Itinerary

DAY 1
Arrive Christchurch

‘Haere Mai’ … welcome to New Zealand

Airport to hotel transfer, then you’re free to discover Christchurch your way. Join us this evening for a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director.
ACCOMMODATION: Novotel, Christchurch. (D)
DAY 2
TranzAlpine - Punakaiki

Catch the TranzAlpine for a world class journey from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on arrival in Punakaiki, where you’ll spend the night at your hotel right on the waterfront.
ACCOMMODATION: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki. (B,D)
DAY 3
Punakaiki - Franz Josef

Travel via Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, to Hokitika to visit a New Zealand native jade factory for a jewellery demonstration. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier. You can see it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) or take a glacier hike!
Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. (B,D)
DAY 4
Franz Josef - Queenstown

Today you’ll experience Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, take a small rainforest bush walk, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan. Stop at historic gold mining Arrowtown then Queenstown. An orientation tour finishes your day. Your dinner option is Skyline Restaurant at Bob’s Peak accessed via gondola – treat yourself! The Kiwi Haka Maori Show makes a top night - if you so choose.
ACCOMMODATION: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. (B)
DAY 5
Queenstown ’Free Time’

Explore action-packed, Queenstown for yourself. Take it easy with wine and garden tours or walk on the wild side with jet boat rides and white water rafting. This evening cruise over Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak on board the TSS Earnslaw for dinner and a sheep shearing demonstration. (B,HD)
DAY 6
Milford Sound

Journey over the Devil’s Staircase and along Lake Wakatipu’s shore to Te Anau and its lake – the South Island’s largest. World Heritage Fiordland National Park is next, travelling through rainforest, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand built Homer Tunnel to the abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and Milford Sound, where you cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Return to Te Anau. Tonight you have the option to see the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.
ACCOMMODATION: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau. (B,D)
DAY 7
Te Anau - Dunedin

Across rich, fertile farmland we head to Dunedin for a city tour. This afternoon take a Wildlife Cruise to see the Royal Albatross, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the Taieri Gorge Railway - it’s your ’Free Time’ to do as you wish.
ACCOMMODATION: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin. (B,D)
DAY 8
Dunedin - Twizel

A guided tour of Larnach Castle and its stunning gardens starts the day. Enjoy some ’Free Time’ in town, before you set off to the white limestone buildings of Oamaru and on to the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam.
ACCOMMODATION: MacKenzie Country Inn, Deluxe Rooms, Twizel. (B,D)
DAY 9
Mt. Cook - Christchurch

See the sensational Mt. Cook National Park. Maybe take a scenic flight over it. Later we’ll see Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. You are Invited to enjoy a taste of country life with a barbecue lunch on a working farm. Travel over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for a city tour and a ride on the Christchurch Tram then you’re free to discover Christchurch your way.
ACCOMMODATION: Novotel, Christchurch. (B,L)
DAY 10
Kaikoura - Blenheim

Between the mountains and the Pacific, you travel the rugged East Coast to the whale watching haven of Kaikoura. Take an optional Scenic Whale Watching flight. On the way to Blenheim, you may see New Zealand fur seals up close at Ohau Point. On arrival you’ll have an orientation tour. Then it’s off to Georges Michel Wine Estate for a tour, some wine tasting and dinner.
ACCOMMODATION: Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim. (B,HD)
DAY 11
Wellington

Seaside Picton is our first destination. Cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Then you head to Wellington. Your City Sights Tour, with views of the city from Mt. Victoria, will get you set for your ’Free Time’, until you visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, for some Maori culture. A photo at Parliament, then to your hotel for dinner.
ACCOMMODATION: Novotel, Wellington. (B,D)
DAY 12
Wellington - Rotorua

Travel along the Kapiti Coast, past the dairy farms of Manawatu to Tongariro National Park. Here you’ll catch sights of spectacular Mt. Ruapehu. En route to Taupo and Rotorua, you’ll see Lake Taupo and the Huka Falls. A Rotorua orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. The Realm of Tãne, Hangi and concert is our cultural highlight this evening.
ACCOMMODATION: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. (B,HD)
DAY 13
Rotorua

Start the day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with stunning views over Rotorua and you’ll then head to the Agrodome Sheep Show for a sample of farm life. Te Puia offers an insight into Maori culture and a guided tour of the Geothermal Reserve. (B)
DAY 14
Rotorua - Auckland

Travelling through the Waikato region to Waitomo Caves, we tour the Glow Worm Grotto and walk the limestone caves. We travel along the Waikato River to Auckland. Our city tour takes in Mt. Eden, Bastian Point, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Harbour Bridge and more.
ACCOMMODATION: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. (B,D)
DAY 15
Depart Auckland

Today we’ll transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. (B)

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