Riviera unveils 2023 New Zealand tour

Riviera Travel has launched a 22-day New Zealand: Land of the Long White Cloud escorted tour for 2023.

There are 11 dates available from January to November, including three exclusively for solo travellers.

The programme includes a helicopter flight around the Franz Josef glacier, and crossing the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train (pictured) plus a visit to Mount Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand.

There are also cruises along the Abel Tasman National Park, Milford Sound and Bay of Islands; a vineyard visit and tasting in Marlborough; an excursion to Te Puia, the largest active geyser in the Southern hemisphere; and visits to Auckland, Christchurch, Napier, Queenstown and Nelson – plus a two-day stopover in Singapore

Prices start at £4,799 including return flights and transfers, accommodation, all breakfasts and other select meals such as a traditional Maori Hangi feast in Rotorua.

Will Sarson, head of strategy and innovation at Riviera Travel, said: “We’re expecting our tour to be on plenty of 2023 bucket lists given everything the country has to offer, and the fact access to New Zealand has been so limited recently.

“We’ll cover many of its less-explored features and striking surroundings as part of the itinerary. With trips included via train, helicopter and cruise, this awe-inspiring adventure will be a genuine holiday experience of a lifetime.”