New Zealand Fiji Package: New Zealand and Fijian Ancient Cultures

For this New Zealand Fiji Package, we had a very intellectual couple from Washington DC that wanted to get to know the history and culture of 2 of the South Pacific’s most storied peoples, the Fijians and the Kiwis/Maori.

We started their New Zealand Fiji Package with some time at Likuliku Lagoon Resort, where they were hosted by an amazing Fijian staff and had an opportunity to meet the local chief. In addition to cultural immersion, they enjoyed easy access to soft white sand beaches and fabulous snorkeling and diving in the surrounding coral reefs.

Next on their New Zealand Fiji Package, they traveled on to Rotorua, New Zealand, where they toured Rotorua’s fascinating geothermal sites, and more. Then the couple traveled to Christchurch, which has a very traditional English influence and has developed interesting architecture in the wake of a major 2011 earthquake.

From there, they took the famous TranzAlpine Train from one coast to the other, enjoying scenic views of the New Zealand countryside. They made their way to Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, a unique lodge that allowed them to become immersed in beautiful New Zealand wilderness. Their naturalist guides helped them learn about high country life and explore nature in this special place.

They ended their New Zealand Fiji Package in the world-famous Queenstown, where they enjoyed a spectacular wilderness cruise in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural wonders: Doubtful Sound. They also went on a Funyak safari adventure down Dart River, taking in awe-inspiring sights like hidden side streams, rock pools, and dramatic chasms.

After 2 weeks exploring the beauty and cultures of Fiji and New Zealand, it was time to say goodbye to Queenstown and begin their journey home.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive early into the Nadi airport in Fiji and board your catamaran for Castaway Island. The island’s 174 acres are covered with lush tropical vegetation, surrounded by white sand beaches, and encircled by vibrant coral reefs. The beauty of the island is matched by the warmth and genuine hospitality of the staff, which encourages guests to learn about the Fijian way of life. Castaway is the heart and soul of the Fijian Islands.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Day 2 – 4
Enjoy the next few days at your leisure to explore the island. Visit the Shell Village to interact with locals and have the chance to meet a Fijian chief. If you are lucky, you will be there during rugby season and you can attend a rugby match played by local teams! Learn about the environmental initiatives on the island, including the coral repopulation efforts and the giant clam restoration program.
Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Day 5
Today, take the boat back to Nadi and fly to Rotorua, New Zealand, the center of the North Island. Rotorua, a town set on its namesake lake on New Zealand’s North Island, is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. In Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley, there are bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pohutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily.
Regent of Rotorua

Day 6
Today is at your leisure to explore Rotorua. Visit the most significant geothermal sites, including the largest boiling mud pool and a series of colorful hot springs at Wai-o-tapu. Then see the Lady Knox geyser erupt. Spend the afternoon experiencing ziplining through the forest canopy.  And then in the evening visit the magical Redwood Forest Treewalk.
Regent of Rotorua

Day 7
Today, fly to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Though badly damaged by a major earthquake in 2011, Christchurch is rebuilding and still serves as the gateway for many locations on the South Island.
The George

Day 8
This morning, you will board the TranzAlpine train for one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Traveling from one coast of New Zealand to the other, you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps and drops you at Arthur’s Pass, where your home for the next 2 nights is a nature reserve and high country merino sheep station in a spectacular mountain setting.
Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass

Day 9
Today is yours to enjoy Arthur’s Pass and the many activities offered by the lodge. Naturalist guides will help you learn about high country life and explore nature in this special place the first Maori visitors called “Te Ko Awa a Aniwaniwa” (Valley of the Mother of the Rainbows). Optional activities include self-guided nature walks, sheep shearing, trout fishing, canoeing, and glacier walks.
Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass

Day 10
After a private journey back to Christchurch, you will spend one more night in Christchurch.  Enjoy a lovely dinner viewing the beautiful gardens at your leisure.
The George

Day 11
Today you will board a flight bound for Queenstown. A delight for scenery lovers and adrenaline junkies alike, Queenstown is the outdoor adventure capital of the country, if not the world. There is an endless supply of activities available to fully experience the stunning natural landscape and get your adrenaline flowing. The feeling is that of a small frontier town, with stunning mountains surrounding it and placid Lake Wakatipu alongside.
QT Queenstown

Day 12
Today is a special day as you venture to one of the most remote and scenic locations in New Zealand, the Fiordlands, with Real Journeys. Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Manapouri. Cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri, then board a catamaran to explore the waterways of one of the most serene and isolated fiords, Doubtful Sound. There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery, including waterfalls, rainforest, and mountains all the way out to the Tasman Sea. It is home to bottlenose dolphins, fur seals, and, when in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguin. Get insight into the region with an onboard nature guide with specialist knowledge of the area’s history, flora, and fauna.
QT Queenstown

Day 13
Today, enjoy a unique Queenstown adventure: a Funyak safari on Dart River. Take in the scenery as you travel up the Dart River by jet boat, then enjoy your Funyak journey for a spectacular 2 hours downstream, taking in all the awe-inspiring sights found amid the Dart River’s shimmering channels. Stop amongst the ancient beech forest to enjoy a wilderness buffet lunch and explore hidden side streams, rock pools, and dramatic chasms before continuing downstream to Paradise. Here, you’ll be taken by 4WD coach to Glenorchy, stopping to view the stunning scenery that has inspired films the world over.
QT Queenstown

Day 14
It’s time to say goodbye to the rich culture and beautiful scenery of New Zealand. Catch a flight to Auckland today, where you’ll board your flight home.

About this vacation
Cost Per Person

Does not include the cost of airfare


Based on
14 day stay
2 travelers

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