Compare My Tours are being updated!
loading...

Our customers rate
this Milestones holiday

100%

New Zealand Discoverer

21 DAYS FROM £5349

First Class Customer rating () 3 Reviews

A fascinating voyage around the "Land of the Long White Cloud" taking in harbourside cities, the stunning scenery of the Southern Alps, leisurely lake cruises and the Maori culture.

Any Questions...

We are the experts. Whatever your query or thoughts on your holiday, we are here to assist you. Please contact your Personal Travel Consultant
by telephone on:
0845 678 56 56

OR

Complete the information below and we will contact you by telephone or email at your convenience.

Please leave blank:
Download Tour Brochure Click here to download the PDF
 

See your tour

To view our interactive map of this tourClick Here

Maori Dance

Maori Dance

Tour Pace

Leisurely Lively Tour Pace

Tour experience

Scenic City Tour experience

Highlights


  • TranzAlpine

  • Punakaiki

  • Franz Josef

  • Walter Peak Station

  • Milford Sound

  • Dunedin

  • Mount Cook

  • Lake Tekapo

  • Christchurch

  • Marlborough Region

  • Picton

  • Wellington

  • Rotorua

  • Waitomo

  • Auckland

Included Sightseeing


  • TranzAlpine Journey on the famous TranzAlpine Train.

  • Franz Josef See magnificent Franz Josef Glacier.

  • Walter Peak Sheep Station Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to the station on the TSS Earnslaw.

  • Milford Sound Cruise on this spectacular wonder of nature.

  • Dunedin Tour this 'Scottish city' including Larnach Castle.

  • Mount Cook See the National Park and New Zealand's highest peak.

  • Lake Tekapo View the Church of the Good Shepherd.

  • Marlborough Region Dinner and wine tasting at Georges Michel Wine Estate.

  • Picton Cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and Cook Strait.

  • Wellington Visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.

  • Rotorua Ride on the Skyline Gondola. Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Agrodome Sheep Show. Plus The Realm of Tane and an exclusive traditional Maori Hangi dinner and concert.

  • Waitomo Guided boat tour of the Glow Worm Grotto.

  • Auckland Explore the 'City of Sails'.

Included Dining


  • Welcome Drink with your Tour Director in Christchurch (WD)

  • 17 buffet breakfasts (BB)

  • Be My Guest Lunch in the Mount Cook region (HL)

  • 8 dinners in hotels (D)

  • 3 Highlight Dinners in Queenstown, the Marlborough region and Rotorua (HD)

  • Farewell Dinner in Auckland (FD)

  • 30 included meals in total

Included Private Car UK Transfers


  • Exclusive door to door airport transfers

Included Flights

Return scheduled International flights
 

See your tour

To view our interactive map of this tourClick Here

Milford Sound

Milford Sound

Day 1 (Door to Door)

In-flight

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Christchurch.

Day 2

In-flight

Day 3

Arrive Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch, you are transferred to your exclusive alpine resort in the foot hills of the Southern Alps (flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Tonight, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink and dinner. (D)
Hotel: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield (D)

Day 4

TranzAlpine - Punakaiki

We start the day with a spectacular train journey on the TranzAlpine from Darfield to Arthur's Pass. Later we view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on arrival in Punakaiki. (BB, D)
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort (FC)

Day 5

Punakaiki - Franz Josef

Today we visit a New Zealand native greenstone (jade) factory at Hokitika before arriving at Franz Josef Glacier. See it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) or take a glacier hike! (BB, D)
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (D)

Day 6

Franz Josef - Queenstown (2)

Our coach climbs over the Haast Pass, winding through Mount Aspiring National Park and the Kawarau Gorge, passing Lakes Wanaka and Hawea en route. We visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River, then continue to Queenstown. (BB)
Hotel: Millennium Hotel (D)

Day 7

Queenstown at leisure

A full day at leisure. This evening, we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Sheep Station. Enjoy some Kiwi hospitality including a carvery Highlight Dinner. (BB, HD)
Hotel: Millennium Hotel (D)

Day 8

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau

We journey to Fiordland National Park for the drive through the Homer Tunnel en route to Milford Sound where we cruise on this wonder of nature with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above. Later we head to Te Anau for the night. (BB, D)
Hotel: Distinction Hotel (MFC)

Day 9

Te Anau - Dunedin

We cross South Otago country through Gore and Balclutha on our way to the Scottish city of Dunedin. (BB, D)
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (SFC)

Day 10

Dunedin - Mount Cook

Today we enjoy a guided tour at Larnach Castle followed by sightseeing in Dunedin. Next it's on to Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. We then follow the Waitaki River, past hydro-electric dams atWaitaki and Aviemore, to Twizel. (BB, D)
Hotel: MacKenzie Country Inn Deluxe Rooms (MD)

