SOUTHERN CROSS Group Tour

overview

(AUCKLAND - MATAMATA - ROTORUA - CHRISTCHURCH - WANAKA - ARROWTOWN - QUEENSTOWN - MILFORD SOUND - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIERD - HOKITIKA - GREYMOUTH - PUNAKAIKI - LEWIS PASS - HANMER SPRINGS - KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH) (South Islands). (Minimum 2 passengers for the tour)

Unlike any other place on earth, New Zealand is perfect for nature & adventure vacations. Explore and enjoy it's fascinating culture, history, cities, mountains, scenic beaches and lakes, culinary adventures and so much more. Experience the beauty and the colorful world of the South Pacific on this 13 day tour and explore the best that New Zealand has to offer, it's fascinating culture, it's history, it's cities, it's mountains with impressive peaks and it's beautiful lakes of crystal clear waters. Undoubtedly, many options and adventures for singles, friends and couples alike!.

AUCKLAND is a city where the urban mixes with the modern and the beauty of its beaches and outdoor activities on its wonderful coasts.
MATAMATA is a special place for movie lovers, offering tours of the picturesque village where hobbit inhabits mixed with the impressive nature of the place.
In ROTORUA you can marvel at the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity in one of the geothermal parks, or enjoy a swim in natural hot springs.
In CHRISTCHURCH you can do many activities such as skiing, playing golf, bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, among others where you will be surrounded by a splendid nature.
WANAKA is a popular and impressive summer city.
ARROWTOWN illuminates with its colors, with its bright history, offers churches and museums that dazzle the visitor.
Arrowtown and Glenorchi are some of the interesting towns of QUEENSTOWN, which take you into the nature of this beautiful place.
In MLFORD SOUND you can go kayaking, diving or taking panoramic flights, enjoy the amazing landscape that the area offers.
The FRANZ JOSEF GLACIERD is a spectacular area of world heritage that accompanies a town with the same name, from which I could see the incredible view offered by this amazing glacier.
A city that impresses with its history, characteristic old buildings, stories of miners and pounamu jewels are just some of HOKITIKA's biggest tourist attractions.
GREYMOUTH has an important history in gold mining; there you can find galleries that specialize in pounamu, jade in New Zealand, as well as outdoor excursions.
The city of PUNAKAIKI is a wonder of nature; there you can do outdoor activities with the people of the town as well as see the impressive cliffs.
Connecting the east coast and the west of New Zealand is LEWIS PASS that shows the traveler picturesque and photogenic views.
The tourist town of HANMER SPRINGS is an extremely attractive holiday destination, with the beautiful landscape it offers, the visitor can do countless outdoor activities.
Whales, sea lions and dolphins and spectacular flora are the main attractions of the fascinating town of KAIKOURA.

Tour Departure Conditions:

Spanish / Italian bilingual departures: All dates indicated.

HIGHLIGHTS

Departure from AUCKLAND
Group tour
Adventure & nature tour
Offered in Spanish and Italian
5 Stars Rating

Check availability

included

Australian Travel, our service provider has been operating in the international tourism sector since 1996. The passion and love for the Australian continent has led its founders to become a very professional and specialized tour operator in several of the most fascinating destinations of the World: Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands), Asia and Middle East. Over the years, his team has acquired extensive knowledge of these destinations, visiting each of these sites to ensure customers a top quality product, taking care of every detail and guaranteeing the services offered. Australian Travel has agreements with the best airlines and experienced suppliers in the region, guaranteeing competitive prices and an excellent service. Australian Travel stands out for its passion and professionalism, improving its services every day.

Guaranteed departure on fixed dates and a minimum of 2 passengers is required.
12 nights at a hotel in Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Wanaka, Queenstown, Franz Josef Glacier, Punakaiki and Kaikoura.
Qualified guide in Spanish, Italian or Portuguese (according to the indicated departure dates) for the tour and transfers (however we reserve the right to operate some tours with a low number of participants with Italian and Spanish speaking driver / guide).
12 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
Transfers between different destinations where indicated by the program. Transportation by private coach (we reserve the right to operate some regular bus tours in the case of groups with a reduced number of participants).
Accommodations according to the program;
Activities and excursions as described in the program.
Local taxes (GST) of 15%.

not included

Intercontinental flights to and from the destination of the start and end of the program.
Tourist entry and exit visas (visa) for the countries of transit flights and for the countries that make up the program, according to the immigration regulations established by each specific country. There is no visa required for European, U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a European, American or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Passport should be valid for 6 months from the date of departure and we recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
Airport taxes per person.
Registration fee and medical insurance / luggage / mandatory cancellation with medical coverage per person; which must be contracted directly by the clients themselves with the insurance companies that they consider best.
Other possible taxes that apply according to the provisions of each country that make up the program and countries with transit flights.
Additional meals and drinks.
Gratuities or Tips.
Excursions and optional activities not provided for in the program.
Taxes (entrance fees) to the national parks that are visited in the program.
Any other service that is not expressly indicated in the program.
IN / OUT transfers.
Rotorua / Chistchurch domestic flight.
Early check-in to the rooms of the Auckland hotel on the day of arrival before 3 pm (pre-registration).
Possible late check-out. Room check-out by 10 am.

notes

Overview of your trip:

This 13-day group tour is not only something special for active travelers, but also for those who want to discover New Zealand and especially the the South Islands in a different way. Your guide will take you through the best charms of New Zealand.

