New Zealand with Singapore Stopover
22days from
£6,749*per person
Overview
22 days - Escorted Tours
New Zealand is the destination of a lifetime. Discover epic mountains, National Parks, rivers, and all the must-see attractions. Plus, spend two days in Singapore, the Garden City, to make the most out of your time away.
After a brief stay in Singapore, where you’ll enjoy a city tour, we head to New Zealand. Stay in Auckland before traveling to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands– a wonderful region of historic towns and a deeply indented coastline filled with golden coves. Then journey to Hamilton and marvel at the world-famous Hamilton Gardens, before exploring Rotorua, one of the North Island’s greatest areas of geothermal activity with its spectacular geysers. Continue to the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay, facing the Pacific Ocean, where you'll stay in charming Napier, famous for its unique architecture. From Mount Victoria, there are outstanding views of the capital city’s harbour.
New Zealand has gained a reputation as an outstanding wine-growing nation, and Marlborough is certainly one of the key regions for producing premium quality wines. Our tour covers the highlights of this remarkable country, such as our trips on the TranzAlpine train and the helicopter flight over the beautiful Franz Josef glacier.
Are you ready to begin your adventure in the lands down under?
Itinerary
- Overnight flight to Singapore
- Arrive in Singapore - Arriving Singapore this morning we transfer to our hotel, where early check in has been arranged. Get a jump on seeing the city with an afternoon at leisure to explore near our hotel, ideally located at Clark Quay. Alternatively, you could venture slightly further out to visit Gardens by the Bay (book pay/ local), a scenic paradise for nature lovers spanning 101 hectares beside the Marina Reservoir. This colourful, futuristic park is full of a wide array of plants creatively displayed and punctuated by the famous Supertree structures.
- Singapore - Singapore racks up a lot of superlatives - cleanest, best planned, and, quite possibly, most entertaining. Here, you'll find the largest rooftop infinity pool, the world's first safari park for nocturnal animals, some of the oldest temples and, of course, some of the best food on the planet. To make the most of our time in the Garden City, we'll take an informative half-day city tour soaking up Singapore's diversity as we explore its range of cultures, dive into its history and admire the seamless blend of old and new. First, we pass by the colonial district to enjoy views of the Padang, Esplanade and Theatres on the Bay. We'll see an icon of Singapore, the Merlion fountain - a mythical beast, half lion, half fish - which is a nod back to the city's origins as a fishing village. Next head to Thian Hock Keng temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temples. The elaborate architecture has a traditional Southern Chinese style with dragon and phoenix sculptures and Fujian-style broken porcelain roof ridges. We'll take a drive to colourful Chinatown and then on to Little India, both vibrant ethnic enclaves with a unique heritage and plenty of temples and shops to explore. In Chinatown, you'll find the largest hawker centre - with over 260 food stalls - and Little India has a tantalising blend of restaurants serving South Asian dishes (something to remember come dinner time). Our tour ends with a guided tour of the Botanical Gardens, a 164-year-old tropical garden and the city's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens are designed on a Four Core Concept, there’s Taglin, which is a heritage core retaining the historic charm of the gardens; Central is the tourist belt; Bukit Timah, the education and discovery zone; and Tyersall-Gallop, which integrates existing rainforests to form an enlarged forest habitat. Then enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring this large city-state, before departing for the airport for our overnight flight to Auckland.
- Arrival in Auckland - Welcome to New Zealand! You’ll arrive in Auckland and transfer to the four-star Grand Millennium for one night with breakfast, well-located for all the city’s attractions. The rest of your day is at your leisure.
- Bay of Islands - Departing Auckland we’ll head north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge along the Hibiscus Coast to view giant Kauri trees at the Parry Kauri Park. Continuing our journey over the gentle green landscape of North Island we’ll reach Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands in the afternoon. Here you’ll take a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House, where in 1840, Maori chiefs and the original European settlers signed the Treaty of Waitangi, the basis of the future governance of New Zealand. Our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Scenic Hotel, with breakfast.
