itinerary
DAY 1 – Arrive Auckland
Our flights arrive into Auckland. We board our local tour operator coach for transfers to our hotel and meet as a group for dinner. 1 Night Stay: Sky City Hotel, Auckland (D)
DAY 2 – Auckland to Bay of Islands
We leave Auckland and visit Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent Kauri tree. We then continue through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands for a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the treaty between the Maori and the British was signed in 1840. 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 – Kauri Museum, Auckland
Today we travel south to Matakohe where we stop for a visit at the Kauri Museum. Continue to Auckland for some free time. 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 lunch in the festive Hobbiton Festival Marquee. 2 Night Stay: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua (B,L,D)
DAY 6 – Rotorua
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before making our way to the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment. Next we head to Skyline Rotorua to take a luge ride before lunch. Later this afternoon we visit Te Puia for a guided tour followed by the Te Po (the night) experience, an immersive feast of indigenous cultural storytelling, entertainment and food. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 – Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Wellington
Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo, then on to Wellington via the Tongariro National Park. 2 Night Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor, Wellington (B,L,D)
DAY 8 – Wellington
This morning enjoy an extensive city tour of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington then visit Wellington Tramway Museum. After lunch we explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. 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. Enjoy a two night stay in the garden city of Christchurch. 2 Night Stay: Distinction Hotel 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 – TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Hokitika, Franz Josef
This morning board the TranzAlpine, 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. 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: Scenic Suites, Queenstown (B,L,D)
DAY 13 – Free Day in Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu evening cruise
Today is free for you to explore Queenstown. In the evening, board the vintage TSS Earnslaw for a cruise to Walter Peak Station. Enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead, followed by a farm tour and a sing-along on the return cruise. *Lunch is at own expense today. (B,D)
DAY 14 – Arrowtown, Te Anau, Milford Mariner Overnight 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. Enjoy dinner on board this evening. 1 Night Stay: Milford Mariner Cruise (B,L,D)
DAY 15 – Milford Mariner, 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. Dinner is at our hotel. 1 Night Stay: Distinction Hotel Luxmore, Te Anau (B,L,D)
DAY 16 – Gore, Balclutha, Dunedin
This morning we travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for a city tour. Tonight, a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, a Haggis ceremony and dinner at our hotel. 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 where we enjoy our farewell dinner. 1 Night Stay: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch (B,L,D)
DAY 19 – Flights home
Time to say goodbye. After breakfast this morning we make our way to Christchurch Airport for our respective flights home. (B)
B = Full Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner, SD = Specialty Dinner
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