Itinerary
Day 1 Tue: Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to
arrive prior to 4.00pm). The remainder of the day is at leisure. This
evening enjoy a welcome drink.
Accommodation: Mercure Hotel, Auckland. dinner
Day 2 Wed: Waitomo Caves/Rotorua
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland, then journey south through the Waikato
district to Waitomo. At the Waitomo Caves experience a guided tour and boat
ride of the incredible Glow-worm Grotto. This afternoon travel to Rotorua.
Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional
Maori culture and entertainment, plus a delicious buffet dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Ibis, Rotorua, 2 nights.(B) (HD)
Day 3 Thu: Rotorua
Enjoy a guided tour accompanied by a local Maori guide and share the beauty
and history of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Wander amidst pools of
boiling mud and geysers of all sizes! Opportunity to visit Paradise Valley
Springs and the Sheep Show at Agrodome to enjoy an entertaining look at life
on the farm. Free time this afternoon. (B)
Day 4 Fri: Rotorua/ Wellington
This morning depart Rotorua, travelling south to Wairakei and on to Taupo,
in the very heart of the North Island. Stop to view mighty Huka Falls before
following the eastern shoreline of Lake Taupo. Continue through the rich
dairy farming lands of Manawatu to the coast and into the capital city
Wellington.
Accommodation: Hotel Ibis, Wellington.(B)
Day 5 Sat: Wellington/Picton
Enjoy a tour around Wellington. Free time to visit Te Papa, New Zealand's
National Museum. This afternoon join the inter-island cruise across Cook
Strait and into the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, before arriving at the
pretty fishing village of Picton on the South Island.
Accommodation: Beachcomber, Picton.(B) dinner
Day 6 Sun: Picton/ Christchurch
Travel along the rugged coast to Kaikoura, where you will have the
opportunity to enjoy an optional whale watching flight. This afternoon
continue to the beautiful city Christchurch.
Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch.(B)
Day 7 Mon: Mt. Cook
Travel over the colourful, patchwork plains of Canterbury. Visit beautiful
Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue past Mt. Cook
National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Time to take an
optional scenic flight over this mighty mountain (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama.(B) dinner
Day 8 Tue: Dunedin
Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and
Aviemore. Travel through Oamaru which is famous for its white stone
buildings made of limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, founded by Scottish
settlers.
Accommodation: Saville International Hotel, Dunedin.(B) dinner
Day 9 Wed: Dunedin
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dunedin and the opportunity to visit historic
Larnach Castle. Travel south through Balclutha and the farming town of Gore.
Cross the rich fertile country of South Otago and continue to Te Anau.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau.(B) dinner
Day 10 Thu: Milford Sound
Travel south towards Fiordland, and through the Homer Tunnel. Stop briefly
at the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the waters
of this natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you.
Continue to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Rydges Lakeland Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights.(B)
Day 11 Fri: Queenstown
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown,
New Zealand's adventure capital. Your Tour Director will happily advise on
the optional activities available. Tonight ride the Skyline Gondola to the
top of Bob's Peak for a delicious buffet dinner. This evening you have the
opportunity to experience Kiwi Haka. (B) (HD)
Day 12 Sat: Queenstown/Fox Glacier
Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history.
Follow the course of the fast flowing Kawarau River through the Kawarau
Gorge. Climb over the Haast Pass, which winds its way through Mount Aspiring
National Park and dramatic mountain and forest scenery. Continue north along
the coastal road to Fox Glacier.
Accommodation: Fox Glacier Hotel, Fox Glacier.(B) dinner
Day 13 Sun: Punakaiki/ Christchurch
This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic
flight (weather permitting). This afternoon continue north along the rugged
coast to Punakaiki and see the Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Opportunity to
journey on the TranzAlpine train over the Southern Alps (please request at
time of booking).
Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch. (B)
Day 14 Mon: Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to connect with your flight
(flights to depart anytime). (B)
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