Call 800-579-6178 to Learn More
Our hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.
14-Day Round Trip Tour from Auckland to Queenstown
Explore the natural beauty and incredible landscapes of New Zealand on this tour that blends action with relaxation. Immerse yourself in culture, history and cuisine as you journey through this diverse and scenic country. Connect with nature on a scenic hike of Waiheke Island, journey through the luminescent famed Glowworm Cave and breathe the mountain air as you take the TranzAlpine journey to Arthur’s Pass. Marvel at New Zealand’s largest geyser and visit the movie set of “The Lord of the Rings” in Hobbiton. Take in breathtaking scenery on a Milford Sound cruise and gaze at the stars at Mount Cook National Park. This adventure-packed journey through New Zealand will leave you in awe of its beauty.
Call 800-579-6178 to Learn More
Our hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.
Stay
14 Days
13 Nights
Meals
13 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
7 Dinners
Travel Style
Motorcoach, Small Passenger Plane and Ferry
Welcome to Auckland. Meet your HGV host, Kensington tour director and fellow travel companions and enjoy a welcome seafood lunch at your hotel. Then enjoy a guided tour of New Zealand’s busy and vibrant city.
Explore Auckland above the clouds with panoramic views atop Sky Tower. Drive over the Harbour Bridge and catch a glimpse of the sparkling blue water dotted with white sails in Waitemata Harbour. Visit Parnell, New Zealand’s first suburb, restored in the old colonial style.
In the morning, you will take the Fullers Ferry to Waiheke Island, where 35 square miles of sandy beaches, vineyards, pristine coastline and olive groves await you. Explore the island on foot as you take a half-day guided walking tour.
Meet your guide at the dock and set out on your scenic coastal hike along Matiatia headland and go past the peaceful gem of Owhanake Bay. This walk will have beautiful views of Hauraki Gulf Islands, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel. You will learn about the history and ecology of the Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke Island while spotting seabirds and native plants. If you are lucky, you may even spot an orca or dolphins along your way. Stop for a picnic lunch paired with wine tastings at a local vineyard.
Continue your walk along the Te Pio Rehiti Reserve and around Church Bay headland for stunning sea views. This walk will lead you through a sculpture park, a stunning bush reserve and past amazing homes and city views. Your walk ends back at Matiatia dock where you will have free time to continue exploring. You’ll take the ferry back to the Auckland downtown area and be transferred to your Auckland accommodation.
Depart from Auckland and drive to Waitomo for a stunning Glowworm Cave tour. Break from the crowds and meet a local guide for exclusive access to the Footwhistle Cave and discover a labyrinth of magnificent, undisturbed glowworm displays. After enjoying a relaxing stroll through the cave, you’ll discover the remains of the ancient Moa, one of the country’s largest birds that became extinct almost 600 years ago.
Then take a seat in Footwhistle’s cathedral for a short but breathtaking view of the cave, illuminated by a dazzling magnesium torch. Complete your tour with complimentary Kawakawa tea, a special herb to the Māori often used as a health tonic, while you relax in a Ponga hut nestled in the native forest.
Then, continue sightseeing with a tour of Hobbiton and see the “Lord of the Rings” movie set at dusk. Your guide will escort you through the 12-acre site, sharing stories and anecdotes about the movies. Complete your movie set tour with a complimentary beverage at the Green Dragon Inn and then follow an illuminated path to the dining room to enjoy a traditional Hobbit banquet feast. Your day ends with a transfer to your hotel in Rotorua.
Visit Rotorua’s most natural and popular geothermal parks. See volcanoes, geysers, New Zealand’s largest boiling mud pool and many multicolored hot springs as you journey around volcanic landscapes, farmland and through native and exotic forests on this full-day adventure.
Recharge with free time at the local market and explore the variety of lunch options from a hearty meal to a quick bite. You’ll find a variety of options ranging from fresh local ingredients to international flavors.
Immerse yourself in a sensory journey at Te Pa Tu, a forest Pa (village). Nestled among towering Tawa trees and illuminated by bonfires, this celebration and feast showcase the rich traditions of the Māori people. You’ll savor Māori delicacies such as roasted tuna, creamy paua (abalone), smoked Kahawai and more at a lavish and relaxed four-course feast. Hangi, the Māori traditional method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven, takes center stage tonight.
Board a short flight from Rotorua for a guided tour of Christchurch. Stroll the Botanic Gardens and along Avon River, admire the architecture of the Christchurch Art Gallery and reflect at the Bridge of Remembrance, dedicated to those who fought in WWI. You’ll also stroll by Canterbury Earthquake Memorial and Christchurch Transitional “Cardboard” Cathedral, whose name was derived from one of the main materials used to rebuild after the 2011 earthquake.
