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    Welcome to CharlieTheTraveler

    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

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    New Zealand
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image
    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours - tour image

    New Zealand Tour Photos From Our Customers

    New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 9 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours

    Can This Be Customized? Yes
    Fully Guided? All tours are almost fully guided.
    Are Solo Travelers Welcomed? Yes & There are No Single Supplements for the Tours!
    Featured on TripAdvisor Logo

    $799 a month for 6 months, 0% interest (ask for details)

    Dates & Availability for the Next 12 Months: Any Date w/ 7-Day Notice (some exceptions are made)
    Featured on TripAdvisor Logo

    Highlights

    2 Flightseeing Tours, 1 Over Milford Sound & 1 Over Mount Cook
    Jet-Boating Top-Speed Along a Turquoise-Colored River
    A World-Famous Suspension Bridge Jump (optional)
    Zip-Lining in the Forest
    Cable Car Ride Over Stunning Landscape
    Four-Wheel Driving in a Scenic Valley (seasonal)
    Boat Rides Around Icebergs (seasonal), Fjords & a National Park & Inside a Cave
    A Cruise on a Historic Steamship
    Visits to Boiling Geothermal Sites
    Bathing in a Mud Spa
    Wine-Tasting
    Glacier-Hiking
    Viewing the Hobbiton Movie Set (Lord of the Rings)
    A Show Demonstrating Centuries-Old Native Rituals
    And Much, Much More...

    What's Included

    International Airfare *For VIP members only (ask us for details)

    Lodging

    Guides

    All Ground & Water Transportation

    All Activities in Itinerary Below

    All Entry Fees

    Your Own On-Call Concierge

    Breakfasts

    Lunch x 1

    Dinners x 2

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      Our Tour Package Itinerary

      Our tour starts in Queenstown, a vibrant resort which serves as New Zealand’s most popular destination. It is from here we make daytrips which are fun for all ages and types of travelers. In the evening, we take a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. While on the tour, we make a stop at a homestead which is known for its sheep, alpacas and a beautiful garden. After dinner, we visit a purpose-built amphitheater. There we see a farmyard of sheep shearing (cutting the sheep’s wool) and otherwise watch a ‘sheepdog round-up’ (the dog makes the sheep walk together as a group).

      Note that you can extend this standard 11-day tour by one day if you wish to jump off a 43-meter (141-foot) bridge called Kawarau. Kawarau is near to Queenstown. Bungee jumping is not for everyone. This is why we are offering it as a one-day extension to our standard 11-day tour around New Zealand. Let us know if you are interested.

      Today we make a daytrip to Milford Sound, getting to there and back to Queenstown by scenic flight. Upon arrival, we go on a boat tour cruising atop clear waters and in between postcard-perfect mountains. Milford Sound has been judged the world’s top travel destination in an international survey taken by TripAdvisor, receiving the Travelers’ Choice Destinations Awards. Milford Sound is acclaimed as New Zealand’s most famous tourist attraction.

      Please note that due to unpredictable weather conditions in and around Milford Sound, it is common our customers get to there or return from there by land. When this happens, stops are made so we can enjoy Lake Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, the mountainous Monkey Creek and a national park called the ‘Chasm’.

      Today we make a daytrip to Mount Cook (a.k.a. Aoraki) National Park, getting to there and back to Queenstown by scenic flight. Upon arrival in Mount Cook, we use a helicopter to land on a glacier. Of New Zealand’s 20 peaks over 3,000 meters, all except one lie in this park. Glaciers cover 40 percent of the park area, notably the Tasman Glacier. After landing on it or on Franz Josef Glacier (depending on the weather), we go on a guided snow shoeing or crampon (again, depending on the weather) hike, seeing blue ice grottoes and caves.

      Please note that the minimum age for the glacier hike is 9.

