Experience New Zealand from north to south as you journey from Auckland to Queenstown, visiting winelands, fiordlands, volcanic landscapes, and the Southern Alps.

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary Request Itinerary or Ask Us A Question or Call 855-215-8690
 Landscape of lupines and mountains on the South Island
Landscape of lupines and mountains on the South Island
 Looking out over Queenstown. Credit: Chris Sisarich/Tourism New Zealand
Looking out over Queenstown. Credit: Chris Sisarich/Tourism New Zealand
 The city of Auckland. Credit: Tourism New Zealand
The city of Auckland. Credit: Tourism New Zealand
 Rotorua's Te Puia. Credit: Eric Lindberg/Tourism New Zealand
Rotorua's Te Puia. Credit: Eric Lindberg/Tourism New Zealand
 Spouting geysers, Rotorua. Credit: Chris McLennan/Tourism New Zealand
Spouting geysers, Rotorua. Credit: Chris McLennan/Tourism New Zealand
 The Po Hutu Geyser in Rotorua
The Po Hutu Geyser in Rotorua
 Marlborough Sound
Marlborough Sound
 The Rose Garden at the Botanical Gardens, Christchurch
The Rose Garden at the Botanical Gardens, Christchurch
 Wines of New Zealand. Credit: Chris McLennan/Tourism New Zealand
Wines of New Zealand. Credit: Chris McLennan/Tourism New Zealand
 Tasting cafe in Wellington. Credit: Tourism New Zealand
Tasting cafe in Wellington. Credit: Tourism New Zealand
 View of Doubtful Sound
View of Doubtful Sound
 Serene setting of Doubtful Sound
Serene setting of Doubtful Sound
 View of the dramatic Doubtful Sound
View of the dramatic Doubtful Sound

New Zealand North and South: A Tailor-Made Journey

From Auckland to the Milford Sound

17 days from $9,995

Experience New Zealand from north to south as you journey from Auckland to Queenstown, visiting winelands, fiordlands, volcanic landscapes, and the Southern Alps.

Request a Tailor-Made Itinerary

or call 855-215-8690

Tour Details

TOUR BROCHURE

brochure

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Our trip to New Zealand and Australia was fabulous! We had fun planning it with our country specialist, Alison. She quickly figured out what we like to do and organized a trip that exceeded our expectations.

- Tina W.

JOURNEYS DISPATCHES

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Accommodations

* Click on hotel name to visit hotel web-site.

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Auckland, New Zealand

This chic waterfront hotel in the heart of central Auckland is situated between the sophisticated shops and restaurants of Viaduct Harbour and the attractions of the new Wynyard quarter. Each of the 172 spacious rooms and suites features a private balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the harbor or city views, an espresso machine, and a marble bathroom with both a rain shower and a deep soaking bathtub. The many facilities include a champagne bar, café, a gourmet restaurant, swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, and a spa. In addition, a team of dedicated staff deliver excellent, personal service to assure you of a memorable stay.

Regent of Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

The Regent of Rotorua is an intimate boutique hotel with just over 20 guest rooms located just steps from the Rotorua’s waterfront. Rooms range from spacious and elegant suites to cozy “cutie” rooms, each featuring designer décor and plenty of amenities. The hotel features a heated swimming pool and a mineral pool, a small gym, a lounge and wine bar, outdoor dining and lounging areas, and an award-winning restaurant.

QT Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

Opulent, fun, and full of creative touches, the QT Wellington calls itself a museum hotel and is home to  an eclectic collection of artwork. Positioned by Wellington's waterfront, the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from the diverse shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife that New Zealand’s capital has to offer. The property is comprised a hotel wing and a residence wing. Almost every wall features individual artwork, many of which are for sale, and all of which have a story behind them. Facilities include a restaurant and bar, which take advantage of the harbor views, as well as a gym, pool and sauna.