- Bay Of Islands cruise - This morning we’ll see the Bay of Islands in the best way possible via a boat cruise meandering around the idyllic beaches that make this area so popular. If you’re lucky, there’s a chance you may see wild dolphins which are common in the Bay of Islands. We’ll continue on to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, through which the boat will sail slowly, conditions permitting. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy many of the activities the Bay of Islands has to offer.
- Auckland - This morning we leave the Bay of Islands, travelling south on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway through Whangarei and across Harbour Bridge arriving in Auckland for a sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’. See this panoramic city and harbour views from Bastion Point, the trendy Parnell Village, the bays of the waterfront drive and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area. We’ll also visit the Auckland Museum which gives an introduction to the legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific including the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori, as well as the diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand.
- Waitomo Caves & Rotorua - Leaving Auckland, we'll head south through some of New Zealand’s lush farmlands within the Waikato Valley and journey along the east bank of the country’s largest river – the Waikato – arriving in the rural area of Waitomo. Here, we’ll go underground to explore the famous Waitomo Caves – an ancient labyrinth of caves and grottos famous for their fascinating limestone stalagmites and stalactites formed over thousands of years. You can also enjoy a silent boat ride within the underground waters to the starry wonderland of the magnificent glowworm grotto. Back up above ground, the journey will continue across the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with mud pools, geysers, hot springs and terrace formations created by the hot, mineral-rich waters. Rotorua is also renowned for its Maori cultural activities. We’ll visit Te Puia – where our local Maori guide will explain traditional Maori arts and crafts - and we’ll view the famous Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. After our guided tour, our evening begins with a delicious buffet dinner in the Pātaka Kai Restaurant, including food from the hangi - a traditional Maori method of cooking. The evening concludes with a powerful cultural performance in the fully carved Te Aronui-a-Rua meeting house, featuring waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poiand haka.
- Middle Earth - This morning, we'll step into the pages of JRR Tolkien's famous novels - or as close as we can get - with a guided visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire which featured in Peter Jackson's films, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and, more recently, ‘The Hobbit’. It begins with a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. We'll then follow our guide around the ten-acre site as they recite fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. We’ll see structures made for both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films - including The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, and the Mill - and learn more about how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. After our walking tour, we'll return to the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary drink and return to The Shires Rest, before heading back to Rotorua for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
- Napier - Departing Rotorua we’ll travel to the charming lakeside town of Taupo, stopping en-route at Huka Falls to marvel as the mighty Waikato River thunders through its narrow canyon. Then it’s on to Napier, known as the Art Deco capital of the world. After an earthquake in 1931, the centre of the town was rebuilt in the Art Deco style which was in fashion at the time. On arrival we’ll meet our local guide and take a fascinating walking tour of these beautiful Art Deco buildings. Our hotel is the excellent four-star superior Scenic Hotel Te Pania, with breakfast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
- Wellington - You’ll continue south to Wellington where we’ll enjoy a night in New Zealand’s capital city, staying at the four-star James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, with breakfast. You’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington with free time to explore the vibrant waterfront and beautiful gardens.
- Nelson - Today we’ll cruise to South Island, across the Cook Strait by Interislander ferry, through the Marlborough Sounds, including the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound and into Picton. We’ll continue to Blenheim and the famous wine-producing region of Marlborough where we’ll stop for some wine tasting. Our final destination today is Nelson, New Zealand’s sunshine town, known for its many art and craft galleries, and relaxed atmosphere. Our hotel for the next two nights is the excellent four-star Rutherford Hotel Nelson, with breakfast.
- Abel Tasman cruise - This morning we’ll join a catamaran cruise along the stunning shoreline of Abel Tasman National Park. En route you’ll learn about the history of the park and view the famous Split Apple Rock, a fur seal colony and the park’s golden beaches and clear waters. For the more adventurous, there is the option of landing ashore at Anchorage and take the Pit Head Loop walk (approx 2hrs), where the boat will pick you up at Anchorage on its return down the coast. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Nelson. A packed lunch is included today.
- Christchurch - Travelling south through the Maruia Forest and over the Lewis Pass we’ll arrive at the alpine village of Hanmer Springs for a lunch stop (not included) before joining the upper reaches of the Canterbury Plains to the ‘garden city’ of Christchurch. Since the earthquake of 2011, the city’s rebuilding programme is in full swing and there will be an opportunity to visit to the Botanic Gardens. Our hotel is the four-star Distinction Christchurch Hotel, with breakfast.
