| Day by Day Itinerary: |
|
|
 |
 |
| Day 1 Arrive Auckland |
|
Day 10 Mount Cook, Omarama |
 |
|
After your airport transfer and hotel check-in, explore Auckland your way. Evening welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow passengers. Hotel: Mercure, Auckland.
|
|
Time to relax this morning. Later see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the alpine scenery of Mt. Cook National Park (optional Mt. Cook scenic flight).
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. B D
|
 |
| Day 2 Bay of Islands |
|
Day 11 Dunedin |
 |
|
Depart Auckland and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands - see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes peeled for the marine life. Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (Garden View), Bay of Islands, 2 nights. B D
|
|
The day starts along the Waitaki River with the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Travel through Oamaru with its famous white limestone buildings to Dunedin, where we tour the city. Then you've got the afternoon to yourself - take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Dunedin. B D
|
 |
| Day 3 Bay of Islands 'Free Time' |
|
Day 12 Dunedin - Te Anau |
 |
|
Explore the Bay of Islands. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, drive along the Ninety Mile Beach, sail or sea-kayak. B
|
|
After a free morning, we'll cross sheep-filled farming land to the South Island's biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Optional Glow Worm Caves tour tonight.
Hotel: Distinction Hotel Te Anau. B D
|
 |
| Day 4 Auckland |
|
Day 13 Milford Sound |
 |
|
 This morning visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve which is of great historical importance, as this is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and Meeting House (Marae).This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.
Hotel: Mercure, Auckland. B D
|
|
From Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Witness Mirror Lakes, Claudu Valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls. Travel along the Devil's Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a Queenstown orientation tour on arrival, followed by an alpine dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Hotel: Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights. B D
|
 |
| Day 5 Waitomo Caves - Rotorua |
|
Day 14 Queenstown 'Free Time' |
 |
|
After an Auckland City Sights tour we trace the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves. We tour the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Then arrive in Rotorua for an orientation tour. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert at the Tamaki Family Marae.
Hotel: Ibis, Rotorua, 2 nights. B HD
|
|
Explore exciting Queenstown your way - from wine and garden tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station for a carvery Highlight Dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high country farm life. Why not join in a sing-a-long on your cruise back to Queenstown. B HD
|
 |
| Day 6 - Rotorua |
|
Day 15 Fox Glacier |
 |
|
Today we visit the Agrodome Sheep Show then enjoy an afternoon of 'Free Time' - visit the Rainbow Springs, abundant with Rainbow Trout and native fauna including the Kiwi or Te Puia, where a local Maori will guide you through the Geothermal valley with its mud pools and geysers. B
** Stay on a Farm with a Family **
Experience farm life first hand. For an extra NZ$70 per person enjoy genuine New Zealand hospitality when you spend tonight with a local fmaily on a nearby farm.
|
|
Our first stop is Arrowtown. Next is Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. Then it's a trio of lakes - Lake Dunstan, Hawea, Wanaka. Travel through Haast Pass, view Thunder Creek Falls, take a rainforest walk. Final stop is Fox Glacier, a rare, still advancing glacier (optional Fox Glacier scenic flight).
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier. B D
|
| Day 7 Rotorua - Wellington |
|
Day 16 Christchurch |
 |
|
View the Huka Falls, visit Taupo and drive along shores of its lake. Discover the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu. Travel along the Kapiti Coast into Wellington, for a city tour.
Hotel: Travelodge, Wellington. B D
|
|
Visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration first up. Travel through Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, to Arthur's Pass to board the TranzAlpine, one of the top 6 train journeys in the world. This spectacular journey takes you through the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This evening celebrate your holiday at a farewell dinner with your Tour Director and new-found friends.
Hotel: Ibis HOtelChristchurch. B D
|
 |
| Day 8 Wellington - Picton |
|
Day 17 Depart Christchurch |
 |
|
A morning of 'Free Time', followed by a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Then we cruise Queen Charlotte Sound and later travel to the seaside village of Picton.
Hotel: Beachcomber, Picton. B D
|
|
Your tour concludes this morning after breakfast. Explore Christchurch at your leisure until your transfer to Christchurch Airport. B
|
 |
| Day 9 Picton - Christchurch |
|
|
 |
|
We'll get up close and personal with some New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point, watch whales at Kaikoura, (optional scenic Whale Watching flight) and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Hotel: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch. B
|
|
|
 |
|
(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (HD) Highlight Dinner
|
 |
|
 |