12 Days / 11 Nights

Itinerary:

DAY 1 - ARRIVE AUCKLAND

On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Self drive passengers will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel.

DAY 2 - AUCKLAND SIGHTSEEING

Morning tour including Victoria Park Market, Westhaven Marina and the volcanic crater of Mt Eden for spectacular views of the city and harbour. (B)

DAY 3 - AUCKLAND - WAITOMO - ROTORUA

Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. (B)

DAY 4 - ROTORUA

Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. The  afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert. (B,D)

DAY 5 - ROTORUA - CHRISTCHURCH

Depart on your domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch (airfare is NOT included). (B)

DAY 6 - CHRISTCHURCH - MT COOK - QUEENSTOWN

Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ before  continuing on to New Zealand’s highest mountain - Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown. (B)

DAY 7 - MILFORD SOUND

Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath taking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown. (B)

DAY 8 - QUEENSTOWN

A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)

DAY 9 - QUEENSTOWN - GLACIER REGION

Depart Queenstown and travel via Lake Wanaka and through the historic Haast Pass, gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. (B)

DAY 10 - GLACIER REGION - CHRISTCHURCH

Travel north to Greymouth today and board the Tranz Alpine train (seat in coach passengers only). Ascend through  lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel over Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B)

DAY 11 - CHRISTCHURCH SIGHTSEEING

Highlights of this mornings tour include the Anglican Cathedral, Town Hall, the Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, the University, Botanic Gardens and the Avon River. (B)

DAY 12 - DEPARTURE DAY

Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. We trust you enjoyed your Vacation! (B)

10 / 11 Days

Itinerary:

DAY 1 - ARRIVE AUCKLAND

On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Self drive passengers will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel.

DAY 2 - AUCKLAND – WAITOMO - ROTORUA

Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world famous  Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. (B)

DAY 3 - ROTORUA - NAPIER

This morning visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit  Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. Depart Rotorua and travel south via the Wairakei Geothermal area to arrive at New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo. Continue over rugged mountain ranges and well cultivated farmland to arrive in the ‘Art Deco’  City of Napier. (B)

DAY 4 - NAPIER - WELLINGTON

Travel through the Manawatu Gorge and Takapau Plains to Palmerston North, famous for its agricultural university. Continue south to arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. (B)

DAY 5 - WELLINGTON - CHRISTCHURCH

Journey across Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand and into the Marlborough Sounds with its sparkling clear waters and lush forests, before arriving in Picton. Travel south through Blenheim and Kaikoura to reach the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. (B)

DAY 6 - CHRISTCHURCH – MT COOK - DUNEDIN

Cross the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ before arriving at Mt Cook. Leaving Mt Cook, travel through the historic Victorian precinct of Oamaru and the Waitaki Valley before continuing cross country to the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin. (B)

DAY 7 - DUNEDIN – QUEENSTOWN

This morning is free for optional activities. Leaving Dunedin, travel through South Otago, through Balclutha and Gore and across the fertile Southland Plains to Lake Te Anau. Continue around the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. (B)

DAY 8 - QUEENSTOWN

A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)

DAY 9 - QUEENSTOWN – GLACIER REGION

Depart Queenstown and travel via Lake Wanaka and through the historic Haast Pass, gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. (B)

DAY 10 - GLACIER REGION – GREYMOUTH – CHRISTCHURCH

Travel north to Greymouth and board the world famous Tranz Alpine train (coach passengers only). Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel over Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B)

DAY 11 - DEPARTURE DAY

Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. We trust you enjoyed your vacation