Day 1
Auckland
Today you’ll arrive in Auckland where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Your day is then free to either relax or take in some of the impressive sights of the city.
Overnight: Grand Millennium Auckland
Day 2
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Travel away from Auckland along the Hibiscus Coast. You’ll stop off briefly at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe to get an in-depth knowledge of the northern region of the North Island, then you’ll continue on to the Bay of Islands. Here you’ll visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the treaty was signed between British and Maori people. Enjoy a visit to the Maori Meeting House and War Canoe before checking into your hotel.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 3
Bay of Islands
Today you will enjoy an amazing catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock, all the while meandering through the inner islands. The afternoon is free for you to explore.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands
Breakfast included
Day 4
Bay of Islands - Auckland
Today you will travel back to Auckland before selecting from a great selection of activities, including a cruise on Waitemata Harbour, a visit to Auckland Zoo or a tour of the black sand beaches and rainforest.
Overnight: Grand Millennium Auckland
Breakfast and dinner included
Days 5-6
Waitomo Caves & Rotorua
On day five travel south to Waitomo, which is home to the incredible glow-worm caves – a stunning sight not to be missed where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a guided tour before heading onwards to Rotorua where you’ll be given a fantastic introduction to Maori culture with an authentic Hangi feast with a song and dance performance.
Day seven gives you freedom to explore Rotorua at your leisure. There are plenty of options available including the Agrodome Farm Show followed by a kiwi encounter at Rainbow Springs Nature Park and a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Another fantastic option is the ‘Hobbiton Movie Set’ tour which takes you to the nearby sites at which the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed or embark on a relaxing Redwood Treewalk with a Maori guide. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you explore at your leisure.
Two nights at Millennium Rotorua
Breakfast on both days and dinner on day 5 included
Day 7
Taupo & Wellington
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway today and view the Wairakei Steam Valley, visit the gorgeous Huka Falls feeding directly into Lake Taupo en route, before travelling across Tongariro National Park with its World Heritage-listed volcanic plateau to Wellington. This evening check into your accommodation, relax and relish a choice of two tempting restaurants in which to dine.
Overnight: Intercontinental Wellington
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 8
Wellington
With two nights in Wellington, you will have plenty of time to discover the city’s highlights. After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour taking you to the city's best-loved landmarks and sights, including the spectacular waterfront area and New Zealand’s national museum - Te Papa Tongarewa. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to further explore this coastal city and perhaps try a local restaurant for dinner.
Overnight: Intercontinental Wellington
Breakfast included
Day 9
Cook Straight, Kaikoura & Christchurch
This morning, travel from the North Island to the South Island onboard the Interislander ferry taking you across Cook Strait and through the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton. After your ferry ride, rejoin your coach and drive to the quaint fishing town of Kaikoura. Continue travelling along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island.
Overnight: Christchurch, The Commodore Hotel
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 10
TranzAlpine Train & Franz Josef
Board one of the world's best train journeys today at Christchurch, the TranzAlpine train. You'll roll through stunning gorges and mountain scenery, passing waterfalls, rivers and forests. You’ll head under the towering Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass where you’ll disembark and continue the journey by coach. Here you’ll journey to see jewellery crafting and continue on to the iconic scenery of Franz Josef Glacier. Arrive later at your luxury eco-resort for a special four-course dinner.
Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 11
Franz Josef Glacier & Queenstown
Travel alongside the Haast River enjoying views of the Haast River Valley, formed by a glacier. Here you’ll see lofty peaks, verdant forest and many small waterfalls. You’ll then arrive in Queenstown – known as New Zealand’s adventure capital. You can choose from four tempting restaurants this evening – try tasty quality crafted beer at Canyon Food & Brew Co, or take a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline restaurant to enjoy the panoramic views of the city, or cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements. How will you pick?
Overnight: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 12
Queenstown
Spend the morning exploring - perhaps embark on a Safari of the Scenes tour and visit several local sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Thrillseekers may enjoy an exhilarating ride on the Shotover Jet Boat through the Shotover River Canyons, a Skippers Canyon adventure, or a river safari along the beautiful Dart River. There’s also the opportunity to take a wine tour at one of New Zealand’s premier vineyards, trail bike ride or a leisurely cruise over the waters of the lake. You're in adventure city so make the most!
Overnight: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
Breakfast included
Day 13
Milford Sound & Te Anau
Embark on one of the most scenic drives today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Keep your camera at the ready as you wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak, the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound. Continue to Milford Sound and enjoy a cruise that explores this pristine fiord in full. Afterwards, a picturesque drive awaits to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Tonight, enjoy a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, and savour local delights such as salmon and lamb.
Overnight: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 14
Dunedin
Journey through Southland countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the “Edinburgh of the south”. This afternoon, choose your Freedom of Choice activity with either a visit to Olveston House; head to Dunedin’s railway station and board the Taieri Gorge Railway; or tour Speight’s Brewery. Alternatively, choose to visit the Otago Peninsula where you can observe an albatross colony or join a wildlife tour.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 15
Mt Cook National Park
Drive north to view the large spherical Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach on the way to the World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park, where you have a range of activities to choose from. You could visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre including a visit to the planetarium and stargazing session with an astronomer. Alternatively, during the summer months board the MAC boat which takes you up close to icebergs!
Overnight: The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook with alpine views
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 16
Lake Tekapo & Christchurch
Today you’ll visit Lake Tekapo with the chance to see the Church of the Good Shepherd. You’ll then continue on through Burke’s Pass to Christchurch where you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner with your tour group.
Overnight: Distinction Christchurch
Breakfast and dinner included
Day 17
Depart Christchurch
After breakfast at the hotel you’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Breakfast included
