16 Days Highlights of New Zealand Tour

itinerary

DAY 1: Homeport – Christchurch

Fly from your homeport to Christchurch where you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Hotel Heartland Hotel Cotswold (D)

DAY 2: Christchurch – Omarama

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama. Hotel Heritage Gateway Hotel (B,D)

DAY 3: Omarama – Dunedin

Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River 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. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Hotel Mercure Leisure Lodge (B,SD)

DAY 4: Dunedin – Te Anau

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you 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 through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Superior Room) (B,D)

DAY 5: Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown

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 travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort (2 nights) (B,L)

DAY 6: Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, whether it be the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to 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 7: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Fox Glacier

Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Hotel Heartland Hotel Glacier Country (B,D)

DAY 8: Fox Glacier – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Hotel Heartland Hotel Cotswold (B,D)

DAY 9: Christchurch – Picton – Wellington

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. Hotel Ibis Wellington (2 nights) (B,D)

DAY 10: Wellington

Today explore this exciting region and enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure this afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. (B)

DAY 11: Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua

Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Hotel Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) (B,D)

DAY 12: 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. Next visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Some free time is available before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (B,SD)

DAY 13: Rotorua – Auckland – Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to the Bay of Islands, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Hotel Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge (2 nights) (B,D)

DAY 14: Bay of Islands (B,D)

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.

DAY 15: Bay of Islands – Auckland

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner with your new found friends. Hotel Copthorne Hotel Auckland City (B,SD)

DAY 16: Auckland – Homeport

Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)

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