Highlights of
New Zealand

January 12 - 23, 2024

Starting at $6,995/person

Sold Out

A Destination
Unlike All Others

Packed with adventure, unforgettable landscapes, and breathtaking scenery, New Zealand is an experience like no other.

Get an intimate look at the country’s many wonders as you explore the unspoiled landscape; discover unique flavors and wine straight from the source; enjoy thrilling one-of-a-kind experiences; and plunge below the Earth’s surface to discover geothermal pools and the fascinating Milford Sound.

Experience a dose of Kiwi hospitality and more during our journey through both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Limited to Guests 18+ years of age only

Itinerary

Kaituna River White Water Rafting, New Zealand.jpeg

The Journey Begins (with Hobbits)

Day 1: Friday, January 12

Arrive in Auckland
Morning private transfer from airport to your accommodations in Rotorua
Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films
Group dinner in Rotorua

What's included: ground transportation, accommodations, guided tour, dinner (alcohol at traveler's expense)

Adventure awaits...

Day 2: Saturday, January 13

Breakfast in Rotorua
Your choice of a Māori Cultural Experience or Whitewater Rafting on the Kaituna River
Group dinner in Rotorua

What's included: accommodations, breakfast, ground transportation, tickets for activity, dinner (alcohol at traveler's expense)

Stargazing Twizel Style

Day 3: Sunday, January 14

Breakfast in Rotorua
Group transfer to airport and domestic flight to Christchurch
Transportation from airport to Twizel
Check into accommodations in Twizel or upgrade your lodging for January 14 and 15 to a SkyBed*
Group dinner and stargazing in your own backyard in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

What's included: breakfast, ground transportation accommodations, dinner (alcohol at traveler's expense)

Stunning Hikes

Day 4: Monday, January 15

Breakfast in Twizel
Hike the Hooker Valley Track (easy 10 KM out-and-back) or enjoy a relaxing morning
Tasman Lake hike (easy 3.5 KM out-and-back) or enjoy a relaxing afternoon
Group dinner in Twizel
Stargaze in your own backyard in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

What's included: breakfast, accommodations, ground transportation, hikes, dinner (alcohol at traveler's expense)

The Mighty Tasman Glacier

Day 5: Tuesday, January 16

Breakfast in Twizel
Depart Twizel for a scenic drive to Mount Cook
Lunch on your own
Board our helicopter for a scenic ride landing on the Tasman Glacier
Explore the glacier on a guided hike across this extraordinary sheet of ice
Check into accommodations in Wanaka
Group dinner in Wanaka

What's included: breakfast, accommodations, ground transportation, heli-hiking experience, dinner (alcohol at traveler's expense)

A Leisurely Day

Day 6: Wednesday, January 17

Breakfast in Wanaka
Day of leisure to explore Wanaka on your own
Lunch on your own
Short walk to the Wanaka Tree on Lake Wanaka (easy .4 KM loop trail)
Group dinner in Wanaka

What's included: breakfast, accommodations, lake walk, dinner (alcohol at traveler's expense)

Queenstown Bungy Jumping, New Zealand.jpeg

The Most Beautiful Hike

Day 7: Thursday, January 18

Breakfast in Wanaka
Hike the Rob Roy Glacier Track (easy 10 KM out-and-back trail) or enjoy a relaxing day in Wanaka
Group lunch
Dinner on your own in Wanaka

What's included: breakfast, accommodations, ground transportation, hike, lunch (alcohol at traveler's expense)

Welcome to the Adventure Capital

Day 8: Friday, January 19

Breakfast in Wanaka
Depart Wanaka for Queenstown
Watch or take the leap yourself at one of New Zealand's best bungy jump experiences (optional add-on)
Lunch on your own at local winery
Check into accommodations in Queenstown
Group dinner in Queenstown

What's included: breakfast, accommodations, ground transportation, dinner (alcohol at traveler's expense)

A World-renowned Natural Wonder

Day 9: Saturday, January 20

Breakfast in Queenstown
Transfer to airport for an awe-inspiring flight to Milford Sound
Scenic cruise through the Milford Sound
Group lunch
Transfer to airport for flight back to Queenstown
Dinner on your own

What's included: breakfast, accommodations, ground transportation, round trip flight to/from Milford Sound and cruise, lunch (alcohol at traveler's expense)

A Memorable Day in the Vines

Day 10: Sunday, January 21

Breakfast in Queenstown
Explore some of the best wineries on a full-day tour
Group lunch during winery tour
Dinner on your own in Queenstown

What's included: breakfast, ground transportation, winery tour and wine tastings, lunch

A Thrilling Jet Boat Ride

Day 11: Monday, January 22

Breakfast in Queenstown
Paraglide through the skies, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views over Queenstown (optional add-on)
Lunch on your own
Enjoy an adrenaline pumping jet boat ride through the most dramatic canyons of the Shotover River
Farewell group dinner in Queenstown

What's included: breakfast, accommodations, ground transportation, jet boat tour, dinner (alcohol at traveler's expense)

Departure

Day 12: Tuesday, January 23

Breakfast in Queenstown
Transportation from accommodations to airport
Begin your flight home or extend to your next destination

What's included: breakfast, transportation from accommodations to airport

Accommodations

Accommodations will be varied throughout your adventure. The different styles of lodging throughout this journey are part of the adventure that makes New Zealand unique.

