A land of legend, New Zealand captures your heart when you visit. For the young and young-at-heart, here you can find peace, relaxation, and adventure!
On our special GRANDTRAVEL tour, learn about the Maori people and their culture firsthand, travel in 4x4 Dune Riders to explore orchards, farmland, forest and beautiful long beaches. Boogie board down massive sand dunes, meet a farmer and explore his homestead, learn how to sail on the Pride of Auckland yacht, gaze at the glowworms above you in the caves of Ruakuri in Waitomo, and bounce down a slope in the best form of fun ever —a “ZORB”!
Also learn about the kiwi and efforts to save it from extinction, soak in bubbling thermal pools, and indulge in some winter sports outside Queenstown (we are “Down Under” after all), including skiing or snowboarding lessons! This is an adventure of a lifetime. 
July 24: Depart USA Depart Los Angeles for Auckland.
July 25: En Route Lose a day in flight crossing the International Date Line. July 26: Arrive Auckland “Haere mai” – Welcome! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Meet fellow Grandtravelers at lunch, then, relax on the “Pride of Auckland” while sailing on the Waitemata Harbour. Learn a thing or two about sailing or simply sit back and enjoy the view. In the late afternoon, visit Sky Tower in time to see the sun set from the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. Watch the lights come on in this bustling city. Have your dinner in the sky while taking in the sights.
Quay West Auckland (L,D) July 27: Auckland to Paihia After a leisurely morning, depart by motorcoach for Paihia, the center of New Zealand'a colonial history. En route, stop for lunch at a local farm and tour the property. This afternoon, visit the Waitangi Treaty House, where the British and Maori signed an 1840 agreement giving the British Commonwealth governorship of the country. Dine this evening on the Sugar Boat, a historic ship moored at Waitangi Bridge.
Paihia Beach Resort (B,L,D) July 28: Paihia and Cape Reinga Climb aboard a Dune Rider 4 x 4 for a full day tour. Dig for shellfish along Cape Reinga, a sacred Maori spot at the tip of the peninsula. Cruise 90 Mile Beach (really only about 60 miles long!) in the 4 x 4. Stop to boogie board down the towering sand dunes. Spread out a picnic lunch on the beach and search for shells. Enjoy an early dinner at a classic fish and chips restaurant before returning to Paihia.
Paihia Beach Resort (B,L,D) July 29: Paihia to Auckland Discover the Bay of Islands and cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock. If you are lucky, curious dolphins will pop up alongside your boat. You are guaranteed to spot marine life at lunchtime, as the waterside restaurant boasts an enormous saltwater aquarium, in addition to spectacular views of the bay. Return to Auckland after lunch and have the remainder of your evening at leisure.
Quay West Auckland (B,L)
July 30: Auckland After breakfast, experience Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. Glimpse marine life up close through the 120-yard-long transparent tunnel. Follow the footsteps of explorer Robert Falcon Scott as you enter a replica of his 1911 Antarctic hut at McMurdo Sound. Frolicking in the white wilderness is a colony of sub-Antarctic penguins. From your snowcat, have a fantastic view of the birds. Spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
Quay West Auckland (B,D) July 31: Auckland to Rotorua Travel this morning into Waikato, an area of rolling hills dotted with dairy farms, to the charming village of Waitomo. Explore the ancient Ruakuri Caves which contain glowworms that illuminate the underground caverns like a starry night sky. Learn how a Maori chief discovered the caves. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing on to Rotorua, land of geysers and thermal baths. Novotel Lakeside Hotel (B,L) August 1: Rotorua Discover the kiwi, New Zealand’s unique bird, and learn firsthand about efforts to save this national symbol from extinction. Grandkids will have the opportunity to Zorb! Zorbing involves rolling downhill cushioned inside a huge inflated ball that travels at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour! Later meet your Maori guide for a private tour of Te Puia, a geothermal valley of shooting geysers and bubbling mud. At the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, watch Maori artisans at work who will share their weaving and carving skills with you as you create your own masterpiece. After lunch, pack your swimsuit and immerse yourself in one of the 35 hot mineral pools at the Polynesian Spa (spa treatments not included).
Novotel Lakeside Hotel (B,L)
August 2: Rotorua to Queenstown
Fly today to Queenstown, adventure capital and the home of bungy jumping. Dress warmly for your special transfer from the airport to the Queenstown pier. Enjoy pizza at the popular Cow Restaurant, warming up by the open fire before lunch is served. Afterwards, check into your ideally located hotel and have the remainder of the day free to explore this lovely lakeside town.
Crowne Plaza Hotel (B,L)
August 3: Queenstown This morning take a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak and have breakfast at 1,425 feet above Lake Wakatipu. Absorb stunning views of the aptly named Remarkables Mountain Range. Ride the Skyline Luge, a uniquely designed experience that features carts that safely glide along cement paths. Choose between one scenic and gentle path and one advanced and adventurous. Return to the hotel to spend the day at your leisure.
Crowne Plaza Hotel (B)
August 4: Queenstown Seize the opportunity to ski in July! Coronet Peak, 25 minutes from town, offers terrain suitable to all levels of ski and snowboard enthusiasts. All gear will be provided for you to either take a lesson or take off on your own – the day is yours to enjoy on the mountain.
Crowne Plaza Hotel (B) August 5: Queenstown Spend the morning on a 4-wheel drive excursion through landscapes that were featured in the “Lord of the Rings” movies. After lunch, board a motor coach to visit the Kawarau Gorge Bungy Center. Learn about the history of bungy jumping before watching others take the plunge! Continue on to Wanaka, nestled at the base of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Give your brain a workout at Puzzling World, taking in such teasers as Tumbling Towers and Tilted House. Try not to get lost in the complicated maze! Stop at the New Zealand Fighter Pilots Museum, with its collection of aircraft used in the World Wars, including Spitfires. Return to Queenstown for a free evening.
Crowne Plaza Hotel (B,L)
August 6: Depart New Zealand The morning is at leisure before gathering for a farewell lunch. Depart for Auckland mid-day to catch your early evening flight to the U.S.A.
(B,L) 
| Cost for Land Arrangements | | Rates are per person based on a minimum of two persons sharing a room. See Terms and Conditions. | | Adult double or triple | $6,995 | | Child double | $6,750 | | Child triple | $5,680 | | Airfare to Auckland and return is not included. GRANDTRAVEL is happy to assist in making your air travel arrangements. | Back to top | 