Day 11

Mount Cook - Christchurch

Mount Cook National Park is today's highlight. Perhaps take an optional scenic flight. We visit Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Join us for a taste of country life with a Be My Guest barbecue lunch on a working farm. We then continue to our resort in Darfield, where you can choose to play a round of golf, visit the Spa or simply enjoy the alpine scenery. (BB)
Hotel: Terrace Downs Resort, Darfield (D)

Day 12

Christchurch - Blenheim

We travel along the rugged coast to Kaikoura where we have the opportunity to enjoy an optional whale watching flight. Later we may see New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point before enjoying a Highlight Dinner and wine tastings at Georges Michel Wine Estate in the fabulous Marlborough region. (BB, HD)
Hotel: Chateau Marlborough (MD)

Day 13

Blenheim - Cook Strait Cruise - Wellington

We cruise across Cook Strait to Wellington, New Zealand's capital.We visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, with time to explore the many interactive displays depicting Maori and modern New Zealand culture. (BB, D)
Hotel: Novotel Wellington (SFC)

Day 14

Wellington - Rotorua (2)

Today we travel through dairy farming land to the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park where we catch sight of Mt. Ruapehu en route to Rotorua. The Realm of Tane and an exclusive Maori Hangi Highlight Dinner accompanied by local wine and a concert is our cultural experience this evening. (BB, HD)
Hotel: Millennium Hotel (D)

Day 15

Rotorua sightseeing - Farm Stay*

We start the day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with stunning views over Lake Rotorua. We then visit the Agrodome Sheep Show and Te Puia Thermal Reserve. *Tonight there's a chance to stay with a local family on a nearby farm - additional cost, please see below. (BB)
Hotel: Millennium Hotel (D)

Day 16

Rotorua - Waitomo Caves - Auckland

We visit the Waitomo Caves for a guided boat tour of the Glow Worm Grotto and continue through the Waikato district to Auckland where we join our Tour Director and new-found friends for a Farewell Dinner. (BB, FD)
Hotel: Stamford Plaza (D)

Day 17

Auckland - Bay of Islands (2)

We cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and travel north through Orewa via the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. This afternoon we cruise to Cape Brett and through the famous Hole in the Rock formation (weather permitting). (BB, D)
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (FC)

Day 18

Bay of Islands at leisure

A full day to relax in the Bay of Islands. (BB)
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (FC)

Day 19

Bay of Islands - Auckland

This morning enjoy a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Reserve before returning this afternoon to Auckland with time at leisure. (BB)
Hotel: Stamford Plaza (D)

Day 20

Depart Auckland

This morning bid farewell to New Zeeland before your complimentary transfer to Auckland International Airport for your return flight back to the UK. (BB)

Day 21 (Door to Door)

Arrive UK

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home.

.
* Farm Stay - Spend the night with a local family on a nearby farm in Rotorua. Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality. Price per person £20

 

See your tour

To view our interactive map of this tourClick Here

Stamford Plaza Auckland

Stamford Plaza Auckland (D)

Stamford Plaza Auckland is just a stroll from the Viaduct harbour and the shopping and nightlife districts. The hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant, three bars and a heated roof-top swimming pool.

Millennium Hotel Rotorua (D)

Rotorua's largest deluxe hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of the city overlooking Lake Rotorua. Hotel facilities include a large heated swimming pool, private spas and three restaurants.

Millennium Hotel Queenstown (D)

This luxury hotel is beautifully positioned at the heart of the town. It is near to the major places of interests in Queenstownand features a restaurant and gymnasium.

MacKenzie Country Inn (MD)

The MacKenzie Country Inn in the heart of the Aoraki Mount Cook Mackenzie region is just over an hour's scenic drive along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook National Park. The hotel offers a restaurant and bar.

Chateau Marlborough (FC)

A chateau-styled building set over two floors and located in the central area of Blenheim overlooking Seymour Square Gardens. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and offers well appointed studio rooms.

Novotel Capital Wellington (FC)

A modern ten-storey building overlooking the city of Wellington, this hotel's guestrooms feature spacious bathrooms as well as many other facilities. The hotels amenities include an onsite restaurant and fitness room.

Distinction Hotel (FC)

The Hotel is one of the most treasured hotels in Te Anau. Its amenities are both modern and extensive including a spa, swimming pool and a sauna.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort (FC)

Located next to the historic Treaty House, this hotel offers a restaurant, bar and swimming pool. The rooms offer expansive glass panels looking out to the charming surrounding gardens of the hotel.