- Tranzalpine train & helicopter flight - Today we’ll traverse the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass. From your modern panoramic carriage, you’ll see the farmland of the Canterbury Plains give way to the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, crossing bridges and viaducts en route. At Arthur's Pass, we’ll be met by our coach for the journey to the West Coast, stopping in Hokitika to visit a Greenstone workshop where the local jade-like stone, highly prized by pre-European Maori, is crafted into exquisite jewellery. We’ll continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, to the village of Franz Josef. This afternoon prepare yourself for what will be one of your trip’s highlights! On arrival you will experience this magnificent glacial alpine environment with a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight. View the incredible phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the ice-carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you. This exhilarating experience finishes with an alpine landing (subject to poor weather conditions. Alternative flights are in Queenstown or Mount Cook). Our hotel tonight is the four-star Scenic, with breakfast.
- Queenstown - Continuing south, we’ll travel past deserted beaches, through vibrant rainforests and settlements. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest, mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. We’ll travel over the scenic Haast Pass to the popular Lake Wanaka, and then on to the beautiful year-round resort of Queenstown where our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Copthorne Lakefront Resort, with breakfast. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the city - the centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away.
- Free day in Queenstown - Nestled below the rugged Remarkable Mountains, Queenstown enjoys an exceptionally scenic setting and is known as the ‘adventure capital of the world. Today is at leisure to enjoy all that this resort town has to offer. The centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away or you may choose to join one of our additional optional excursion. Personalise your holiday - TSS Earnslaw Cruise and BBQ lunch Price: From £129pp Step on board the TSS Earnslaw cruise, an iconic century-old coal-fired steamship, and travel across Lake Whakatipu, where you will take time to explore the vessel that has been lovingly maintained since 1912, view the engine room and study the historic displays of the steamship’s former life. Your journey will take you across the lake, past the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak, to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you will then enjoy a BBQ at the Lakeside Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, whilst overlooking Lake Whakatipu and Queenstown’s alpine scenery. You will then have time to explore the beautiful lakeside gardens and enjoy an entertaining farm demonstration. Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
- Milford Sound cruise - Leaving Queenstown we’ll skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and travel via Te Anau through the Homer Tunnel into the spectacular Cleddau valley and famous Milford Sound, arguably the most spectacular fjord in the country within the Fiordland National Park part of the UNESCO South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. A boat trip on the deep fjord Thermal pool in Waiotapu, Rotorua waters between sheer granite cliffs rising thousands of feet, affords wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and the 500-foot Stirling Falls. There is a good chance of seeing dolphins, fur seals or penguins during our trip before we’ll return to the charming small lakeside resort of Te Anau. A packed lunch is included today. Our hotel in Te Anau is the four-star Distinction Luxmore, with breakfast.
- Omarama - Today we’ll travel back north and visit Arrowtown, a township with a colourful history - in its heyday this was a rough and ready frontier gold-mining boomtown. Nowadays, its popular main street is lined with some excellent art galleries, cafés and boutiques. We’ll continue through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, pass pretty Lake Dunstan, cross the distinctive Central Otago countryside (where many scenes from the Lord of the Rings were filmed) and over the dramatic Lindis Pass to the vast Mackenzie Basin. Your overnight accommodation is the three-star Heritage Gateway Hotel, with breakfast, in the small rural community of Ōmarama.
- Mount Cook - A day with some more spectacular sights. We’ll head north alongside the azure glacier-fed Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook, at 12,316ft New Zealand’s highest mountain and surrounded by jagged snow-covered peaks. We’ll continue towards the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo and visit the exterior of the Church of the Good Shepherd, before crossing Burkes Pass and the Canterbury Plains back into Christchurch, and the Distinction Christchurch Hotel for our last night in the country.
- Journey home
- Arrive home
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Explore Singapore on a half-day city tour and visit the city's Botanical Gardens
- Experience the warm sub-tropical climate in the stunning Bay of Islands including a dolphin-watching cruise.