All aboard the TranzAlpine train as you journey west across the Canterbury Plains to Springfield where the mountains rising above you provide a beautiful backdrop. With the Scenic Plus experience, savor the flavors with a regionally inspired menu as you glide through breathtaking landscapes. This scenic rail journey makes its way through the gorge and up to the high mountains of the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. After arriving at Arthur’s Pass, explore more with a Pick Your Experience activity.
Option 1: Visit the underground limestone cliffs, gorges and craggy outcrops of Cave Stream. This area was also used for the filming of CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Your journey to the cave follows the old stagecoach route, boasting views of the Waimakariri River and its unique braided river system and the Otira Gorge.
Option 2: Visit the incredible Castle Hill Rocks, the unique weatherworn, rain-smoothed outcrops of limestone regarded as a sacred site by the Māori. Explore the vast labyrinth of giant limestone boulders against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. This is also the site where the Battle against the White Witch of the Narnia saga was filmed.
Return to Christchurch by deluxe motorcoach, traveling along the beautiful, rugged coastline of Porte’s Pass and the rolling hills of Canterbury Plains.
Explore Christchurch with a Pick Your Experience Activity.
Option 1: Journey to Akaroa for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Swim with the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins, Hector’s Dolphin. Take in views of ancient volcanic cliffs and look for various marine bird species on this full-day activity.
Option 2: Journey to Middle-Earth and visit the scenic alpine setting from The Lord of the Rings trilogy that inspired Edoras, the capital of Rohan. Visit iconic movie settings, relax in the peaceful countryside, marvel at the natural, unspoiled beauty and breathe the fresh mountain air. Whether you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings or not, the spectacular views are worth the journey. Enjoy a picnic lunch on this full-day activity.
In the morning, you’ll journey to Lake Tekapo. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Take a quick journey from your hotel and experience an unforgettable evening with a stargazing journey through the cosmos at the University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory. Here you’ll experience some of the darkest and purest night skies on Earth. Comprised of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park and the Mackenzie Basin, you’ll gaze through sophisticated optical telescopes and see stars, planets and the Milky Way as astronomy guides introduce you to the wide, open vistas free from light pollution.
In the morning, explore, learn and discover the ever-changing glacial landscape of Tasman Glacier. Experience the enormity of New Zealand’s largest glacier as you weave in and out of floating icebergs across the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Enjoy the remainder of your day at your leisure.
Journey to Queenstown in the morning and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Queenstown is known for its towering mountains and lakeside location. Unwind at the luxury hotel spa or take advantage of the city’s nearby attractions that are within walking distance.
Begin your morning with a scenic lakeside drive, winding through the rolling countryside towards Te Anau. Once you arrive in Te Anau, continue via the spectacular Milford Road to your bucket list destination, Milford Sound. In Milford Sound, you will embark on a cruise for excellent opportunities to take in the breathtaking scenery of its fjord cliffs, mountainous peaks, rainforests, wildlife and serene peace and calm. While you take in the site and enjoy an included lunch, an onboard naturalist guide will provide insight into the region. You’ll journey back to your Queenstown accommodations via motorcoach.
Explore Queenstown with a Pick Your Experience activity
Option 1: Journey through the forest on a zipline adventure with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Option 2: Feel the rush on the Shotover Canyon Swing. Quite literally, jump off a cliff. Experience the world’s biggest cliff jump with about 200 feet of freefall (60 meters) with experienced jump masters to safely manage your canyon swing.
Option 3: Go birdwatching in Lakeshore. Explore the forest with its shimmering lake, mountain views and readily seen and heard native birds. See if you can spot the New Zealand Scaup, New Zealand’s endemic diving duck, the blue, green and bronze colored Tūī or the New Zealand Bellbird, melodically singing and showing off its yellowish-green plumage.
Option 4: Visit Mount Aspring National Park for a full day and take a guided walk through native vegetation, birdlife viewing, gorges and valleys. Following the Routeburn River and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, this moderate fitness trail will allow you to soak in the natural beauty around you. Enjoy an included lunch.
Option 5: Wine lovers, visit the most scenic wine regions in New Zealand and taste the local wine from the Central Otago region. Home to some of the best pinot noir in the world, you’ll enjoy spectacular views with lunch and tastings.
Start your day off with an exhilarating jetboat ride on the famous Dart River Wilderness Safari. Experience a combination of breathtaking scenery as you follow the braided, glacier-fed rivers in the renowned Mount Aspiring National Park to the town of Glenorchy. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Glenorchy and grab a delicious lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants.
Board a vintage steamship for a scenic cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm. On arrival at Walter Peak, you’ll be welcomed into Colonel’s Homestead and feast on a gourmet BBQ dinner. After the meal, take in the farm show or relax at the bar before your boat departure back to Queenstown.
Your vacation ends with breakfast as you prepare to say farewell to New Zealand and journey homeward.
All Members have the option of paying for any hosted trips with annual, biennial, borrowed, and rented points, a credit card or any combination of these. Click here to learn more.