Punakaiki Resort (SFC)

All rooms are architecturally designed to maintain a sense of privacy and maximise the incredible ocean and rainforest views while ensuring harmony with the local environment.

Terrace Downs Resort Darfield (D)

Located in the Canterbury foothills, situated on the edge of the Rakaia Gorge this hotel has spectacular golfing grounds. The resort includes the Avoca restaurant which serves a menu of local produce and has panoramic views of the mountains, there are a further two restaurants to choose from. The amenities include a spa, golf course, bar-terrace, tennis courts, fitness centre, massage, with added leisure activities including fishing, cycling, hiking and horse riding.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat (D)

Located in natural rainforest on New Zealand's West Coast and is only a short drive away from Franz Josef Glacier, the hotel is close to local attractions including horse trekking, rafting and quad biking. The hotel restaurant serves an international buffet breakfast and dinner is made using the best of fresh New Zealand produce.

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (SFC)

This Dunedin accommodation is located right in the heart of the city, offering guests the availability of access to the Octagon within a short stroll. A range of theatres, shops and restaurants are located near the Hotel. Amenities include fitness room/gym, solarium barber/beauty shop as well as restaurants and bars.

Stamford Plaza Auckland (D)

The Stamford Hotel is located in the heart of Auckland, 8 minutes' walk from shopping on Queen Street. Vector Arena is a 15-minute walk away. The hotel features 4 restaurants, providing authentic Thai food, contemporary New Zealand cuisine and Japanese Teppanyaki. Facilities include a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a fitness centre offering stunning city and harbor views

 

See your tour

To view our interactive map of this tourClick Here

Rotorua Skyline

Rotorua Skyline

Franz Josef Glacier Scenic flight

Enjoy an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) over Franz Josef Glacier.

Ninety Mile Beach

Take an excursion to Ninety Mile Beach.

 

Dates and prices

Your prices have been updated

Your prices are being updated
loading...
Definite Departures
Please note: All flights are subject to availability at the time of booking and supplements may be applicable, especially if booking near to departure date. Dependent on flight times and availability at the time of booking, additional nights may need to be purchased at the beginning or end of your tour.

Definite departures: We are aware that you need to plan your travel arrangements early to take advantage of our early booking discounts. To assist you, we have highlighted our "Definite Departures" that are now guaranteed to operate - helping you book with confidence.

Prices based on per person sharing a twin or double room. For single room supplements and triple room reductions please call for details.

 

Destination Info

 

Review score guide

  • Excellent
  • Good
  • Poor
  • Bad

See your tour

To view our interactive map of this tourClick Here

Milford Sound

Milford Sound

Overall customer rating 5 () 3 Reviews

    • Product :
      Trip of lifetime.

    • Service Rating :
      100%

      Will definitely travel with Milestones again

    • Response :
      It is wonderful for us to see that you rated Milestones as excellent, for both service and product.

      Thank you for your kind feedback, following your recent New Zealand Discover tour. We really take pride in providing our clients with a first class experience from start to finish.

      Our award-winning escorted tours, not only show you the major sites and attractions that you would expect but also surprising you with hidden gems along the way, that only a true expert would know. Our Tour Directors do make all the difference aiming to share with you their local knowledge and expertise and the hotels are carefully picked for their quality, friendly service and locations.

      It is wonderful to hear that you had the trip of a lifetime and we hope you have some life long memories.

      We hope you choose to travel with us again soon.

      Kind regards,

      Debbie Pullum
      Customer Relations

    • Left 119 days ago

    • Product :
      This was a wonderful experience , the best holiday we have had. We stayed in some of the most beautiful hotel. see the most beautiful places. Meet some wonderful people from all over the world. An experience we shall never forget , and a wonderful place to be for our 40th wedding anniversary.

    • Service Rating :
      This was our first long haul holiday we have had , it started when we was picked up at our home , and when we got back to the UK. we had excellent service all through our holiday.

    • Response :
      Firstly Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary from all of us at Milestones.

      Thank you for taking the time to write on Feefo, your positive words and praise regarding your private transfers, excellent service and beautiful hotels are wonderful to read. These comments will be shared with the whole team; it gives us great pride and encourages us to offer even higher levels of excellence.

      Kind Regards
      Shasheen Norton-Laver
      Customer Relations

    • Left 123 days ago

    • Product

    • Service Rating :
      The organisation beforehand and throughout the trip was faultless.

    • Response :
      Thank you for your comments and it is particularly pleasing to see that you were impressed with the service you received, would be interested in hearing what you thought of New Zealand as well? Looking forward to welcoming you on another tour in the near future.

