MAORIS, MOTHER NATURE & MAGNIFICENT NEW ZEALAND

ESSENTIAL NEW ZEALAND

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New Zealand Holidays

Luxury Escorted Tours New Zealand

A holiday to New Zealand offers you more kinds of heaven than anywhere on earth. From the north’s sub-tropical Bay of Islands to the south’s magnificent Fjordland, with, Rotorua’s geysers, Queenstown’s lake and mountains and majestic Milford Sound in-between.

Journeys of Distinction escorted tours to New Zealand allow you to see the best bits this country has to offer. Magnificent New Zealand, is a 26 day luxury holiday with stops in Wellington, Franz Josef and Auckland to name a few.

Our New Zealand Holiday Highlights
• Spending the night onboard the Milford Mariner at the awe-inspiring Milford Sounds and awake to spot penguins, seals and dolphins surrounded by spectacular scenery.
• Traversing the southern alps on the TranzAlpine Express you will pass rivers, valleys, farmland and pastures.  Don’t miss the open air viewing carriage!
• Meeting Maori Tribe Chief Hone Mihaka and learn about New Zealand’s fascinating indigenous culture.
• Witnessing breathtaking views at the stunning Franz Josef Glacier.

Where is New Zealand?
Lying in the midst of the South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is quite literally on the other side of the world from the UK and slightly larger.  The country is made up of the north and south island as well as the lesser known Stewart Island and a host of islets.  Separated from
Australia by the Tasman Sea, the two countries are often visited together as an antipodean adventure. Holiday extensions to Fiji or stopovers in USA, Singpaore or Hong Kong provide  a practical route home.

New Zealand’s geographic position allows a temperate climate with as many sunshine hours as Italy or Florida.  Summers and winters are the reserve of those in Europe and the weather tends to be pleasantly warm from October to April and much cooler at other times of year when skiing and snowboarding are popular sports.

New Zealand Cuisine
All this, and when it comes to food and wine, a gourmet’s dream. New Zealand’s cities enjoy a range of styles and ingredients from around the world.  Increasingly diverse restaurants are opening up and although prices remain reasonable it is possible to splash out on 5* dining on occasion.

Don’t miss the famous New Zealand lamb, splendid range of delicious pies and some of the best fish and chips in the world!

Did You Know?

The tallest building is...
The Auckland Sky Tower. At 328m it is the tallest man-made structure in the Southern Hemisphere, with amazing 360 degree views across Auckland.

The mightiest tree is...
The native New Zealand Kauri Tree growing to more than 50 metres tall. It’s the most populous in the country and first appeared in the Jurassic period between 190 and 135 million years ago.

The highest ratio of animals to humans is in...
New Zealand. Less than five percent of New Zealand's population is human, the rest are animals - one of the highest ratios of animals to humans in the world.

Area

New Zealand is one of the most isolated countries in the world, and has an estimated population of 4.3 million people. The Maori people are said to have arrived between 700 to 2000 years ago, with the islands only being discovered by the United Kingdom in 1769. Due to its isolation, New Zealand has some truly unique wildlife, such as the iconic Kiwi bird.

Time difference / local time

GMT +12 hours

Currency

New Zealand currency comprises of New Zealand dollars and cents. Currency can be converted at banks, hotels, and foreign exchanges. All major international credit cards are acceptable and ATM's are widely available.

Passport and visa

We can only advise of the requirements for British citizen passport holders.For British passports endorsed in any way and all other passport holders, requirements should be checked with the relevant embassy.
Visitors are currently permitted visa free entry into New Zealand and the stopover destinations of Singapore and Hong Kong for stays of up to six months (30 days for Singapore.) Full ten year passports are required and must be valid for six months after your return to the UK, and proof of onward travel may be required. Please note there are very strict controls for arriving in New Zealand regarding the importation of plant and vegetable matter. It is prohibited to take in any fruit and other kinds of food and snacks.