From $17,999/£ 13,300 per person, based on double occupancy
Book by April 24, 2026, to secure your spot.
Limited single accommodation upon request; call for special pricing.
Call 800-579-6178 to Book Your Trip
Our hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.
Terms and Conditions
HOSTED TRIPS POINTS FOR TRAVEL: Reservations must be booked by April 24, 2026. Nonrefundable, non-transferable deposit of $6,000/£4,450 per person is due at the time of booking. Final payment due by July 3, 2026. Any combination of annual, biennial, borrowed or rented points and/or a cash/credit card are applicable forms of payment towards a hosted trip vacation. Point values applied under this benefit are subject to change and may vary based on tier level. All trips are subject to availability and will be conducted in English. All participants are required to sign the General Activity Release and Indemnification Agreement acknowledgement. Price is per person based on double occupancy, land tour only, for tour dates outlined above. Fares shown are in U.S. dollars and British Pounds for new reservations only and are subject to availability. Prices, additional fees, itineraries and availability are subject to change without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions may apply. Please call us at 800-579-6178 or +44 1524- 386423 for additional information.
Hosted trip package includes all Kensington inclusions plus these additional inclusions: most meals; one ticket per paying passenger for included excursions as noted in itinerary which may require an extra waiver to participate and have other restrictions/qualifications based on height, age and weight; on-tour motor coach transportation; gratuities for Kensington tour director, tour guides and drivers; taxes; and airport transfers. Auckland arrival transfers are included on the tour start date of October 29, 2026, and Queenstown departure transfers are included on the tour end date of November 11, 2026, provided that guest arrival and departure flight or alternative travel details are received at least, 90 days for domestic travelers and 120 days prior for international travelers before tour commencement. Not included: airfare; airline baggage fees; airport or departure taxes; travel insurance; car rental; gratuities for hotel housekeepers; alcohol, beverages and food outside the contracted Kensington menu as presented at a dining venue; optional excursions; and all other items of a personal nature.
The weather can be extreme and unpredictable, potentially impacting tour activities in the region. The elevation at University of Canterbury Mount John Observatory elevation is at 3,376 feet (1,029 meters). There are certain inherent risks in this hosted trip travel type involved here. These include, but are not limited to, hiking, walking safaris, climbing injuries and altitude sickness and in all trip's dangers of animals, inaccessibility to medical attention and difficulty in evacuation from remote locations in the case of a medical emergency. Passengers assume all such risks with regard to these possibilities. Alcoholic beverages are only available to travelers who are 18 years or older. Hotels may differ from those listed by the tour provider, but the accommodations selected are of equivalent standard. Your hotels will be available in your final documents approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. No compensation is provided for alternative hotel stays not listed in the tour provider’s documentation.
A passport valid for six months past the end date of this trip is required for all guests. Entry requirements may vary for passport holders from other countries. New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) or visa is required for US citizens. Please refer to travel.state.gov for additional information, and non-US citizens, please refer to your country's authority. Entry Visas for other nationalities may be required. Visa requirements are subject to change at any time. International visitor entry requirements are subject to change at any time. In addition to passport and visa requirements, some countries may have additional requirements. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain and pay for all required entry documents prior to travel. Any requirements imposed by countries visited or travelled through are the responsibility of each traveler and Great Vacation Destinations, Inc. cannot be held responsible for failure to comply or qualify for entry.
PICK YOUR EXPERIENCE: One excursion per person unless otherwise noted. No refunds on unused excursion(s). At least one excursion choice will be included at no additional cost, some excursion choices will be available with a surcharge beginning at $50. Excursion choices will vary based on the tour and specific excursion details will be available 60-90 days prior to the tour departure date. Tour providers may require an extra waiver to participate and have other restrictions/qualifications (“Qualifications”) based on height, age and weight. Failure to meet applicable Qualifications may result in ineligibility for this offer, with no credit or refund issued. Visiting and participating in excursions in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. Inclement weather and/or other factors beyond the control of the tour operator may result in excursion cancellation, such that this benefit will be lost and not substituted or replaced, and no credit or refund will be issued.
KENSINGTON: This is a Kensington Tours Ltd. provided tour being sold by Great Vacation Destinations, Inc. Please visit Kensington Tours Ltd’s website for full terms and conditions.
GREAT VACATION DESTINATIONS, INC.: Great Vacation Destinations, Inc. is a full-service travel agency that is a seller of travel providing vacations to Hilton Grand Vacation Members and Guests. Great Vacation Destinations, Inc. is the seller of these vacation trips and is located at 4960 Conference Way North, Suite 100, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Great Vacation Destinations is a Washington Seller of Travel No. 602-283-711; Florida Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) registration No. 15-72225-4, California Seller of Travel registration No. 2068362 (Registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California). Void where prohibited or restricted by law and/or where state registration and/or licensing requirements have not been met.
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