      Our morning starts at a picturesque gorge near to Queenstown, called Skippers Canyon. It is mostly one-way, narrow and steep with sheer drops of several hundred meters. After our scenic land expedition, we head to the nearby Shotover River. There we go on a very fast and swerving jet-boating ride. Next, we go to a place called Skyline Queenstown. There we take a cable car ride to the top of a mountain called Bob’s Peak. Beautiful views can be seen in every direction. Our day ends near to Bob’s Peak. There we go zip-lining, using typically 6 lines in total.

      After relocating by flight from Queenstown to the town of Rotorua, we head to Tamaki. At this Māori village, we learn about native rituals, watch a show and have a traditional dinner. Much of the food is cooked in the ground. The meal is included this evening.

      This morning starts with a daytrip to the nearby Waimangu Volcanic Valley. On a self-guided tour, there we see volcanic craters, hot water springs and other geothermal features. Upon returning to Rotorua, we are taken to the so-called Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa. There we bathe in a mud pool.

      When relocating from Rotorua to the city of Auckland, two important stops are made along the way. The first is at the Hobbiton Movie Set, which served as a significant location for The Lord of the Rings film. There we are provided with a guided tour and lunch. The other important stop before reaching Auckland is at the Waitomo Caves. There we are provided with a boat ride through glowworm grottoes. The site is spectacular, to say the least.

      We are provided with a guided sightseeing tour of Auckland. Highlights for today include the Harbour Bridge, a volcano called Maungauika, the waterfront, a promontory called Bastion Point, the beaches along Mission Bay (no swimming today-just viewing), a scenic drive along a coastal road called Tamaki Drive, a rocky point called Achilles Point, winetasting and a complex of gardens called Domain Wintergardens.

      Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Auckland.

      Are Our Tours Right for You?

      If you are seeking an adventurous yet luxury tour in which you see and do it all stress-free, in which all the planning is done for you by experts, in which 5-star hotels, ground transportation, tour guides and entry fees are all included in the package, then you have come to the right place. Welcome to CharlieTheTraveler, an international tour operation company providing tailormade or packaged tours. Read some of our over 800 5-star reviews found across the Internet.

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        Some of Our Customer Reviews

        5.0

        Stars

        Samuel Modugno
        Thank you. We look forward to working with you again. It might take a while for us to save up, but we will definitely work with you guys again.

        4.8

        Stars

        Jody Cefola
        I picked CharlieTheTraveler because they had the best itinerary for New Zealand, allowing me to see both the North and South Islands. As a Lord of the Rings fan, I especially wanted to visit the shire and experience the Maori culture. Every day, there are activities to see the vast outdoors, beautiful country, and friendly Kiwis. Cindy, my virtual concierge, was very helpful in ensuring I knew my daily schedule. When minor problems came up, she took care of the issues quickly. I'm glad I extended my trip to New Zealand with CharlieTheTraveler!

        4.9

        Stars

        Rochelle Sayler
        Ola! Just wanted to share that I really enjoyed all these hotels, and would highly recommend keeping them. My tour was fantastic, and I really enjoyed my itinerary. Thanks!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        Can We Customize This Tour?

        We are open to customizing this tour to your liking, even though the itinerary we recommend is rock solid. As our tour is currently advertised, you absolutely will not find another one out there as packed with activities and attractions. What’s more, you will not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year, and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance.

        Is Travel Insurance Required & Included?

        All participants are required to book travel insurance within 72 hours of booking this tour. At a minimum, such insurance must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays and 24/7 assistance.

        How Much Does This Tour Cost & Is Financing Offered?

        A 4-installment payment plan is available, often with 0 percent interest to those with at least decent credit. Ask us for details. Our luxury-oriented and itinerary-packed “New Zealand in 9 Days” tour is available for $3,586 USD per person. This price includes all transportation, except flights. It also includes tour guides, food, all activities and all entry fees. If you would like lodging included for all nights on this tour, then the combined (transportation, tour guides, food, activities, entry fees and lodging) total would be $4,796 USD per person. This price is based on 2 per room and is offered to those booking at least 6 weeks in advance. Note that there is a $30 USD fee if paying by bank transfer or a 4.6 percent surcharge for payments made by credit card. We accept both forms of payment. We do not accept checks. Moving forward, to better understand your specific circumstances and wishes, and for us to accurately quote you, please tell us:


        1. How many persons in your party-including yourself-would be joining this tour? Solo travelers are welcomed, in case you were wondering.

