Tar Heel Travel
- Overview
- Itinerary and Map
- Pricing Details
- Conditions
- Contact Us
- Resources
New Zealand’s natural splendor is legendary. From pristine fiords and magnificent mountains to sparkling bays and lush countryside, this exciting, 14–night adventure will leave you with indelible memories. Bask in awe–inspiring scenery as you cruise through Doubtful Sound, New Zealand’s deepest fiord, and ferry through stunning Cook’s Strait between the North and South Islands. Glide past the majestic Southern Alps aboard the celebrated TranzAlpine train and take an invigorating hike to see the Franz Josef Glacier.
Look for whales breaching the waters near Kaikoura and spot beautiful flora and fauna in a serene wildlife sanctuary. This well–rounded itinerary also introduces you to vibrant urban life in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, where you’ll enjoy cultural excursions led by local experts that illuminate Maori traditions, legends and history. Other wonderful highlights include a stay in the acclaimed Marlborough wine region to sample its fine wines and a free day in picturesque Queenstown. This active, small–group experience features first–class hotels, a Travel Director, a flight from Auckland to Wellington and wine with dinner.
Day 2 - Cross the international date line
Day 3 - Auckland, New Zealand
Day 4 - Auckland
Day 5 - Auckland | Wellington
Day 6 - Wellington
Day 7 - Wellington | South Island | Picton | Blenheim
Day 8 - Blenheim
Day 9 - Kaikoura | Christchurch
Day 10 - Christchurch
Day 11- TranzAlpine Train | Arthur's Pass | Hokitika | Franz Josef
Day 12 - Franz Josef Glacier
Day 13- Queenstown
Day 14 - Queenstown | Arrowtown | Queenstown
Day 15 - Doubtful Sound | Queenstown
Day 16 - Queenstown
Day 17- Depart for gateway city
Base Price: From $7,745*, per person, based on double occupancy
- Airfare additional
Discounts available:
- Save $250 per person with Special Savings*, through Feb. 24, 2026
- Save $500 person with Full Payment Discount*, through June 18, 2026
- *Must pay in full at the time of booking to receive discount
Inclusions:
- 2 nights in Auckland, New Zealand at the Grand Millennium Ackland, 2 nights in Wellington at the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington, 2 night in Blenheim at the Carnmore Chateau Marlborough, 2 nights in Christchurch at the Distinction Christchurch Hotel, 2 nights in Franz Josef at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier and 4 nights in Queenstown at the Millennium Hotel Queenstown.
- 14 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners; wine with dinner.
- See cobranded web page for details and brochure.
- Tar Heel Travel is a member exclusive perk.
- There must be one Carolina Alumni member in a room. Membership is open to anyone. Learn more.
- By reserving on this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions specific to this tour which are set by the tour operator. This information can be found in the tour brochure.
- The Carolina Alumni Travel Office and tour operator reserve the right to to decline or accept a reservation should a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants. Refunds will be made in accordance with the cancellation policy listed in the tour brochure.
- Please contact us if you have questions about this trip or group travel. We're happy to help in any way we can.
- Phone: 877.962.3980 (If we are unable to answer your call, please leave a detailed message with your name, phone number and email.)
- Email: travel@unc.edu
- All inquiries and room requests are answered in the order in which they are received.
- If you are ready to request a reservation, please submit your reservation request form.
- If you wish us to hold a room for 2 business days, please send us the passenger's names, address, phone number and email. This information must be provided in order to hold a room.