A group journey between cities, national parks, waterfalls and landscapes to find and keep forever in your memory the most spectacular of New Zealand, known in the world for it's virgin nature. A tour to share in small groups with a local guide and designed for the most adventurous clients.

We recommend that customers book their international flights to the country of start and end of the program to guarantee their arrival at least one day before the tour's departure date. The Tour Operator and the Travel Agency do not assume any responsibility for possible breaches of the program and what this situation could generate due to possible delays in the arrival of customers on time for different reasons.

Tour Activity Level: This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

IMPORTAN NOTES:

Net package prices are expressed in USD, Euros, Cad o GBP per pax.
This quotation doesn’t constitute a service reservation until your final confirmation.
Prices are valid according to the specified amount of pax.
It is NOT included in our prices sleeping bag for camping, drinks with the meals, airport tax, tips and porters service.
Our prices do NOT include supplements for special dinners in Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Booking including any of the mentioned dates are subject to hotels’ availability until Cubature confirmation.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

We recommend that clients take out full travel and health insurance for the activities included in the itinerary.
We recommend wearing light clothing and footwear, short-sleeved shirts and shorts, hats, caps and creams to protect the skin from the sun and mosquito repellents and bathing clothes for swimming in streams, rivers and / or beaches. There may be some insects and mosquitoes in the parks we will visit.
It is important that the client, prior to their travel dates, check the weather forecasts in the different countries and regions visited in the program, so that they can prepare the most appropriate clothes and shoes.
We recommend you bring your own flashlights and other adventure travel accessories. It will help in dark places and on camping nights.
Beware of the burning sun. We recommend you bring your own protective lotions.
We may need a small backpack for personal belongings abroad.
In most of the countries that are visited in the program we have a widely extended medical assistance, with clinics in the most remote areas of the countries. Anyway, if you suffer from a chronic disease or allergy, etc., we recommend you bring your first aid kit or personal medications, especially when you are away from major cities.
It is suggested to wear sunglasses and photographic and video cameras to keep the beautiful memories of your vacation.
We recommend you always drink bottled and sealed mineral water during your stay in the different countries visited in the program.
If hotels mentioned in the itinerary are already fully booked, we reserve the right to book another accommodation of equivalent standard.

Baggage allowance:

Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on in some of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Entry formalities: To enter New Zealand it is not necessary to be in possession of a visa for a maximum stay of 3 months, you only need to have a valid passport. We recommend having at least 6 months of remaining validity from the time of entry.

Driving in New Zealand: Traffic in New Zealand is on the left. An international driving license (Geneva Convention or Vienna equally accepted) or an official translation of our license is mandatory. To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old and have held a driving license for at least 12 months; it is also mandatory to have a traditional credit card registered to the driver of the vehicle with the numbers in relief (non electron). Seat belt use is mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle.

Climate: The climate of New Zealand is temperate and maritime, two are the main seasons: winter and southern summer. From mid-November to mid-April the summer is hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 25 to 33 degrees, moving along the coast the rains are more abundant. From mid-May to mid-September, temperatures range between 20 and 23 degrees, from mid-April to mid-May the climate is in a transitory season where temperatures begin to fall and rainfall decreases, the coldest months are July and August.

Time Zone: Standard Time: UTC / GMT + 12 hours. New Zealand has a time difference between 10 and 13 hours ahead of Europe's main capitals.

Currency: The national currency is the New Zealand Dollar.

Medicines: Medicines imported into New Zealand for personal use are subject to controls and must be declared upon arrival. We advise you to bring the recipe or a letter from the treating doctor in English to explain your pathology and the properties of the drug.

Hotel stay: Check-in takes place from 14.00 onwards, the Check-out of this must normally take place before 11.00. Please refer to the policy of each hotel booked in the event of different regulations. The definition of triple and quadruple room refers only to existing beds, such types do not exist with 3 or 4 beds except in exceptional cases.

Electricity: The electricity is 230 volts, the plugs for the current are different from those used in Europe and North America, therefore, it is advisable to have an international adapter.

Telephony: The international prefix of New Zealand is 0064, before departure ask your telephone operator if it is enabled for international roaming and what are the costs for any calls. As far as Wi-Fi is concerned, it is increasingly widespread, especially in hotels, restaurants and common areas.

