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12 Day New Zealand Private Tour from Auckland to Queenstown

Offered by Waimate Journeys

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$13,650.00 per person

5.0 (10 reviews)

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Booking handled by our partner, Viator

288 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

12-day private New Zealand tour from Auckland to Queenstown, with guide-driver travel, Hobbiton in Waikato, and optional time on Waiheke Island.

Tour Overview

This 12 day, 11 night private tour is designed for travellers who want to see a wide span of New Zealand without managing the logistics themselves. Travelling from Auckland to Queenstown, it covers major areas of both the North Island, from Auckland to Wellington, and the South Island, from Kaikōura to Stewart Island, with a transfer flight included along the way.

The journey begins in Auckland, where your guide-driver meets you for a privately guided start to the tour. Early highlights can include views from Mount Eden, time at One Tree Hill in Cornwall Park, and a walk through the Auckland Domain and Wintergardens. From there, the experience can take two different directions, either to Muriwai Beach and its gannet colony on the west coast, or across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island for a more flexible afternoon.

The tour also includes a visit toward Hobbiton Movie Set in the Waikato region, where a guided tour explores the recreated Shire, including hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn.

Throughout the trip, you travel in a private vehicle with a dedicated guide-driver, with the option to shape the experience through a wide choice of optional activities and luxury hotels. It is a practical way to cover a large part of the country in a limited timeframe, with privacy, flexibility, and a clear start and finish in two international gateway cities.

What's Included

  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): International Antarctic Centre OR Punting OR Heritage Tram Ticket
  • Guide-driver exclusively for your group
  • Private transportation
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Bill Richardson Transport World Ticket at Invercargill
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Redwoods Treewalk Ticket at Rotorua
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): One-way Scenic Flight Ticket from Stewart Island to Bluff
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Ticket
  • Use of charging cables & emergency rain gear
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Cruise Ticket at Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Geothermal Valley, Māori Cultural Experience & Dinner at Rotorua
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Auckland Museum or Waiheke Island Hop-On Hop-Off Explore Ticket
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): TranzAlpine Train Scenic Ticket from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Stargazing Activity Ticket at Lake Tekapo
  • Standard Economy Transfer Flight Ticket from Wellington to Christchurch
  • WiFi on board
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Gondola with luge rides & Thrill Jet Boating Ticket at Queenstown
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Guided Kayaking or Whale Watching Cruise Ticket at Kaikōura
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Guided Exploration Ticket in Stewart Island
  • Packaged water bottles
  • If any optional activity is canceled by activity provider or unavailable, alternatives are provided
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Scenic Helicopter ride ticket at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Alpaca Farm Tour & Nature Cruise Ticket at Akaroa
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Northern Explorer Scenic Train Ticket from Hamilton to Wellington
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Glowworm Caves Tour Ticket at Te Anau
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): Agrodome & Private Hot Pool OR River Rafting Ticket at Rotorua
  • Optional ("With Tickets" Option): One-way Ferry Ticket from Bluff to Stewart Island
  • Packaged snacks & chocolates
  • Optional ("With Hotels" Option): Accommodation for 11 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels with breakfast

Not Included:

  • Food & Drinks (except 11 x breakfast with "With Hotels" option)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

What To Expect

Day 1 : Auckland & Muriwai Explore OR Auckland & Waiheke Island Explore

  1. 1

    Auckland

    Start this multi-day tour in relaxed and delightful style! Your tour begins with a pickup from your preferred location in Auckland, where your guide will meet you. Explore the highlights of Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and gateway to the country. Visit Mount Eden, Auckland’s highest volcanic cone, and enjoy panoramic views of the city, harbours, and surrounding landscape. Continue to One Tree Hill, an important landmark rich in Māori and European history, set within the peaceful surroundings of Cornwall Park. Before lunch, take a stroll through the Auckland Domain and the beautiful Wintergardens, featuring tropical and temperate plants in historic glasshouses. If time permits, you may also visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about New Zealand’s history, Māori culture, and natural heritage.

