Arrive Auckland
Day 01 – On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, where our local representative will meet you, and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free to explore at your own. You can go for Auckland bridge climbing if time permits. Overnight at the hotel. (D)
Auckland Sightseeing
Day 02 – After breakfast, we take you for Auckland city tour including visit to the famous Auckland landmark of Mount Eden, a dormant volcano whose summit offers excellent panoramic views of the city and harbours. From this fantastic vantage point you will see evidence of Auckland’s volcanic history, the most significant being the youngest volcano of Rangitoto Island at the entrance to the Waitemata harbour. (B,D)
Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Day 03 – After breakfast, travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. (B,D)
Rotorua
Day 04 – After breakfast, visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert. (B,D)
Rotorua – Christchurch
Day 05 – Depart on your domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch (airfare is NOT included). (B,D)
Christchurch – Mt Cook -Queenstown
Day 06 – Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ before continuing on to New Zealand’s highest mountain – Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown. (B,D)
Milford Sound
Day 07 – Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath taking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown. (B,D)
Queentown
Day 08 – A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B,D)
Queentown – Glacier region
Day 09 – Depart Queenstown and travel via Lake Wanaka and through the historic Haast Pass, gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. (B,D)
Glacier Region – Christchurch
Day 10 – Travel north to Greymouth today and board the Tranz Alpine train (seat in coach passengers only). Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel over Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B,D)
Christchurch Sightseeing
Day 11 – Highlights of this morning tour include the Anglican Cathedral, Town Hall, the Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, the University, Botanic Gardens and the Avon River. (B,D)
Departure Day
Day 12 – Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. (B)