-
Cruises
All Cruises
Cruise deals
From Australia
International
Don't Miss OutHot Offers
The best-selling holidays right now, at prices that won't last.
Browse Hot Offers -
Tours
All Tours
By region
Curated lists
Travel With CompanySocial Getaways
Small-group trips designed for over 60s who love good company on the road — new friends, shared adventures, no single supplements.
Browse Over-60 Getaways -
Destinations
All Destinations
Australia & Pacific
America
Not Sure Where to Start?Book a Call
Speak with one of our friendly travel specialists — no pressure, just honest advice to help you find the right holiday.
Browse Request a call with a travel expert - Social Getaways
- Solo Holidays
- Hot Offers
- Wishlist 0
Discover New Zealand's natural wonders, cultural traditions, and rural charm on this perfectly paced adventure
- Marvel at glowworms in Waitomo Caves and explore Rotorua's geothermal landscapes
- Connect with Maori culture through guided experiences at Te Puia and Ohinemutu
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a gourmet BBQ at Walter Peak
Trip Details
- Departs
- 4 September 2026
- Returns
- 30 March 2028
- Embarks
- Operator
- AAT Kings
This perfectly paced adventure combines an inter-island flight with iconic sights and authentic encounters. Marvel at glowworms in Waitomo Caves, explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, and connect with Māori traditions at Te Puia. See a kiwi up close at The Kiwi Hatchery, then journey south to cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw. From sheep shearing at Real Country to gourmet dining at Walter Peak, every moment captures New Zealand’s charm.
Departures & Pricing
- 04 Sep 2026 - 10 Sep 2026
from $5,080 pp twin share * - 02 Oct 2026 - 08 Oct 2026
from $5,220 pp twin share * - 13 Nov 2026 - 19 Nov 2026
from $5,220 pp twin share * - 04 Dec 2026 - 10 Dec 2026
from $5,080 pp twin share * - 22 Jan 2027 - 28 Jan 2027
from $5,220 pp twin share * - 05 Feb 2027 - 11 Feb 2027
from $5,220 pp twin share * - 19 Feb 2027 - 25 Feb 2027
from $5,220 pp twin share * - 12 Mar 2027 - 18 Mar 2027
from $5,220 pp twin share * - 26 Mar 2027 - 01 Apr 2027
from $5,220 pp twin share * - 16 Apr 2027 - 22 Apr 2027
from $4,060 pp twin share * - 14 May 2027 - 20 May 2027
from $4,060 pp twin share * - 02 Jul 2027 - 08 Jul 2027
from $4,060 pp twin share * - 03 Sep 2027 - 09 Sep 2027
from $4,060 pp twin share * - 01 Oct 2027 - 07 Oct 2027
from $4,171 pp twin share * - 15 Oct 2027 - 21 Oct 2027
from $4,171 pp twin share * - 12 Nov 2027 - 18 Nov 2027
from $4,171 pp twin share * - 03 Dec 2027 - 09 Dec 2027
from $4,060 pp twin share * - 21 Jan 2028 - 27 Jan 2028
from $4,171 pp twin share * - 04 Feb 2028 - 10 Feb 2028
from $4,171 pp twin share * - 18 Feb 2028 - 24 Feb 2028
from $4,171 pp twin share * - 10 Mar 2028 - 16 Mar 2028
from $4,171 pp twin share * - 24 Mar 2028 - 30 Mar 2028
from $4,171 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Welcome to Queenstown
Your journey to the Islands of New Zealand kicks off in Queenstown (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Meet your Travel Director for a welcome briefing and drinks. The evening is free for you to enjoy one of its many lakefront restaurants and bars. Hit us up for dining recommendations.
- 2
Queenstown & Surrounds
Arriving in New Zealand, the first thing you probably noticed is that there’s a lot of farmland. Its fitting then, that one of the first visits you make is to meet a 'Southerner' local farmer at Real Country. View demonstrations of Horse communication and Working sheep dog mustering. Try your hand at a Stock whip cracking lesson, and feed and interact with the friendly farm animals, as part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture. Then you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive in the former gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Come dusk, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw; the only thing more inspiring than the peaks of the Remarkables that surround is the festive atmosphere welcoming you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead awaits.