Marlborough Vintners Hotel

Blenheim, New Zealand

The Marlborough Vintners Hotel is located in the heart of the Blenheim winelands, and provide contemporary, self-contained accommodation among the vines. The suites are spacious and light, with views of the surrounding vineyards and the impressive Richmond Range. On site you will also find the Vintners Room restaurant, which offers fine dining and the opportunity to sample wines from throughout the Marlborough region and beyond.

The Hamptons

Kaikoura, New Zealand

The Hamptons is a boutique B&B set in a peaceful setting a few steps from the beach, but still just a short walk from the center of Kaikoura. It offers two beautifully arranged, spacious guest rooms boasting unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean from their large private decks and gardens. Each room features a king size bed, spacious en suite bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi access and a smart TV. Breakfast is served each morning in your room, and at your own convenience, and the owners offer friendly, personalized service.

Orari Bed & Breakfast

Christchurch, New Zealand

Originally built in 1893 by the England brothers, renowned architects of the period, the Orari is a fabulous Victorian heritage home. It has been restored and refurbished to offer bed and breakfast accommodation with elegant living areas, gardens, and ten comfortable rooms. The Orari is situated an easy walk from city center and just across from the Christchurch Art Gallery.

Hidden Lodge

Queenstown, New Zealand

Perched on a hillside with unobstructed views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountains, Hidden Lodge is a lovely bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Queenstown. A cross between a small boutique hotel and a warm family home, the lodge offers just four spacious suites with lake and mountain views, inviting common spaces,  expansive gardens, and an outdoor courtyard.

Fiordland Navigator

Doubtful Sound, New Zealand

A three-masted sailing vessel designed like a traditional trading scow, the Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern comforts. Accommodating 72 guests in private cabins and shared quads, the ship features spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with fully licensed bar, and an observation lounge. It carries a fleet of kayaks and tendercraft that guests may use to explore the fjords.

Gift Membership – Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a tailor-made journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

  • A Smithsonian annual engagement calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
  • Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history. Early access to Smithsonian magazine produced events.
  • Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
  • 10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
  • Recognition in the Friends of the Smithsonian Honor Roll, displayed electronically on the National Mall in the Membership Reception Center
  • Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
  • Free admission to the Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
  • A complimentary copy of the annual Smithsonian museum guidebook.
  • Invitation to a special welcome event for new members at a Smithsonian venue.

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members. 

Testimonials

WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY

Our trip to New Zealand and Australia was fabulous! We had fun planning it with our country specialist, Alison. She quickly figured out what we like to do and organized a trip that exceeded our expectations.

- Tina W.
Reading List

Highly Recommended

Come On Shore and We Will Kill and Eat You All: A New Zealand Story
By: Thompson, Christina
Field Guide to the Wildlife of New Zealand
By: Fitter, Julian
DK Eyewitness New Zealand (Travel Guide)
By: DK Eyewitness
New Zealand - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (78)
By: Ortolja-Baird, Ljiljana, Culture Smart!

Also Recommended

Fairness and Freedom: A History of Two Open Societies: New Zealand and the United States
By: Fischer, David Hackett
Maori Tattooing (Dover Pictorial Archives)
By: Robley, H. G.
A River Rules My Kitchen
By: Smith, Tony
A Portrait of New Zealand
By: Worrall, Jill
The rise and fall of the Southern Alps
By: Glen Coates
Kiwis, Coffee, and Quakes: Emigrating to New Zealand
By: Durston, Ian
Captain Cook: Master of the Seas
By: McLynn, Frank
Eat Up New Zealand: Recipes and Stories
By: Brown, Al
The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific
By: Theroux, Paul
The Luminaries
By: Catton, Eleanor
Tutira the Story of a New Zealand Sheep Station (Classic Reprint)
By: Guthrie-Smith, H.
A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of New Zealand (Naturalists' Guides)
By: Thomas, Oscar
24x36 World Wall Map by Smithsonian Journeys - Tan Oceans Special Edition (24x36 Laminated)

*As an Amazon Associate, Smithsonian Journeys earns from qualifying purchases.

Travel Insurance

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.

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