Rules and Restrictions: The legislation imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture on the import and export of food products is very strict, it is advisable to check before leaving for information on the list of products that cannot be imported into the country. Inbound and outbound every traveler who owns more than 10,000 New Zealand dollars (or the equivalent in currency) will have to fill in the Border Cash Report as part of the procedures. For the complete list, visit www.customs.govt.nz

Itinerary

DIA 1AUCKLAND.
Auckland Region (Tāmaki Makaurau) and AUCKLAND Modern car or microbus
Clients will be received by their guide and transferred to their accommodation. Rest of the day off while the rest of the passengers that make up the group arrive, ideal to discover the first charms of this impressive capital city of New Zealand.

Amenity Hotel: Upon arrival at the Grand Millennium Auckland Hotel each guest will receive a voucher for NZD $ 50 that can be used during their stay at this hotel in any of the restaurants, bar, mini-bar or room service. (This voucher cannot be exchanged for cash or any unused portion).
DIA 2AUCKLAND.
Auckland Region (Tāmaki Makaurau) and AUCKLAND Air conditioned bus
Breakfast is included in the hotel. You will start the day with a visit to the West Coast, particularly in the Muriwai Regional Park, with it's main feature of it's black sand coast. This beach is very popular for surfing and where a colony of gannets also normally lives. These magnificent birds expand their wings to more than a meter in length. We will continue our visit to the Auckland Museum with it's interesting collection of Maori and Polynesian art and relics, then we will visit the Parnell neighborhood where we will take a walk through one of Auckland's oldest neighborhoods, then to Mission Bay. Then we will head back to the city center with a visit to the Auckland Viaduct, followed by a visit to the Sky Tower, the Auckland Tower 328 meters high. From there you can admire a unique view of the city and it's two bays: Waitemata and Manukau. Transfer to your accommodation. Free night available to enjoy the many cultural and tourist attractions of the city of Auckland.
DIA 3AUCKLAND - MATAMATA - ROTORUA.
ROTORUA and MATAMATA Air conditioned bus
Breakfast is included in the hotel. Departure to a magical journey through Middle-earth to The Hobbit Region, where the fascinating trilogy of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" was filmed. We will begin the trip south of Auckland through the Bombay Hills, crossing the rich agricultural region of Waikato. We will pass through the historic city of Cambridge where his style adds an English atmosphere. We will arrive at Shire’s Rest where we will begin our tour of Hobbiton Movie Set. This place is located within one of the most spectacular places in the region, and is the only place in the world where you can experience a real movie set in the first person. They will witness 37 hobbit holes, the double arch bridge, the party tree and the visit to the Green Dragon Inn. In this magical place you can take a picture at the same door of Bilbo's house, from where you can see the whole set of the movie in the hills. After the tour in this set, we will go to the Hobbiton marquee to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.

At the end of lunch we will go to Rotorua where they will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon we will visit Te Puia (formerly called Whakarewarewa), the Maori Thermal Reserve and Cultural Center at the National Institute of Arts and Crafts in New Zealand, where a prestigious woodcarving school operates. In this reserve you will see various deposits of silica and boiling mud and a tour of the geysers that are part of it will be made. They will then be received in the traditional way and will see a demonstration of Maori dances and songs. Later, you will enjoy the typical Maori cultural dinner.

Total kilometers to be traveled in the day: 228.8 kms approximately.
DIA 4ROTORUA - WAIMANGU - CHRISTCHURCH.
ROTORUA and CHRISTCHURCH Air conditioned bus and Airplane
Breakfast is included in the hotel. We will visit the Waimangu thermal reserve in the morning, an extensive valley with abundant geothermal activity, where you can admire the forests and lakes of crystalline water that are close to the city, in particular the Blue and Green lakes. Upon completion, the transfer to the Rotorua airport will be made for the flight to Christchurch. Once in Christchurch, we will go to the Curators restaurant for lunch. After lunch we will tour the city and then we will move to your accommodation.

Total kilometers to be traveled in the day: 885.8 kms approximately by plane.
DIA 5CHRISTCHURCH - WANAKA.
CHRISTCHURCH and WANAKA Air conditioned bus
Breakfast is included in the hotel. This morning we will visit Lake Tekapo, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains with crystal clear turquoise waters. Departure from Lake Tekapo, where we can see stunning views of Mount Cook, the highest peak in the country (3750m) and turquoise glacial lakes. The opportunity will be offered to make a panoramic flight (optional) over Mount Cook and the Fox and Franz glaciers located in the Southern Alps (activity subject to weather conditions). We will continue our journey through the MacKenzie Country area to reach our hotel in Wanaka

Total kilometers to be traveled in the day: 428.2 kms approximately.
DIA 6WANAKA - ARROWTOWN - QUEENSTOWN.
QUEENSTOWN and WANAKA Air conditioned bus
Breakfast is included in the hotel. Free morning for walks around this spectacular lake and it's town full of cafes and craft shops. At noon departure from Wanaka to Queenstown, passing through the traditional mining town of Arrowtown, we will visit the “Bungy Bridge” (jump not included) where the famous “Bungee Jumping” originated. Transfer to your accommodation. Free night available to customers to discover the charms of this city on the South Island of New Zealand.