- Spend time exploring the famous cities of Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown.
- Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s great train journeys.
- Enjoy an included helicopter flight around the iconic Franz Josef glacier, with an amazing alpine landing.
- Get close-up views of snow-capped Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court -
The hotel has a large open-air pool with al fresco dining, a large multi-cuisine restaurant with a la carte and buffet options, a lobby bar, spa and fitness centre. All the comfortable 476 air-conditioned rooms have shower, bath, hairdryer, safe, TV, iron/board, minibar (local charge applies) and free Wi-Fi.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel -
The hotel offers an on-site restaurant and bar and the 179 rooms have a bath or shower, hairdryer, fridge, mini bar (extra charge), iron/board, TV, tea/coffee-maker, safe and complimentary wi-fi.
Rutherford Hotel -
The hotel has a restaurant, bar (open in evening) and the Atom Café serving tasty tea and cake. There is a gym, sauna and outdoor pool (unheated October to March). The 113 comfortable rooms feature a bath or shower, TV, mini fridge, tea/coffee-making facilities, complimentary wi-fi. Safety deposit box at reception.
Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront -
The large lobby area includes a popular bar and there’s a restaurant with wonderful mountain and lake views on the 6th floor. The 240 rooms have bath/shower, hairdryer, minibar, iron/board, TV, tea/coffee-maker and town, garden or partial lake views. Wifi is free in the lobby but charged extra in rooms.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel -
The hotel has a popular bar, two restaurants and a fitness room. The 180 rooms have a bath/shower, hairdryer, fridge, iron/board, TV and tea/coffee-maker.
Heritage Gateway Hotel -
This simple, motel-style property has a bar and restaurant with outside seating which is available in good weather. The 98 rooms are arranged in several low rise buildings and include a bath/shower, hairdryer, fridge, iron/board, TV, tea/coffee-maker and free Wi-Fi.
Distinction Rotorua -
The four-star Distinction Hotel, Rotorua, has a bar, three dining outlets as well as an outdoor pool (heated). The modern style rooms feature a bath or shower, hairdryer, iron/board, TV, mini fridge, tea/coffee-making facilities, safe, complimentary wifi.
Grand Millenium Hotel -
The hotel’s facilities include a large indoor pool and fitness centre, a popular bar, the Straits café for casual dining with either a la carte of buffet service or try some sushi and teppanyaki in the Japanese restaurant. The rooms are some of the most spacious in the city and all have a bath with separate shower, hairdryer, minibar (local charges apply), safe, iron/board, TV, air-conditioning, tea/coffee-maker and complimentary Wi-Fi.
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor -
The hotel has a café for light meals on the ground floor and a restaurant on the 17th floor where both buffet and a la carte options are available. The 268 rooms all have bath/shower, hairdryer, iron/board, minibar (local charges apply), TV, tea/coffeemaker and free Wi-Fi.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier -
The four-star Scenic offers two restaurants (one a la carte) and a cozy bar with a fireplace. The 177 comfortable rooms have a shower, hairdryer, fridge, TV, tea/coffee-maker and free Wi-Fi.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania -
Facilities include a bar and main restaurant. The 109 spacious modern rooms all have bath/shower, hairdryer, iron/board, minibar (local charges apply), flat-screen TV, tea/coffeemaker and free Wi-Fi.
Scenic Hotel Bay of Island -
The hotel is set out between a number of small low-rise buildings and offers a pool, restaurant and bar. The 114 recently refurbished rooms all have shower, hairdryer, iron/board, minibar (local charges apply), TV, tea/coffee-maker and free Wi-Fi.
Novotel Hamilton Tainui -
The hotel has a bar and restaurant, offering a contemporary fusion of European and Pacific Rim cuisine. The 177 comfortable and rooms have a bath with shower, hairdryer, minibar (local charges apply), safe, flat-screen TV, tea/coffeemaker and free Wi-Fi.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua -
When you're ready to unwind, head to the on-site restaurant and bar for some delicious local and international cuisine or take a dip in our heated outdoor swimming pool. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a TV, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, in-room safe, hair dryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Other Information
Holiday code
R757Holiday provided by Riviera Travel
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