New Zealand Odyssey
About the Trip
February 26 – March 14, 2026 | 17 Days
This 17-day adventure immerses you in the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities and rich Māori heritage of New Zealand. Explore Auckland’s cosmopolitan charm, the enchanting glowworm caves of Waitomo and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders. Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps, marvel at the glaciers of Franz Josef and cruise the serene Milford Sound. Delight in unique experiences like a Kiwi Pavlova lunch at Lake Tekapo, a vineyard tasting in Queenstown and a Māori feast at Te Puia. With time for relaxation and exploration in picturesque towns and stunning national parks, this journey is perfect for those seeking adventure, culture and the natural beauty of New Zealand.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours/cruises.
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
A unique journey at The Red Barn with a Farm Tour, Butter Making and Afternoon Tea
Step into the heart of Waikato at The Red Barn, a fully functioning A2 dairy farm, for an unforgettable experience. Begin with a guided tour of the farm, where you’ll gain insights into New Zealand’s dairy industry, from milk production and exports to animal welfare and sustainable farming. Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on butter-making session, using cream collected fresh from the farm’s cows. Finally, relax and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea featuring locally sourced, seasonal produce, perfectly capturing the taste of the region.
Package Includes:
- Airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Auckland and return from Christchurch to Toronto or Winnipeg
- One-way airfare Rotorua to Christchurch
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Auckland
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Rotorua
- 1+2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Christchurch
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Franz Josef
- 3-night stay in first-class accommodation in Queenstown
- 1-night stay in first-class accommodation in Te Anau
- 1-night stay in moderate-class accommodation in Omarama
- 14 Breakfast, 4 lunches, 7 dinners, 1 snack and 2 tastings
- Land transportation via first-class motor coach
- All bridge, ferry and road tolls
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour director in New Zealand
- Local English-speaking guides
- Prepaid gratuities
- Destination transfers
- CAA Host
New Zealand Odyssey
Activity Level: Active. Embark on a 17-day adventure through New Zealand's stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich Māori heritage.
Day 1
Depart from Toronto or Winnipeg on your flight to Auckland.
Day 2
Passing international dateline.
Day 3
Auckland – Meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel for early check-in. Afternoon at leisure before your welcome dinner. (D)
Day 4
Auckland – Explore Auckland on a guided tour, then walk the breathtaking Arataki Nature Trail. Remainder of day at leisure. (B)
Optional Tour: All Blacks Rugby Experience.
Day 5
Auckland – Guided walking tour of Auckland’s vibrant culinary scene with tastings. Remainder of day
at leisure. (B/T)
Day 6
Rotorua – Journey to Waikato Valley and take a glowworm boat ride at the Waitomo Caves. Continue to Matamata for a farm experience and afternoon tea. Remainder of day at leisure in Rotorua. (B/S)
Day 7
Rotorua - Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery and ride the Skyline Gondola. Tour Te Puia Springs, complete with a Māori feast.
Optional Tour: Redwood Treewalk or Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. (B/D)
Day 8
Christchurch - Fly to Christchurch and join a city walking tour. Enjoy a group dinner in the evening. (B/D)
Day 9
Franz Josef Glacier - Board the TranzAlpine train to Franz Josef Glacier. Visit a greenstone workshop.
Optional Tour: Franz Josef Helicopter Flight. (B/D)
Day 10
Queenstown - Travel along the West Coast to Queenstown. Evening at leisure. (B)
Day 11
Queenstown - Visit Kinross for a guided wine tasting and lunch. Remainder of day at leisure. (B/T/L)
Day 12
Queenstown - Cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Farm for a local BBQ dinner, then sail back to Queenstown.
Optional Tour: Shotover Jet Ride. (B/D)
Day 13
Te Anau - Explore Fiordland National Park, cruise Milford Sound and arrive at Te Anau. (B/BL)
Day 14
Omarama - Visit historic Arrowtown, Lindis Pass, MacKenzie Country and Omarama. (B/D)
Day 15
Christchurch - Drive through Mt Cook National Park to Lake Tekapo for a local Kiwi Pavlova experience. Evening at leisure in Christchurch. (B/L)
Day 16
Christchurch - Explore Riverside Markets, followed by a hands-on cooking class. Finish with a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 17
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner | BL - Boxed Lunch | T - Tasting | S - Snack
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on single occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊ CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2026. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Toronto or Winnipeg on your flight to Auckland.
Day 2
Passing international dateline.
Day 3
Auckland
Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival meet your Tour Manager and transfer to your hotel for early check-in. The rest of your day is at leisure before meeting with your group for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 4
Auckland
Today take a 3-hour sightseeing tour of Auckland City. Highlights include the city and harbour views from Bastion Point, the trendy Parnell Village and the waterfront drive. Then travel out to the Arataki Visitor Centre, located in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. Admire the 11m kauri pou (post) that was carved by tribal members to honour local Māori heritage. Stretch your legs on the Arataki Nature Trail, a superb example of a native forest with amazing viewpoints over the forest canopy. The rest of your day is at leisure. (B)
Optional Tour: All Blacks Rugby Experience.
