner and surrounds.

Cruise Lake Mapourika

Cruise Lake Mapourika, with exclusive access to a private rainforest trail through the captivating Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.

Tour itinerary

  • What’s included?

    What's included on every winter tour:

    • Small groups, up to 14 people
    • Passionate Kiwi guides
    • Comfortable bus transport
    • 3-4* hotel accommodation
    • Tasty continental breakfasts every day
    • Experiences to teach you about our unique Māori culture

    What's also included on this tour:

    • Small groups – max 14 guests
    • 19 nights in twin-share accommodation in 3-4* hotels
    • Daily breakfast (cooked or continental)
    • Dinners x 6
    • 2x airport transfer shuttles (non-exclusive shuttle bus)
    • Russel ferry transfers
    • Visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with guided tour and cultural performance
    • Meet Tāne Mahuta – the oldest known living kauri tree in the Waipoua Forest
    • Marvel at an original architecture project at Hundertwasser Art & Wairau Māori Art Gallery
    • Discover NZ’s fascinating glowworms in Waitomo with a cave tour
    • Visit New Zealand's most colourful geothermal park Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
    • Visit Te Papa Museum in Wellington, showcasing New Zealand's rich cultural and natural heritage
    • Take the Wellington Cable Car for some of the best views in town.
    • Iconic ferry ride between the North and South Islands across the Cook Strait
    • Taste delicious wines in New Zealand’s world-renowned wine region, Marlborough
    • Check out Kaikōura’s cutest residents at a local seal colony
    • Cross the stunning Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train*
    • Gin Tasting at an artisanal distillery (also carbon-neutral)
    • Become immersed in local Māori culture at Pounamu Pathways
    • Cruise Lake Mapourika, with exclusive access to a private rainforest trail through the captivating Okarito Kiwi Sanctuary.
    • Explore the “8th Wonder of the World”, Milford Sound Cruise, where you’ll sail beneath thundering waterfalls and towering cliff faces
    • Visit Oamaru’s Steampunk Museum – where interactive art comes to life.

    *Please note that the TranzAlpine unfortunately will not be running on all departures. Where this is the case, you will instead continue to the West Coast in the vehicle with your guide. If your departure does not include the TranzAlpine Train then you will have an included cruise and dinner in Queenstown on board the TSS Earnslaw.

    GUEST REVIEWS

    Available dates

    Only $99 to secure your seat unless you book within 60 days of departure. Once your spot is booked, you can log in and customise your tour with any extra experiences or activities up to 60 days before departure.

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    FAQ - New Zealand Winter Wonders

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