18-Nights The Long White Cloud from $13,610

Luxury Gold

OFFER ID 1504611

The Long White Cloud
See the wonders of New Zealand on this 19-day guided tour. Explore the Southern Alps and see Franz Josef Glacier up close with a local Expert. Travel to the lakeside town of Wanaka where you will discover fields of lavender and enjoy a lake cruise surrounded by majestic Mountains. On your way to Queenstown, stop in the wine region of Gibbston Valley for a wine tasting of local pinot noirs, and visit the picturesque village of Arrowtown. In Queenstown choose to e-bike on a guided scenic tour or travel to Walter Peak Country station for an eco farm tour. Journey through Fiordland National Park to Doubtful Sound, a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife where you'll embark on an overnight nature cruise complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures. In Rotorua, walk the Redwoods Treewalk - a maze of forested suspension bridges - and tour a working kiwi nursery and hatchery, where you can learn more about the flightless bird. Savour a flavourful Maori Hangi feast and descend the Footwhistle Cave to see glow worms illuminate the caverns, then toast your trip during a celebration dinner in Auckland.

Dining Summary

18 Breakfast (B)
10 Dinner (D)
1 Lunch with Wine (L)
2 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

Lake Wakatipu: Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to learn more about New Zealand conservation and contribute to biodiversity.
Queenstown: Ride the scenic Lake trail, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Wellington: Discover the stunning waterfront and the hidden laneways in the bohemian area of the heritage Cuba Street precinct. Once dimly lit back alleys, these newly rejuvenated laneways are now home to some of the country’s funkiest bars, boutiques, and breweries. Admire panoramic views of the city from the Wellington cable car.
Wellington: Zealandia is the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with an extraordinary vision to restore a Wellington valley’s forest and freshwater ecosystems as closely as possible to their pre-human state. The 500+ acre ecosanctuary is a groundbreaking conservation project that has reintroduced 18 species of native wildlife back into the area. Take a 2-hour walking tour with a passionate expert guide.

Additional Included Highlights

Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
Included at all hotels.
Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

Curated Experiences

Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
Franz Josef: Experience the mighty natural wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier and what the ice age must have felt like. The sheer enormity of these giant ice puzzles will leave you spellbound as you explore the area with your Local Expert.
Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.
Lake Wanaka: Wanaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wanaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wanaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.
Cromwell: Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines. Since you only ever see them in the movies or on TV, there’s just something about being in the same room with these rare special cars that gets everyone buzzing.
Fiordland National Park: Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Patea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.

Exceptional Dining

Gibbston Valley: Enjoy wine tasting in Gibbston Valley Wine Region at Kinross, followed by lunch.
Queenstown: Enjoy dinner at the majestic waterfront Bathhouse, try locally grown, foraged and farmed p

18 nights from $13,610 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Luxury Gold: The Long White Cloud

Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch
Your New Zealand luxury tour begins by private car to your boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and just minutes from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Pay a visit to the blooms at the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Tram before meeting your Travel Concierge where you’ll raise a glass to a grand journey.
Accommodations: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.

Day 2 - Christchurch to Franz Josef
Embark on one of the world's great scenic railway journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train to the small village of Arthur's Pass. Along your journey, view the stunning scenery just outside your massive windows as you traverse the Canterbury Plains through the dramatic Southern Alps passing the ice fed Waimakariri River and native beech forest. From Arthur's Pass continue by coach to the charming town of Hokitika, the cultural centre of the West Coast. You will meet a local expert for a guided history walk in historic Holkitika. In the the town of Franz Josef, your eco friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness welcomes with natural ambience paired with impeccable luxury, inviting you to enjoy the view from your private balcony.
Accommodations: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier
Immerse yourself in the grand natural surroundings traversing the brilliant blue ice and deep crevasses of Franz Josef Glacier on a valley walk with a Local Expert. Learn about this uniquely accessible glacier with only a seven-mile descent from the Southern Alps and less than 1,000 feet above sea level. Take in its majesty surrounded by distant rainforest, mountain tops, waterfalls and the upper glacier.
Accommodations: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Travel from Franz Josef to Wanaka
Cruise down the Haast River in a purpose-built, fully enclosed jet boat past snow-capped mountains contrasting with sub-tropical, untouched rainforest basking in the beauty of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Your guide is eager to share their expert knowledge of this glacial valley as the sunlight pours across the wilderness or the waterfalls tumble down in a light, misty rain. Experience fairy-tale lavender fields. Your destination is your hotel in Wanaka: sitting at the edge of Lake Wanaka and designed to flow with the seasons, Edgewater is a place you’ll find nature at your own pace.
Accommodations: Edgewater Wanaka Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Wanaka
Cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Wanaka to Stevenson’s Island, where a guided walk with your Local Expert reveals dramatic alpine vistas. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region with a leisurely walk in serene surroundings.
Accommodations: Edgewater Wanaka Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Wanaka to Queenstown
Visit Highlands Motorsport Museum and come face to face with the state-of-the-art machines. Meet Mrs Jones Orchard, a traditional fruit stall owner, and indulge in real fruit ice-cream and stone fruit. Enjoy lunch and experience exclusive wine tasting in Gibbston Valley of the Vines at Kinross. Visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown.
Accommodations: The Rees Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with Wine

