Travel the length of New Zealand’s two islands, experiencing a spectacular range of landscapes and natural wonders, sampling wines and encountering wildlife, and discovering the many facets of Kiwi culture—from the traditions of the Maori to the flourishing creativity of its urban centers.
Journey Through New Zealand
From Auckland to Queenstown
16 days from $9,174 | includes airfare, taxes and all fees
Travel the length of New Zealand’s two islands, experiencing a spectacular range of landscapes and natural wonders, sampling wines and encountering wildlife, and discovering the many facets of Kiwi culture—from the traditions of the Maori to the flourishing creativity of its urban centers.
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Grand Millennium Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
The Grand Millennium Auckland sits in the heart of Auckland’s central business district, just a few blocks from Waitemata Harbour and a few minutes’ walk to the High Street shopping district and SkyCity casino. The bright, contemporary hotel features a soaring, light-filled lobby area, two restaurants and a bar; fitness center with indoor pool, steam room, and gym; complimentary Wi-Fi internet access; and laundry and dry cleaning services (for a fee). Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibar, TV, and phone.
Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Rotorua, New Zealand
Located just steps from Lake Rotorua and a short walk from the city center, the Millennium Hotel Rotorua offers an ideal home base from which to explore this vibrant small city. Amenities of this 227-room hotel include a restaurant, bar, pool, fitness center, spa, laundry and dry cleaning service (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Air-conditioned guest rooms feature private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibar, TV, and phone.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Napier, New Zealand
Hawkes Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, and Scenic Hotel Te Pania in Napier enjoys a premium waterfront location on Marine Parade. The hotel's slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay, and guests enjoy sweeping views out over the water. A fresh, contemporary style hotel, Scenic Hotel Te Pania is just a short stroll from Napier's main art deco style street.
Mövenpick Hotel Wellington (Formally known as Grand Mercure Wellington)
Wellington, New Zealand
Conveniently located in New Zealand’s capital city, the Movenpick Wellington stands just a few blocks from the shops and restaurants of the bohemian Cuba Quarter. Hotel amenities include a restaurant with an open kitchen, bar, swimming pool, sauna, gym, laundry facilities (for a fee), weekday dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Each of the 114 air-conditioned guest rooms has private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, ironing facilities, TV, phone, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and minibar.
Rydges Latimer Square
Christchurch, New Zealand
The Rydges Latimer Christchurch sits directly adjacent to Christchurch’s central Latimer Square. Amenities of the 138-room hotel include a restaurant and bar/lounge, laundry and dry cleaning service (for a fee), fitness center, and sauna. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, in-room safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibar, ironing facilities, TV, and phone.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Situated on the edge of Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is located just a few minutes from the glacier from which it takes its name. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, self-serve laundry (for a fee), full spa with massage services (for a fee, located a two-minute walk from the hotel), hot tub, and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone.
The Millennium Hotel Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand
The Millennium Hotel Queenstown sits on a hill in Queenstown, just minutes away from the town’s central shopping district. Amenities include a restaurant, bar, fitness center, sauna, spa, and WiFi internet access (for a fee). Each of the 220 air-conditioned guest rooms has private bath with hair dryer, minibar, safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, and phone.
Expectations: This Classic Land Journey will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions, and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Some tours may have activities with higher intensity and more active choices/options. Excursions require standing and walking for extended periods of time, sometimes over difficult terrain (cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators, muddy/slippery walking/hiking trails), and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited. Specific excursions may feature hiking, use of local transportation including trains, internal flights, motorcoaches, and boats, extended overnight train travel. Some days may require early morning departures and later evening returns. Travelers may be in remote and/or rugged regions and may be touring at higher altitudes with steep ascents/descents. There are several afternoons at leisure as well as a full free day in Queenstown. More active options are possible on some excursions (such as moderate hiking, swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, bicycling, rafting, or kayaking), though another choice may be offered for an alternate skill level.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion.
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For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.
In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.
To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.