Eat & Drink

New Zealand's cuisine has been described as Pacific Rim, drawing inspiration from Europe, Asia and Polynesia. Indulge your taste buds with mouth-watering cuisine, delectable wines, and local ingredients.

All the Things

Here's an idea...instead of endlessly scrolling the web for experiences, we've actually done all of the work for you. Let us show you the best of New Zealand.

More Inclusive Pricing

That means essentials like accommodations, most meals, basic bevvies, some really cool experiences, and ground transportation are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations

Enhance Your Stay in Twizel

*Upgrade your Twizel accommodations to a SkyBed. These accommodations were built to create an atmosphere of connection – to the earth and the sky. Inset floors and natural building materials leave you feeling at one with nature, whilst the bedroom’s glass walls and ceiling provide stunning vistas of the Mackenzie basin and the universe above. Experience the luxury of:

Relaxing under the stars in a super-size outdoor bath, filled to the brim with spring-fed water and heated just the way you like it.
Gazing at the sky and across the Mackenzie basin, all from the comfort of your king-sized bed.
Waking up to only the sounds of nature and enjoying a fresh continental breakfast inside or in your secluded courtyard.

All SkyBeds are reserved. Join the wait list for an upgrade.

Learn More About SkyBed

Terms & Conditions

PRICE

$6,995 (USD) per person

INCLUSIONS

Total price includes the following:

January 12-23, 2024 (12 days/11 nights).
4 regions (North Island: Rotorua and South Island: Twizel, Wanaka, Queenstown).
Accommodations for 11 nights (Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Bathroom and showering facilities are sometimes shared and may not be en-suite).
One (1) shared room at each accommodation. Room assignment is assigned based on a first-come, first-served basis. All pricing is per person and based on double occupancy. More or less than 2 people per room incurs additional charges.
Ground transportation as detailed in the trip itinerary.
Meals: Eleven (11) breakfasts, three (3) lunches, eight (8) dinners.
Beverages: non-alcoholic beverages for meals included with trip.
Tour experience and entrance for Hobbiton Movie Set; your choice of a Māori Cultural Experience or Whitewater Rafting on the Kaituna River; Tasman Glacier Heli-Hiking; Scenic Flight to and Boat Tour of Milford Sound; Scenic Road Trip, Winery Tour; Skippers Canyon Jet Boat Ride; Hikes as detailed on the trip itinerary. Activities and tours may be substituted at the sole discretion of tour hosts.

EXCLUSIONS

Not included in the trip costs are gratuities and tips, international airfare, domestic airfare, trip cancellation or travel insurance, visas when applicable, personal charges, meals on your own, alcohol unless noted, optional add-ons, activities planned on your own, and accommodations before January 12, 2024 and after January 23, 2024.

DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS

Price and availability not guaranteed until deposit is made. Price is in U.S. Dollars.
A $750 deposit per person is required to confirm a reservation at the time of booking.
A reservation is binding once deposit is made.
Deposits are non-refundable.
Payment Due Dates
- Due Immediately - $750
- June 1, 2023 - $3,000
- September 15, 2023 - Remaining Balance Due
All pricing is per person and based on double occupancy. Solo travelers are welcome to book a room to themselves but must pay a single supplement based on room selection (Please email us at info@thechronicexplorers.com for information on single supplement options). Rooms with more than 2 people incur an additional charge which must be calculated upon request.

CANCELLATION & REFUNDS

Cancellation requests must be made in writing to info@thechronicexplorers.com.
Deposits are non-refundable.
Please refer to the Guest Contract for details on cancellations, payments, refunds, and other terms & conditions which are incorporated into this and every tCE trip.
Please note that changes made to overall party size may result in a change to the rate.
We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. A great resource for comparing options and purchasing insurance is www.insuremytrip.com.
Cancellation Fees:
- From Date of Deposit through June 1, 2023: $750 (Guest Deposit) per Guest.
- June 2, 2023 - September 15, 2023: $3,750 (Guest Deposit + $3,000) per Guest.
- After September 15, 2023: 100% of vacation price per Guest.

NOTE

Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, barges, etc.) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.

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