NZ Tourism.com 10 Day New Zealand Educational Tour New Zealand Tour Packages
Embark on an extraordinary 10 day educational journey that seamlessly blends the treasures of both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Our tour from Auckland to Queenstown promises an immersive experience, unveiling the very best this stunning country has to offer.
Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Auckland, where we’ll elevate your perspective with a visit to the summit of Mount Eden, providing a panoramic view of the cityscape. The iconic Skytower awaits, offering an exhilarating vantage point that sets the tone for the remarkable days ahead.
Venture into the mystical Waitomo Caves, where luminescent glowworms illuminate subterranean wonders, creating an otherworldly ambiance. Step into the enchanting realm of Middle-earth as we explore the film sets of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, capturing the magic that brought these epic tales to life.
Immerse yourself in the rich Maori culture at the Te Puia Cultural Centre, where traditional arts and geothermal wonders converge. A day spent at a local school offers a unique opportunity to connect with New Zealand’s educational landscape, fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The Agrodome Sheep Show introduces you to the country’s agricultural heritage, while the Tamaki Cultural Evening and Hangi provide a taste of Maori cuisine, accompanied by captivating performances. Feel the rush at Huka Falls, explore the captivating exhibits at Te Papa Museum, and marvel at the majestic whales off the coast of Kaikoura during a Whalewatch adventure.
Delve into the seismic forces shaping New Zealand’s landscape at the Earthquake Exhibition before embracing the thrill of a jet boat ride. Conclude your journey in Queenstown with a ride on the Gondola, followed by three exhilarating luge rides, offering an adrenaline-pumping finale to your unforgettable expedition.
TOUR DURATION:
10 daysTOUR STARTS/ENDS:
Auckland to QueenstownTOUR CATEGORY:
Escorted Coach TourTRANSPORTATION:
CoachTOUR DEPARTURES:
DailyAIRPORT TRANSFERS:
IncludedMEALS:
check the meal details in the itineraryACCOMMODATIONS:
Standard HotelsPASSENGERS:
check the maximum number of passengers in the itineraryTOUR CODE:
NZET01PRE & POST ACCOMMODATION:
“Available“CITIES/REGIONS VISITED:
Auckland – Rotorua (via Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton) – Wellington – Kaikoura – Christchurch – Queenstown
ITINERARY
DAY 1 : Arrive Auckland
You will be met on arrival at Auckland airport by your Tour Manager and Driver.
We take a sightseeing tour including climbing to the top of Mt Eden, an extinct Volcano, where we will learn about the geography of Auckland and the 48 volcanoes spread through New Zealand’s largest city. From here we take a tour through the main sites of Auckland finishing at the Skytower
where we take the lift to the top for fantastic 360 degree views of the city. After a home cooked meal we talk about the next few days before heading to bed for a well earned sleep.
DAY 2 : Auckland – Rotorua (via Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton)
Today we head to the wonderland of Waitomo where under the green hills lies a labyrinth of caves, sinkholes and underground rivers. (Waitomo: wai = water and tomo= underground cave or sinkhole). First we visit the Waitomo Caves where we walk through the beautiful large caverns, the narrow passage ways and finishing with a boat trip in the dark under what appears to be the night sky but is actually glow worms clinging to the roof and the sides of the cave. Later we travel through the rich farmland of the Waikato to ‘Middle Earth’ and the town of Hobbiton (Matamata). We take a tour through the movie set of Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit, see the Hobbit holes the Green dragon Inn and touch the wonderful Party Tree. From here is it a short drive to Rotorua the geothermal capital of New Zealand.
DAY 3 : Rotorua (School Visit)
Today we spend the day at a local school where we have the opportunity to spend time with kiwi students and learn what happens at school. We spend time in class and also learn some Maori songs and dance. Later this afternoon we enjoy a BBQ with our new friends, their families and teachers.