Day 7 - Queenstown
Take in the surrounding landscape on a Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak High Country farm for an Eco Experience - an idyllic place to spend a few peaceful hours. Or, choose a guided e-bike scenic ride along the lake. Enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant The Bathhouse, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Accommodations: The Rees Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Queenstown to Doubtful Sound (overnight cruise)
Travel by road to Manapouri, then by Catamaran and coach to Doubtful Sound to meet the Fiordland Navigator. Doubtful Sound is a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife. Your overnight nature cruise comes complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures, not to mention delicious locally sourced cuisine.
Accommodations: Fiordland Navigator
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Doubtful Sound to Dunedin
Upon disembarking the cruise, continue by road to Dunedin, stopping for lunch at Te Anau. In Dunedin, your heritage hotel welcomes you with a cosy atmosphere in the city centre. Dine on favourites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant.
Accommodations: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Distillery Tour and Dunedin at Leisure
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before taking a guided tour at Dunedin Craft Distillers, the first distillery in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of only a handful worldwide, to produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Discover on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell do it in a ‘Bread to Bottle Tour’ which takes you through the process used to turn bread into spirits. Venture just next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate covering the history of chocolate in Dunedin, OCHO's genesis, how 'real' chocolate is made and a 10-sample bean to bar tasting. Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula or visit the iconic Larnach Castle.
Accommodations: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Dunedin to Christchurch
Travel up the coast through the towns of Oamaru and Timaru to Christchurch to uncover the city’s highlights on a fascinating sightseeing tour. On arrival in Christchurch embark on a sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the devastating 2011 earthquake. View historic landmarks including Canterbury Museum built in the late 1800s and New Regent Street’s Spanish Mission architectural style and quirky boutiques. Sample the best of Christchurch over dinner at Montreal Bar and Restaurant, highlighting seasonal ingredients with sophistication.
Accommodations: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 - Christchurch to Wellington
Travel the dramatic rugged coastline to the whale watching hub of Kaikoura and onto the seaside town of Picton. Cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington where you’ll get acquainted with the city on an illuminating tour. Discover the highlights of this capital city, viewing the 1866 Old St. Paul’s gothic cathedral with an interior made of native timber. Stop at the political hub of the Parliament Buildings before finishing at Mount Victoria and the scenic waterfront. Unwind this evening with a drink and dinner in your hotel’s Lola Rouge Restaurant.
Accommodations: Naumi Hotel Wellington
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 - Wellington Sightseeing
Today personalise your day. Choose from the the urban eco-sanctuary of Zealandia/Te Mara a Tane or discover the stunning waterfront and hidden lanes of Wellington with a local expert.
Accommodations: Naumi Hotel Wellington
Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 - Wellington to Hawke's Bay
Wind your way through the pastoral dairy farming land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand’s Art Deco capital and world-renowned wine country. This evening savour a tasting and dinner at family-owned Craggy Range Winery in the shadow of Te Mata Peak. Sample the region’s premium wines Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while dining on Head Chef Casey McDonald’s signature seasonal Hawke’s Bay produce from their award-winning restaurant. After a sumptuous evening, relax in your plush room decorated with original local artwork in your boutique hotel in charming Havelock North Village.
Accommodations: Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 - Exploring Napier
Partake in a Gannet safari for a rare encounter with the world's largest gannet colony. Your participation on Gannet Overland Safaris contributes to our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® initiative: TTC makes a donation on behalf of each guest to the Cape Sanctuary. Their amazing team is made up of over 300 volunteers that are giving their time to restore our beautiful land and replant grasses and natives to support the return of our wildlife. Take in Napier’s art deco architecture with a Local Expert in a vintage car, another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Accommodations: Porters Boutique Hotel, Hawke's Bay.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 - Geothermal Rotorua
Continue your journey to Rotorua, where this afternoon, armed with a packed lunch, you'll join a local guide for a cultural walking eco-tour to discover the Jurassic Whirinaki Forest, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
Accommodations: Pullman Rotorua.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 17 - The Sights of Rotorua
Unveil the sights of Rotorua viewing the 120-yearold Californian Coastal Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest at Redwoods Treewalk. Crossing 28 suspension bridges from 65 feet above ground, feeling like one of the native birds sweeping through the forest. Learn more about the “local residents” going behind the scenes on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa. Understand how this working kiwi nursery and hatchery is leading the conservation efforts of the national icon and perhaps see a newly hatched kiwi chick. Tonight, visit Te Pa Tu for insights into the local rituals and traditions of fascinating Maori culture with a celebration of the abundant harvest of the season, and explore concepts, rituals and stories of ancient warfare and peace in an amalgamation of culture and cuisine. Enjoy a special three-course feast with aperitif.
Accommodations: Pullman Rotorua.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 - Waitomo and Auckland
Your final full day finds you embarking on an exclusive, private guided tour of Waitomo Cave on a five-star Eco Glow Worm experience at Caveworld. Your guide sets the scene for an underground cave experience where you will see glow worms, cave formations and appreciate the beauty of Footwhistle Cave. Then you’re off to Auckland for a tour showcasing bustling Queen Street and the striking Auckland Harbour Bridge before you're treated to dinner with one of New Zealand’s famous former All Black rugby players. Feast on local fare as you are regaled with stories and learn about life on one of the most successful teams in the world.
Accommodations: JW Marriott Auckland.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19 - Farewell Auckland
After one final breakfast, say farewell to your Christchurch-to-Auckland luxury tour as you are chauffeured to Auckland Airport.
Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Auckland

Rotorua

Hawke's Bay

Wellington

Dunedin

Milford Sound

Queenstown

Franz Josef Glacier

Christchurch

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

12/03/2025 - 12/21/2025

from $13,610 per person *

01/21/2026 - 02/08/2026

from $13,610 per person *

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $13,610 per person

Length

18 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Luxury

Remarks

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discounts. Trip prices and discounts are subject to change. Airfare is additional. Tour prices, dates and itineraries are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. Other restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1504611

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