- 3
Queenstown Free Time
You clearly need more than one day to appreciate Queenstown and its surrounds. And when we say surrounds, we mean Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Today sign up for an Optional Experience* to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Travel through World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park for exceptional views as you pass through dense rainforest and pass by towering mountains. On arrival at Milford Sound/Piopiotahi embark on a cruise to experience the eighth wonder of the World. Don’t be surprised if you see fur seals and local mountain parrots (the Kea), they are common here, playing in the wake of waterfalls. If you like things fast-paced, opt for wine tasting or jet-boating. You are in the adventure capital of New Zealand, after all.
- 4
Queenstown - Auckland - Rotorua
Touching down in Auckland, you'll board your coach for the drive to Rotorua, the cultural capital, where you can immerse yourself in Maori history and culture.
- 5
Rotorua Sightseeing
Your visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery is guided by passionate conservationists and will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand's national bird on this rewarding MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Rotorua's landscapes are reminiscent of a sci-fi movie set where mud pops from bubbling geysers and steam rushes skywards. See it first-hand on your guided walk at the Maori Village of Ohinemutu, another MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Explore its geothermal landscapes, sacred sites, ancestral stories, St Faith’s Church, and rich cultural traditions with a local kaitiaki (guardian). This evening, embark on the Te Pō guided experience at Te Puia, where you’ll learn about Maori history and culture. It begins with an exhilarating cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. Witness a pōwhiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. Then view the Pohutu Geyser, one of New Zealand's geothermal wonderlands, followed by a delicious buffet dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine.
- 6
Rotorua - Auckland
High above the forest floor, wander the Redwoods Treewalk beneath a canopy of towering Californian Redwoods, then step into a glowworm-lit eco-cave shimmering with natural wonder. Arriving in Auckland take in views of the Auckland Domain and Auckland War Memorial Museum, the character-filled streets of Parnell, and the city’s twin harbours. This evening, share the stories of your New Zealand Panorama tour at dinner with your Travel Director and companions at The Grill, celebrating Aotearoa's culinary treasures.
- 7
Farewell from Auckland
Short, sweet, and packed with highlights – how else to describe this wonderful week?
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Experience the charm of rural life at Real Country, featuring sheep shearing, and a chance to have a go at whip cracking - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak on TSS Earnslaw Steamship Relish a gourmet BBQ dinner and farm show at Walter Peak High Country Farm Tour the National Kiwi Hatchery - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Share in a guided Te Po Indigenous Experience at Te Puia Explore the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and guided walk through the Maori Village of Ohinemutu - MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience Walk across suspended bridges and platforms on the Redwoods Treewalk Take a guided walk in a purpose-built bio-engineered eco-cave experience where thousands of glowworms illuminate the darkness.
- Day 1 highlights Welcome to Queenstown: Your journey to the Islands of New Zealand kicks off in Queenstown (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Meet your Travel Director for a welcome briefing and drinks. The evening is free for you to enjoy one of its many lakefront restaurants and bars. Hit us up for dining recommendations.
- Day 2 highlights Queenstown & Surrounds: Arriving in New Zealand, the first thing you probably noticed is that there’s a lot of farmland. Its fitting then, that one of the first visits you make is to meet a 'Southerner' local farmer at Real Country. View demonstrations of Horse communication and Working sheep dog mustering. Try your hand at a Stock whip cracking lesson, and feed and interact with the friendly farm animals, as part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. For every guest, we donate funds to The Fairlight Foundation, Advancing Women in Agriculture. Then you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time when you arrive in the former gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Come dusk, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw; the only thing more inspiring than the peaks of the Remarkables that surround is the festive atmosphere welcoming you to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead awaits.
Accommodation
- Horizon by SkyCity Auckland
- Millennium Hotel Rotorua
- Millennium Hotel, Queenstown
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
Are discounts available?
What is generally included?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
You might also like
New Zealand Vista
- Explore Maori culture with the Te Po Indigenous Experience
- Witness the stunning Huka Falls from a panoramic viewpoint
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm
Scenic Sights of New Zealand
- Daily breakfasts and select dinners included throughout your journey
- Travel Director, driver guide and local guides accompany you throughout
- Guided Te Po Indigenous Experience and Waitomo Caves glowworm cruise included
New Zealand Marvel
- Journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
- Cruise Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) and see thundering waterfalls
- Discover Rotorua's geothermal landscapes and Indigenous experiences