        2. What is your age and the age of your travel companion(s), if applicable? Travel insurance is required for this tour and we cannot quote you without knowing your age.

        3. Would you be sharing the room with others in your group (e.g. a spouse, relative or friend) or do you want the room exclusive to you?

        4. Where would you be flying from (and back to)?

        5. On what date would you like to leave home?

        6. Would you like to extend the duration of this tour so you have some free days just to relax? If you have 1 extra day, then we recommend Queenstown. If you have 2, then we recommend 1 in Queenstown and 1 in Auckland.

        7. Also, would you-and the others in your party if applicable-like to add another day to this standard 9-day tour so you can do, as a daytrip from Queenstown, the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge jump? This would make your New Zealand tour 10 days in total. Note that children under 10 years old are not allowed to do this bridge jump.

        8. Lastly, would you like to add Abel Tasman National Park? While the boat ride along the coastline is quite enjoyable, getting to and from this national park is indeed costly and time-consuming.

        What’s Excluded in the Price?

        Any airfare, alcohol, travel insurance, any government-imposed visa fees and anything not mentioned in the itinerary

        Although airfare is not included in the price, we will find you the exact flights you need. Just ask.

        Are Domestic Flights Needed for This Tour?

        Below are the domestic flights needed for this tour:

        Day 1: If you cannot fly directly to Queenstown, then you will need to take a connecting flight most likely from Auckland.

        Day 5: Queenstown to Rotorua

        After booking our tour package, we would send you screenshots of what you need to purchase (airlines, flight number and date) and you would then book directly with the carrier. Never book airfare through a third party and always ensure your airfare type allows for changes or cancellation without penality. Does CharlieTheTraveler book airfare on customers' behalf? Although we recommend you do so directly to save money, yes we do offer this service, after the initial booking is made.

        At What Specific Hotels Would We Be Staying?

        Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our customers stay. Note this is subject to availability.

        Nights 1-4: Queenstown, Preferred Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel or Sofitel or Novotel or Holiday Inn Express

        Nights 5-6: Rotorua, Preferred Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua or Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel or Novotel

        Nights 7-8: Auckland, Preferred Accommodation: M Social Auckland

        Is This a Private or Group Tour?

        Although virtually all activities on this multi-day tour are shared with other travelers, we can make the trip almost completely private, per your request, at an additional cost.

        *Note that you are not with the same travelers and tour guides throughout your trip. Instead, you usually meet and engage with new people.

        Am I Sharing the Room with Someone?

        Your room is exclusive to you and whomever is in your party. Strangers (meaning customers who book on the same start date but do not know each other) do not share rooms on this tour. On a side note, please let us know if you and the other person(s) in your booking want separate rooms.

        What is the Age Range & Nationality of the People Who Book This Tour?

        Although we get customers of all ages and from several countries, our statistics show most people who book are 30 to 65 years old and from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

        Are Kids Allowed on This Tour & Are They Charged the Same as Adults?

        We welcome your kids specifically and only when the tour is exclusive to you and your group-meaning other customers are not joining you. We define kids as anyone under 18 years old. In order to make the tour exclusive to you and your group, your booking would need to be for 4 persons or more for any of our tours except Iceland. For our Iceland tour, your booking would need to be for 8 persons or more. Regarding the cost of bringing a non-adult, we do deduct from the total based on the amount of activities you request we remove from the tour. Note that reducing the total price of the tour by removing activities is something offered for non-adults only. Adults can opt out of activities but the total price does not change.

        How Strong Do I Need to Be For This Trip?

