The Long White Cloud
- Overview
- Itinerary
- What's Included
- FAQ
- Dates
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through New Zealand with "The Long White Cloud" tour. This journey takes you from the vibrant city of Auckland to the serene landscapes of Christchurch, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Explore the historic Parnell district, visit the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set, and immerse yourself in the Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening in Rotorua. Discover the Jurassic Whirinaki Forest, enjoy a vintage car tour in Napier, and cross the Cook Strait to the tranquil Marlborough Sounds. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, and thrill in a Haast River jet boat adventure. Travel in comfort with private transfers, scenic train rides, and ferry cruises, while staying in premium accommodations. This small group tour promises personalized experiences and unforgettable memories in the heart of New Zealand's stunning landscapes.
Highlights
- Explore the historic Parnell district and Auckland Museum in Auckland.
- Visit the magical Hobbiton Movie Set, famous for "Lord of the Rings".
- Experience the Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening in Rotorua.
- Tour the Jurassic Whirinaki Forest and enjoy forest bathing.
- Take a vintage car tour in Napier and explore its Art Deco history.
- Cross the Cook Strait to the serene Marlborough Sounds.
- Enjoy a scenic drive through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound.
- Embark on a thrilling Haast River jet boat adventure.
Mode of Transport
Accommodation
Dining Summary
- 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- 17 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 1 Local Dining Experience (LD)
- 6 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 1 High Tea (HT)
- 1 Celebration Dinner (CD)
Explore
- Join a nature guide on the breathtaking Milford Track, and discover the luminous shimmer of the Footwhistle Cave.
- Voyage through New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes: breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound, Franz Josef’s dramatic glaciers, Marlborough Sounds' peaceful waters.
Fitness Requirement
- Low level of fitness required
Flight information
- Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland AirportDay 19: Flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport Privat vehicle return airport to hotel transfers are included in the price. Flights to and from your tour are not included in the tour price.
Immerse
- Embrace the traditional Maori greeting at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience, and immerse yourself in Jurassic rainforest.
- Take a stroll through a fantasy land at Hobbiton Movie Set, and learn about Maori culture at Te Pa Tu. Experience Napier's Art Deco charm and take a guided walk through the prehistoric Whirinaki Forest.
Indulge
- Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay, a region blessed with fertile soils.
- Enjoy culinary delights, from native flavours to outstanding local wine. Experience an elegant High Tea, and dine amidst Te Mata peak at Craggy Range Winery, New Zealand's 2024 top restaurant.
Relax
- Wake up to the wonder of fiordland on your Milford Mariner cruise, and take a deep breath and unwind at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
- Wake up amidst nature at these unique stays: Milford Mariner on the stunning fiord, scenic elegance at Furneaux Lodge and tranquillity at Te Waonui Forest Retreat.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat Warm layers in cooler months, and a waterproof layer A sense of adventure
Flights
Personal Items
Optional Activities
Destinations
- Australasia
- New Zealand
Tour Types
- Wildlife Tours
- Walking
- Boat/Cruise Excursion
- Gardens & Nature Tours
- Small Group
- Adventure Tours
Location: Auckland
Upon your arrival in Auckland, you'll be greeted with a private transfer to QT Auckland hotel for a Welcome Reception with drinks and canapés.<br/>
Accommodation Name: QT Auckland
Location: Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set, Tauranga
Explore Auckland starting in historic Parnell, renowned for its boutiques and galleries. Discover New Zealand's cultural heritage at Auckland Museum in the Domain's beautiful surroundings. Wander along the waterfront, enjoying views of the harbor and the lively ambiance of Wynyard Quarter and Viaduct Harbour. Experience Mission Bay and Bastion Point for their seaside charm and views over Waitemata Harbour. Visit the magical Hobbiton Movie Set for "Lord of the Rings" fans, followed by a scenic drive to Tauranga. Enjoy dinner at Trinity Wharf Tauranga, surrounded by coastal scenery.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Trinity Wharf Tauranga
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Tauranga, Rotorua
Explore Mount Maunganui, a volcanic cone, which offers panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty. Continue to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, where passionate conservationists reveal how they are saving the kiwi population, one incubated egg at a time.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Rotorua
Enjoy a day of leisure at your own pace in magnificent Rotorua. Why not relax in one of the many natural hot springs or go on a leisurely stroll around Lake Rotorua to see the serene views. The day is yours to enjoy. Tonight, visit Te Pā Tū Māori Experience. Tū Te Rā is a 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 seasonal canapés and complementary chef choice aperitif, and three-course dinner.
Accommodation Name: Pullman Rotorua
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Rotorua, Whirinaki Forest, Napier
Today, you’ll be guided on a tour of Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Together with a packed lunch and your local expert guide discover this vast, Jurassic, podocarp rainforest on a cultural walking tour where if you’re lucky you might sight an endangered bird. Relax with whakatauki, forest bathing and hot kawakawa tea to end. This evening, enjoy dinner with wine at Craggy Range Winery, New Zealand's 2024 top restaurant, in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Cape Kidnappers, Napier
Gannet Safaris Overland at Cape Kidnappers offers exclusive access to New Zealand's largest privately-owned nature reserve. Explore pristine coastline, farms, and native bush by 4x4 to reach the Gannet Colony. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supports Cape Sanctuary's conservation, aiding the return of these seabirds through extensive native tree planting. Then, travel to Napier and relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide fascinating commentary as you are driven in style. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1931 and hear stories of the people that led the rebuild of Napier in the Art Deco style.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Porters Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Wellington
Upon your arrival in Wellington take an orientation tour of Wellington. Later you may like to visit Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand, a treasure trove of over 800,000 artefacts or take in the views on a historic Wellington Cable Car ride; the choice is yours. (Both at additional cost).
