The Long White Cloud (Small Groups)
Tour details
- Nature & Wildlife Explore untamed landscapes teeming with wildlife
- Group Tour Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Fully Guided An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
- Low Intensity Travelers can expect some light physical activities
- Guided in English
- Group Size 20 - 40
- All Ages Welcome
Itinerary
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See the wonders of New Zealand on this 19-day guided tour from Christchurch to Auckland. Cruise the mirror-still waters of Milford Sound, ride the TranzAlpine across the Southern Alps, walk among glaciers and rainforest on the wild West Coast, discover Art Deco Napier and geothermal Rotorua, and end among the sun-drenched islands of the Bay of Islands. Small groups, handpicked hotels and exclusive dining experiences make every day effortless.
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Welcome to New Zealand's Garden City. Check in to your boutique hotel on the banks of the Avon River and take the rest of the day to settle in. Your Travel Director will meet you at the hotel this evening.
Locations
- Christchurch
Accommodation
Hotel Montreal · Hotel
Optional Activities
- Punting on the Avon River
Landmarks
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens
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The drive takes you down the coast through the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, stopping at the Victorian whitestone town of Oamaru before arriving in Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South'. Tonight enjoy dinner at Parcels Restaurant.
Locations
- Christchurch
- Oamaru
- Dunedin
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner Modern twists on traditional local dishes, served in Dunedin's historic railway station at Parcels Restaurant
Accommodation
Distinction Dunedin Hotel · Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Dunedin Railway Station
- Dinner at Parcels Restaurant
Landmarks
- Oamaru Victorian Precinct
- Dunedin Railway Station
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Explore the wildlife-rich Otago Peninsula, home to the only mainland breeding colony of royal albatross. Later, tour Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle, and its award-winning gardens.
Locations
- Otago Peninsula
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch Light lunch in the castle ballroom
Accommodation
Distinction Dunedin Hotel · Hotel
Included Activities
- Royal Albatross Centre guided visit
- Larnach Castle & Gardens tour
Optional Activities
- Penguin Place evening tour
Landmarks
- Larnach Castle
- Royal Albatross Centre
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Travel west through rolling Southland farmland to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. This evening visit the glowworm caves across the lake.
Locations
- Te Anau
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
Fiordland Lakeview Hotel · Hotel
Included Activities
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Landmarks
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves
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A spectacular drive past the Mirror Lakes and through the Homer Tunnel brings you to Milford Sound. Cruise the fiord beneath towering Mitre Peak and thundering waterfalls, keeping an eye out for seals and dolphins.
Locations
- Milford Sound
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch Buffet lunch on board
Accommodation
Fiordland Lakeview Hotel · Hotel
Included Activities
- Milford Sound nature cruise
Optional Activities
- Scenic flight back to Queenstown
Landmarks
- Mirror Lakes
- Mitre Peak
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Drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, set against the jagged Remarkables range.
Locations
- Queenstown
Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation
Eichardt's Private Hotel · Boutique Hotel
Included Activities
- Skyline Gondola ride
Landmarks
- Skyline Queenstown
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Wander the gold-rush lanes of Arrowtown, then continue to the Gibbston Valley for a private tasting of the region's celebrated Pinot Noir with lunch among the vines.
Locations
- Arrowtown
- Gibbston Valley
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch Winery lunch with wine pairing
Accommodation
Eichardt's Private Hotel · Boutique Hotel
Included Activities
- Private wine tasting at Gibbston Valley
Landmarks
- Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
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A free day to explore Queenstown your way: stroll the lakefront, take to the skies or choose one of the town's famous adrenaline activities.
Locations
- Queenstown
Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation
Eichardt's Private Hotel · Boutique Hotel
Optional Activities
- Shotover Jet boat ride
- TSS Earnslaw steamship cruise
- Kawarau Bungy
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Travel via lakeside Wanaka and over the Haast Pass into the lush rainforest of the West Coast, arriving at your eco-retreat near the Franz Josef Glacier.
Locations
- Wanaka
- Haast Pass
- Franz Josef
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
Te Waonui Forest Retreat · Eco Retreat
Landmarks
- That Wanaka Tree
- Blue Pools
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Walk the glacier valley to the terminal face of Franz Josef Glacier, or take an optional helicopter flight to land on the ice itself.
Locations
- Franz Josef Glacier
Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation
Te Waonui Forest Retreat · Eco Retreat
Included Activities
- Guided glacier valley walk
Optional Activities
- Heli-hike on the glacier
Landmarks
- Lake Matheson
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Drive north via Hokitika to Greymouth, where you board the TranzAlpine, one of the world's great train journeys, crossing the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass back to Christchurch.
Locations
- Hokitika
- Greymouth
- Christchurch
Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Montreal · Hotel
Included Activities
- TranzAlpine train journey
Landmarks
- Arthur's Pass
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A short flight takes you to the capital. Visit Te Papa, the national museum, and enjoy dinner overlooking the harbour.
Locations
- Wellington
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner Harbourside seafood dinner
Accommodation
QT Wellington · Hotel
Included Activities
- Te Papa Museum visit
- Wellington Cable Car
Landmarks
- Te Papa Tongarewa
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Head north through the Wairarapa to Napier, rebuilt in Art Deco style after the 1931 earthquake. Take a vintage car tour of the city's architecture.