Day 5
Auckland
This afternoon we’ll meet a local foodie guide for a walking tour of central Auckland. Savour award-winning dishes, mouth-watering craft drinks, and melt-in-the-mouth chocolate delights as you learn about the culture and history of Auckland. It’s the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Dinner at your leisure this evening. (B/T)
Day 6
Rotorua
Travel south through the lush Waikato Valley to the enchanting Waitomo Cave region. There you’ll explore the famous Mangawhitikau Glowworm Cave, where you’ll drift through glowing caverns on a boat ride that feels like stepping into another world. After refreshments, take a scenic walk to the Cave of the Spirit to admire its decorations and fossils. Continue to Matamata for your Extraordinary Experience at The Red Barn dairy farm where you’ll try butter-making, learn about sustainable farming and enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea. Journey onward to Rotorua, an area famous for its bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs and vibrant Māori culture. Spend the evening at leisure exploring Rotorua’s vibrant ‘Eat Street’ or visiting one of the local spas. (B/S)
Day 7
Rotorua
Immerse yourself in the essence of Rotorua with a sightseeing tour. Begin at the National Kiwi Hatchery to learn about conservation efforts for New Zealand’s endangered national icon. Next, ride the Skyline Gondola for breathtaking views over Lake Rotorua. In the afternoon, delve into Māori culture with an exclusive guided tour of Te Puia Springs, where geothermal wonders and ancient traditions intertwine. The evening culminates with an immersive feast experience with indigenous cultural storytelling, entertainment and food. (B/D)
Optional Tours: The Redwood Treewalk or the Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa.
Day 8
Christchurch
Transfer to Rotorua Airport and check in for your flight to Christchurch on the South Island. This afternoon, join a local guide for a 75-minute walking tour through central Christchurch to discover cultural treasures and learn how local Māori are expressed in the rebuild of the city. This evening, meet for a group dining experience. (B/D)
Day 9
Franz Josef Glacier
This morning, board the Tranz Alpine rail service for a scenic rail journey across the fertile Canterbury Plains and into the heart of the mighty Southern Alps. Travel across towering viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys and into the lush forest of Arthurs Pass National Park. Leave the train at Arthurs Pass and continue by coach past the lush rainforests of Westland to Hokitika. Time permitting, visit one of the greenstone factories where a local jade-like stone is crafted into exquisite jewelry. Continue south to Franz Josef, where huge rivers of snow and ice from the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers flow from vast snowfields high in the Southern Alps. Finish the day with dinner at your hotel. (B/D)
Optional Tour: Franz Josef Helicopter Flight.
Day 10
Queenstown
Traverse the wild beauty of the West Coast as you journey south to Queenstown, passing an ever-changing view of coastal, rainforest and alpine scenery. You’ll then head inland over the Haast Pass, where the scenery shifts dramatically as you pass Lakes Wanaka and Hawea on the way to Queenstown. Known as the epicentre of adventure in New Zealand, this resort town is brimming with energy, set against a backdrop of soaring mountains and crystal-clear waters. Spend the evening at leisure discovering its world-class dining and vibrant nightlife. (B)
Day 11
Queenstown
This morning, visit Kinross Winery for a guided tasting of their stunning wines plus those made by their partners Coal Pit, Hawkshead, Valli and Wild Irishman. Here you’ll explore the history, terroir and winemaker expression of the different cool climate Central Otago subregion. Enjoy a delicious lunch surrounded by vineyards. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure to explore Queenstown. (B/T/L)
Day 12
Queenstown
Enjoy the morning and afternoon at leisure. This evening, experience a taste of rural life with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Disembark at historic Walter Peak High Country Farm to enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner in the charming homestead. After dinner, enjoy an entertaining sheep shearing demonstration. On the magical night-time cruise home, enjoy a sing-along or gaze at the starlit sky from the deck. (B/D)
Optional Tour: Shotover Jet Boat Ride.
Day 13
Te Anau
Today you’ll venture into Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of dramatic peaks, cascading waterfalls and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. Cruise the serene waters of Milford Sound, where seals and dolphins are often spotted against a backdrop of Mitre Peak’s towering majesty. Enjoy a picnic lunch on board, then return by coach to Te Anau for a tranquil evening. (B/BL)
Day 14
Omarama
Depart Te Anau, passing deer farms and the rolling farmland of Southland before circling Lake Wakatipu. Stop in Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village with heritage buildings along tree-lined Buckingham Street, now home to shops, galleries and eateries. Enjoy time for lunch (at your own cost) before continuing through the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and Central Otago’s stone fruit orchards. Cross the tussock-clad Lindis Pass into the unique landscapes of the MacKenzie Country. Arrive in the quiet rural town of Omarama for an overnight stay and dinner at your hotel. (B/D)
Day 15
Christchurch
Today you’ll drive along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park, home to Australasia’s highest peak. Spend time in Mt Cook Village for photos or a short walk before continuing to Lake Tekapo where you’ll visit a local home for a BBQ lunch and a Pavlova Experience. Your hosts will share the secrets of this iconic Kiwi dessert as you enjoy lunch with stunning lake views. As you leave, you’ll stop to admire the Church of the Good Shepherd and its famous bronze sheepdog statue. Continue over Burkes Pass and on to the fertile Canterbury Plains before arriving in Christchurch. Evening at leisure. (B/L)
Day 16
Christchurch
Spend the morning exploring Riverside Lanes and the vibrant Riverside Markets, where indoor stalls offer local produce, seafood, baked goods, coffee, wine and more. Head upstairs to Riverside Kitchen for a hands-on cooking experience, where you’ll work in teams to create lunch platters that showcases produce from the market. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure until this evening’s farewell dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 17
Transfer from your hotel to airport for the flight back to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | L - Lunch | D - Dinner | BL - Boxed Lunch | T - Tasting | S - Snack
All Blacks Rugby Experience
Optional tour for Day 4.
Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
Optional tours for Day 7.
Franz Josef Helicopter Flight
Optional tour for Day 9.
Shotover Jet
Optional tour for Day 12.