Flying time to destination

London to Singapore 12 ½ hours
Singapore to Christchurch 9 hours
Singapore to Auckland 10 hours
London to Hong Kong 12 hours
Hong Kong to Christchurch 12 ½ hours
Hong Kong to Christchurch 11 hours

Climate/season

The North island of New Zealand receives subtropical temperatures whilst the South island is generally cooler. New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere with four definite seasons, spring (Sept - Nov), summer (Dec - Feb), autumn (Mar - May) and winter (Jun - Aug). During winter the temperatures can reach freezing and snow is common in the south island upon high ground.

Electricity

230 volt AC. Three round pin plugs are used, therefore an adapter is required.

Health and Vaccinations

Vaccinations are not required for overseas visitors coming to New Zealand from uninfected areas. You may need vaccinations for visiting Singapore or Hong Kong, please check with your health practitioner.

Health Care

Drinking tap water in New Zealand presents no risk, however it is recommended to drink bottled water in South East Asia. Medical facilities in New Zealand are of a high standard.

Clothing

In keeping with New Zealand's lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. Even in the smarter restaurants men are generally not expected to wear formal suits, although you may prefer to take a jacket and tie. Due to the ever changeable climate, it is advisable to pack both lightweight cottons and warm clothing, preferably dressing in layers particularly during the Autumn/Winter period. Comfortable shoes and a light raincoat/umbrella would be advisable as rain can be expected at any time of year. In addition most of the hotels have self service guest laundry facilities at a small additional cost; alternatively, hotels offer a laundry service.

Climate data for this region

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  • Copthorne Harbour City
     

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    Part of our JOD Light New Zealand Tour

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Auckland

    Set adjacent to Viaduct Basin on the waterfront, this hotel overlooks Auckland's Waitemata Harbour. Restaurants, bars, ...

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  • Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
     

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    Part of our JOD Light New Zealand Tour

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Rotorua

    Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations. The hotel holds a fantastic location on the shores of Lake ...

    Number of rooms: 248

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  • Travelodge Wellington
     

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    Part of our JOD Light New Zealand Tour

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Wellington

    The Travelodge Wellington is situated in the city centre and is only a short walk from Wellington harbour as well as a ...

    Number of rooms: 132

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  • Copthorne Queenstown
     

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    Part of our JOD Light New Zealand Tour

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Queenstown

    The Copthorne Queenstown has a fantastic location, set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and within walking distance of Qu...

    Number of rooms: 241

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  • Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
     

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    Part of our JOD Light New Zealand Tour

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Franz Josef

    Situated in an alpine location on the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef is the per...

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  • Heartland Hotel
     

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    Part of our JOD Light New Zealand Tour

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Christchurch

    Warm and welcoming with Tudor style architecture the Heartland Hotel Christchurch is a little bit of England in New Zea...

    Number of rooms: 54

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  • Ascot Park Hotel
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Invercargill, New Zealand

    Situated on the southern scenic route just outside Invercargill is the Ascot Park Hotel, a perfect place to stay and ex...

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  • Carrington Resort
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Karikari Peninsula, New Zealand

    The Carrington Resort is spread over 3000 acres including a golf course and a vineyard. The hotel offers very good faci...

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  • Crowne Plaza Christchurch
     

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    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Christchurch, New Zealand

    This hotel is ideally located overlooking Victoria Square, close to the city’s attractions. There are several restauran...

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  • Scenic Hotel Te Pania
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Napier

    This beautiful light and airy hotel is located at Hawke’s Bay waterfront on Marine Parade, a short stroll from Napier’s...

    Number of rooms: 109

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  • Copthorne Bay of Islands
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

    This beautiful hotel stands at the waterfront surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens and is part of the historic...

    Number of rooms: 180

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  • Ipipiri
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Bay of Islands

    Your accommodation on this cruising catamaran is one of 30 cabins, all with private facilities and uninterrupted views ...