Accommodation Name: Naumi Hotel Wellington
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Wellington, Picton, Queen Charlotte Sound
Set off on a scenic journey as you cross the Cook Strait aboard the Interislander ferry, bound for Picton. From there, a private sea transfer awaits to whisk you into the serene beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound. Your destination - the remote and tranquil Furneaux Lodge.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Furneaux Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Marlborough Sounds
Explore Marlborough Sounds at your leisurely pace. Hike the scenic stretch of Queen Charlotte Track or enjoy fishing at Furneaux Lodge with provided equipment. Alternatively, join a Paua Pearl Tour guided by the owners, learning about New Zealand's Blue Pearl cultivation. See paua at different growth stages, from larvae to mature shells with pearls, gaining insights into this unique marine industry (own expense).<br/>
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Marlborough Sounds, Picton, Kaikōura, Christchurch
Depart from the tranquil Marlborough Sounds and travel to Picton, where you'll begin your journey southward towards Christchurch. En route, pass through the coastal town of Kaikōura, renowned for its marine life and stunning coastal scenery.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau
Begin your day by exploring Christchurch's city sights before journeying to the brilliant blue waters of Lake Tekapo. You'll visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing your adventure to the exquisite Mt. Cook Lakeside Retreat. Here, you'll indulge in a sophisticated High Tea complemented by local sparkling wine, hosted by the owners who will share stories of their land regeneration efforts. Conclude your day at the charming Lake Ohau Lodge, nestled in the Mackenzie High Country and surrounded by breathtaking wilderness.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Lake Ohau Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Lake Ohau, Cromwell, Arrowtown, Queenstown
Travel through Lindis Pass to Cromwell. Visit Mrs. Jones Orchard for fresh produce, then explore the Highlands Museum, a paradise for car enthusiasts and novices alike. See Michael Schumacher’s Benetton Formula One car, learn about New Zealand motorsport history and see unique exhibits. Next, enjoy a special wine tasting experience and delicious lunch at Gibbston Valley's Kinross cellar door. Continue your journey to Arrowtown, rich in gold rush history, before reaching scenic Queenstown for the night.<br/>
Accommodation Name: The Rees
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Queenstown, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound
Start your day with a scenic drive along the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local farm, tasting authentic regional flavours. Journey through Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, passing glaciers, mountains, and Mirror Lake before entering the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Spend an exclusive overnight experience on the renowned Milford Mariner, waking up amidst stunning landscapes. The cruise allows ample time to admire the fiord’s waterfalls, rainforests, and wildlife like seals, penguins, and dolphins. Experience the ship's amenities including spacious decks, a dining saloon with a bar, and an observation lounge. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, and your choice of cooked breakfast included.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Milford Mariner
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Fiordland National Park, Wānaka
Leave the serene beauty of Fiordland National Park for the picturesque town of Wānaka, nestled among the Southern Alps. Spend the afternoon at Edgewater Lake Wanaka Hotel, exploring the scenic surroundings. This idyllic town blends natural splendour with leisurely pursuits. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and wine, enjoying the serene backdrop of Lake Wānaka.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Edgewater Lake Wānaka Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Wānaka, Haast, Franz Josef
Start your journey with a scenic drive from Wānaka, passing Lake Hawea and the picturesque settlement of Makarora amidst alpine scenery and lush rainforest. Reach Haast on the West Coast, with diverse landscapes to captivate your senses. Enjoy a thrilling Haast River jet boat adventure through pristine waterways surrounded by wilderness, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty. Arrive in Franz Josef and settle into the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat. In the evening, savour a sumptuous dinner with wine in the serene ambiance of this forest sanctuary.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Franz Josef
Begin your day at a leisurely pace, soaking in the spectacular surroundings of Franz Josef. Then, explore this captivating region with a local guide, who will illuminate the wonders of its majestic glaciers, lush rainforests, and uniquely varied landscapes.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Franz Josef, Hokitika, Arthur's Pass, Christchurch
Leave Franz Josef for Hokitika, joining an informative walking tour led by a local history expert. Learn about the West Coast's rich heritage, from shipwrecks to gold miners and pounamu hunters. Then, embark on the scenic TranzAlpine journey from Arthur’s Pass to Christchurch. Marvel at the Southern Alps' breathtaking peaks and valleys along one of the world’s most scenic train routes. Arrive in Christchurch for a memorable Celebration Dinner, raising a toast to your unforgettable journey.<br/>
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
Location: Christchurch
As your extraordinary journey draws to a close, enjoy a seamless transfer to Christchurch Airport. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories made during your exploration of New Zealand.<br/>
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Small group (16 guests average) 32 included meals (18 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 11 dinners) 18 Nights premium and authentic accommodation
Not Included
-
Flights
-Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
-
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.
-
Optional Activities
-Optional activities such as visiting Te Papa Museum or taking the Wellington Cable Car ride are not included.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
02-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Single | £13219.00 | |
|
02-Nov-2026
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £10220.00 | |
|
25-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £13219.00 | |
|
25-Jan-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £10220.00 | |
|
08-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £13219.00 | |
|
08-Feb-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £10220.00 | |
|
08-Mar-2027
for 0 Nights |
Single | £13219.00 | |
|
08-Mar-2027
for 0 Nights |
Twin | £10220.00 |