    4 hours 30 minutes

  2. 2

    Muriwai Gannet Colony

    After lunch, choose between two contrasting experiences. You may head to Auckland’s rugged west coast and visit Muriwai Beach, famous for its striking black volcanic sand, powerful Tasman Sea waves, and dramatic coastal scenery. A short walk leads to the renowned Gannet Colony, where thousands of Australasian gannets nest on the clifftops during the breeding season. Watching these impressive seabirds soar, dive, and interact in their natural environment is a memorable wildlife experience unique to New Zealand’s coastline.

    3 hours

  3. 3

    Waiheke Island

    Alternatively, take a scenic ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island and enjoy a relaxed half-day hop-on hop-off exploration. Discover the island at your own pace as you visit charming coastal villages, beautiful beaches, boutique vineyards, olive groves, art galleries, and scenic viewpoints. The island’s laid-back atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery make it one of Auckland’s most popular destinations.

    4 hours 30 minutes

  4. 4

    Auckland

    Return to Auckland by evening and settle into your accommodation after a memorable day of sightseeing and exploration.

    15 minutes

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 2 : Auckland – Hobbiton – Rotorua (Redwoods Treewalk, Eat Street)

  1. 1

    Hobbiton Movie Set

    Start your second day of the tour with a pickup and a scenic drive towards the Hobbiton Movie Set. This enchanting village is set in the heart of the lush Waikato region, and the movie set is a meticulous recreation of the Shire from J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved books. As you wander through Hobbiton on a fully guided tour, you'll discover charming hobbit holes, the iconic Green Dragon Inn, and stunning landscapes.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    Redwoods Treewalk

    Continue your journey to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. Check in to your hotel, and get ready for the famous Redwoods Treewalk — a must-do experience in Rotorua. This walk features swing bridges and platforms, offering stunning views of towering trees and the lush forest floor.

    1 hour

    Admission: Included

  3. 3

    Rotorua

    In the evening, enjoy dinner time at Eat Street, Rotorua's vibrant dining precinct, offering a range of delicious cuisine options.

    1 hour 30 minutes

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 3 : Rotorua Explore (Agrodome & Polynesian Spa OR River Rafting, Geothermally Active Place & Māori Culture Experience)

  1. 1

    Rotorua

    Welcome the morning with adventure ahead. Based on your appetite for adventure, choose between two unique experiences: For a relaxed afternoon, opt for the farm experience at Agrodome followed by a private hot pool session at Polynesian Spa. Enjoy a farm show with sheep shearing & a dog show, and tour the 350-acre property to meet and hand-feed animals. Later, unwind in a soothing private hot pool nestled in a serene place. Alternatively, if you're seeking thrills, go for Grade 5 river rafting on the Kaituna River, navigating challenging rapids and a 7-meter waterfall, one of the highest commercially rafted waterfalls in the world.

    3 hours

  2. 2

    Te Puia

    In the late afternoon, get ready for an unforgettable experience at a place known for its geothermal activity and rich Māori culture. Enjoy a guided walk to witness the power of active geysers, bubbling mud pools, and steaming vents. Enjoy a delicious Hangi feast, where your food is cooked in the ground using traditional methods, adding a unique and authentic touch to your dining experience. Later, experience a traditional Māori welcome ceremony, including the powerful haka (war dance), along with engaging cultural performances that showcase the history and traditions of the Māori people.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 4 : Rotorua - Hamilton - Northern Explorer Scenic Train Ride - Wellington

  1. 1
    Greet the day with excitement. Check out from your hotel in Rotorua and enjoy a comfortable transfer to Hamilton Railway Station, where you’ll board the Northern Explorer Scenic Train for a full-day journey to Wellington. This scenic rail experience spans nearly eight hours and takes you through the heart of the North Island’s diverse landscapes. Sit back and relax in your spacious seat as you glide past rolling farmland, native forests, mountain ranges, and dramatic river gorges. The route features several engineering highlights, including crossings over tall viaducts and the remarkable Raurimu Spiral—a clever railway design that allows the train to climb steep terrain. One of the most scenic parts of the trip is the section through Tongariro National Park, offering panoramic views of its volcanic peaks, including Mt Ruapehu. Onboard commentary shares stories and history of the regions you pass, while an open viewing carriage and café add to the comfort.

