Our New Zealand team have carefully selected their idea of ‘gold’ in the South Island, but always with a traditional Wendy Wu Asian flair! Journey from the spectacular Otago Peninsula to Fiordland National Park for a breath-taking overnight cruise. Explore charming Arrowtown with its gold rush history, and tranquil Lake Wanaka. Head up to Mt Cook for a Big Sky Experience and a visit to the glacier terminus, before ending our tour with Hector's dolphins and eclectic art in Akaroa.
Our Hidden Gold of the South tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Take a trip to another era
Spot penguins in the beautiful surroundings
Test your courage at this adventure wonderland
Our Hidden Gold of The North Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
This wilderness cruise is perfect for travelers who want to dive into a remote corner of New Zealand and encounter its scenery, wildlife, and nature in utter seclusion away from the tourist circuit. It's a one-night experience that you will never forget.
Discover New Zealand's only Castle, built 1871 by William Larnach, merchant baron and politician, for his beloved first wife Eliza. Enjoy a meal in the grand dining rooms of the Castle.
Experience the Glacier Explorers tour to Mt Cook terminal lake. This lovely half hour alpine walk through the National Park will be a highlight for any South Island trip plus you will also take a short boat ride amongst icebergs of all shapes and sizes, to view the glacier ice face.
This adventure is ideal for traveller's with less time to spend and who want to see the very best bits of the South Island Island. We have designed the tour to make the most of the time available to showcase the key highlights and cities.
Fly to Dunedin, on arrival transfer to your hotel where you will have a welcome briefing and dinner at the iconic Larnach Castle.
This morning take a scenic drive along the Otago Peninsula to ‘Penguin Place’ to view the endangered yellow-eyed penguins, both in the rehabilitation facility and in the reserve itself. Drive to St Clair Beach for lunch at The Esplanade on the waterfront. After lunch return to Dunedin’s centre for some free time to explore the iconic train station, numerous museums or perhaps some shopping. Later this afternoon enjoy a guided garden tour of the Chinese Public Gardens followed by dinner in their lovely themed surrounds.
Rise early to drive to Manapouri, stopping briefly in Gore along the way. After grabbing our pre-ordered picnic lunches, begin our adventure in Fiordland National Park by crossing the waters of Lake Manapouri. A coach will take us up and over the Wilmot Pass to Deep Cove where we'll board our overnight vessel, The Navigator. In the afternoon, there are plenty of water activities, as well as wildlife sightings, to keep us busy. In the evening, a 3-course buffet dinner will be a served onboard.
After breakfast, enjoy the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord before returning to Deep Cove, and arriving back at Manapouri late morning. We drive to the delightful village of Arrowtown for lunch at the Five Rivers Café & Art Gallery, before checking in at our accommodation at the luxury Millbrook Resort. This evening we’ll enjoy an Asian-fusion dinner in Arrowtown.
This morning take an exciting 4WD safari tour through Skippers Canyon, visiting the famous suspension bridge, the original Skippers Township and a chance to try your luck panning for gold! Lunch will be at Provisions of Arrowtown, a pretty café set in an historic miner’s cottage, and then there’s some free time to relax or explore Arrowtown’s quaint shops and scenic walking trails. This evening drive to Queenstown for a stroll along the stunning waterfront, and enjoy an Asian-fusion style dinner at Blue Kanu, before returning to Arrowtown for the night.
Take a fascinating guided tour of Lakes District Museum & Chinese Settlement in Arrowtown, before driving to Bannockburn for lunch and wine tasting at stunning Mt Difficulty Vineyard. After a further wine tasting visit to Felton Road Winery, continue driving to Lake Wanaka in time for dinner at Little India.
This morning visit Warbirds & Wheels Museum with lunch at their retro 50s Diner. After lunch drive to Mount Cook with a brief stop en route in Omarama. Check in to the famous Hermitage Hotel and enjoy dinner in their Panorama Room restaurant, with stunning views of the mountains. After dinner join the Big Sky Stargazing Experience to view the wonders above.
Join the Glacier Explorers tour to Mt Cook terminal lake - a lovely half hour alpine walk through the National Park plus a short boat ride amongst icebergs of all shapes and sizes, to view the glacier ice face. Enjoy lunch at the Old Mountaineer’s Café which enjoys stunning views of Mt Cook. After lunch visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Museum and Digital Dome Planetarium. Dinner will be in the Panorama Room at the Hermitage.
Drive to Lake Tekapo for a stop at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd and a visit to Tekapo Springs Hot Pools for a relaxing soak (towels will be provided). Lunch will be at the stunning Rakinui Restaurant at Peppers Bluewater Resort, overlooking Lake Tekapo. This afternoon enjoy the scenic drive to Christchurch, our final destination, for a short post-earthquake city tour. Dinner will be around the teppan-yaki table at Yamagen Japanese Restaurant.
Drive to pretty Akaroa, stopping at Little River Café & Gallery on the way. At Akaroa, join a harbour tour (choose from 3hr Swimming with Dolphins or 2hr Dolphin & Nature Cruise). Enjoy lunch and a tour at The Giant’s House, with its quirky mosaic gardens, before returning to Christchurch via a delicious stop at the Barry Bay Cheese Factory. Dinner this evening will be at Asian-fusion restaurant, King of Snake.
After breakfast, transfer to Christchurch Airport for your flight to Australia
Places Visited: Dunedin (2N), Fiordland Boat (1N), Arrowtown (2N), Lake Wanaka (1N), Mt Cook (2N), Christchurch (2N)
All of our tour departures (Excluding Antarctica and Australia tours) include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
With our Book with Confidence guarantee you have peace of mind with low deposits, free changes and extended final payment. Plus, find a tour with the same inclusions cheaper and we will match it AND give you a reward. See full terms and conditions.
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