Total kilometers to be traveled in the day: 67.2 kms approximately.
DIA 7QUEENSTOWN - MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN.
MILFORD SOUND and QUEENSTOWN Air conditioned bus and Boat
Breakfast is included in the hotel. Full day excursion to Milford Sound, traveling through the Fjords National Park. A boat trip will take you to the Tasman Sea, where you can appreciate how magnificent this fjord is, the Miter peak and the Bowen waterfalls. Lunch is included during the crossing. Return to Queenstown by bus, or you can return by plane or helicopter, flying over this park of high waterfalls, jungle, coasts, rivers and valleys until you reach the city (additional cost). This reservation will be made at destination because it is highly subject to weather conditions.

Note: Please note that the Milford Sound excursion is subject to weather conditions. In case of being canceled, the excursion to Doubtful Sound will be offered, paying an additional supplement directly to the Real Journeys company. Note: We have no blockage on the Doubtful Sound excursion, so it is subject to availability on the day of the trip.

Total kilometers to be traveled in the day: 574.8 kms round trip approximately.
DIA 8QUEENSTOWN.
QUEENSTOWN Without transportation
Breakfast is included in the hotel. Free day for optional activities. They have a pass included to get on the Skyline Queenstown cable car, so you can enjoy it at any time of the day. From the top of Bob’s Peak you can see spectacular panoramic views of the region.
DIA 9QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER.
FRANZ JOSEF and FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER Air conditioned bus
Breakfast is included in the hotel. In the morning, we will travel through the Haast Pass to reach the glacier region. Along the way we will pass through the Monte Aspiring National Park. After we continue to Franz Josef, there will be a short stop at Fox Glacier. We will continue the trip by visiting Lake Matheson (a New Zealand jewel). Arrival in Franz Josef and transfer to your accommodation. Free night available to the client to know the attractions of the area.

Total kilometers to be traveled in the day: 350.2 kms approximately.
DIA 10FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER - HOKITIKA - GREYMOUTH - PUNAKAIKI.
FRANZ JOSEF, HOKITIKA, GREYMOUTH, PUNAKAIKI, and FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER Air conditioned bus
Breakfast is included in the hotel. Free morning in Franz Josef. It will be possible to make a beautiful optional excursion through the valley to the Glacier, a helicopter excursion with a walk on the ice or a scenic flight where you can enjoy wonderful views of the glaciers and the region from the air (optional activities not included, subject to weather conditions).

In the afternoon, they will travel to Punakaiki, passing through the town of Greymouth and Hokitika. Near Hokitika, enjoy a walk on a platform next to the giant tree canopy between the rainforest, the birds and the old trees Rimu and Kamahi. Marvel at the views of the forest, the snow-capped mountains and the Tasmanian Sea (activity subject to weather conditions). Upon arriving in Punakaiki, visit the Pancake Rocks, which have been eroded by the fury of the sea until they acquire their characteristic form, which gave them the name of “Pancake Rocks” (This visit can be made the next day in the morning). Transfer to your accommodation.

Total kilometers to be traveled in the day: 217.3 kms approximately.
DIA 11PUNAKAIKI - LEWIS PASS - HANMER SPRINGS - KAIKOURA.
LEWIS PASS, HANMER SPRINGS (KAIKOURA), and KAIKOURA Air conditioned bus
Breakfast is included in the hotel. We will continue our trip to Kaikoura along the west coast. Then we will go to Lewis Pass, there will be a short stop in Hanmer Springs continuing to Kaikoura along the east coast. Arrival in Kaikoura and transfer to your accommodation. Dinner included in Kaikoura. Free night available to customers to enjoy the attractions of the area.

Total kilometers to be traveled in the day: 382.2 kms approximately.
DIA 12KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH.
CHRISTCHURCH and KAIKOURA Air conditioned bus and Boat
Breakfast is included in the hotel. In the early morning, we will take the boat trip to see the whales (Please note that the departure of the cruise is subject to weather conditions). Departure to Christchurch and transfer to your accommodation. Rest of the afternoon free.

Total kilometers to be traveled in the day: 181.2 kms approximately.
DIA 13CHRISTCHURCH.
CHRISTCHURCH Modern car or microbus
Breakfast is included in the hotel. Transfer to the airport and end of our services.

End of the program.