itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Christchurch (D)
On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a pre-dinner drink this evening as you meet your fellow travellers and Tour Leader, who will join you for a welcome dinner. Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)
Day 2. Christchurch Sightseeing (B)
This morning an introductory city tour of Christchurch will showcase its rich history and culture. Continue to the International Antarctic Centre, where you will gain fascinating insights of life in Antarctica. Return to the city and enjoy a leisurely journey aboard the charming Christchurch Tram. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure. Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Day 3. Christchurch – Mt Cook – Twizel (B,D)
Depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Twizel. Hotel Distinction Mackenzie Country
Day 4. Twizel – Dunedin (B,D)
Depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Day 5. Dunedin – Te Anau (B,D)
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and take time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
Day 6. Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown (B,L,D)
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 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. Hotel Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 7. Queenstown – Christmas Day (B,L)
Merry Christmas! Today board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet Christmas lunch and the best of NZ’s high-country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. Reboard the TSS Earnslaw and enjoy a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. This evening is free to dine at leisure. Hotel Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown
Day 8. Queenstown – Arrowtown – Franz Josef (B,D)
Travel to Arrowtown 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 north to the township of Franz Josef. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 9. Franz Josef – Arthur’s Pass – Christchurch (B,D)
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. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Hotel Sudima Christchurch Airport
Day 10. Christchurch – Picton – Wellington (B,D)
Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board your ferry for the journey through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (2 nights)
Day 11. Wellington (B)
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements. Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Day 12. Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua (B,D)
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 Pullman Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 13. Rotorua – New Year’s Eve (B,SD)
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before visiting Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous or. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert. Hotel Pullman Rotorua
Day 14. Rotorua – Bay of Islands (B,D)
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty between the indigenous Māori tribes and the British settlers. Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights)
Day 15. Bay of Islands (B)
Today you will cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life before returning 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. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands
Day 16. Bay of Islands – Auckland (B,SD)
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Hotel Sudima Auckland City
Day 17. Depart Auckland (B)
Kia Ora. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
(B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty Dinner.
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