    8 hours

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    Wellington

    Arrive in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, in the evening and check in to your hotel for a restful and comfortable night.

    15 minutes

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 5 : Wellington-Flight to Christchurch–Christchurch (International Antarctic Centre or Punting on Avon or Christchurch Tram)

  1. 1

    Wellington

    Wake up to another beautiful day in New Zealand’s vibrant capital. Enjoy some free time in Wellington to explore at your own pace, if you wish. It’s time to say goodbye to the North Island and begin your South Island adventure. After checking out from your hotel, you’ll be picked up and taken to Wellington Airport for your flight to Christchurch.

    30 minutes

  2. 2

    Christchurch

    Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. After settling in and refreshing, choose one of three activities: visit the International Antarctic Centre, go punting on the Avon River, or ride the famous Christchurch Tram. The International Antarctic Centre offers interactive exhibits, a simulated storm, a ride on an all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle, and a penguin encounter. Punting on the Avon River provides a peaceful glide through the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park. The Christchurch Tram offers a unique perspective on Christchurch's history and landmarks, with knowledgeable drivers providing commentary and stops at key attractions. Due to travel between the North and South Islands, and the need to rest for the next leg of your journey, it is recommended you enjoy the rest of your day in Christchurch, relaxing and recharging for the epic South Island journey that begins the next day.

    5 hours

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 6 : Christchurch - Kaikōura or Akaroa (Whale Watching/Kayaking/Nature Cruise & Alpaca Farm) - Christchurch

  1. 1

    Christchurch

    Start this beautiful day by being picked up from your hotel. Choose between a full-day tour to Kaikoura or Akaroa, each offering a unique experience based on your preferred activities.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Kaikoura

    Kaikōura, famed for its stunning coastal scenery where rugged mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, lies near a unique underwater canyon system that draws abundant marine life, including whales. Opt for a guided kayaking adventure alongside seals, sea birds, and possibly dolphins, or a whale-watching cruise to spot majestic sperm whales, humpbacks, or orcas while learning about their habitat.

    5 hours

  3. 3

    Akaroa

    Akaroa, a charming French-inspired village, invites you to explore its beauty with a 2-hour nature cruise, uncovering its rich history and unique wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world. Follow this with a visit to a charming alpaca farm for cuddly encounters with these adorable animals.

    5 hours

  4. 4

    Christchurch

    After your chosen day tour, we’ll return to Christchurch and drop you off at your hotel.

    15 minutes

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 7 : Christchurch–TranzAlpine Scenic Train–Arthur’s Pass National Park–Castle Hill–Lake Tekapo-Stargazing in Dark Sky Reserve

  1. 1

    TranzAlpine Train

    Start your day by being picked up from your accommodation in Christchurch. Board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train for a breathtaking ride through stunning landscapes. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass Railway Station, where you will be greeted and taken to your next destination.

    2 hours

    Admission: Included

  2. 2

    Otira Viaduct Lookout

    Enjoy the stunning views from the Otira Viaduct Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

    15 minutes

  3. 3

    Arthur's Pass National Park

    Explore the natural beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park with a leisurely walk along the Devil’s Punchbowl Walking Track or the Arthur’s Pass Walking Track. These tracks wind through lush native bush, offering glimpses of stunning waterfalls and providing a peaceful escape into the heart of the park. As you stroll, keep an eye out for native birdlife and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

    2 hours

  4. 4

    Castle Hill

    Visit Castle Hill and marvel at the photogenic landscape of stunning limestone rock formations. This location has served as a backdrop for famous Hollywood movies, showcasing its unique and breathtaking scenery. Capture the beauty of this natural wonder and immerse yourself while taking a short loop walk. Take a break at Lake Lyndon as we drive towards Lake Tekapo.

    1 hour

  5. 5

    Tekapo Stargazing

    Upon reaching Lake Tekapo, check into your hotel and recharge. In the evening, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in a stargazing activity in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its stunning night skies, free from light pollution, offering a breathtaking view of the stars. This experience is perfect for astronomy enthusiasts and anyone looking to marvel at the beauty of the universe.

