Day 1-2
Auckland
Arrive into Auckland and spend the afternoon exploring this harbor city. In the evening there will be a welcome reception and a highlight dinner with your group and tour guide at the hotel.
On your second day in New Zealand, begin with a sightseeing tour where you’ll visit Bastion Point, the War Memorial, Viaduct harbor and the Auckland harbor Bridge, among others. Later, take a cruise on the Waitemata harbor and enjoy the sights from the waters.
Overnight: The Langham, Auckland (Breakfast included on Day 2)
Day 3
Rotorua
Journey along the Waikato River to the Waitomo Caves, where you’ll take a boat trip tour of the Glow Worm Grotto with a local guide. Walk through the limestone caves then continue on to Rotorua to visit Te Puia. You’ll be guided through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve by a local Maori guide who will highlight the many unique features, including the bubbling mud pools and geysers.
In the evening, you’ll be invited to attend the Tamaki Family Marae for the evening, being greeted by a Haka challenge and Karanga, and spending the evening enjoying traditional Maori life with a Hangi feast and local wine.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 4
Rotorua/Christchurch
Enjoy sightseeing with a visit to the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you’ll explore with a local guide to discover the myriad ferns, trees and plants that grow around the springs. Afterwards, visit the Agrodome Sheep Show – an award-winning event – and witness the art of sheep shearing, milking cows, bottle-feeding lambs and an exciting sheep auction. In the afternoon, fly to Christchurch.
Overnight: Novotel, Christchurch (Breakfast included)
Day 5
Franz Josef
Begin your day with an awe-inspiring train journey on the Tranz Alpine from Darfield through the Southern Alps to arrive at Arthur’s Pass. You’ll have the opportunity to visit a New Zealand greenstone (jade) factory and witness jewellery artists at work before arriving at Franz Josef Glacier – the world’s most accessible glacier. There is also the chance to see this amazing area from an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 6
Franz Josef/Queenstown
Explore the beautiful scenery on your way to Queenstown today, driving over Haast Pass, past Thunder Creek Falls, and Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Visit a local orchard in Cromwell to sample the delicious stone fruits before heading to the historic gold mining Arrowtown on the Arrow River. This was once one of the richest rivers in the world and a great place to stop off at on your way to Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure capital of the world.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast included)
Day 7
Milford Sound
Make your way over the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to arrive at Te Anau, home to the largest lake on the South Island. You’ll venture through the rainforest of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park to witness the breath-taking mountain ranges and glaciers. Drive through Homer Tunnel and experience the inspiring scenery along the way, offering up countless photo opportunities including Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, Mitre Peak, Mirror Lake and Bowen Falls. Cruise the natural wonder of Milford Sound while enjoying a delicious lunch; make your way back to Queenstown for the evening.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 8
Queenstown
There is a choice of sightseeing activities to enjoy today. Opt between a ride on the Shotover Jet, joining a wine tour, playing a round of golf or taking a gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner. You could perhaps take a 4WD minibus through Skippers Canyon or relax at Millbrook Resort with a rejuvenating spa treatment. Alternatively, explore Queenstown on a Segway tour.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast included)
Day 9
Christchurch
Admire the sensational vistas of Mt Cook National Park today, with the option to take an optional scenic flight over the area (weather permitting). Later on, continue on to see Lake Pukaki and Tekapo, stopping to view the Church of the Good Shepherd before visiting Morelea Farm for an authentic glimpse into New Zealand country life.
You’re invited to enjoy a BBQ lunch with local hosts, where you’ll travel over the patchwork landscape that is the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Overnight: Novotel, Christchurch (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Day 10
Christchurch
The trip concludes today – transfer to Christchurch Airport for your departing flight.
(Breakfast included)
What's Included
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Internal travel: Coach; Cruise; Tranz Alpine train
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Hotels (9 nights)
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9 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
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City sightseeing tour in Auckland; Cruise in Auckland harbor; Cultural dinner at Tamaki Family Marae; Glow Worm tour; Visit to Agrodome Sheep Show; Tranz Alpine train ride; Visit to jade factory; Cruise on Milford Sound; BBQ lunch at Morelea Farm
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Tour guide throughout
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