        We do not expect you to be an Olympic champion. We know some of the tour members are more fit than others…and we are well prepared for this. However, we do hope you take into consideration this is a very active tour, just like every other tour we offer.

        Are Disabled People Allowed on This Tour?

        Please let us know about any disability you have. Some disabilities would not affect you taking this tour. Others would prevent you from joining altogether. Although we want all of our customers to have fun, your safety is our first priority.

        Do I Get Any Free Time to Myself?

        Of course. Once each day’s tour is over, you have the rest of the evening to yourself. Because our tours tend to be very active, our customers typically want to simply relax once the sun sets.

        What Happens If I Arrive Late?

        Notify us as soon as possible and we will do our very best to arrange a meeting point. Please note that we do not refund for any days or activities that you miss.

        Can I Opt-Out of Certain Activities?

        Generally speaking, you can opt out as long as we are given adequate notice. Please note that opting out of certain activities does not reduce the price of this tour.

        What Happens If I Get Injured on This Trip & Cannot Continue?

        We would do our best to keep you safe and make you as comfortable as possible, as well as make special arrangements to address your situation. Partial refunds are not offered if you cannot continue with the tour. However, most travel insurances reimburse you for such situations. This is one of many reasons why we require our customers to purchase travel insurance before taking this tour.

        What Happens If I Cancel This Trip?

        To confirm your tour, full payment is needed at the time of your purchase. However, refunds are offered. You will receive a full refund if canceling at least 91 days in advance from the departure date. Cancelling between 90-60 days prior to departure entitles you to a 50 percent refund. Cancelling between 59-31 days prior to departure entitles you to a 25 percent refund. Canceling 30 days or less prior to departure is not eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests need to be made by email and become effective on the date received by CharlieTheTraveler.

        What Happens If You, CharlieTheTraveler, Cancel This Trip?

        In the unlikely event CharlieTheTraveler needs to cancel this trip, such as because of very poor weather conditions, we will give you a full refund for the tour within 14 business days of the cancellation. Note: We are not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund, nor is this transaction covered by the Restitution Fund.

        How Do You Help Prepare Us For This Trip?

        You should receive an email from us within 24 hours of purchasing this tour as well as a week before departure. The first email gives details about what to bring, how to prepare yourself, etc. The second email is more like a timetable combined with important contact information.

        Is There Anything Out of the Ordinary I Should Bring on This Trip?

        We ask you to wear sturdy shoes (preferably boots and never flipflops!). Also, bring warm clothes and a water-resistant jacket. On a different note, you may need to bring adapters for your electronic devices.

        Are the Tour Guides Licensed & Will They Be With Me the Entire Time?

        Our tour guides/drivers are licensed, speak English and know how to bring excitement to your day. What we deliver is the complete opposite of the cookie-cutting tours the big corporations offer, leaving you in complete boredom. Although our tour guides/drivers are attentive, accommodating and engaged, they also know when to give you your private space and free time. It's a perfect balance.

        In Which Language(s) is This Tour Offered?

        All of our tours are offered in English. If you prefer another language, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

        Do We Need to Get Our Own Transportation to and From the Airport?

        Absolutely not. We make the arrangements for you.

        Is Someone Available for Us 24-7 While on This Tour?

        Yes! You have your own concierge for this tour who is at your disposal. You could reach this person when you need anything.

        Where Can I Read About All of Your Terms & Conditions?

        Why Our Tours Beat the Competition

        • We routinely pick up the phone and otherwise respond to messages quickly and thoroughly.
        • We do not cancel because of group size turnout, unlike with most competitors.
        • Virtually no company offers multiday tours as comprehensive as ours. This is a verifiable fact.
        • We do not charge solo travelers single supplements for the tours.
        • For most of our tours, you can start on any date.
        • We have hundreds of 5-star reviews online.

        Want to Receive Our Travel Guides for Free?

        Ask and you shall receive. Simply email us and state which travel guide of ours you would like and we will send it to you!

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