Locations
- Napier
Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation
The Crown Hotel Napier · Hotel
Included Activities
- Art Deco vintage car tour
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Cross the volcanic plateau to Lake Taupo and the roaring Huka Falls before arriving in geothermal Rotorua.
Locations
- Taupo
- Rotorua
Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation
Regent of Rotorua · Hotel
Landmarks
- Huka Falls
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Visit Te Puia to see the Pōhutu Geyser and learn traditional carving and weaving. In the evening share a hāngī feast and cultural performance.
Locations
- Rotorua
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner Traditional hāngī feast with cultural performance
Accommodation
Regent of Rotorua · Hotel
Included Activities
- Te Puia geothermal valley
- Hāngī dinner & concert
Optional Activities
- Polynesian Spa
Landmarks
- Te Puia
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Float beneath thousands of glowworms on a boat ride through the Waitomo Caves, then continue to Auckland, the City of Sails.
Locations
- Waitomo
- Auckland
Meals
- Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Britomart · Hotel
Included Activities
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat ride
Landmarks
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
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Travel north through Northland to Paihia in the subtropical Bay of Islands. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, birthplace of the nation.
Locations
- Paihia
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodation
Paihia Beach Resort · Resort
Included Activities
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds guided tour
Landmarks
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
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Cruise out among the 144 islands to the famous Hole in the Rock, with a good chance of seeing dolphins along the way. Farewell dinner tonight.
Locations
- Bay of Islands
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner Farewell dinner
Accommodation
Paihia Beach Resort · Resort
Included Activities
- Hole in the Rock cruise
Optional Activities
- Russell historic walk
Landmarks
- Hole in the Rock
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Return to Auckland where your tour ends on arrival. Transfers to the airport can be arranged.
Locations
- Auckland
Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks
- Sky Tower
Dates & Prices
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From Wednesday 18 Nov 2026To Sunday 6 Dec 2026$14,096 Private Double Room
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From Wednesday 2 Dec 2026To Sunday 20 Dec 2026$14,096 Private Double Room
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From Wednesday 13 Jan 2027To Sunday 31 Jan 2027$14,396 Private Double Room
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From Wednesday 3 Feb 2027To Sunday 21 Feb 2027$14,396 Private Double Room
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From Wednesday 24 Feb 2027To Sunday 14 Mar 2027$14,396 Private Double Room
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From Wednesday 17 Mar 2027To Sunday 4 Apr 2027$14,196 Private Double Room
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From Wednesday 6 Oct 2027To Sunday 24 Oct 2027$14,596 Private Double Room
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From Wednesday 4 Nov 2026To Sunday 22 Nov 2026$14,096 Private Double Room
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From Wednesday 10 Nov 2027To Sunday 28 Nov 2027$14,596 Private Double Room
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Partners
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Alesia Tour
Tour PartnerFrom the field to the feed: Alesia supports operations and curates tour experiences for discerning audiences.
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Luxury Gold
Tour partnerOrganises and runs this tour on the ground, from guides and transport to accommodation.
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TourRadar
Booking partnerYour booking is handled and secured through TourRadar, the world’s largest marketplace for multi-day tours. Payments are processed on their secure checkout.
Included
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- 18 nights in handpicked hotels
- Porterage of one suitcase per person
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- 18 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 9 dinners including a hāngī feast
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- Luxury air-conditioned coach
- TranzAlpine train
- Domestic flight Christchurch–Wellington
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- Professional Travel Director
- Local specialist guides
- All entrance fees for included activities
Not Included
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- International flights
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- Travel insurance
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- Optional activities
- Drinks with meals unless stated
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- Gratuities for driver and Travel Director
- Personal expenses
All accommodations are subject to change
- Hotel Montreal Hotel · Christchurch Days 1, 11
- Distinction Dunedin Hotel Hotel · Dunedin Days 2, 3
- Fiordland Lakeview Hotel Hotel · Te Anau Days 4, 5
- Eichardt's Private Hotel Boutique Hotel · Queenstown Days 6, 7, 8
- Te Waonui Forest Retreat Eco Retreat · Franz Josef Days 9, 10
- QT Wellington Hotel · Wellington Day 12
- The Crown Hotel Napier Hotel · Napier Day 13
- Regent of Rotorua Hotel · Rotorua Days 14, 15
- Hotel Britomart Hotel · Auckland Day 16
- Paihia Beach Resort Resort · Paihia Days 17, 18
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David
The scenery was breathtaking and the hotels were excellent, especially in Queenstown. However, the pace was very rushed on several days and we spent far longer on the coach than expected. Our Travel Director was knowledgeable but the group size felt larger than advertised, which made some of the included dinners feel impersonal. Milford Sound and the TranzAlpine were highlights, but overall I expected more for the price.
Traveled in March 2025
Reply from: Luxury Gold
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, David. We're glad Milford Sound and the TranzAlpine were highlights. We've shared your comments about pacing and group dining with our operations team so we can keep improving.
Tour ID: 169106
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Deposit
Book now with just a $350 deposit. The remaining balance is due 95 days before departure.
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Currency
New Zealand Dollar
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Plug type
Type I
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.
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Visa
Most visitors need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling. Please check the requirements for your nationality well before departure.
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Payment information
Pay your deposit by credit card or bank transfer. The balance can be paid in instalments up to 95 days before departure.
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted travelers. This tour includes walks on uneven ground, boat transfers and coach travel with steps. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us before booking so we can advise whether this tour is right for you.