Five-City New Zealand Vacation

On this 12-day vacation, you can explore five New Zealand cities spread across the North and South Islands—Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. You’ll have an automatic rental car at your disposal, courtesy of Jucy Rentals. And upscale accommodations in each city center put you within easy reach of popular attractions.

Included in all options:

• Round-trip airfare from LAX on Fiji Airways
• 2-night stay at Auckland City Hotel
• 2-night stay at Distinction Rotorua Hotel & Conference Centre
• 1-night stay at Distinction Wellington Century City Hotel
• 2-night stay at the Ashley Hotel Christchurch
• 2-night stay at Distinction Hotel Queenstown
• Ferry from the North to South Island (Wellington to Picton)
• 7-day automatic car rental with unlimited miles and 24-hour breakdown assistance<p>

Click here for a full itinerary.

Days 1–2: En route to Auckland

Flight time: 13.5 hours

Days 3–4: Auckland

Auckland is a city of contrasts—modern skyscrapers form a backdrop for sheltered bays and wildlife sanctuaries. You won’t pick up your rental car until day 5, but you can easily explore the city on foot from your centrally located hotel.

Transportation: airport shuttle
Things to do: Go shopping along Queen Street and head to the top of Sky Tower for panoramic views of the harbor from more than 600 feet in the air.
Optional activity: A morning sightseeing tour includes stops at the Harbour Bridge and a waterfront park ($45 per person).

Days 5–6: Rotorua

Geothermal mud pools, geysers, and dormant volcanoes such as Mount Tarawera characterize the landscape in Rotorua, which lies near the collision point of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. The city is also a hotspot of Maori culture.

Driving distance: 146 miles (3.5 hours)
Things to do: Visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, where you can watch the Pohutu Geyser erupt and catch a traditional Maori song and dance performance.
Claim to fame: Parts of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed near here, at the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Day 7: Wellington

New Zealand’s capital city is home to some of the country’s most famous cultural sites, including the Museum of New Zealand and parliament buildings.

Driving distance: 280 miles (6.5 hours)
Take the scenic route: with a stopover at Lake Taupo, created by a massive volcanic explosion that sent ashes as far as Europe
Things to do: Ride the Wellington Cable Car to the Kelburn lookout for breathtaking views of the city and harbor, then visit the Botanic Garden at the top.
Hot tip: Buy a Wellington City Pass ($44 per adult; $15 per child age 5–16), which includes a round-trip cable car ride, general admission to two attractions, and discounts at restaurants and museum gift shops.

Days 8: Christchurch

Christchurch is often called the “Garden City” because of its expansive network of parks and public green spaces, such as the year-round Christchurch Botanic Gardens. A moderate climate makes the city one of the country’s top wine-producing regions.

Transportation: ferry from the North to South Island
Driving distance: 214 miles (5 hours)
Things to do: Take a harbor cruise and drive an hour north to the Waipara Valley to spend the day sampling wines and locally made cheeses.
Local wildlife: Keep an eye out for kiwis, New Zealand’s national bird.

Days 9–10: Queenstown

Adrenaline-fueled activities such as whitewater rafting and bungee jumping are available all year long in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. In the autumn (March–May), the weather is still warm enough to go hiking and biking in the surrounding hillsides.

Driving distance: 301 miles (7 hours)
Things to do: Visit some of the area’s 75+ wineries, many of which are famous for pinot noir. They’re particularly beautiful in autumn, when the leaves change colors.
Why visit now: The Arrowtown Autumn Festival takes place from April 25–May 4, 2014.

Days 11–12: Return to Christchurch en route to the U.S.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?
Please call Pacific Holidays for add-on airfares from your home cities to the gateway city – Los Angeles.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Yes, please call Pacific Holidays directly for availability and cost.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
Please call Pacific Holidays for available dates.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?
Call and check the dates before purchasing.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?
Child pricing is available at a lower fee – you don’t have to purchase full Groupon. Call Pacific Holidays for the exact amount.