16-Nights Signature Guided - New Zealand Close Up

Franz Josef Glacier

The South Island's most renowned explorer and geologist, Julius von Haast, named Franz Josef Glacier after the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Franz Josef Glacier is a remnant of a much older, larger glacier which flowed from the alpine snowfields right to the sea. The glacier is over 7.5 miles long extending into the rainforest just 3 miles from the Franz Josef township, making it easy to visit. Walk to viewpoints and the terminal face or, for a close-up view of the spectacular ice formations, take a guided glacier walk, helihike or scenic flight.

Hamilton, New Zealand

Hamilton has many excellent attractions, providing visitors with a wide range of beautiful, natural areas to enjoy including the some of New Zealands most visited attractions, the Hamilton City Gardens and the Hamilton Zoo. Hamilton has plenty of quality activities to do in and around Hamilton. Whether you are looking for adventure, excitement, fun and entertainment, or just a relaxing holiday taking in the pleasures of this picturesque city, you can do it all and more in Hamilton, New Zealand.

Queenstown

Queenstown hosts an outstanding collection of adrenaline inducing activities and spectacular scenery. From jumping from tall bridges or quiet fishing, this is New Zealand's number one adventure destination. Lake and river join towering mountain ranges to make Queenstown as popular in the winter as it is in the summer. At the heart of the action are cafes, the entire spectrum of accommodation, boutique shopping, restaurants and the visitor services expected in a small town with a big reputation.

Kaikoura

Few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in Kaikoura .... stunning coastal alpine scenery, year-round whale watching, dolphin and seal swimming, pelagic bird watching, fishing, diving, and a host of eco-tourism oriented activities!

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park has grown to a size of nearly 197,688 acres. The area is of religious and cultural importance to the Maoris who believed the region’s mountains had god-like ancestors, and the core of the park centers around three active volcanoes, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and the largest, Ruapehu, which erupted in a spectacular fashion in 1995 and 1996. Some areas resemble a lunar landscape, which has been created by flowing lava, and it is home to many creatures native to New Zealand. Visitors to the area can ski on an active volcano, as well as hike through alpine herb fields, passing by waterfalls and emerald-coloured lakes, before reaching spectacular lookout points. The Tongariro Crossing, completed by about 70,000 hikers every summer, is considered to be one of the best one-day walks in the country, offering magnificent volcanic scenery and fine views of Lake Taupo and Mount Taranaki.

Marlborough Sounds

The Marlborough Sounds are an awe inspiring blend between the land, sea, nature and light. This series of sea-drowned valleys borders the north eastern edge of New Zealand's South Island and the northern edge of the province of Marlborough.

Wellington

Located at southwestern North Island, New Zealand’s capital city derives its character and charm from the wooded hills that curve like a green amphitheater around Wellington’s harbor. Commercial and government buildings rim the waterfront; nostalgic Victorian buildings mingle pleasantly with more modern structures and above the business district, dwellings precariously cling to steep slopes. Wellington was the first settlement organized by the London-based New Zealand Company. Other sights include Kelburn Cable Car, Museum of Wellington, City and Sea, and National Museum and Art Gallery (Te Papa).

Auckland

Auckland is regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world, with the cosmopolitan city centre complemented by great escapes within half an hour of downtown. Indulge in Auckland's shopping, nightlife and unrivalled cuisine and experience some of the many attractions and adventure activities on offer. There is never a shortage of things to do in the City of Sails. Sights to see include Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Zoo, and Museum of Transport and Technology.