itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland, we are transferred to our hotel and meet as a group for dinner. 1 Night Stay: Sky City Hotel, Auckland (Meals in-flight,D)
DAY 2 – Auckland to Bay of Islands
This morning we depart Auckland, making our way to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri tree. Continue through 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 Maori tribes and the British. 2 Night Stay: Scenic Hotel, Bay of Islands (B,L,D)
DAY 3 – Bay of Islands
Enjoy stunning views of the islands as we explore the Bay of Islands on a full day cruise, including the famous Hole in the Rock and an island stopover. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins and try boom netting alongside the vessel. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 – Kauri Museum, Auckland
Farewell the Bay of Islands and travel south to Matakohe where we stop for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Continue to Auckland’s north shore for some free time at leisure. This evening we dine with magnificent views over Auckland harbour and the city at Orbit Revolving Restaurant. 1 Night Stay: Sky City Hotel, Auckland (B,L,D)
DAY 5 – Hobbiton, Rotorua
Depart Auckland and travel through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a guided tour of the movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies followed by a Marque festival lunch at Hobbiton. 2 Night Stay: Sudima Hotel, Rotorua (B,L,D)
DAY 6 – Rotorua
After breakfast we make our way to Te Puia Thermal Reserve for a guided tour of this geothermal wonder, with boiling mud pools and awesome geysers on show. Next we head to Skyline Rotorua, where, if you are a daredevil, you can take a luge ride before enjoying lunch. Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment. This evening,immerse yourself in Maori culture at our specialty Hangi and concert (B,L,SD)
DAY 7 – Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Wellington
Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park to Wellington, the capital and southernmost point on the Cook Strait. 2 Night Stay: Rydges, Wellington (B,L,D)
DAY 8 – Wellington
This morning enjoy an extensive city tour of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Enter the Wellington Tramway Museum to view a display of tramway history, and enjoy a nostalgic trip on one of the original trams that served Wellington City. After lunch we explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Enjoy free time at leisure this afternoon. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 – Interislander Ferry, Coastal Pacific, Christchurch
This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross the Cook Strait and enjoy the scenery as we travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side, the rugged scenic coastline on the other, and travels through numerous tunnels and across several bridges. Enjoy a two night stay in the garden city of Christchurch. 2 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza, Christchurch (B,L,D)
DAY 10 – Christchurch
This morning enjoy an introductory city tour of Christchurch including the Arts Centre, Earthquake memorial, Bridge of Remembrance and Cardboard Cathedral, before making our way to the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 – TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Hokitika, Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzApine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges, making our way to Greymouth. Boarding our coach, we then travel via Hokitika to Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight with snow landing (optional, weather permitting). 1 Night Stay: Scenic Hotel, Franz Josef Glacier (B,L,D)
DAY 12 – Haast Pass, Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty, before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. 2 Night Stay: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (B,L,D)
DAY 13 – Free Day in Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu evening cruise
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing-along by the piano on the return cruise. Lunch is at own expense today. (B,SD)
DAY 14 – Arrowtown, Milford Sound Cruise
This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise. Relax and take in the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. 1 Night Stay: Milford Mariner Cruise (B,L,D)
DAY 15 – Lake Te Anau
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return back to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau, where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. 1 Night Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Te Anau (B,L,D)
DAY 16 – Gore, Balclutha, Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for a city tour, then the remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. Tonight, a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis ceremony and gift. 2 Night Stay: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin (B,L,D)
DAY 17 – Dunedin & Surrounds
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Olveston House, a prestigious historic Home, before travelling to Larnach Castle, where we learn about its tragic and scandalous history. After lunch, we join a wildlife cruise to the spectacular Taiaroa Head, where sightings of New Zealand fur seals and albatross are common. (B,L,D)
DAY 18 – Dunedin, Oamaru, Christchurch
We farewell Dunedin, travelling via Moeraki and Oamaru to Christchurch. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening with your newfound friends. 1 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza, Christchurch(B,L,SD)
DAY 19 – Flights home
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your respective flight home. (B, Meals in Flight)
B = Full Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner, SD = Specialty Dinner
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