DAY 4 : Rotorua
This morning we visit Te Puia Maori Cultural and Geothermal Park. Here we can see steaming hot pools, spouting geysers, silica terraces and boiling mud. We learn about Maori carving and weaving and afterwards maybe have time to try for ourselves! From here we go to the Government gardens for a group photo, followed by a demonstration of Greenstone (New Zealand Jade) carving. Later we visit the Agrodome where we learn about sheep farming in New Zealand and watch the sheep dogs at work. Tonight we take Tamaki Waka to enjoy our evening of cultural entertainment at the Tamaki Maori Cultural Village. Here we experience a traditional Maori welcome, followed by a walk through their ‘village’ to learn about traditions of Maori before the arrival of the European. Our hosts will entertain us with songs, dance and the famous Haka before we enjoy a traditional Hangi (dinner cooked in an Earth oven).
DAY 5 : Rotorua to Wellington
Today we travel south and our first stop is the beautiful Huka Falls In Taupo. After some lunch we continue our drive to Wellington, passing through the Tongariro National Park where on a clear day we have amazing views of the three mountains and the spectacular coastline.
Once we reach the capital city, we visit Te Papa where we learn more about the history, geology nature and culture of New Zealand. Tonight dinner is a free night and there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance of our accommodation.
DAY 6 : Wellington – Kaikoura
We take the Inter-Islander Ferry to Picton at the top of the South Island. Our scenic crossing between the North and South Island is stunning so have your cameras on hand as we travel through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Our first stop in the South Island is a walk to Ohau Falls to see the baby seal pups play in the stream. Later (weather permitting) we will have a bonfire on the beach.
DAY 7 : Kaikoura – Christchurch
Lying hidden just offshore, the 2km deep Kaikoura Canyon is one of the world’s great undersea wonders. Two strong sea currents converge in this enormous trench and draw vast quantities of plant and animal nutrients to the surface in a great upwelling. This is the home of the giant sperm, whale and today we take the Whale Watch tour to view these great creatures. We may also encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Later we make our way to Christchurch and see the devastation that hit this city by the earthquake in February. We visit the container mall and peak into the red zone before arriving at our accommodation tonight.
DAY 8 : Christchurch – Queenstown
This morning we visit the Earthquake Exhibition where we learn about the effects of the earthquake, see photos of Christchurch before the earthquake and experience a simulated earthquake. This afternoon we take another spectacular drive through the Mackenzie country stopping first at the Church Of Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo and later at Lake Pukaki for fantastic views over the lake to Mount Cook. From here we travel through the Kawarau Gorge arriving at Goldfields Jet where we take a thrilling jet boat ride-skimming past rocky outcrops at close range twisting and turning through the Kawarau gorge at breath taking speeds. Later we arrive at our accommodation situated near the centre of Queenstown the adventure capital of New Zealand. Tonight our dinner is a local favourite Ferg Burger.
DAY 9 : Queenstown
This morning we take the GONDOLA to the top of Bob’s peak and then have
2 FAST LUGE RIDES down through the forest tracks. We have free time to enjoy some of the many activities on offer in Queenstown; Canyon Swing, Skydiving, Horse Riding, White Water Rafting the choice is yours (providing we have your parent’s permission of course). Tonight we have a FAREWELL PARTY night with presentations and games.
DAY 10 : Queenstown – Departure Day
We drop you off at the airport where it is time to say goodbye to your Tour Manager and driver before flying home. (Breakfast)
Inclusions & Highlights
Activities included:
• Tour to the top of Mount Eden
• Skytower Visit
• Waitomo Caves Visit
• Visit to the Film Set of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings
• Te Puia Cultural Centre
• Day spent at local school
• Group Photo
• Agrodome Sheep Show
• Tamaki Cultural Evening and Hangi
• Huka Falls
• Te Papa Museum
• Whalewatch Kaikoura
• Earthquake Exhibition
• Jet boat ride
• Gondola and 3 Luge Rides
Food
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Hangi (traditionally cooked food in earth oven)
• Ferg Burger Dinner
Extra
• NZET Maps
• NZET booklet with information and quizzes
Not Included
• Flights
• Visa’s
• Insurance
ACCOMMODATION
• 3 Star hotels
• Students in triple and twin share rooms
• Teachers in twin Share rooms