    1 hour 15 minutes

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 8 : Lake Tekapo – Lake Pukaki – Aoraki Mount Cook - Scenic Helicopter Ride – Lindis Pass – Queenstown

  1. 1

    Lake Tekapo

    Get ready for today’s journey with a pickup from your hotel in Lake Tekapo. Visit the renowned ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and take in its picturesque setting against the backdrop of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a brief, leisurely walk along the shores of Lake Tekapo.

    30 minutes

  2. 2

    Lake Pukaki

    Visit Lake Pukaki, a stunning glacier-fed alpine lake known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Marvel at the beauty of this natural wonder as you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.

    30 minutes

  3. 3

    Aoraki/Mt. Cook

    The drive towards Mount Cook offers awe-inspiring views. Upon reaching Mount Cook, immerse yourself in the mesmerizing scenery. Opt for the Hooker Valley Track, featuring famous swing bridges. Alternatively, choose the Tasman Glacier Walks for a different perspective. Look out for the kea, the world's only alpine parrot.

    3 hours 15 minutes

  4. 4

    Mount Cook Airport

    It's time to embark on a scenic helicopter ride. Soar above the stunning valleys and peaks of Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park in one of the modern helicopters. Experience breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook and the surrounding snow-capped ranges as you fly. Relax and enjoy this unique experience with onboard commentary from pilot.

    30 minutes

    Admission: Included

  5. 5

    Lindis Pass Summit Scenic Lookout

    Pass through Lindis Pass on your way to Queenstown. Stop at Lindis Pass Summit Lookout to enjoy endless vistas of mountains. Upon arrival in Queenstown, check in to your accommodation and prepare for the adventures that await in this vibrant lakeside city.

    15 minutes

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 9 : Queenstown Explore (Queenstown Gardens, Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown Wharf, Jet Boating & Skyline Gondola with Luge Rides)

  1. 1

    Queenstown

    Begin your day with new energy in Queenstown with a pickup from your hotel. Visit the famous Queenstown Gardens, located on a picturesque peninsula surrounded by Lake Wakatipu. These gardens offer a peaceful retreat with stunning views. After exploring the gardens, take a leisurely stroll through the streets of central Queenstown to experience the city's cheerful vibes. Relax by the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake. After this moment of calmness, prepare yourself to experience the power of twin V8 engines as you jet boat down the Kawarau or Shotover River. Reaching speeds of up to 95 kmph, enjoy the adrenaline rush with multiple 360-degree spins.

    4 hours

  2. 2

    Skyline Queenstown

    After jet boating, there's more to enjoy. Take a ride on the Queenstown Gondola, which is believed to be the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere. Upon reaching the top, you'll be treated to spectacular views of The Remarkables, Coronet Peak, Walter and Cecil Peak, and, of course, Queenstown itself. Spend quality time at the top exploring the area, or engaging in fun activities like thrilling luge rides and open-air chairlifts. Watch the sunset from this vantage point. Afterwards, take a return ride on the Gondola back down, where you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel to relax and recharge for another epic day, exploring Fiordland National Park.

    4 hours

    Admission: Included

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 10 : Queenstown - Milford Sound Cruise or Doubtful Sound Cruise - Te Anau

  1. 1

    Queenstown

    Start this unforgettable day with a pickup from your Queenstown hotel. Choose between a full-day tour to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, both located in Fiordland National Park, each showcasing the stunning beauty of New Zealand’s fiords in their own distinct way.

    15 minutes

  2. 2

    Milford Sound

    Enjoy the scenic drive towards Milford Sound, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take advantage of scenic stops and nature walks along the way to capture the beauty of the landscape. Upon reaching Milford Sound, embark on a cruise to experience the stunning beauty of the fiord up close. Marvel at the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife that call this area home.

    5 hours

  3. 3

    Doubtful Sound / Patea

    Begin your journey with a peaceful cruise across Lake Manapouri, followed by a scenic coach ride over Wilmot Pass, offering spectacular views of untouched rainforest and alpine scenery. Upon arrival at Doubtful Sound, board a cruise to explore the vast, remote fiord known for its deep stillness and dramatic landscapes. Surrounded by towering peaks, hidden waterfalls, and native wildlife, the experience feels truly immersive and untouched.

