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Highlights of New Zealand 2026
11 Day Tour from Auckland to Queenstown
Tour Description:
Your affordable New Zealand tour begins in Auckland with a two-night stay to start exploring this fascinating country. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the Domain -- its park surrounding a dormant volcano. You’ll travel through the lush farmland of Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Māori (indigenous Polynesian people) culture, bubbling geothermal sites, and one of the filming locations for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. You’ll learn about the region’s natural wonders, agricultural and creative traditions, and the Māori way of life. Your value-minded New Zealand guided vacation continues with big sights to see throughout the north island. You’ll travel past New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, and enjoy lunch at a local farm in Marton. Take in the vibrant art and dining scene in the New Zealand capital of Wellington. See the Beehive and Parliament buildings, then soak up the sweeping views of the harbor from Mount Victoria. Embark on one of the world’s most scenic ferry rides across the Marlborough Sound keeping an eye out for dolphins, penguins, or whales on your way to Christchurch. Explore the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and vast plains of New Zealand’s south island as you venture on to Queenstown. Enjoy free time to explore this “adventure capital” before your breathtaking cruise on Milford Sound. Here, be awed by waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, and tropical rainforests surrounding the marine home of seals, penguins, and dolphins. Enjoy the idyllic and fantastic scenes around each turn in your escorted vacation from Auckland to Queenstown. This budget-minded tour of New Zealand is nothing short of spectacular!
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Dates & Pricing
| Thursday 05 Mar 26 — Tuesday 17 Mar 26 | Starting at $3,719 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 26 Mar 26 — Tuesday 07 Apr 26 | Starting at $3,629 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 16 Apr 26 — Tuesday 28 Apr 26 | Starting at $3,669 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 17 Sep 26 — Tuesday 29 Sep 26 | Starting at $3,669 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 01 Oct 26 — Tuesday 13 Oct 26 | Starting at $3,669 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 15 Oct 26 — Tuesday 27 Oct 26 | Starting at $3,669 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 29 Oct 26 — Tuesday 10 Nov 26 | Starting at $3,769 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 12 Nov 26 — Tuesday 24 Nov 26 | Starting at $3,769 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Thursday 26 Nov 26 — Tuesday 08 Dec 26 | Starting at $3,719 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingThe world is within reach with everything you need for perfectly affordable touring. Cosmos includes hand-selected accommodations, guided sightseeing, and seamless transportation between destinations—with value-minded travel lovers in mind. Explore with expert Cosmos Tour Directors and Local Guides, and private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach. Enhance your free time to explore like a local with your CosmosGO mobile app!Your Tour Includes:•Guided city sightseeing of Auckland•Guided tour and admission of Te Puia and the Agrodome•Local farm visit with lunch•Guided city sightseeing of Wellington including admission to cable car•Interislander ferry ride from Wellington to Picton•Visit to the Church of Good Shepherd•Orientation tour of Christchurch•Gondola ride and dinner atop Bob’s Peak•Excursion to Milford Sound including lunch
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in
Day 2 AUCKLAND
This morning begins with a welcome briefing to meet fellow passengers and your Tour Director. Then, enjoy a sightseeing tour, discovering firsthand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live. See the Domain, the city’s oldest park, developed around an extinct volcano. Highlights also include charming Parnell Village, bustling Queens Street, and the Viaduct Harbour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (B)
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3 AUCKLAND–ROTORUA
Leave Auckland this morning and journey through lush farmland to Rotorua, home to New Zealand’s Máori culture and geothermal wonders. Your first stop is Te Puia where a guided tour takes you to see bubbling mud, pools of boiling water, and the famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. You’ll also have a chance to witness traditional Máori carving and weaving along with a Máori cultural performance. Then, visit Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries--sheep! This evening is at leisure. (B)
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 4 ROTORUA
Today is free to explore more of Rotorua. You may wish to take an optional excursion to visit magical Hobbiton, the set used as the Shire in the movie trilogies, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Other options include a zipline and canopy tour, helicopter and floatplane flights over the volcanic valley, or a relaxing soak in a natural hot spring at the Polynesian Spa. Hang out with an optional Hangi dinner with a side of authentic cultural performances in the indigenous Polynesian tradition. Indulge in an evening of singing, storytelling, and sizzling meats and veggies prepared on underground hot stones in true Máori fashion. (B)
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 5 ROTORUA–LAKE TAUPO–MARTON-WELLINGTON
Today, continue your journey on the North Island traveling past Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Stop in the historic town of Marton to visit a local farm for lunch. During your time here, take a tour of the farm and learn about the importance of the sheep industry to the local economy. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city known for its vibrant art scene, world-class restaurant culture, and active outdoor lifestyle. (B,L)
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 6 WELLINGTON
This morning, a sightseeing tour includes the famous Beehive and Parliament building, and panoramic views of the city and harbor from the top of Mount Victoria. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 7 WELLINGTON–INTERISLANDER FERRY–PICTON–CHRISTCHURCH
Today, sail from Wellington to Picton and enjoy the spectacular Marlborough Sound on one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world. Make sure to have your camera ready as dolphins are frequent traveling companions of the ferry. On occasion, you might even spot a pod of whales or some penguins swimming by. Continue to Christchurch, the largest city on the South IsIand. (B)
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 8 CHRISTCHURCH–LAKE TEKAPO–QUEENSTOWN
Your journey continues across New Zealand’s South Island today. This is the land of towering mountains, rugged coastlines, and sweeping plains. Stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo for a visit to the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital,” for a 3-night stay. (B)
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 9 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND
Today, enjoy a full-day excursion to breathtaking Milford Sound. Cruise to see cascading waterfalls, sheer cliff walls, tropical rainforest, wildlife including seals and dolphins, and fantastic scenery. It’s sure to be a highlight of your trip! Return to Queenstown late this evening. (B,L)
NOTE:
The excursion to Milford Sound may occur on Day 10, based on weather and road conditions
BreakfastLunch
BreakfastLunchDay 10 QUEENSTOWN
A full free day to explore on your own. It’s full steam ahead with an optional ride on the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship to Walter Peak Farm for a delicious lunch or dinner. Browse your favorite boutique or art gallery or take a heady helicopter ride over the Remarkables Mountains. Tonight, join your Tour Director and travel companions on the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak, where you’ll enjoy a festive farewell dinner with breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu below. (B,D)
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast
DinnerDay 11 QUEENSTOWN
Your vacation ends this morning. You may choose to extend your time in Queenstown and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Auckland | Rotorua | Wellington | Christchurch | Queenstown |
Adina Auckland Britomart
Moderate First-Class
Moderate First-Class
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