      Richard Hitchens
      Marketing Executive

    • Left 123 days ago

Start Your Search

Now click one of these
options to view your results

Back to categories

You selected:

Question Mark

Tooltip text

Question Mark

Tour pace:

For each itinerary we have created this simple guide to clearly illustrate the nature of your tour from a gentle, leisurely pace to a more lively experience.

Question Mark

Tour experience:

For each itinerary we have created this simple guide to clearly illustrate your touring experience, from the scenic delights of the world's natural wonders to city chic with included excursions and entrances, or a comfortable blend of both.

Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar Tours:

Trafalgar Tours offer a range of first-class escorted tours including top-class hotels, comprehensive itineraries, luxury transportation, delicious meal plans and knowledgeable tour directors, often joined by experienced local guides.

Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations:

Insight Vacations provides premium-class escorted tours, enabling you to stay in the very best hotels where available, enjoying enhanced meal plans and touring on luxury coaches with fewer seats resulting in extra legroom.

Thompson's Africa

Thompson's Africa:

Thompson's Africa offers excellent first-class escorted tours but with smaller groups ranging from only 2 passengers to 18 per group and touring in air-conditioned micro-buses for a more intimate approach.

AAT Kings

AAT Kings:

AAT Kings, one of Australia's most respected travel companies, provides a range of first-class escorted tours in Australia and New Zealand which include top-class hotels, comprehensive itineraries, luxury transportation, delicious meal plans and knowledgeable tour directors, often joined by experienced local guides.

Brendan Vacations

Brendan Vacations:

When you travel to South America with Brendan, you can expect first class hotels in convenient locations that provide the highest standard of service and the most up-to-date luxurious coaches available

Milestones Tours

Milestones

City and Resort Breaks that allow for a more independent holiday while still matched with Milestones' unrivalled levels of service.

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

On board a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise ship, guests can enjoy an intimate, luxurious experience with five-star inclusions. With an average capacity of just over 130 guests and one crew member for every three guests, Uniworld's Premium Class award-winning services are recognised as the world's best.

Question Mark

First Class:

For over 60 years, our award-winning First Class tours have been providing incredible value escorted tours, not only showing you the major sites and attractions that you would expect to see but also surprising you with exclusive Hidden Gems along the way, that only a true expert would know. Enjoy the comfort of first-class hotels, travelling by air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and restroom, included meal plans and the services of our professional Tour Directors.
From exclusive Be My Guest dining experiences to in-depth insights provided by expert local guides, our First Class tours offer an enriching travel experience where you come away with a wealth of local knowledge and a photo album packed with memories.

Question Mark

Premium Class:

On a Premium Class escorted tour you'll be travelling with a smaller, more personal group of like-minded travellers (maximum 40 guests on board) on coaches featuring business-class-like legroom and spacious comfort.
And you'll be staying in superior quality hotels in the heart of every destination. We select only premium brands of major hotel groups. Your expert Tour Director will act as your 'personal concierge' throughout and will be assisted by local guides, passionate on the life and history of their own city. We include many special dining evenings such as authentic local lunches, Highlight Dinners and our unique Dine-Around experiences featuring smallgroup dining at a choice of restaurants.

Question Mark

At Leisure:

At Leisure is an inspiring new style of travel offering the best expertly planned escorted tours combined with more opportunity for in-depth, authentic experiences and more freedom to go your own way than ever before. With average hotel stays of two or three nights, spend minimal time unpacking andmore time soaking up the ambience of each amazing place. You'll also enjoy a leisurely start each day with departures never earlier than 9am on travel days. At Leisure provides free time to explore each destination on your own, including complimentary hop-on/hop-off city sightseeing passes where available. Plus you'll enjoy sightseeing in major cities with a local guide assigned to more intimate groups.

Question Mark

Premium Gold:

Premium Gold is an exclusive collection of deluxe tours, each celebrating the fine art of luxury travel. All of the luxury hotels exude elegance and style, with many being members of the Leading Hotels of the World or other internationally recognised upmarket hotel associations. Premium Gold itineraries are leisurely-paced with relaxed stays in the most sought-after locations and with ample free time for personal exploration.
You will delight in sumptuous, authentic dining with four-course hotel dining and superb a la carte menus in some of the best gourmet restaurants. Premium Gold features smaller group sizes on tour and includes Premium Highlight sightseeing often including private tours with VIP entrances.

Question Mark

Cost Saver:

We have introduced a new collection of touring holidays known as 'Cost Saver', a new and exciting programme of tours offering you fantastic European experiences at an unbeatable price.
The new selection of tours cover destinations such as Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The perfectly balanced itineraries combine plenty of free time to explore along with First Class touches including unique Hidden Treasures.