    7 hours 30 minutes

  4. 4

    Te Anau

    Enjoy the drive back to Te Anau and end the day filled with beautiful memories as you check in to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

    15 minutes

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 11 : Te Anau - Te Anau Glowworm Caves - Invercargill - Bill Richardson Transport World - Bluff

  1. 1

    Te Anau Glowworm Caves

    Set off on another day of discovery in Te Anau with a pickup from your hotel. Prepare for the famous Te Anau Glowworm Cave tour. Explore the fully guided underground caves and marvel at the thousands of glowworms illuminating the darkness like a starry sky. These glowworms, known as Arachnocampa luminosa, are unique to New Zealand and are found exclusively in the country's caves. They create a mesmerizing display as they emit a soft blue-green light, creating a magical atmosphere. The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a truly enchanting experience.

    2 hours 15 minutes

    Admission: Included

  2. 2
    Leave Te Anau at noon and head south along the Southern Scenic Route, a peaceful drive through rolling farmland, forested areas, and occasional coastal landscapes. Enjoy the changing views as you travel toward Invercargill, the southern hub of Southland. Stop here to explore Bill Richardson Transport World—an impressive and unique attraction showcasing one of the largest private transport museums in the world, featuring classic trucks and cars.

    3 hours 30 minutes

  3. 3
    After your visit, continue to Bluff, known as New Zealand’s southernmost town and the gateway to Stewart Island. If you’re visiting between March and August, don’t miss the chance to try fresh Bluff oysters—a local delicacy prized for their rich flavour. As evening sets in, take a short walk to Stirling Point, where the famous signpost shows distances to cities around the world and offers stunning views over Foveaux Strait. Depending on the season and availability, stay overnight either in Bluff for a quiet coastal experience or in Invercargill for more options and convenience.

    1 hour 30 minutes

Accommodation: Optional (Select Option "With Accommodation"): 4 to 5-star hotel with breakfast based on availability and season.

Day 12 : Bluff - Ferry - Stewart Island - Scenic Flight - Bluff - Queenstown

  1. 1
    Check out from your accommodation and be dropped off at the ferry terminal in Bluff for your journey to Stewart Island.

    15 minutes

  2. 2
    Enjoy the scenic one-hour ferry ride across Foveaux Strait, often accompanied by seabird sightings and fresh ocean air. After reaching Stewart Island, begin with a short cruise through Paterson Inlet, where you’ll hear fascinating cultural and historical stories about the area. You’ll then arrive at Ulva Island, a predator-free nature sanctuary with no permanent human settlement, allowing native wildlife and forest to thrive. During your guided walk, you’ll explore peaceful forest tracks and learn about the island’s rich biodiversity. Your guide will help you spot native birds such as the South Island robin, saddleback, tūī, and others. Seeing a wild kiwi is possible, but it depends on luck, as they are shy. After your Ulva Island experience, return to Oban and take a scenic flight back to Bluff. This day trip lets you enjoy the best of both worlds—sailing to Stewart Island by ferry and flying back with stunning aerial views over Foveaux Strait.

    5 hours

  3. 3

    Queenstown

    Enjoy the drive back to Queenstown, passing through the quiet Southland landscape as the day winds down. It's time to say goodbye as we drop you off to your preferred location in Queenstown. May these memories stay with you forever.

    1 hour 15 minutes

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

We can pick you up from your preferred location in Auckland. Please provide a pick-up location that is searchable on google maps.

Or Meet At Meeting point

Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

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End Point

Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

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You will be dropped off at your preferred location anywhere in Queenstown City.

Additional Info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Travelers should have their own comprehensive travel insurance
  • Following your booking, the operator will get in touch to confirm your preferences, as applicable
  • With the "With Tickets" option, traveler(s) may swap any of the included activities for alternatives of interest such as Skydiving, Wine Tasting, Golf, Horse Trekking, Scenic Flights, Swimming with Dolphins, Glacier hiking, Relaxing Spa Treatments, Ziplining, etc., subject to availability, cost differences, and route or schedule feasibility

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.