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  • Hermitage Hotel
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Mount Cook

    The Hermitage Hotel is perfectly placed for your Peak experience. Settle into your premium guestroom with its wide pict...

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  • Millenium Hotel Rotorua
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Rotorua

    Overlooking the beautiful Lake Rotorua, the Millennium Hotel is just a short stroll from the town centre and the outdoo...

    Number of rooms: 227

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  • Wairakei Resort
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Wairakei

    The Wairekei Resort is located a few minutes north of Taupo offering a choice of indoor and outdoor facilities includin...

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  • Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Dunedin

    Located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Octagon stands your hotel, the Southern Cross. This buildi...

    Number of rooms: 178

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  • Millenium Hotel Christchurch
     

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    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Christchurch

    The luxurious Millennium Hotel is located in the city’s picturesque Cathedral Square. Dining, shopping and entertainmen...

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  • Milford Mariner
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Milford Sound

    The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow. The emphasis is on c...

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  • Te Waonui Forest Retreat
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Franz Josef

    Nestled amongst the native rainforest is the wonderful Te Waonui Retreat. The hotel has been designed to help preserve ...

    Number of rooms: 100

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  • Heritage Hotel Queenstown
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Queenstown

    Set above the waters of Lake Wakatipu sits your hotel, the Heritage Queenstown, with views of the Remarkables. There’s ...

    Number of rooms: 213

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  • Rutherford Hotel
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Nelson

    Settle into your executive guestroom at the comfortable Rutherford Hotel. Located only a short way from Nelson’s main s...

    Number of rooms: 113

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  • Grand Mercure Puka Park
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

    Situated on the lower eastern side of the serene Coromandel Peninsula is the peaceful Grand Mercure Puka Park. The gues...

    Number of rooms: 42

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  • Copthorne Hotel Solway Park
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Masterton, New Zealand

    The Copthorne Solway Park is nestled in the Wairarepa Valley and framed by the Tararua ranges. This hotel and its delig...

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  • Millenium Hotel Queenstown
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Queenstown

    This hotel is situated on the main route into Queenstown on Frankton Road. It certainly is unmistakable with its entran...

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  • Copthorne Oriental Bay
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Wellington, New Zealand

    With its beautiful marina location, the Copthorne Oriental Bay is close to the Te Papa Museum and Courtney Place. Unwin...

    Number of rooms: 118

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  • Christchurch Heritage Hotel
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Christchurch, New Zealand

    The Heritage Christchurch provides a comfortable stay in the restored old government building and modern tower wing. It...

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  • Skycity Grand Hotel
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Auckland

    Centrally located in the heart of this vibrant city is the elegant Skycity Grand. The hotel’s ambience is rewarding, es...

    Number of rooms: 316

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  • Heritage Hotel Auckland
     

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    Part of our New Zealand escorted tours

    Country/Region: New Zealand Holidays, Auckland

    The Heritage Auckland was the former site of the historic Farmers department store. Beautifully restored, it is New Zea...

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  • Maoris, Mother Nature & Magnificent New Zealand
     

    From £5899.
    Per person

    Classic Luxury Touring Holidays Worldwide

    26-Day Luxury Escorted Tour Rugged and untamed landscapes take you from soaring, snow-capped peaks to thermal mud pools...

    Tour duration: 26 days

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  • Essential New Zealand

    From £2695.
    Per person

    Experience More. For Distinctly Less

    19-Day Enlightened Tour The mysteries of mother nature, the ancient traditions of Maori tribes and the pace of modern ...

    Tour duration: 19 days

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Our classic tours take you on a personal journey; connecting you to countries, customs and cultures by exploring, explaining and unearthing, in a way that creates a lifelong bond. See our Classic tours to Australia & New Zealand below.

Our Light tours offer a completely different kind of tour compared to our Classic range, you have more free time and opportunity to go off the beaten track! See our Light tours to Australia & New Zealand below.