Itinerary

Day 1    
Arrive Auckland
Fly from your homeport to Auckland where you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel (flight not included). Stay: Pullman Auckland (D)

Day 2    
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Stay: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B/D)

Day 3    
Bay of Islands at leisure
Today is at leisure for you to explore an array of exciting activities available in the beautiful Bay of Islands (own expense). Perhaps you would enjoy a day tour to the very top of New Zealand including a drive along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach before visiting the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. You may prefer an interesting tour of Russell to gain an insight into New Zealand’s earliest European history, or visit the Kerikeri basin to browse through its fine arts and crafts. There are also many water activities. Swim with dolphins, sail on a Tall Ship, or try your hand at fishing. The choice is yours and your Coach Captain will be available to assist. (B/D)

Day 4    
Bay of Islands - Auckland
This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Stopover at Otehei Bay before returning to Paihia. Travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. Stay: Pullman Auckland (B/D)

Day 5    
Auckland - Rotorua
This morning enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to the spectacular Sky Tower. Continue through the magnificent countryside to Longlands Dairy Farm. Enjoy a delicious home cooked lunch hosted by a rural New Zealand family. Next, continue to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Rooms) (2 nights) (B/L/D)

Day 6    
Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Cableway Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Some free time is available before an afternoon transfer to see the boiling mud pools and the awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (B/D)

Day 7    
Rotorua - Napier - Masterton
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as “The Art Deco Capital”, where a city tour will showcase the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world. Enjoy some free time to explore the fascinating architecture before travelling through the Wairarapa, an emerging cool-climate wine region. Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park (B/D)

Day 8    
Masterton - Greytown - Wellington
Today travel through the quaint townships of Carterton and Greytown to Martinborough, home to family owned boutique wineries and olive groves. Enjoy time to explore this delightful wine village where the streets have been laid out in the shape of the Union Jack. Travel through the picturesque Rimutaka Mountain Range to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Enjoy an extensive city tour which will highlight the history and culture on show here. Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor (B/D)

Day 9    
Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
Enjoy free time this morning to explore Wellington at leisure. Suggested options include a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum or a tour through the Parliament Buildings. This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim. Stay: Scenic Hotel Marlborough or Chateau Marlborough (B/D)

Day 10    
Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch
Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine then travel to the quaint fishing village of Kaikoura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for an introductory city sights tour. Stay: Sudima Hotel (B/D)

Day 11    
Christchurch - Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel through spectacular gorges to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D)

Day 12    
Franz Josef - Queenstown
See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay: Mercure Resort (Lakeview Rooms) (2 nights) (B)

Day 13    
Queenstown at leisure
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain is available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or the helicopter ride of a lifetime. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax, as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. (B/SD)

Day 14    
Queenstown - Te Anau
Enjoy a leisurely start before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. This evening you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights) (B/D)

Day 15    
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. (B/L/D)

Day 16    
Te Anau - Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for an informative city tour followed by some free time at leisure. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (B/SD)

Day 17    
Dunedin - Twizel
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers followed by a delightful morning tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. After a true Victorian welcome, enjoy an informative update on this unique precinct where several amazing buildings and shops are on show. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Twizel for your overnight stay. Stay: MacKenzie Country Inn (B/D)

Day 18    
Twizel - Mt Cook - Christchurch
This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapoo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new friends. Stay: Sudima Christchurch (B/SD)

Day 19    
Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)

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