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New Zealand & the Cook Islands
Private Travel
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General interest
18 Days & 17 Nights
Lead-in price: £3945
Combine the delights of New Zealand with the stunning natural beauty of the Cook Islands on this 18-day private tour. Begin by traversing New Zealand and taking in many of the highlights of the
country including the glow-worm caves at Waitomo, beautiful glaciers and the majestic fiords of South Island. Finish with 6 nights in one of the most scenic locations in the South Pacific.
The Cox & Kings signature experiences
- Experience the magnificent scenery on the TranzAlpine rail journey between Greymouth & Christchurch
- Guided boat ride through the glow-worm caves at Waitomo
- Snorkel in the clear turquoise waters of Aitutaki lagoon
- Discover Polynesian history & culture on a 4x4 tour of Rarotonga & Aitutaki
- Stay in 4- & 5-star accommodation
Tour variations
Superior Private Tour in brief
Day 1: AucklandArrive into Auckland, collect your hire car and drive to SkyCity Grand Hotel for 1 night. (N)
Day 2: Auckland • RotoruaExplore Auckland’s city sights before travelling south towards Rotorua, stopping en route at the glow-worm caves at Waitomo for a guided tour and boat ride through the grotto. Continue on to Rotorua and stay 2 nights at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua. (N)
Day 3: RotoruaChoose from a selection of included tours such as a visit to Te Puia, offering Maori cultural experiences and an impressive display of geysers and boiling mud pools, explore Rainbow Springs Nature Park and the Kiwi Encounter, or relax in a thermal pool. (N)
Day 4: WellingtonTravel to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, passing Lake Taupo and Tongariro National Park en route. Stay 1 night at Copthorne Hotel Wellington. We recommend visiting the National Museum Te Papa during your time in the city. (N)
Day 5: Fly to QueenstownDrive to the airport for the short flight to Queenstown* . On arrival, collect your hire car. Stay 3 nights at QT Queenstown. (N)
Days 6-7: QueenstownDuring your stay we recommend a visit to the old gold-mining town of Arrowtown and a trip to the Fiordland region for a cruise on Doubtful or Milford Sound. (N)
Days 8-9: Franz JosefDrive west along the rugged West Coast Road and over the Haast Pass, following the dramatic coastal road north to the small town of Franz Josef. The following day we recommend a helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox glaciers or a valley walk with a local glacier guide. Stay at Te Waonui Forest Retreat for 2 nights. (B)
Days 10-11: Greymouth • ChristchurchJourney north up the rugged west coast to Greymouth, where you will return your hire car and board the TranzAlpine train for a journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch. On arrival, transfer to The George Hotel for 2 nights, with the following day at leisure to explore the city. (N)
Day 12: Fly to Rarotonga (Cook Islands)Transfer to the airport and fly to Rarotonga, then transfer to the Manuia Beach Resort for 3 nights, where you will receive a warm ‘ei welcome. (N)
Days 13-14: RarotongaMorning at leisure. Afternoon tour by 4×4 vehicle into the green rugged interior of the island for an insight into its history and culture. The following day is at leisure with the opportunity to relax or explore the island further. (N)
Day 15: AitutakiFly to the island of Aitutaki. On arrival, transfer to the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa for 3 nights. (N)
Day 16: AitutakiJoin a cruise on the island’s lagoon and perhaps snorkel amid the array of fish, coral and giant clams. The cruise will stop at the uninhabited One Foot Island for lunch before returning. (L)
Day 17: AitutakiJoin a 4×4 tour of Aitutaki, visiting sacred Polynesian sites (marae) and learn about the traditions of the cannibal Polynesians who inhabited the island. (N)
Day 18: Fly to Rarotonga • Onward travelReturn by air to Rarotonga. Transfer to the Islander Hotel for the afternoon before a late-evening transfer to the airport for a flight to London, or continue your holiday in the South Pacific. (B)
Meal basisAs per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals
Important information Flights:International and internal flights are not included with this itinerary. For flight options and prices, please contact your Cox & Kings travel consultant.
Superior tourThis tour is based in 4- and 5-star accommodation.
Tailor-made travel:For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
Superior private tour accommodation
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Manuia Beach Resort
Nestled on the beach on Rarotonga, Manuia Beach Resort provides a place to relax on white sandy beaches with swaying coconut palms. The property has an infinity pool and a restaurant serving Polynesian inspired meals. There are several bars at the resort in which to enjoy a drink, whether by the pool, on the beach or in the lounge area.
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Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay
Located on Wellington's Oriental Parade, with many of the hotel rooms overlooking the spectacular inner harbour, the Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay is within walking distance of many of the city's finest restaurants and tourist attractions. The 118 rooms have modern decor and amenities. Facilities at the property include a restaurant, cocktail bar and an indoor swimming pool.
Dates & prices
NZK2022
Guideline Prices
Low season from £3945 per person
High season from £4345 per person
Vaccination Travel Policy
All clients must be fully vaccinated before travelling with us on a Cox & Kings (C&K)
group tour. This means that a customer must have received their full two doses of the
COVID‑19 vaccination at least 14 days before travelling with us. This does not apply
to our private tours or tailor-made travel. If you have any questions please call us
or visit our FAQs page on our website here
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards or flight options, or to tailor this
itinerary, please call 020 7873 5000
or
send an email enquiry
Guaranteed Departures Where a tour date has ‘yes’ listed, this tour is guaranteed to run.
For all other departure dates, once the minimum number of people booked has been reached, this tour is also guaranteed to run. Our sales consultants will be able to advise how many people are booked for your chosen date at the time of enquiry, giving you the confidence to book safe in the knowledge your tour will go ahead.
Terms & Conditions Guaranteed departures will run except in the circumstances where travel to the destination is advised against by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or entry restrictions relating to COVID-19 preclude travel.
Additional InformationPlease call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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- • 4- & 5-star accommodation
• 11 days’ car hire in an automaticcompact car
• Private transfers in an air-conditionedvehicle from arrival in Christchurch
• Included excursions as specified
• Meals as specified
Destinations on this tour
© Cox & Kings 2021